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SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 1 (Ben Richards) Penparcau 3
Although mathematically possible, Penparcau had all but secured the SPAR League title before this game; a point would make this a certainty. Having comfortably beaten their opponents on their own ground earlier in the season the visitors were expecting a comfortable evening and, for the
first period this is exactly what it was, as they hardly had to move out of third gear.
Their nerves were calmed in as early as the second minute when Carree easily beat Kojs down the left and crossed hard and low only to see Anthony Foligno side foot wide from eight yards.
On 6 minutes a long throw from Tedaldi was headed home by Davies from close in however the striker was adjudged to have pushed his marker. It was not long however before the visitors took the lead when, on 8 minutes, Shields dispossessed Morris and sent an inch perfect pass into the
path of Mike Gornall who slotted home as keeper Humphreys advanced. The Dolgellau players attempted to work themselves back into the game, however a mixture of wayward passing and delaying the pass for too long resulted in regular loss of possession, Penparcau breaking with worrying regularity. From one of these, on quarter of an hour, Davies sprinted clear of his marker Humphreys, keeper Humphreys saved and Welsby headed the rebound over the bar.
Three minutes later, a repeat event, this time Davies was wide of goal and crossed however it was the dependable Sutton who was at the end of it.
It was a long wait, and not worth waiting for, when Evans was tested at the other end, a shot from Richards, set up by Gareth Lloyd, dealt with comfortably. A minute later Sion Williams beat his marker and set up Richards who shot from the angle, Evans saving and Williams firing the rebound against a defender from close in. On 28 minutes, Davies flicked the ball past Sutton just inside the box, the defender leaning towards the ball making contact with his upper arm. Penalty! Up stepped Mike Gornall to double Penparcau’s lead.
On 32, Williams twisted his way past a couple of visiting players to be up-ended, Riches blasting the free kick over. On the stroke of half time Dolgellau had a breakaway following a Penparcau
corner, Riches sending Richards clear however, under pressure, the striker shot just wide.
Half time, to Dolgellau’s relief and a chance to re-group. A minute after the re-start a long ball out of the Penparcau defence resulted in Davies sprinting clear of Hughes, but none of his team mates
reached the area in time. The next attack resulted in Davies again reaching the by-line and crossing,
Mike Gornall volleying over. On 50 minutes a Morris-Lloyd one-two was hit well over by the former with the goal in sight. Two dangerous breakaways followed, both cleared well by Sutton. The worry
was, they were both from Dolgellau attacks, the first a throw in and the second a corner.
On the hour came Dolgellau’s lifeline, Sion Lloyd dribbling round Tedaldi only to be pulled down just inside the box, Richards thundering home the penalty. This gave Dolgellau impetus and deflated their opponents. Five minutes later following a scramble from a corner, Lloyd had an effort
cleared off the line. Riches firing the rebound goal ward from the edge of the box, Richards flicking the ball inches wide. An equaliser looked more likely, however another turning point, home keeper
Humphreys sent off for dissent after he had been fouled!
This and a series of injuries resulted in Dolgellau playing out the final eight minutes with nine men. Pushing forward they left space at the back, allowing Davies to run into the area and commit Sutton to a challenge. Penalty!
Again, up stepped Gornall to convert and seal what was a hard fought victory and, more importantly, the SPAR League Championship.
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 1 (Keith Morris) Bow Street 3
Still in the hunt for the title, Bow Street arrived expecting three points, but also a tough challenge and this is exactly what they had. In fact, and arguably, things could have been different as the game changed on a number of key incidents.
On five minutes the locals signalled their intent when a Richard Littleton cross was hit wide by Sion Lloyd from a clearance. This was short-lived when, within a minute, an excellent turn and cross at pace by Nicky Smith down the right was well controlled by Dean Evans who blasted in from close range. This dented the initial confidence of the home side and the next goal looked like coming from the visitors, and soon. A minute later Dean Evans turned Dafydd Jones inside the box and David Jones lunged in, Evans sprawling over, however penalty appeals were waved away.
