Four-some Matthew sends Pen packing
MATTHEW JONES was a fourgoal ace in Llannerchymedd’s emphatic 4-0 win over Penmaenmawr Phoenix at Tan Parc.
Gareth Parry’s side edged up to second in Welsh Alliance Division Two and will aim to build on their latest success when they visit Mynydd Llandegai this Saturday.
After the previous weekend’s match had turned Tan Parc into a mudbath, everyone expected the Pen game to be called off, but again the dedicated Llannnerchymedd ground staff made sure it went ahead.
With high winds and muddy patches proving a great leveller, league positions meant nothing as lowly Phoenix played some excellent passing football throughout the first half, compared to Llan’s slow progress.
Shots on target from Callum McMinimee, Chris Evans and Jones were no problem for visiting keeper John Crowl as the strong winds forced the ball wide each time.
Effort from Phoenix strikers Daniel Williams and Wesley Roberts were comfortably saved by Kenny Hughes, while other attempts by Alfie Caldecott and Peter Williams went skywards as the half ended 0-0.
The second period saw the Anglesey hosts emerge in much better shape and they instantly produced the goods as Jones found himself free in the box to score the opener in the 46th minute.
Phoenix tried hitting back with a great run down the centre from Caldecott which was halted by Llan’s Hari Jones. who coolly passed wide for Dylan Owen to clear.
Another run from the back by Pen- maenmawr’s Matthew Kendall was tracked and neutralised by another Llannerchymedd asset Tom Wood, back to his best after a short spell out.
Jones’s second came on the 70th minute as Llannerchymedd started to show why they may well will be challenging for the title this season.
The passing football was second to non as McMinimee took anyone on that got in his way, then his selfless slide-rule cross box pass coincided with the run of Jones, who tapped in to give his team a two-goal cushion.
Llan’s Daniel Thomas went close minutes later, his prowess in the air beating the keeper but not the upright, the ball deflecting back to defender Caldecott who cleared.
Seven minutes after registering his brace, Jones chalked up his hat-trick as another low shot flew past the outstretched Phoenix captain Darren Evans and the rooted Crowl, who expected his team-mate to clear.
With 90 minutes up, Jones scored his and Llannerchymedd’s fourth, moving them to within five points of leaders Trearddur Bay United with four games in hand.
MARK GRIFFITH netted twice for Gwalchmai in a 2-1 home triumph
Picture: ELFRYN OWEN against Glan Conwy in Division One.
Griffith netted on four and 80 minutes, the victory pushing Gwalch up to fifth.
Mynydd Llandegai returned from Blaenau Amateurs impressive 2-1 winners in Division Two.
Ben Parker (penalty) and Jamie Lee Roberts struck for the visitors, Meilir Williams replying in between.
Nantlle Vale v Bethesda Athletic. Glantraeth v Barmouth and Dyffryn, Llanfairpwll v Llandudno Junction, Amlwch Town v Mochdre Sports, Halkyn United v Gaerwen, Llangefni Town v Meliden.