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Out of the Welsh Cup too

4th October 2009

A 2-1 loss to Llandudno Junction puts us out of the Welsh Cup this season, and whilst the paucity of the squad with half fit players drafted in, may be a reason it was not an excuse for our embarrassing exit.

Line up was: Pearson, Williams C, Gibbs, Austin, Mitchell, Higham, Kehoe, Roberts R, Gwynedd, Thomas, Orlik subs: Jones G, Williams R, Shannahan, Jones M, Jones JP

We started brightly enough away from the club house into a very strong wind. Although we created some early chances it was apparent that it was not going to be an easy game. They had taken a leaf from Bethesda's book and played accordingly but with their wide mid fielders pushing on at pace and very wide on the counter.With the wind behind them a series of long balls out put us under pressure at the back, but on 20 minutes it was our turn at a set piece corner , headed down by Austin for Orlik to rifle home from close range.All credit they did not fold and whilst we had the better chances, wayward finishing and good keeping kept us out. As half time approached another corner resulted in a quick clearance that was picked up and a counter attack at pace saw a good ball in from the right bringing a goalmouth scramble that despite four attempts we failed to clear and the keeper failed to secure, it broke loose for an easy equaliser to go in at 1-1.

2nd half the wind had dropped a bit and we got our game together on the floor, for most of the half we put the pressure on with the ball frustratingly kicked off the line, hitting the woodwork or kept out with some excellent goalkeeping by ex minder Liam Ewing.Gerallt came on for the ailing Orlik with Chris pushing on, and a half fit Robbie Williams came on for Kev Roberts who had done well in his first game of the season following his broken shoulder. Junction relied on counter attacks as expected, but take nothing from them they worked hard and there was  alot of skill to go with their pace. There was always the anticipation and the feeling of Deja Vu as the clock went into added time with extra time looking likely. A last gasp break saw the ball fall to young Cassidy who calmy avoided a challenge to wrong foot the keeper and secure the match for the visitors.

A good game all round with us missing out on chances to put the game to bed, in the 2nd period, but credit to the visitors to sticking to their game plan and we wish them well in the next round.

Now we turn our attentions back to the league next Friday at home to pre-season title aspirants Buckley.

The squad we have when fully fit is a match for any in the league, but with injuries to many key players and the lack of a 2nd team to bring them back to match fitness, it is easy to see the problems this gives the managers and coaches. Unavailability and suspensions only add to the situation, as can be seen from the changing lineups. Hopefully we are coming to an end and we can get these players match fit quickly, as it is vital to be able to put out a settled, strong team consistently.

Despite 3 losses, I don't see any great cause for concern and look forward eagerly to the action back in the league.

Out of the league cup 1-0

27th September 2009

A 1-0 reverse at Flint saw us go out of the league cup, but as a response to the Bethesda game, was a major lift. Against a physical Flint side who we already see as our main rivals along with Llandudno in the league, with very poor officials and on possibly the worst pitch in the league (bordering on very dangerous), we set out with intent and purpose.

A squad decimated by injuries, absence and suspension gave a lineup:

Pearson, JonesM, Jones G, Austin, Mitchell, Williams C, Williams R, Higham, Thomas, Jones JP, Kehoe, subs Gibbs (75 min), Owen (70 min) Shannahan

Flint started well and put us under a fair amount of pressure, it was impossible to control the ball on the ground and their physical size meant mostly long ball stuff into our box and although intense  with their excellent number 9 bringing in Beck, there was nothing for the keeper to do. After half an hour we started to come more into it with Darren making runs into the box and twice getting shots in and forcing corners, with one leading to a goalmouth scramble before clearance. Shooting chances fell to Robbie and Kehoe and Chris clipped the bar with a free kick. We continued to get it wide with Chris and Darren getting behind the defence to cross, but their defence held firm. The tackles flew in unpunished with some outrageous decisions, culminating with a strange free kick deep into injury time which we failed to clear and the ball bobbled home for the only goal of the game. We just had time to mount a retaliation with Darren grazing a post, before the half time whistle.

We continued in the same vein 2nd half creating odd half chances that did not really cause much trouble and the same for Flint, several corners that we cleared and their dangerous long throw merchant giving a few problems. Warren Gibbs came back from injury for 15 minutes up front in place of John Peris and Rich Owen came on for Gerallt, but we didn't get the equaliser that the game at least deserved and it finished at 1-0.

A game to restore our confidence which despite the result, it did and it showed the team character under great duress from bad decisions (for both sides), lethal challenges and a pitch that beggars belief (what have they done to it?). We can look forward to our league match there, hope that the weather sorts the surface out (doubtful) and better officials; and with our abilties and pace get a different result.

In reality a game best out of the way and a distraction put aside whilst we concentrate on our prime objective, but all credit to the lads for a great, positive attitude and response after the disappointing Wednesday game

Tonight ! Duncan McKenzie & John Lloyd

25th September 2009

Still a few tickets available call Brian 

A big evening organised for Friday 25th September at the clubhouse, when our guests will be the legendary Duncan McKenzie - Notts Forest, Leeds, Everton, Chelsea, Blackburn, widely acclaimed as one of the best after dinner speakers in the game. He will be joined as MC by the very popular local comedian John Lloyd for what is bound to be an evening full of football and fun.

Tickets are £20 which will include a meal served at 8:00 pm (ish) with a late bar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXhIyc9Lb_0