Canaries back with vengeance
SEAN Eardley could not have been more proud after his Caernarfon Town side marked their return to the Welsh Premier League in style with a 1-0 victory against Cefn Druids at The Oval last Sunday.
Cai Jones’ magnificent 21st-minute strike was enough to secure a well-deserved three points for the Canaries, back in the top flight for the first time since 2008-09.
Caernarfon will now look to continue the good work when they visit Newtown this Friday (7.45pm).
Town were given a tough baptism by a Druids side which played in the Europa League this summer and achieved their first-ever top six finish in the Welsh Premier last term, but the yellow and greens were more than up to the test.
“We were absolutely terrific, I can’t fault any single one of them,” said an elated Eardley after Sunday’s clash, which attracted by far the biggest WPL attendance of the weekend at 887, despite the game being shown live on S4C.
“We knew Druids were a really good side, we knew they’d keep the ball for long spells, but we’re going to have to learn to deal with that at times this season.”
Eardley was keen to praise the defence, where man of the match Gareth Edwards was especially awesome at centreback, alongside the experienced Rhys Roberts.
“We defended unbelievably well,” added the Cofis boss. “Some massive shifts were given out there today.
“We’re made up - the ● effort was absolutely tremendous.”
A brilliant finish from new signing Jones was sufficient to seal the home side a memorable victory.
Jones, a former Town player who returned to the club this summer after a spell with Porthmadog, lit up The Oval with his first-half stunner.
Druids made much the better start, the lively James Davies only denied an eighth-minute opener by a last-ditch goalline clearance by Nathan Craig.
Town keeper Alex Ramsay raced quickly off his line to thwart the speedy Davies as the visitors made all the early running.
Caernarfon settled gradually and took the lead in the 21st minute. Craig’s corner was headed on by Edwards and Jones twisted his body perfectly to score with a sublime volley.
Jordan Evans hit a rising 30-yard effort wide for Druids before Town’s Sion Bradley showed great skills in the box, only to be foiled by keeper Michael Jones, who saved bravely at the forward’s feet.
Chances were at a premium in an even second half, but the hosts were deprived of a clear penalty when makeshift centre-half Alec Mudimu shoved over Edwards in the box.
Ramsay then got in a muddle and did well to get back in position to keep out an Evans effort.
Caernarfon: Alex Ramsay, Joe Williams, Nathan Craig (Clive Williams 59), Gareth Edwards, Rhys Roberts, Gareth Evans, Jamie Crowther, Ben Maher, Sion Bradley (Danny Brookwell 59), Cai Jones ( Jamie Breese 72), Ross Stephens. Subs not used: Ryan Williams, Kevin Roberts.