On ten, a Nicky Smith corner from the left was headed over by no5 from four yards out as the defence looked startled. A clearance from the Bow St midfield was latched onto by Dean Evans who sprinted clear, however Rowland Humphrey saved at his feet, the ball rebounding to Tim Turner who side footed goal wards, David Jones sliding in and clearing off the line. From a Bow St attack Dolgellau broke forward, David Edwards robbing Dafydd Davies some 30 yards out only to be pulled down, the defender luckily escaping a card. Then, on quarter of an hour a long free kick from inside his own half from Gareth Hughes was punched backwards and upwards by keeper James and Keith Morris headed into an empty net for the equaliser. This shook Bow Street and their play became disjointed and Dolgellau began causing more problems.
On 22, Gareth Lloyd flicked on and Edwards shot wide from 25 yards. Then, on 25 minutes came one of the key moments, a Keith Morris cross to the far post was headed against the bar by Lloyd, the ball bouncing down over the line (home perspective) or on the line(referee’s perspective)- Hughes booked in the ensuing debate! On 35 minutes another key incident when, from a Bow St right wing corner David Jones appeared to be pushed in the box and from the resulting melee Darren Middleton scored from close range. Five minutes into the second period Dean Evans beat Hughes to the ball at the corner of the box and appeared to have his legs taken from under him (metaphorically!); however a goal kick was awarded.
Two minutes later a through ball from Sion Lloyd found Edwards who shot wide from an acute angle. Another turning point a minute later when a two footed tackle by Hughes saw him win the ball, but also another card and the booby prize of an early bath. 36 minutes remaining, 1-2 down and ten men, ominous! However, to Dolgellau’s credit, although disjointed, they never gave up the fight and battled for the duration. Then came a run of chances, on 65 minutes, beginning with Gavin Allen hitting the post with a near post header from a corner. On 70, Gavin Allen chested sideways to send Dean Evans clear, Humphreys saving well.
On 72, a log punt from the keeper was misjudged by the hard working David Jones and Gavin Allen lobbed keeper Humphreys as he strode forward to narrow the angle. A minute later Gavin Allen jinxed past Dafydd Jones and forced yet another point blank save out of Humphreys. The final opportunity however was Dolgellau’s when, on 86 minutes, an Edwards corner was headed over by substitute Rob Humphreys from close in with the goal gaping. It was not to be as Bow Street marched on with their sites on the title and Dolgellau limped off to count their wounded.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 1 (Gareth Lloyd) Hay St Marys 3
On a hard and uneven pitch neither side really impressed, although Hay returned home yet again from Meirionnnydd with another three points and that is what matters at the end of the day.
Dolgellau, with six key players missing, opened up brightly and competed for all the first period, however once they went 1-3 down just after half time their resolve seemed broken, held together by effort and work rate, lacking any cutting edge. Dolgellau created an opportunity within two minutes when, following good interplay between Richard Littleton and Ben Richards the former set up Ryan Thomas, however from close in the midfielder attempted to control rather than hit the ball first time thereby losing possession. On five, Hay’s Kevin Jones beat the offside trap and ran clear down the right however the defence recovered ground forcing a corner.
On eight minutes, Littleton sent Richards clear however as he strode goal wards, a moment of hesitation resulted in a tackle. Two minutes later, a Callum Thomas through ball saw Ben Richards beat the offside trap, striding down the right wing with Gareth Lloyd supporting inside. Richards drew keeper Price and squared across goal for Lloyd to side foot into the empty net. Dolgellau were creating problems at this stage and playing some decent soccer.
On quarter of an hour Hay keeper Price punted the ball straight down the middle and a moment of hesitation let in Kevin Jones, however he blasted over from the angle. This should have been a warning, however a minute later another long ball caught Sutton unawares, the ball bouncing between Josh Wisniewski and keeper AshleyHills, the striker winning the race and heading over the keeper into the net. Three minutes later, Wisniewski again found himself unmarked and inside the box, forcing a save from Hills. On 23 minutes an in-swinging corner from Dolgellau’s Lee Riches from the left was headed inches over at the near post by Ryan Thomas.
A period of stalemate ensued, with neither side able to string a series of passes together or create an opportunity, it was burger or tea time for the spectators! They had fifteen minutes break, and the game burst into partial-life again, Richards sent clear down the left by Littleton and his cross was just too high for Thomas at the far post. Two minutes later, Sutton lost possession on the half way line; however he did well to recover the situation, tackling Jones some five yards short of the box.
As half time was approaching a long, hopeful ball down the centre from Hay’s keeper was missed, the resulting bounce causing chaos, falling to Wisniewski on the edge of the box. His attempted shot was scuffed, however the ball ended up behind the home defence, the striker sprinting forward to beat Hills with ease from the penalty spot. This was just what Hay needed, a lead at half time to increase their confidence and, conversely, just what a low-in-confidence home side didn’t want!
