PORT PREVAIL IN SHOOTOUT TO MAKE FINAL
Welsh Blood Service League Cup Semi-Final CPD PORTHMADOG 1
Tom Mahoney 75’ CHIRK AAA 1
Jake Ellison 90’+1’ (Porthmadog win on penalties 5-3)
“Cawn ddisgwyl adroddiad cadarnhaol heno!”/ “We can expect a positive report tonight!” said our friend Tommie Collins as we heard the final whistle at the end of a real nail-biter and a slender victory signalling further improvement in the team over the last three weeks or so, writes Treflyn Jones.
Indeed, this performance overall was a far cry from our woeful defeat at Chirk`s hands a month ago.
There were few highlights during an equal but absorbing first half. Gareth Jones-Evans attempted a shot at goal which sailed over the bar on 6 minutes, and 5 minutes later, the powerful Max McGlaughlin for Chirk drove just past the upright.
The second half saw huge controversy and a massive slice of luck from Port`s point of view. Morgan Jones was forced into two very fine double saves or so it appeared. Chirk persistently protested that one of these attempts had crossed the line and, I have to say a reliable source in the shape of Chirk’s match photographer displayed evidence that would tend to support the claim. Oh, dear!
On 75 minutes, Port took the lead as their persistence earned them a corner. Ifan Emlyn floated in a leftfooted inswinger and the excellent Tom Mahoney rose high above everyone to nod home.
Well….you guessed it. We just could not hold on to the end. A corner was not properly cleared and Jake Ellison produced a stunning low volley to take the match immediately into penalties i.e. NO extra-time.
Tension reigned as Meilir Williams set Port on their way, converting the opener, with Tom Mahoney, Marcus Banks and Gerwyn Williams all finding the net. Home keeper Morgan Jones pulled off a fine save diving to his left, setting up Cai Jones to convert the winning kick, shooting confidently past the left hand of Mark Richards.
Port will now face champions elect Colwyn Bay in the northern final at a neutral venue to be confirmed later.
● Looking ahead, Craig Papirnyk said post-match, “Colwyn Bay will be a really tough test for us. On the day anything can happen in the Cup. We’ve no expectation, no pressure on us. But we’ll enjoy the occasion for the club and the supporters.”.
● As for our league status, we are all but secure after Holyhead and Penrhyncoch suffered defeats.
● Port striker Meilir Williams has been named in the JD Cymru Leagues Team of the Week. Meilir netted twice in the all-important 3-1 win at Cefn Druids
● Tom Mahoney has been voted the supporters Player of the Month for February.