Porthmadog dig deep to claim dramatic three points

HOW on earth did Port win this? By defending, breaking quickly, and playing organised, disciplined football. Oh! … and a slice of luck, of course, writes Treflyn Jones.

It must be admitted that Denbigh were the side who carried most of the attacking threat on Central Park’s excellent surface, and they did so with plenty of craft and style.

They were certainly the more dangerous team during the opening quarter of an hour, with Ben Lockley looking particularly threatening in midfield.

In fact, after only five minutes, it took a superb save from Port keeper Robbie Williams to stop Luke Johnston’s shot from finding the far corner.

It was 18 minutes before Port created their first half‑chance, when the Denbigh keeper raced out of his box to clear before Dylan Summers‑Jones could reach a through ball.

Despite Port having to defend deep, they came close after 28 minutes when Gruff Ellis’ fine volley flew inches wide after Denbigh half‑cleared a free‑kick.

Then, against the run of play, the visitors were handed a golden opportunity when referee Iolo Edryd Williams pointed to the spot after Summers‑Jones, at full tilt, was brought down in the box.

His low penalty was precise, sending the keeper the wrong way. And you know what? Port almost doubled their lead when Summers‑Jones fired narrowly wide at the end of a powerful run after receiving a superb diagonal pass from Osian Ellis.

Early in the second half, Williams had to produce another excellent save following a rare moment of slack defending from the visitors, and throughout the half he made several stops and dealt confidently with high crosses. Truth be told, you’d need a volume as thick as Songs of Praise to chronicle all of Denbigh’s unsuccessful attacks in that second half!

On 55 minutes, after a fine move down the right, Alfie Vaughan levelled by poking the ball into an empty net with Williams, for once, rooted. 1–1. Port’s goal was now under siege, but there was no panic — and that deserves real praise.

Port retook the lead on 66 minutes thanks to the prodigal son, Darren Thomas. A slick low ball into the box from fellow Cofi Osian Ellis found the 39‑year‑old ‘Cofi Messi’, who stroked the ball past the keeper, leaving the main stand stunned.

It was no surprise when Denbigh equalised on 72 minutes through a gem of an individual goal from Harry Martin, who glided past two defenders with velvet‑smooth skill. “Oh dear!” sighed the Port supporters. 2–2.

But Port had the final word. Substitute Sam Reynolds fed Summers‑Jones down the right. His cross found its way into the centre; the first shot was saved, but Osian Ellis accepted the invitation to smash home the rebound and seal a memorable victory — and that against a very good side.

Thanks to Denbigh for the warm welcome and their excellent facilities. A small note… there were a remarkable number of Welsh speakers among supporters of BOTH sides. Yet the PA announcements — excellent though they were — were entirely in English. Room for improvement in this day and age!

Next Friday, Port welcome their old friends from Caersws to Y Traeth, kick‑off 7.45pm.