Dolgellau’s Richards was substituted at half time for tactical reasons having already gained a yellow card and the forward threat was not the same thereafter. A good start to the second half was what the home side needed and it looked optimistic. A shot straight from the kick-off from Riches bounced high short of keeper Price; however he comfortably tipped over for a corner. This was wasted and, almost immediately a needless free-kick was given away wide on the Hay right by Callum Thomas. The ball was swung in left-footed by Jones and David Jones went for the challenge only to see the ball deflect off his head into the net.
The home side appeared deflated, confidence drained. Another quarter of an hour of mediocrity followed, Hay happy at 3-1, Dolgellau not believing that two goals was achievable - and they may have been correct. Then, on 58 minutes Gareth Lloyd sprinted on to a long ball, harassing Price, his clearance hitting the striker, who, once he pirouetted and realised he had the ball, squared across the goal, however only Hay’s Preece was anywhere near.
On the hour, another long ball out of the home defence fell between Lloyd and the onrushing keeper, some thirty yards out, the striker reaching the ball first; however his left foot lob was twenty yards wide of the far post. Two minutes later Hay’s Jones broke clear only to lose control, Hills clearing the danger. Dolgellau had lost the influential Sutton at this stage, but the back four remained resolute.
On 70 minutes Hay’s Dan Jones crossed to the feet of Kevin Jones at the far post, the striker blasting inches wide. Five minutes later a snap shot from Jones almost caught Hills out at the near post, however the keeper saved. Time was running out and Dolgellau had their final breath, forcing a corner, floated in by Ryan Thomas and headed goal wards by Lloyd, the ball cleared off the line. This was however, too little too late as Hay returned home having struggled to come to terms with their opponents in the first period, but were threatened little in the second.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 2 (Ben Richards, Sion Lloyd) Rhayader 3
Although the pitch had been rolled following the ploughing it received during the Llanrhaeadr game it was still uneven and bumpy in parts and soft in others making it difficult to play on. Whether this was the reason or not, the gulf between the sides in the league was not evident as Rhayader were pushed until the end and, had they not been awarded a controversial penalty a minute from time, the spoils would have been deservedly shared.
It looked as though things were going to be comfortable as the visitors scored in the first minute when Gareth Hughes was turned easily in the box and from the ensuing melee Matthew Lewis finished with ease.
All looked gloomy for the locals, however, within a minute they were level, Ben Richards sending Gareth Lloyd clear down the right and his cross was met by Richards who, unmarked from six yards, headed wide of keeper Rhys Hughes. Rhayader immediately responded, forcing a corner, from which the ball was side footed just over from close-in at the near post. On fifteen minutes the home side earned a corner. The set piece caused panic in the visiting defence and Richards blasted against a defender. The rebound fell to Iwan Kojs who chipped the ball goalwards from just inside the box, the ball striking the bar and cleared to safety.
On nineteen minutes a Gareth Lloyd pass sent Ben Richards on a run just inside the box and he appeared to be brought down, however the referee gave the free kick to the defenders for an alleged dive. On 24 minutes Rhys Thomas, who was causing problems, cut in from the left and was allowed space to head goalwards, he then unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards to regain the lead for his club. Ten minutes later, home defender Hughes was again turned, this time, keeper Humphreys saved Lewis’ effort. There was an immediate response, Dafydd Jones sending Lloyd clear down the left, the ball squeezed out for a corner. The ball was cleared and chipped in by Riches to Keith Morris who headed straight at keeper Hughes from six yards.
On 37 minutes, Lewis again found space down the right, this time his cross was intercepted by keeper Humphreys. Two minutes later another Rhayader attack resulted in Lance Jones volleying, Humphreys saving with ease. There was little real action in the first period, but it was full of excitement in comparison with what was in store as neither side were able to exert any pressure on the other, the ball constantly changing sides before any chances were created.
Within minutes of the re-start Powell turned Hughes again in the box and again forced a save by Humphreys. On 48 minutes Rhayader attacked, but lost possession on the half way line, Sion Lloyd intercepting and striding forward, then from 25 yards he unleashed an unstoppable shot that went in off the far post to give Dolgellau a deserved equaliser. Rhayader then attempted more long balls, easily coped with by Sutton and Hughes at the centre of the home defence. Ten minutes later a Lloyd pass to Thomas whose cross was headed into the side netting by the stretching Richards.
