Port suffer late Buckley heartbreak

PORTHMADOG suffered their second successive Cymru North defeat after going down to a late winner at Buckley Town.

Overall it was a much-improved performance from Port, despite missing key players in skipper Iddon Price, Rhys Alun, Ifan Emlyn and Mel McGinness due to injury and unavailability.

Port made a bright start and, from their very first attack, they worked Iwan Lewis into space but keeper Makaruk was able to deal with a shot which lacked power.

With 10 minutes to go to the interval, Buckley went ahead through a fine individual goal from Aron Williams who had been the home side’s most dangerous attacker.

Williams cut infield across the penalty area line and then, when he found a space, he fired a cracker which went into the net off the underside of the bar.

The goal spurred Port on and Rob Evans fired into the side netting and the same player crossed to the back post where John Littlemore’s close range header went past the post.

But on the stroke of half-time Gethin Thomas, almost inevitably set-up by Gibbs, scored on debut with a cracking angled shot. 1-1 at half-time.

Buckley retook the lead after the break when Port failed to clear a corner and after several blocks, a shot from Hone took a deflection and flew into the net.

Then on 67 minutes, Port drew level when Littlemore raced in on goal only to be upended by advancing keeper Makaruk. The referee pointed to the spot and following lengthy treatment for Littlemore, Gibbs smashed home the penalty.

Both teams went for the winner and both keepers had to make good saves to retain parity.

Then on 88 mins Port carved out a great opening.

The ball was well worked across from the left to find Rob Evans in space at the back post.

But the shot was delayed and the keeper saved.

Following this Port were punished big time. Buckley pushed forward straight away and the ball was rolled back to Josh Jones for the sub to drill a powerful low shot to win the game.

A lively game where Port will be very disappointed to return home empty handed but manager Sion Eifion Jones will be encouraged by the performance.