24/01/2026

Cynghrair Lock Stock Gogledd Orllewin / Ardal North West

Lleoliad / Venue: Cae Sling, Penmaenmawr

k.o 2.00pm

Porthmadog took the spoils on a cold and breezy Cae Sling at the end of a hard fought match courtesy of four well-taken goals. I must confess to this being my first footballing visit to Penmaenmawr since the mid-seventies when both clubs plied their trade in the ‘Welsh League (North)` and the Port team consisted of fine players such as Jimmy McCarthy, Bobby Fraser and a colourful and rather excitable character called Johnny Morris in goal. Where are they now, I wonder?

The first chance fell to the visitors when Pen goalkeeper Cameron Darling did well to smother a shot by Rhys Alun on his near post after only two minutes before the home side themselves created three chances of note. Firstly, a far post header went wide of the upright before Pens Dan Evans forced Port keeper into a fine one-handed save low down. Then, it was Daniel McIlvogues turn as he hit a first time volley wide of the target. Porthmadog had been warned! But, no further scoring chances were to fall the hosts` ways during the first period.

Port were trying to attack at every opportunity but many passes were over-hit as they were caught on the breeze. As the half wore on, Port seemed to be finding their range a little better and pressure on Penmaenmawrs goal was steadily increasing. On 23 minutes, Port striker Rhys Alun came desperately close to opening the scoring, when, with only Darling to beat, his close range effort came off the keepers body and cannoned off the top of the crossbar to safety. Osian Evans was also unlucky to see a fine volley clattering off the inside of the post. Finally, on some 39 minutes, the visitors got their noses in front when an inswinging corner kick by Caio Evans was volleyed home by midfielder Sam Reynolds. Two minutes later, Port doubled their account when a Pen defender was adjudged to have controlled the ball with his elbow in the penalty area. Up stepped young Cofi striker Osian Evans to send Darling the wrong way as he rolled the ball into the corner of the net. 0-2 to the visitors and thus it remained at the end of the first period.

The second half was only three minutes old when a deep cross by Jack Rimmer was met by a fine header by Osian Evans which flew past Darling to give Port a generous 0-3 cushion. After this, the home team through caution to the wind and produced several promising moves but Lady Luck did not smile on them today, especially when Port custodian Josh Cooke made a terrific save from a point blank shot. Then, just to rub salt into the hosts` wounds, a right wing cross by Osian Evans was thundered home with a wonderful first time volley by Rhys Alun. 0-4 and Penmaenmawr, who had come so close to beating the illustrious Bangor, now had a mountain to climb.

The Phoenix did gain a consolation goal but it was a rather disappointing concession from Ports point of view. A somewhat scruffy clearance by keeper Josh Cooke was well controlled by new signing Toby Jones whose accurate pass found Leon Atkins free in the box and Pens substitute made no mistake as he lobbed the ball successfully over the onrushing keeper to produce a final score of 1-4 in favour of high-flying Porthmadog.

The win takes Port up to 44 points from 18 games. We are three points adrift of CPD Dinas Bangor who have played 17 games. Even better for Port is that they are 13 points clear of third placed NFA.

Next Saturday, Port will welcome Bethesda Athletic to Y Traeth (2:30 kick-off). Lets hope we can complete the double over them by reproducing our fine performance at Parc Meurig some months ago when we ran out 0-3 winners. Ymlaen y bor nod!

Penmaenmawr:- Cameron Darling (gk), Charlie Urquhart, Dean Wright, Sion Williams, Harley Crossfield (Leon Atkins 18), Toby Jones, Jay Sutton ( Lewis Williams 68), Dan Evans ( Billy Sieben 84), Daniel McIlvogue (Jamie Jones 69), Ricky Jones, Liam Griffiths ( Ben Jarvis 68) Unused sub :- Cody Williams Yellow card :- Sion Williams (40)

Porthmadog :- Josh Cooke (gk), Jack Rimmer ( Jake Jones 75), Cai Griffith, Gruff John, Gruff Ellis, Caio Evans (Sion Williams 81), Rhys Alun Williams (Josh Banks 75), Sam Reynolds (Ryan Williams 65), Osian Evans, Cai Jones, Jonny Bravo (Shaun Cavanagh 65) Unused subs :- Dan Clark (gk), Zac Pike Yellow cards :- Osian Evans (30), Jonny Bravo (50`)

Dyfarnwr / Referee :- William Gareth Parry
Cynorthwywyr / Assistants :- Cian Owen McKenna, N/A
Torf/Attendance :- 155

Adroddiad / Report :- Treflyn Jones