On the hour, a Rhayader attack resulted in substitute Murphy forcing a save from Humphreys and minutes later Sutton blocked a Powell effort on the line. The next half hour was forgettable with neither side dominating or creating. Then with two minutes remaining, the moment that resulted in 3 points to the visitors. A through ball that split the central defenders was latched on to by Powell and, from 25 yards Sutton pulled at his shirt. This continued up to the penalty spot where keeper Humphreys dived at his feet deflecting the resulting shot for a corner. The referee immediately pointed to the spot for a penalty for shirt pulling. An inexcusable verbal attack ensued, resulting in one red and one yellow card. Thomas stepped up and scored giving the visitors their three points. The final minute became a non-event with the home side expending most of their efforts on retribution as opposed to the equaliser, the final whistle a welcome sound.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 2 (Lee Riches, David Edwards) Llanrhaeadr YM 4
The pitch was unplayable 24 hours earlier, however on inspection and at kick-off all looked positive. Not only did the game start at 2.30, but so did the rain, making conditions difficult to play in with surface water and the remainder muddy and slippery. Despite this, both teams attempted and succeeded (at times) to play open, attractive football.
Within two minutes the visitors had the ball in the net; however centre forward Alun Jones was adjudged offside. On five, a free kick, one of many needlessly given away by the home side, was flicked wide of the Dolgellau goal. A minute later Dolgellau broke forward and, from a Gareth Lloyd cross, keeper Darren Powell punched clear to Lee Riches who chested down and volleyed in from 25 yards to give the home side a surprise lead.
Consolidation was required, however within five minutes the status quo was restored when Mike Parkes, with time and in space, lost control, Alun Jones gathering and sprinting clear down the right. His cross seemed comfortable for keeper Humphreys, however right back Gareth Hughes leapt and headed the ball into his own net for the equaliser. Must have had a wager on the first to score! On sixteen minutes another Lloyd cross resulted in a Ben Richards snap shot however keeper Powell gathered with ease. Five minutes later a free kick was awarded to Dolgellau wide on the right, just inside the visiting half. Gareth Hughes launched a long ball that had Powell back-pedalling and just tipping over the crossbar.
On 25 minutes a quick free kick by Riches to Jon Sutton resulted in the latter being dispossessed, however Parkes came to the rescue with a timely interception. Minutes late a Hughes long throw resulted in David Edwards shooting just wide on the turn. Then, on 37 minutes, the easiest chance, another long free kick from Hughes, this time landing on the head of Richards less than six yards out and unchallenged, however the striker placed his header inches wide with the keeper praying!
There was time for the visitors to have yet another goal disallowed, again for offside and again Alun Jones. The first opportunity of the second half fell to Jones, within minutes of the re-start, and to Dolgellau’s relief his effort was inches wide. Then, a repeat, another Hughes free kick, this time Richards was stretching and was unable to get his effort on target, hitting the side netting. On 53 minutes Dolgellau lost concentration at the back, Llan’s Matthew Evans intercepting on the edge of his own area and sending a long ball forward for Alun Jones . The striker sprinted clear and finished with ease to give his team the lead for the first time.
This again was short lived as a Martin Parkes effort was handled inside the box, meeting protests from the Llan team. The hands were at head height and opinions will be split down the middle, however a penalty it was. Up stepped Edwards to convert, 2-2. Dolgellau had a ten minute spell with their tails up and were causing panic in the visiting defence, Richards again wide with an effort. Then, on 72 minutes, right back Joe Vaughan was allowed to carry the ball from one area to the next, setting up Alun Jones who made no mistake, 2-3.
Dolgellau threw caution to the wind at this stage, however were caught on the break in quick succession. On 75 minutes John Sutherland broke through the middle shooting wide with only keeper Humphreys to beat. A minute later a reckless challenge resulted in a free kick to the visitors from which Adam Burgess headed across goal for Alun Jones to head home from three yards to complete a well deserved hatrick.
This was the final nail in the coffin and the game fizzled out, both teams having given 100% throughout and the heavy pitch had now taken its toll. Llanfyllin next, with a weakened team, but a MUST win.
