Holyhead Hotspur 2 Porthmadog 2

Novira Cymru North

WE can assume that many football supporters have grown tired of the old cliché, “a game of two halves.” But to be fair, that’s exactly what this one was, as Port rescued the contest with a very strong second-half performance after Hotspur went 2–0 ahead by the interval. In truth, Port came within a whisker of snatching an unexpected victory in the closing minutes, writes TREFLYN JONES.

Things began extremely promisingly for Port after just two minutes when referee Adam Herbert pointed to the spot after Dylan Summers-Jones was tripped in the penalty area. Dylan got back to his feet, but his effort was saved by Guto Hughes, diving to his left. Oh dear! Port would regret that one, and the same player missed another good chance shortly afterwards when he burst past the defence only to send his disappointing shot wide.

Holyhead settled well after this, winning a series of corners. And sure enough, from one of these came their opening goal. Ifan Emlyn curled his corner into a dangerous area and, as Port failed to clear properly, Nathan Williams pounced and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Ten minutes later, Hotspur were in complete control thanks to a pearler of a goal from Jamie Jones, who placed a neat volley past Robbie Williams after collecting a perfect cross from Jake Roberts. Cloud nine for the home side after only 19 minutes, and the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Port found a glimmer of hope before the break when a powerful long-range strike from Ryan Williams was very well saved by Guto Hughes, but Hotspur held a deserved 2–0 lead at half-time.

We can safely assume the Port lads received a stern talking-to from manager Chris Jones in the dressing room, as they looked far more constructive and positive after the interval. Indeed, after just three minutes they won a second penalty when DSJ was tripped again as he darted into the box. This time the responsibility fell on the broad shoulders of Morgan Owen. He struck to the right but… another superb save from Guto Hughes. But Osian Ellis was alert, stepping forward to place a tidy half-volley past Hughes into the net. 2–1 and, dare I say it… game on!

We were treated to a genuinely exciting match from here on, with Port building attack after attack while Holyhead continued to threaten on the counter. Robbie Williams was called upon to make a very good save to deny an excellent free-kick from the home side.

On 56 minutes, Port levelled the score when DSJ collected a penetrating pass from Cai Jones. With only Guto Hughes to beat, he struck the ball against the keeper’s body before gathering the scraps and finishing at the second attempt, walking the ball into the net. 2–2… who would have thought it!

On 73 minutes, Port almost went ahead when Gwion Dafydd turned cleverly on the edge of the box before placing a lovely shot against the base of the post with Hughes beaten all ends up. So unlucky! Then it was the turn of another substitute, Luke Baum, who danced past three defenders before smashing his shot against the post. That would have been some goal. Very unfortunate!

So, 2–2 it finished, a result that was fair enough on a day when a wizard named Lionel Messi of Argentina announced his retirement from international football. Yes, it’s a beautiful game at every level.

Next Saturday we welcome a strong Bala Town side to Y Traeth, kick-off 2:30pm