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Hard fought 2-1 win against Llanfair

13th November 2008

As expected a typical hard fought Island derby with both teams coming off the back of good results last Saturday. Kenny replaced Whitfield in goal; otherwise we were unchanged on a very heavy pitch.

We came out in the first half to play as we did last game and without dominating, we did have the most of possession although neither keeper was unduly troubled with some pretty wayward finishing on our part, but a solid defensive setup. A 0-0 stalemate at half time with the prospect of more of the same, how wrong can you be?

2nd half they came out more determined and we looked a bit lethargic at times, however we still had a lot of possession. Against the run of play an attempted back heel clearance from Mitch deflected to their left winger who struck a cross shot that went past Kenny after a possible slight deflection to put them 1 up. This galvanised us into action and we reverted to our football mounting wave after wave of attacks down both flanks. Chances came thick and fast to Mel, Darren and Rich, but Ben Heald was in top form in goal for Llanfair and when he missed, the post or bar were there or we were off target. Ex Llanfair boy Kev Roberts came on and made some quick incisive runs down the right creating opportunities in the box and forcing a number of corners. The pressure told at a set piece with Austin getting to a high ball first to bring us level on 80 minutes. We continued to go in search of the winner, sacrificing a defender for an attacker and at times leaving the back dangerously exposed, but their few chances came to nothing. As the clock ran down it looked like a 1-1 draw, but drama at the end again from a deep under the bar cross which the keeper under pressure from Mel and Ozzy fell back with the ball going over the line; as he dragged it back he was again knocked back into the net. The ref at first looked as though he would give a free kick, but his assistant flagged for a goal, which after consultation was given. The justification being that the ball had already crossed the line before a foul was committed and also in their opinion the touch on the keeper came from one of his own defenders. There was barely time to restart before the final whistle went; a brave decision from the officials, as it would have been easier to have given the free kick. Hard for me to see and certainly perhaps a bit harsh on them, but given the chances and the fact that their keeper was their MOM, then probably a partisan fair result. Shows the importance of playing 100% up to the final whistle.

It keeps us in the hunt with Holyhead beating Llandudno and Buckley beating Guilsfield, another big one at home to Flint on Saturday, which could see us move to 3rd place.

4-0 away! @ Buckley

8th November 2008

The 100% effort of the last few games with the added quality gave us a very well deserved 4-0 away win at the highly regarded Buckley. Sorry to say I missed the game due to a car breakdown and delayed AA assist, but got there at the end for this update.

With Austin staying at the back with Warren Gibbs and Mitch moving to right back, the defence looked very solid and coped with any threats mounted, plus the ability to mount attacks through the midfield. Richard Higham, Ows Gwynedd, Dylan Midge and Iwan Jones ran the middle with Mel McGuiness sitting in the hole behind Darren Bach. Dixon, Kev Roberts and Sion Parry all coming from the bench to contribute. 

Mel put his critics to shame with an outstanding display of craft, touch and bringing in team mates, in turn slowing the game down then moving it up a gear plus weighing in with the first goal. Warren showed his prowess at set pieces with another headed goal and Ows ran his usual 100% socks off to gain just reward for his goal, the rout completed by Richard as he foraged forward. A mention too for Iwan who now looks as though he has been in the team for ever with his pace and quick thinking.  It could have been double figures I am told, with great preparation and tactics yet again. They resorted to a bit of physical towards the end with two bookings and a man sent off, but our defence with Ozzy shining again stood firm and provided great confidence for Whitfield in goal.

This performance has been threatening for some time and I suppose I will have to miss the next game if my absence was an omen.

Well done again to the managers, coaches and players for an excellent performance.

A Bridge too far this time 1-0

2nd November 2008

The long trip to a wind swept Glamorgan University playing field and a long trip back empty handed saw us go out of the Welsh Cup  to a penalty early in the second half.

Credit to the managers, coaches and players for the excellent preparation and tactics for this game, it all went to plan except for the result.

We came out strongly and dominated for half an hour, creating 4 good chances and several half chances inviting a strike on goal. A 3rd minute cross from the excellent Iwan Jones for a 1 on 1 for Dylan Owen which struck the keeper and came out; quickly followed by another chance charged down by Darren Thomas which was diverted over. Two good chances for Kevin Roberts and a great strike from Iwan which was headed off the line plus some other potential opportunities. Although they came back in the last 15 minutes the only half chance was smothered by Kenny Jones in goal. We should have been out of sight at half time, but turned round in good spirit anticipating more of the same. This was marred by a first minute penalty, a poor pass across the back let their man in to run at goal and whilst it did not look dangerouse Kenny came for the ball and was adjudged to have brought the player down and the penalty was converted.

We then took the game back to the first half performance with chances falling to Kevin, Darren and Dylan, some went begging and some went wide and of course some were saved. Their only shot of note was tipped over by Kenny and the consensus from their players and supporters was that the better team lost, it's easy to be gratious in victory though.

The effort from the re-organised team missing Paul Whitfield, Ywain Gwynedd and the cup tied Warren Gibbs, cannot be faulted we played as a team and for the team, but again lacked the quality in front of goal that has cost us recently; some of this is a confidence thing where a shot is not taken in favour of a pass This was a great performance without the rewards and if we keep this up we will do better as the season progresses.

We all must realise that this is a big rebuilding season with many new players, so no doom and gloom from this side.