Stephen Parry
It was visible in the demeanour of the players that, having beaten UWA the previous week, turning up was all that was required for a home fixture against the bottom club. This, coupled with the management’s decision to keep faith with the weakened team that gained a surprise three points against the students, resulted in an embarrassing performance, although at times it did reach the dizzy heights of mediocrity.
Newbridge were committed and organised and were more powerful, winning most of the challenges, especially in the first quarter, with centre forward Aubrey operating in what seemed like an exclusion zone. In fact it was the centre forward that was the difference between the sides, continually linking the visitors’ play whereas at the other end all was rushed with no focal point, nobody holding the ball and linking attack and midfield, reliant on lone, dangerous runs from David Edwards. Mostly however these were from deep, and the forward was either fouled or outnumbered well short of the penalty area. The game was littered with petty infringements, counting them may have been more entertaining than the game, worth thinking about for the next time!
The game started fairly brightly with the home side signalling their intent, good interplay resulting in a dangerous left wing cross from Martin Parkes, Gareth Lloyd just unable to connect. On four minutes, Newbridge’s centre forward, Matt Aubrey, found himself in acres of space on the edge of the box, but shot well over. This should have been the warning for the home side, however on ten minutes, from a poor Dolgellau attacking free kick the ball was cleared to Aubrey who controlled well and sent Neil Wornsley clear. Keeper Humphreys did well to force him wide giving time for the defence to re-group and fend off the attack. This only delayed proceedings; Aubrey again finding space, and working himself clear, his shot was saved by the keeper however Kyle Chillery was the only one to respond, firing the rebound into an empty net.
On twelve minutes, Parkes passed to Iwan Kojs in space; however he cut inside and shot straight at keeper Bromfield. This was to be his penultimate save as neither keeper was troubled much thereafter. The next half hour was littered with errors as Dolgellau attempted to stamp some authority on the game by showing extra urgency and their visitors slowed the game down at every opportunity. On thirty-five minutes a defence splitting pass from Gareth Lloyd sent David Edwards clear and from a wide angle he chose to square across goal, Woods beating Dafydd Jones to the ball. Five minutes later Gareth Hughes fired in a free kick that resulted in a goalmouth scramble, the ball cleared to just outside the box where Lee Riches was waiting and his drive hit the post with the keeper stranded; the ball rebounding to safety. On 42 minutes Edwards went on a run, collecting the ball on half way and running through the middle only to be brought down just outside the box, however the resulting free kick was wasted.
It needed a stern half time talk for the home side and I’m sure that is what they had! However within five minutes of the re-start, the situation worsened. Dolgellau again had the ball, but lost it on half way, the ball somehow eluding two defenders and ending up in the path of Chillery, alone and surprised, he kept his composure and chipped the advancing keeper from 25 yards.
This knocked the stuffing out of the home side and their play became even more disjointed, their visitors again slowing things, hunting in packs, breaking up play, keeper remaining untroubled. Whilst at the other end, on a couple of occasions four players attacked one defender, but were unable to convert the advantage. It was, again, infringement after infringement, free kick after free kick, and sigh after sigh. Then the inclusion of Sion Williams to the home side resulted in more composure, this was later followed by the strength and aerial ability of Keith Morris into midfield and the visitors were then looking uncomfortable. With ten minutes left a Williams cross caused panic in the Newbridge area, it was like bagatelle, finally ricocheting again to Williams who hit his shot straight at the keeper the ball deflecting to the penalty spot where Sion Lloyd was waiting to hit his shot straight at the defensive phalanx.
Again the home side pushed forward, this time a neat flick on the edge of the box from Williams sent Lloyd clear and he clipped the ball over the diving keeper and shot into the empty net. This gave Dolgellau some heart, and the effort increased, however, other than a Morris shot that was just over, the visitors held out for a deserved win. Dolgellau will now regroup with a trip to Presteigne to look forward to!
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 1 (Sion Lloyd) Newbridge 2
SPAR Mid Wales League - Tywyn/Bryncrug 2 Dolgellau 1 (David Edwards)
With T/B a side on form and Dolgellau without a win since September the pundits were all predicting a home win and, even though they were correct, as the score suggests this was far from a comfortable three points as the visitors battled throughout and almost snatched a point at the end.T/B began the brighter with the pace of Gerwyn Griffiths and Ben Holt causing problems for the visiting defence. In fact, in the first minute full back Gerwyn Pugh found himself in some space down the right and sent in a dangerous cross, however keeper Rowland Humphreys called and intercepted well to clear the threat.
