Blow for Port as top scorer spreads wings

PORTHMADOG have suffered a big blow with the loss of leading striker Joe Chaplin to Huws Gray Alliance leaders Airbus UK Broughton.

Chaplin hit 26 goals last term in his first season with Port, but has decided to join the Wingmakers, winners of all nine of their HGA fixtures to date.

Traeth boss Craig Papirnyk admitted Chaplin’s departure has hit hard.

“It is a not a decision we have accepted lightly and it has been quite a complicated matter,” he said.

“It is with regret, however, that Joe is leaving us. We are losing our top scorer and I am disappointed to see Joe go, ultimately, it was his decision to leave.

“As a club we move forward and will continue to grow on and off the field. It is important that people want to be here for the right reasons and it is part of the game that we have comings and goings.”

There was better news on the field for Port as they advanced to the Huws Gray Cup semi-finals last weekend with a 2-0 home win against Conwy Borough.

Ironically, the Traeth outfit will face Airbus in the last four next February.

Port dominated from the off. Sion Edwards intercepted a poor goal-kick and struck from 25 yards, only to see his screamer go narrowly over the bar. Gruff John met Edwards’ corner with a clean header which was tipped over via a fine reaction save.

The opening goal eluded Port until three minutes before the break. Ryan Taylor and Edwards combined down the left and Dale Davies turned in the latter’s low cross at the near post.

Early in the second half, fierce shots from Edwards and Ifan Emlyn forced fine stops from Boro keeper Antoni Sarnowski, who soon after saved at the feet of Davies and denied Iwan Lewis with an outstretched leg.

While the score remained 1-0, the visitors were still in contention but, apart from one or two tense moments, the Port defence looked in control.

At the other end, Shaun Cavanagh’s angled shot was pushed on to his post by Sarnowski.

Then, in added time, Davies turned provider, finding Dan Dascalu, who held off a challenge and coolly fired in number two.

Port’s next opponents are Conwy again on Saturday - this time away in the league.