Controversial late penalty denies much-improved Port a point

RUTHIN TOWN 1 J Jones 83’(p) CPD PORTHMADOG 0

A week after the 0-4 defeat at home to Ruthin Town, not much was expected from the return at The Memorial Playing Fields.

But this proved to be a vastly improved performance by Port and in an even match it was decided by a controversial decision by the referee, a decision which cost Port a share of the points, writes

Dylan Rees.

Josh Jones’ late, late penalty proved to be the difference between the two sides at the end of the 90 minutes.

Ruthin started brightly as expected but Port grew into the match and had plenty of posession in the opponents half.

Llyr Morris had a couple of chances in the first 20 minutes for Ruthin. Cai Pritchard looked very lively as did our new signing Tom Mahoney but Port failed to test the goalkeeper.

Morgan Jones in the Port goal saved a couple of efforts with both his hands and feet to keep Port level at the interval.

Ruthin stepped up a gear at the start of the 2nd half and Llyr Morris and Gwion Owen had chances to open the scoring but again Morgan Jones and some determined defending kept them at bay. Port to their credit tried to play their way out of trouble but agan failed to test their goalkeeper Dan Goldston.

In the 72 minute Port substitute, another new signing Jason Banks, was involved in a tackle with

Ruthin’s Tom Dyer who appeared to retaliate and the referee showed Dyer a straight red card. From the resulting free kick Port failed to make the most o their opportunity.

The match changed on 83 minutes when the referee awarded Ruthin a controversial penalty after Josh Banks was adjudged to have handled in the area. It was clearly ball to hand as he couldn’t move his arm out of the way as the ball came into the box and bounced straight up at him. Where was VAR when you need it!! Josh Jones took the penalty and converted to Morgan Jones’ left, 1-0 Ruthin.

In the aftermath Iddon

Price and Cai Jones were booked for dissent.

Two minutes later and Cai was shown a straight red much to everybody’s astonishment, apparently for dissent again towards the referee.

Port pushed forward in search of an equaliser but to no avail and the match finished 1-0 to the hosts.

Beating the Deadline!

Craig Papirnyk has beaten the transfer deadline to add three new names to his squad. Tom MAHONEY joins from Runcorn Town having also played for AFC Knowlsley and South Liverpool. Described by Craig as “..a really pleasing signing strong, powerful and athletic who will definitely improve the team.” Tom’s previous clubs also include Pwllheli and Nantlle Vale.

JASON BANKS becomes the third member of the Banks family at the Traeth and is older brother of Marcus. He signs from Pwllheli, Jason is a striker who has pace and can score goals.His record includes netting 6 times in a 6-1 win over Llanrug earier this season.

The third signing is IOLO THOMAS, a versatile player who Craig says will improve squad depth. He joins from Blaenau Amateurs and has also previously played for CPD Penrhyndeudraeth. All three are warmly welcomed to the Traeth.