On five minutes a neat one-two between Hold and Stuart Rogers resulted in the latter shooting inches wide. Then on seven minutes the first threat from the visitors when Ryan Thomas cut inside to be unceremoniously up-ended by Paul Grant 25 yards out, but the resultant free kick was wasted, T/B immediately breaking forward ans threatening, Dafydd Jones pushing Holt. The free kick was cleared for a throw-in from which Aston Heath found Griffiths who turned well in the box and shot just over.
This was to be the pattern of most of the game, Dolgellau building slowly committing players forward, but giving the ball away too easily when not under pressure, with T/B then attacking with venom on the break and creating opportunities, last ditch tackling from the back four of Parkes, Sutton, Jones and Hughes and saves from Humphreys keeping them at bay.On ten minutes the deadlock was broken. Dolgellau on the attack again lost the ball cheaply, allowing Arwyn Davies to stride forward and play an inch perfect ball into the path of Griffiths who turned Mike Parkes and slotted home past the despairing dive of Humphreys.Two minutes later Griffiths again found himself in space, this time Humphreys saving.
On 18 minutes Dolgellau’s Sion Williams found himself in space wide on the half way line with only Grant ahead of him, he pushed the ball forward and left the defender for dead then squared into the path of Gareth Lloyd, however he was too slow to react, closed down quickly and ended up shooting wide.
Ten minutes later Griffiths ran into Jon Sutton and was awarded an indirect free kick, the ball squared to Rogers who blasted directly at Humphreys in the visiting goal.Parkes then gave the ball away to, Nick Williams played Holt in, however his shot was well saved by Humphreys.On the half hour good interplay between Williams, Sion Lloyd and Edwards resulted in the latter crossing for home keeper Andrew McMullen to gather at the near post.On 37 minutes an error in the home defence resulted in Thomas breaking clear on goal however his shot from just inside the bow was straight at McMullen.
A mistake at the other end saw Rogers shoot, however Humphreys again saved comfortably. The same player then opened up the Dolgellau defence sending Heath clear however Humphreys saved at his feet.On the stroke on half time Holt sent Griffiths clear however he sliced his left footed effort wide from the angle.
Dolgellau hoped now half time had arrived that with the slight slope and the wind they would cause the home side more problems, however within minutes of the re-start, Heath sent Griffiths clear and his on-on-one with the keeper was again saved by Humphreys. Five minutes later Matthew Jones set Griffiths up, however an excellent block from Sutton saved the day
On 54 minutes Griffiths sent Heath clear once again and again he was thwarted by Humphreys. Then, on the hour Holt sent Griffiths clear and this time Humphreys was unable to prevent T/B extending their lead as the ball was blasted into the net.Dolgellau began to play much better and T/B were pegged back and, on 72 minutes Edwards cut inside Rickard to be brought down. He then stepped up and reduced the arrears giving the visitors renewed hope.The two Dolgellau subs Rodney Lee Thomas and Iwan Kojs combined well, the latter to forcing a corner, from which Gareth Hughes had a clear header at the far post only to head across goal.
The last ten minutes almost saw the equaliser with Edwards sending Thomas clear, however his first touch send him wide resulting in a sliced left foot effort wide of goal. Rogers then shot straight at Humphreys at the other end. Dolgellau then broke forward forcing a free kick; from with Sutton found himself free inside the six yard box; however he failed to connect with the ball attempting an over-head kick, the ball bouncing narrowly wide with McMullen keeper beaten. However, it was not to be, and although the home side were deserving of their victory it was far too close for comfort!
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League Cup - Dolgellau 2 (David Edwards 2) Hay St Mary’s 3
With potentially a full squad to choose from next week, Dolgellau knew that (this week) they were going to have to fight all the way to progress to the Quarter Finals, however try as they did the extra quality of their visitors proved decisive. The difference between the two sides was Dolgellau’s reliance on a few key players whereas Hay were a greater threat as a team.
It was the visitors who began the brighter, Dolgellau’s Ryan Thomas losing possession after 4 minutes, allowing Tom Weaver to set up Gavin Williams however his effort was deflected for a corner. On five minutes Hay should have been one up, Wisniewski latching on to a through ball, but shooting wide as keeper Rowland Humphreys advanced. On 7 minutes Weaver then set up Sam Powell who again missed the target.
