Porthmadog left frustrated by last-gasp equaliser at Gresford

PORTHMADOG extended their unbeaten away record, but this result will probably feel more like a defeat given their excellent second-half performance. The scrappy nature of the two goals conceded was also a source of frustration, writes Treflyn Jones.

The first half was fairly even in terms of possession and territory, although Port enjoyed the better of the opening stages. After eight minutes, Josh Banks failed to direct his header on target despite getting the better of his marker.

Two minutes later, Guilsfield came extremely close to taking the lead. Following a strong run into the box, Jake Cook’s effort crashed against the crossbar before Robbie Williams produced a superb save from the rebound when the striker looked certain to score. It was an early escape and warning sign for the visitors.

After a period of hard-fought midfield play, Luke Baum had a half-chance for Port following good work from Cai Jones and Morgan Owen, but his effort was blocked.

Robbie Williams was soon called into action again, producing another excellent save from a Jake Cook effort despite a significant deflection.

At the other end, the home defence had to work hard to deal with a dangerous low cross from Rhys Alun, while a powerful Cai Jones volley went close.

As stoppage time approached, Port supporters suffered a major disappointment as their side conceded a very untidy goal. Guilsfield won a corner and Joe Haycock curled a dangerous effort towards goal, but Williams failed in his attempt to push it over the bar.

Instead, the ball somehow slipped through his gloves and into the corner of the net, just moments before the referee blew for half-time.

Early in the second half, Robbie Williams saved well from Jake O’Donnell, but Port then dominated large periods of the game.

One of the home defenders had to head clear from his own goal line following a teasing cross from Sam Reynolds, while a powerful 20-yard strike from Osian Ellis rattled the crossbar.

Port finally got the reward they deserved after 68 minutes when a low Rhys Alun header found Osian Ellis in acres of space, and he emphatically buried his shot into the middle of the net.

Rhys Alun went close again when another of his headers was cleared off the line before substitute Gruff John put Port ahead with a delightful finish with the outside of his right foot into the corner of the net, completing an excellent move involving Ellis and Reynolds.

It seemed certain that Port would be heading home with all three points but heartbreak was to follow.

Five minutes into stoppage time, Port failed to deal with a deep cross into the box from the lively Adam Knott.

A scramble ensued before the ball broke kindly for Spencer Parrish, who fired home from five yards out.

Port’s defenders were furious that the goal had been allowed to stand, claiming that one of the home attackers had handled the ball in the build-up. Indeed, Robbie Williams’ name found its way into the referee’s notebook for his protests.

In the end, it was an extremely frustrating result for Port, but they remain in fourth place and are playing well overall.

Porthmadog host Llanuwchllyn on Saturday (2.30pm) in what promises to be a cracking encounter.