Porthmadog need shoot-out nerves to see off Penrhyncoch

PORTHMADOG’S victory on Saturday was fully deserved, but it took a very long time before the Traeth Boys finally sealed it, writes Treflyn |ones.

Thanks to Port’s inability to take their chances and the determined defending of Penrhyncoch, it took those cursed penalty kicks for Chris Jones’ team to book their place in the next round of the Welsh Cup.

The first 10 minutes were quiet as both sides struggled to settle, but the ever-busy Sion Williams came close when his tight-angled shot skimmed the crossbar after a good move down the right.

Then the home side went close when a long-range effort clipped the Port crossbar with Robbie Williams back-pedalling anxiously. That would have been some goal!

After the opening 20 minutes, Port began to settle and looked increasingly threatening, sending several crosses into the home box but without truly testing goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins.

Five minutes before the break, Luke Baum missed a golden chance when Jenkins unexpectedly spilled the ball, but his shot lacked conviction and a defender cleared off the line. Sion Williams went close again before half-time, but once more it flew over the bar.

Port were certainly on top in the second half, spending long spells in Penrhyn territory, and it was no surprise when Rhys Alun put them ahead on 55 minutes, racing onto a clever through-ball from Darren Thomas before finishing neatly past Jenkins’ left hand.

ut barely five minutes later, Penrhyncoch equalised with a hugely disappointing goal from a defensive point of view.

A low, powerful shot came in from distance, took a deflection, and John James reacted quickest to place it past Robbie Williams into the bottom corner.

Penrhyn sensed an opportunity and Williams had to be alert to tip an excellent strike over the bar.

What followed was wave after wave of Port attacks down both wings, with numerous corners cleared, shots blocked, or flying over the bar. Jenkins produced a superb save from an Osian Ellis volley from three yards before the match finally came to an end.

1. Cai Jones (Port) – scored into the corner despite Jenkins getting his fingertips to it.

2. Rhydian Davies (Penrhyn) – confident finish, sending Williams the wrong way.

3. Ryan Williams (Port) – great save… retake… another brilliant save.

4. Steffan Davies (Penrhyn) – scored.

5. Morgan Owen (Port) – scored.

6. Owain Evans (Penrhyn) – Williams saved well to his left.

7. Dylan Summers-Jones (Port) – scored.

8. Christy Gale (Penrhyn) – scored.

9. Sam Reynolds (Port) – nervous strike over the bar. G-r-r-r-r!

10. Marcus Yakou (Penrhyn) – Williams read it and saved to his left.

11. Osian Ellis (Port) – scored.

12. John James (Penrhyn) – over the bar.