A minute later Weaver then created for himself, stepping inside Lee Riches with ease, his shot comfortably saved by Humphreys. It was 12 minutes before Dolgellau posed a threat, Ryan Thomas creating an opening, however the ball was cleared. A minute later Hay’s Kevin Jones left Mike Parkes for dead, sprinting clear, again Humphreys saving comfortably. On twenty minutes Jones harassed Parkes into an error, this time shooting wide.
Two minutes later a neat one-two foxed Gareth Hughes, sending Wisniewski clear, however an excellent tackle from Jon Sutton saved the day. On 28 minutes a corner from Weaver was headed goalwards by Gareth Jenkins, Parkes heading off the line. Dolgellau immediately responded, Ian Jones Morris sending Thomas clear down the right and his cross just eluded Lee Riches.
On the half hour mark, Elfyn ap Dafydd played the ball forward to Thomas and he set up David Edwards, however keeper Steve Price saved with ease. On 34 minutes, Weaver rounded ap Dafydd on the right and crossed to the far post for Gavin Williams to side foot past Humphreys with marker Hughes looking startled. This must have unsettled the defender as his error let in Powell, however a last ditch tackle from ap Dafydd saved his blushes.
On 37 minutes, a Riches flick set up Jones Morris, however the striker lost control. A mistake by Chris Preece, who was otherwise solid throughout, allowed Edwards and Jones Morris to break clear, however the latter was forced wide eventually losing possession. On the half time whistle, Hughes intercepted and played Jones Morris in, however the striker again shot wide.
Within two minutes of the start of the second period a Hughes long throw from the right was flicked on by Keith Morris and Edwards poked the ball into the net from close in. This gave Dolgellau fresh impetus and they began to press forward; however it was short lived as a free kick was awarded unjustly and Powell found Jenkins who turned ap Dafydd and shot home from eight yards to restore Hay’s lead.
On 52 minutes Riches found Edwards who worked himself clear only to shoot straight at Price. Dolgellau’s attacks were sporadic relying solely on the threat of Edwards, whilst at the other end Hay were always threatening, Sutton holding the home defence together admirably. On 57 minutes, a tantalising cross from Kojs was missed by everyone, however a corner was awarded and from Edwards’ kick Hughes volleyed just over.
Then, on the hour, a corner from the left was misjudged by Hughes resulting in Wisniewski scoring from close in to extend Hay’s lead. Two minutes later a Jones Morris cross was almost converted by Thomas, however Price saved. Hughes then lost the ball at the back, however Weaver shot over. Hughes then moved into the centre of midfield and performed better, his lack of pace not now exposed, and from his first touch gained a free kick, Riches shooting just wide at the near post on 75 minutes.
Two minutes later Hughes was again involved, winning the ball for Edwards to shoot from 22 yards, beating the diving Price to reduce the arrears. Within a minute an Edwards free kick fell to ap Dafydd, however the defender shot straight at keeper Price from 8 yards. The final ten minutes witnessed Dolgellau’s only spell of concerted pressure as they piled forward in search of an equaliser, beginning with a Jones Morris chance, however the striker fell over. Kojs and Edwards both put in threatening crosses, but both were cleared to safety.
With three minutes remaining, from a Dolgellau attack, Hay broke forward, Wisniewski beat two defenders and squared to Weaver, however he miss-hit his shot over the bar. This was to be the last bit of action, Hay marching on to an away tie at Penparcau with Dolgellau having to re-group for the tough challenge of Rhayader next week.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 1 (David Edwards) Llansantffraid Village 6
It is difficult to be positive about this result, or the performance. At a stretch you could say that the Peter Griffiths-David Edwards partnership up front was a handful, Keith Morris gave his all in midfield as did Jon Sutton at the back and there was plenty of effort, but the end product.....much to be desired.
The game began at a very quick pace with efforts at both ends, beginning in the second minute when an interception from Sion Lloyd that saw him send Peter Griffiths clear down the left, he squared to David Edwards however the striker lost control inside the box, the ball running to keeper Rhys Jones. A minute later Dolgellau’s Lee Riches lost the ball to Ben Oakley, however his effort was comfortably saved by keeper Rowland Humphreys.
