Late burst sees Port past Llanuwchllyn

THREE goals in the space of five minutes late on gave Porthmadog their third pre-season victory as they beat Llanuwchllyn 4-1.

Prior to that burst of scoring, they were made to work hard by a stubborn rearguard.

Llanuwchllyn held a 1-0 lead at the interval despite having to defend stoutly for most of the half. Port missed several early chances following well-worked moves.

The visitors were a threat on the break and on 20 minutes took their opportunity well with a close-range header following a cross from the right.

Ifan Emlyn levelled the scores very early in the second period and despite all the pressure, the score remained 1-1 until Sion Parry eventually broke the deadlock converting a neat flick-on from Mel McGinness.

Almost immediately Port doubled their advantage when Ilan ap Gareth turned in Sion Parry’s low cross at the back post.

A minute later and it was 4-1 as Mel McGinness capped an all-action performance with a powerful drive from 16 yards.

In squad news, Math Roberts becomes the third member of last season’s highly-successful reserve team to sign senior forms.

He follows Sion Parry and keeper Morgan Jones in taking this step-up.

A local boy from Criccieth, Roberts has been a staunch supporter of the club, and it is great to see a player who is Port through and through getting a well deserved opportunity at his local club.

Anyone who has seen him play will not be surprised at his promotion at a young age.

Manager Sion Eifion Jones was full of praise for his young first team recruit.

“Math has done fantastically well during pre-season and forced himself into our plans and into the first team squad,” he said.

“He played a big part in a very successful season with the reserves last year and is now ready to step up full time.

“It’s also great to be able to give a local lad the opportunity at first team level.

“He can play anywhere along the midfield and his energy and enthusiasm will be an asset to us going forward.

“At only 19 years of age I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic future with us at the club.”

After missing the whole of last season following a knee injury, central defender Dan Roberts has agreed to sign for the season.

His game time was also restricted by the knee problem during two previous seasons at the Traeth but he has now made a good recovery and has been training regularly.