23/08/2025

Cwpan Cymru Rhag R2 / JD Welsh Cup Q R2

Lleoliad / Venue: Go Goodwins Stadium Llandudno

k.o 2.00pm

Porthmadog made their way into the first round proper of the JD Welsh Cup after securing a victory which was marginally less comfortable than the scoreline would suggest on the immaculate 4G pitch at the Go Goodwins Stadium in Llandudno. It was a good victory away from home when you consider that Llandudno Amateurs had thrashed Meliden 6-1 in the previous round.

Llandudno launched a promising attack early on before Rhys Alun for Port blasted a close range shot just over the hosts` bar following good work by Zac Pike. A few minutes later, however, that man Pike put Port ahead with a thunderous shot from twelve yards after controlling an excellent deep cross from the right wing by Shaun Cavanagh. Port had the bit between their teeth after this and Tudno`s keeper Kyle King was forced into a good save from a deflected shot from Jonny Bravo and also had to be alert to tip over a strong header by Gruff John who was making a very welcome return to the Port team on loan from Welsh Prem aristocrats Caernarfon Town.

If Port thought this would be a cakewalk, then the Amateurs most certainly had other ideas, and when a Port midfielder was dispossessed, the dangerous Jay Sutton broke clean through on a strong run and it took a splendid save low to his left by Port custodian Josh Cooke to prevent a certain equalizer. Indeed, Sutton proved to be a constant thorn in Port`s side for the remainder of the half but Port just managed to keep a clean sheet for the first period.

Barely five minutes into the second half, it seemed as though Llandudno had to score. A great pass down the left flank was relayed into Port`s box and a shot which at last had the beating of Cooke was somehow smuggled off the goal-line by a defender. The Tudno players claimed that the ball had crossed the line but their protests were waved away by referee Aaron Ashley Dodwell.

The above incident proved to be a very significant turning point in the tie as Port`s Cai Jones rose high to head home a beautifully flighted corner kick from Shaun Cavanagh and Port were suddenly two goals to the good. Port were now attacking with more confidence and Rhys Alun was frustrated to see his close range effort from Jonny Bravo`s assist fly well over the bar. However, on the hour mark, Cai Jones made the game safe for Chris Jones` men as he guided a clever lob well over keeper Kyle King who inexplicably found himself in no man`s land. 3-0 to Port now and this one also came from an assist by Jonny Bravo.

Shortly before the 80 minute mark, it was pleasing indeed to see two young substitutes combining to put Port 0-4 ahead. Zak Pike released teenage Cofi signing Hari Lambe free on the left flank and his accurate low pass was confidently converted by Arden Gisbourne as he nipped in before the keeper to tap the ball into the corner of the net from a few yards out.

The men from Llandudno never gave up and they secured a richly deserved consolation goal on 82 minutes when a Daniel Hughes free kick was expertly headed past Cooke by Aaron Rodgers. Tudno continued to attack thereafter and Cooke was forced into three further good saves in the closing five minutes.

Next Friday night, Port will return to league duties as they welcome Llanrwst United to Y Traeth (k.o. :- 7:45 p.m.). Let`s hope for a big crowd. Da iawn, Port!!

Llandudno Am. :- Kyle King (gk), Anthony Tidswell, Kyle Johnson, Daniel Hughes, Joseph Jones (Evan Hince 73`), Jay Sutton, Aaron Rodgers, Billy Bibby, Lee Savings, Jack Kearney (Scott Kearney 65`), Lee Thomas (Luke Nichols 73`)
Unused sub :- Sean Sharp Yellow cards :- Kyle Johnson (2`), Jack Kearney (60`)

Porthmadog :- Josh Cooke (gk), Jack Gibney (Jake Jones 65`), Jack Rimmer, Gruff John, Ryan Williams, Sam Reynolds, Jonny Bravo (Arden Gisbourne 71`), Shaun Cavanagh ( Caio Evans 60`), Rhys Alun (Hari Lambe 71`), Cai Jones, Zac Pike.
Unused subs :- Math Jones, Meilir Elis (gk)

Dyfarnwr / Referee :- Aaron Ashley Dodwell>br> Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- Cian Owen McKenna, Adam Prescott
Torf / Attendance :- Not given (as usual) but a fair estimate would be 130.

Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones