ARDAL NORTH-WEST

Porthmadog 1 ( James Morgan 21) Llanuwchllyn 2 (Dan Dascalu 19, Joe Williams 44)

Cael a chael oedd hi! Yes, this was very much a ‘nip and tuck’ affair to the very end as the Traeth faithful witnessed an absorbing tussle between league leaders Porthmadog and fourth placed Llanuwchllyn, writes Treflyn Jones.

It was not quite a classic but both teams played with honest endeavour and skill. In the end, the spoils belonged to Llanuwchllyn courtesy of a wonder strike by Dan Dascalu and a well taken solo effort by the runaway top-scorer at this level, Joe Williams.

The first goal came somewhat against the run of play but what a superb goal it was! Dan Dascalu spotted Port keeper Dylan Roberts way off his line (hogyn drwg!) and his firmly floated effort from 45 yards (?) sailed over Dylan for the opener. A dream goal for Dascalu but something of a horror-show of ‘Doctor Who’ proportions for those backing the team in black and red.

Barely two minutes later, Port were level

when a Matty Jones corner from the left found James Morgan outjumping the Llan defenders to power a header into the corner of the net.

Port continued to play with patience and discipline but struggled to breach a very organized Llan defence. Then, on 36 minutes came a pivotal moment when a well-constructed Port move was finished with a fine chip by Matty over the onrushing Rob Dascalu into the net only to be disallowed for off-side by the merest toenail.

The first half ended with Llanuwchllyn edging in front thanks to the sheer power of Joe Williams who muscled his way into the Port box. Dylan did very well to block his low effort which flew up to connect with the cross-bar. Williams was first to the rebound and outjumped Dylan to head in.

Port did not play badly by any stretch of the imagination but the day belonged to Llanuwchllyn and congratulations to them. Many of us will look forward with bated breath to another nail-biter in the final game of the season at Cae Llan.