Porthmadog Secures Seventh Straight Win Against Llannefydd

Porthmadog continued their impressive start to the season with a narrow victory over Llannefydd, extending their winning streak to seven matches. The game took place on a sunny afternoon at Y Traeth, where Porthmadog showcased their determination to secure all three points against a team that had previously troubled them.

The match began with Porthmadog dominating the first 20 minutes, creating numerous scoring opportunities. One of the early chances fell to Shaun Cavanagh, who, after receiving a precise pass from Caio Evans, volleyed over the bar. Just minutes later, Danny Brookwell skillfully maneuvered past his defender, only to see his powerful shot strike the near post. The pressure continued when Dan Atkins rounded the goalkeeper but inexplicably shot into the side netting.

Despite their early dominance, Porthmadog was unable to find the back of the net in the first half. It was not until the 23rd minute that Llannefydd managed their first attempt on goal, with a left-footed shot from Matthew Jones sailing high over the crossbar. The half ended without any goals, leaving the home crowd anxious for a breakthrough.

The second half began positively for Porthmadog. Just five minutes in, Brookwell capitalized on a clearance from Cavanagh, sprinting past the Llan defenders to score. His effort, which was initially cleared off the line, was confirmed to have crossed it by the assistant referee, putting Porthmadog ahead.

As the game progressed, Llannefydd responded with increased intensity. They created several threatening opportunities, including a well-placed free kick that was expertly saved by Josh Cooke. Despite the pressure, Porthmadog held firm, with both Dan Atkins and substitute Sion Williams missing opportunities to extend their lead.

With the match nearing its conclusion, Porthmadog fans were left on edge. In the dying moments of the game, Cooke made a crucial save, denying a close-range header that could have equalized for Llannefydd. The final whistle, blown by referee Simon Kalafusz, was met with a wave of relief and celebration from the home supporters.

Porthmadog’s victory keeps them at the top of the league, maintaining their perfect record with seven wins from seven matches. The team will look to continue this momentum as they prepare to face Buckley Town in the second round of the Welsh Cup on March 30, 2024, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00.

The squad for the match included: Josh Cooke (GK), Jake Jones, Jack Rimmer, Gruff John, Gruff Ellis (Ryan Williams 45′), Caio Evans, Shaun Cavanagh (Arden Gisbourne 76′), Sam Reynolds (Sion Williams 72′), Dan Atkins, Cai Jones (captain), and Danny Brookwell (Jonny Bravo 72′). Notable yellow cards were issued to Sam Reynolds (57′), Danny Brookwell (67′), and Jake Jones (90+1′).

This win not only cements Porthmadog’s status as a formidable force in their league but also builds anticipation for their upcoming cup clash against Buckley Town.