|
LLANRUG United have a tough task on their hands when they host Welsh Alliance leaders Rhydymwyn in the preliminary round of the Normac Precision Cookson Cup this Saturday.
But Aled Owen’s side enter the crunch clash in great heart after earning a fabulous 2-1 victory at Llandudno Junction on Saturday.
Two Matthew Phillips goals in the first half – the second an absolute stunner from 30 yards – put the reds in command before Junction hit back through Paul Cassidy 11 minutes from time.
Llanrug had to endure late pressure from the Railwaymen, but held on for a memorable success.
"It was a very good result for us, especially after losing at home to Nefyn last week," said manager Owen.
Looking ahead to the Rhydymwyn game, Owen added: "They only drew at Halkyn on Monday so they’re not invincible by any means."
And Llanrug have quite an affection for the Cookson, having reached the final twice and the semis once in the past three seasons.
Huwsi's view.......
GOAL OF THE SEASON CONTENDER SECURES POINTS AT MUCH FANCIED JUNCTION
Mathew Phillips returned to the starting line-up following his unavoidable absence against Nefyn on Wednesday evening, and what a difference he made. A superb second goal proved decisive against an ever improving Junction side and I’m sure that Junction will be extremely disappointed that they got nothing from this game, but a strong link-up between Dave Ball and United’s defence kept the advances at bay, bar one exception.
Clinical finishing saw Mathew score in the opening minutes and when United went into the interval with a two goal lead, the words of the chairman (Myffs Bryan!) came to mind, that is: a two nil lead at half time is very dangerous, and he would prefer a 1 – 0 lead! But, despite increased pressure from Junction from the resumption of the second half, United rallied and secured the points with their first win in the league this season so far.
Mathew’s first goal came straight after Junction’s first corner of the match, the ball was cleared up the right flank and Gethin Phillips somehow linked well with brother Mathew up the centre of the field and his cool head saw him advance into the area and slide one past the Junction custodian’s left arm for a perfect start with only three minutes on the clock. Dave Ball pulled off a fine save after seven minutes with Junction upping the pressure to try to restore parity, a Junction cross from deep on the left side was not closed down quick enough, which allowed Simon Kay the chance to head down into the path of Junction’s No 4, but a fully stretched Dave Ball tipped over the bar, which the referee didn’t see and awarded a Goal kick. Within a minute Mike Lundstram was through on goal, bur Dave came off his line and was enough to put him off his stride.
David Noel Williams had an effort on target blocked by Junction’s keeper a minute later, and the first ten minutes had seen a number of chances going to both sides, but it was still Mathew’s solitary strike that separated the teams. The 22nd minute saw Junction awarded a free-kick, given away cheaply by Carl Wayne Jones in dangerous territory, some 25 yards out in front of goal, and although the strike cleared the wall, it was directed straight at Dave Ball for an easy stop. Within minutes and the action was back up the other end when Carl Wayne’s effort went a foot over the bar when Carl Griffiths and Gareth Eifion Jones linked well, Gareth Eifion’s cross into the area from the left was not dealt with properly by Junction and fell nicely to Carl Wayne, but he need’s to work on his direction!!
Junction were increasing the pressure throughout in an effort to get that equalizer and United’s rearguard were kept very busy at times and especially so Chris Joyce, who’s numerous holiday’s over the summer had obviously paid dividends – a fine display from CJ! United’s lead was increased after 36 minutes, a screamer from Mathew Phillips left Junction’s keeper with no chance when his volley from 30 yards dipped nicely over him into the back of the net. A goal kick was collected by Mathew down the centre, Gareth Eifion went wide on the left and so took a defender with him, leaving space for Mathew to advance some 10 yards and unleash a sure contender for goal of the season.
Five minutes later and Dave Ball was once again called into action when a free-kick was drifted into the six yard box and a Junction head directed the ball to the right post but Dave pushed wide. Ironically the last effort of the half fell to Mathew Phillips when he took on a defender but his effort was directed straight at the host’s keeper, Half time and 0 – 2.
Although Junction came out for the second half very much determined to salvage something from the game, the first real chance fell to United after six minutes and the result should have been put beyond doubt when Andy Williams was in the area with only the keeper to beat his well connected effort went straight down the goalie’s through, either side and it would have been three nil and game over. Within a couple of minutes Dave Ball was once again called into action when he denied a reply for Junction with his legs. Despite the increased pressure from the hosts, United were advancing at times, but were once again trying to walk the ball into the net, and with set pieces were failing to advance into goal scoring positions whilst at the other end Chris Joyce saved off the line following a Junction corner with 16 minutes left to play.
Junction clawed one back after 78 minutes, when the referee changed his mind on a decision, and with Mathew Phillips advancing and finding the back of the net, he called the play back to the halfway line and awarded Junction a free-kick which was floated into the area and Paul Cassidy found the back of the net. From the resumption United were immediately under pressure and Dave Ball pull off yet another fine save to his right side to keep United’s lead.
Junction had another chance to pull one back with eight minutes remaining, but the header was directed straight at Dave Ball. United’s defence were guilty of staying to deep, every time Dave released the ball up-field it came straight back as there was no-one up to keep it in Junction’s half. Another free-kick was awarded to Junction some 22 yards with only three minutes of normal time remaining, again floated in but this time United’s reargurad cleared the danger. United gat a rare free-kick in injury time, some 25 yards out and in Charlie territory, but the effort was a bit rushed and went well over Junction’s bar – tired legs by this time I’m sure was a factor.
United held on for the remainder of the five minutes of injury time and travelled home with a welcoming three points in the bag. Up next another tough encounter when unbeaten Rhydymwyn visit Eithin Duon on Saturday in the Preliminary Round of the Cookson Cup.
LLANRUG UNITED: Dave Ball, Gethin Phillips, Chris Joyce, Iwan Price, Eifion Williams (capt), Carl Wayne Jones, David Noel Williams, Carl Griffiths, Gareth Eifion Jones (Marvin Pritchard - 80mins), Mathew Phillips, Andrew Williams (Gavin Rogerson - 80mins).
SUBS (Not Used): Martin Bohana & Aled Owen.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Mathew Phillips.
|
2009/2010 
