Porthmadog 1 Caersws 3

Novira Cymru North

IT’S goals that count! Exactly a week ago in Denbigh, Port took their chances while Denbigh failed to convert theirs. Tonight, the boot was firmly on the other foot.

Port started brightly and were the more threatening side for at least the first 20 minutes.

A low early strike from Rhys Alun was gathered by goalkeeper Max Williams, and another chance fell to the same player, but his effort lacked power.

Caersws, though, were dangerous on the counter, and Port keeper Robbie Williams had to be at his best to collect a dangerous low cross as the visitors began to settle.

On 28 minutes, Max Williams had to race off his line to stop a dangerous run from Dylan Summers‑Jones, and the excellent young crowd behind the goal screamed for a penalty as Osian Ellis’ header was somehow blocked.

Then, out of nowhere, Caersws took the lead with a clinical finish. Ashley Jones held the ball up well on the edge of the box before rolling it into the path of Thomas Edwards, who finished superbly — strong, low, and precise past Robbie Williams. 0–1.

Port fought back, of course, and Max Williams saved well from a long‑range effort by Morgan Owen before producing an even better stop from a close‑range header by Rhys Alun. But Caersws held the advantage at half‑time: 0–1.

Port pressed hard in the second half but failed to score due to a combination of weak (ish!) finishing and timely tackling from Caersws’ organised defence.

With around 19 minutes left on the clock, Port deservedly levelled when a pinpoint cross from Darren Thomas was headed brilliantly into the corner by Morgan Owen. 1–1… and everyone sensed more goals were coming.

The game was now wide open and hugely exciting, with sharp attacks at both ends. It was there to be won—but by who? Sadly, for the superb and numerous home supporters, hearts were broken after 81 minutes when Sam Phillips drilled a powerful low shot through a forest of legs into the bottom corner. A gem of a goal… if you support Caersws!

Port continued to attack but it wasn’t to be, and Jared Marks added the icing on the cake deep into added time with a strong, decisive header from a Sam Phillips corner.

Porthmadog: Robbie Williams, Morgan Owen, Sion Williams (Luke Baum 76’), Gruff John, Gruff Ellis, Caio Evans (Ryan Williams 45’), Rhys Alun (Capt.) (Shaun Cavanagh 63’), Sam Reynolds, Darren Thomas (Josh Banks 76’), Osian Ellis (Cai Jones 63’), Dylan Summers‑Jones. Unused subs: Dan Clark (gk), Sam Thomas

Yellow cards: Caio Evans (9’), Graeme Seddon (coach, 55’), Chris Jones (head coach, end of match)

Friday’s results: Bangor 1876 2 Brickfield Rangers 1; Buckley Town 3 Guilsfield 1; Newtown 4 Llanuwchllyn 0; Penrhyncoch 2 Denbigh Town 2; Porthmadog 1 Caersws 3; Rhyl 1879 1 Bala Town 3; Ruthin Town 0 Mold Alexandra 4.

Fixtures:

Friday 4, September: Ruthin Town v Caersws

Saturday, 5 September: Bangor 1876 v Rhyl 1879; Brickfield Rangers v Guilsfield; Buckley Town v Penrhyncoch; Llanuwchllyn v Holyhead Hotspur; Newtown v Denbigh Town; Porthmadog v Bala Town.