Port edged out by old boy Davies

DALE Davies made a highly profitable return to Porthmadog, netting twice to give the visitors Corwen all three points in a 2-1 win, writes GARETH WILLIAMS.

Port, despite all their possession and territorial advantage, found a determined and well-organised defence difficult to unlock and behind them keeper Nathan Roberts made some inspired saves.

On the occasions Port did find a way through, their finishing was not clinical enough.

For Port it was the worst possible start with old boy Davies putting Corwen ahead with a close range finish.

What made it even worse for the home side was that Davies was given the freedom of the box to convert the simplest of finishes.

The goal gave Corwen far more than they could even wish for. It suited their plan to a tee, something to hold on to while their stubborn defence got into gear denying Port time and space in and around the box.

The goal did sting Port into action and they came on strongly with Iwan Lewis making strong runs through the middle and Rob Evans and John Owen providing a threat in the wide positions.

Then on 26 minutes Port deservedly levelled the scores.

John Owen struck from 18 yards and a deflection sent it past the stranded keeper into the net.

Corwen responded to the goal with a good spell of their own.

Former Port favourite Eilir Edwards broke forward but his low shot was wide and following this there was a good effort from Scott Evans which was only narrowly off target.

But the half ended with Port back on the attack with a shot from John Owen and a free kick from Jay Gibbs which were only narrowly off target and again John Owen had a shot cleared off the line.

Port continued to dominate possession and a quick break on 53 minutes should have produced a goal. Mel McGinness broke forward and his supply put in John Owen at the back post but keeper Roberts again denied him.

Things then took a huge turn for the worse when Corwen made a rare push upfield.

A high cross from the left put the stretched Port defence under pressure and Paul Pritchard pushed a header on to the bar and there was Davies on hand to head the visitors back into the lead from the rebound to round off a disappointing afternoon for Port.