On 4 minutes, Alwyn Williams sent Ashley Parkes on a run down the right and he comfortably beat marker Gareth Hughes, however his cross was cleared to Iwan Kojs who gave the ball away to Oakley who was inches wide with his effort. Then as early as the 6th minutes, a long hopeful ball down the middle resulted in confusion between Humphreys and Sutton, Nathan Progder converting with ease. On 12 minutes, Oakley worked himself clear down the right; however his cross was intercepted by keeper Humphreys.
Two minutes later, a flick from Sion Lloyd sent Peter Griffiths on a run down the left, however he seemed to be thwarted, with little support, only to free himself, and manage to cross for Gareth Lloyd, the ball broke free and David Edwards side-footed home from eight yards to equalise.
Just as you thought Dolgellau were now given the confidence they appeared not to have, their performance deteriorated. On seventeen minutes Wayne Austin was clear, only to be denied by Humphreys who dived at his feet appearing to give away a penalty, however referee Jenkins awarded a goal kick. Austin then sent Prodger clear, only to be denied by a last gasp interception from Mike Parkes. Williams then opened up the defence with a pass to Prodger, however the striker was denied as Humphreys slid in to divert the ball for a corner.
On 22 minutes Dolgellau’s Hughes lunged in on the edge of the box, the resultant free kick was cleared, Austin crashing the ball against the crossbar, Humphreys saving the rebound from Prodger. On the half hour mark it was 1-2, Prodger squirming clear to slide into an empty net, the ball having been in Dolgellau’s possession, lost, gained and lost again, with two players trying all they could to bring the striker down. Two minutes later the lead was extended when again Dolgellau lost the ball, Austin cutting inside Sutton and unleashing an unstoppable drive, beating Humphreys at the near post.
On 34 minutes a long ball resulted in Oakley heading wide. Two minutes later Dafydd Jones replaced Kojs only to leave the field of play, injured, only seconds later and another replacement entering the fray. On 40 minutes, a Steve Galley cross was headed against the bar by Oakley and two minutes later an Ian Jones Morris error let in Austin, however his effort was just over. Dolgellau hoped at half time they could re-group having been let of the hook somewhat. They looked full of purpose believing that they could haul back the two goal deficit, however as you thought things couldn’t get any worse, the performance did!
As early as the 46th minutes a corner from Galley resulted in Oakley heading against the post. With Sutton now at right back the ball down the centre exposed vulnerability as Oakley and Prodger were causing chaos in the home defence.
On 48 minutes a long free kick straight down the middle was headed on by Oakley into the path of Prodger and the striker rounded Humphreys and side-footed into the empty net to make it 1-4 and complete a hat-trick. On 52 minutes, more indecision in the home defence resulted in a shot from Austin, saved by Humphreys. On 55 minutes a Galley corner was flicked on by Prescott, Williams heading straight at Humphreys, both players worryingly unchallenged.
On the hours another ball down the middle, this time, Jones Morris failed to connect, Prodger racing clear to again round the keeper and slot home. To be fair Dolgellau continued to play football and a Griffiths lay off to Edwards resulted in a shot that hit the bar from the edge of the box. A neat one-two between Edwards and Griffiths resulted in the latter being fouled on the edge of the box as he was goalward bound, the free kick resulting in nothing. On seventy minutes Edwards had a shot saved by Keeper Jones.
By this time the visitors had taken the dangerous Prodger off and Dolgellau had more of the ball, but they created very little and it was no surprise when, on 82 minutes, an Oliver Clarke run and cross was finished with ease by Paul Marshall inside the box, with very little effort to challenge. Llansantffraid will now have the confidence to go on, whereas Dolgellau will have to up their game, especially with a difficult away fixture at Waterloo next week and feeling so low.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 2 (David Edwards, Sion Lloyd) Carno 3
At 2-0 up with 40 minutes remaining, Dolgellau must have thought that they had again collected three points in their battle to attain SPAR League survival; however they again grasped defeat from the jaws of victory. It would however have been unjust as the home side never did enough to win and barely did enough for a share of the spoils.
As the game kicked off so did a deluge, 15 minutes of heavy rain that turned the early exchanges into a non-event, although the remainder of the half hardly surpassed this. During this early period, in fact in the first two minutes, Carno twice were unable to hit the target from inside the six yard box, having broken clear with surprising ease down their right on both occasions.
On eight minutes a poor clearance from Brown in the Carno goal was miss-controlled by Sion Lloyd at the edge of the box and two minutes later the keeper made amends tipping over a 25 yard volley from Keith Morris. This was followed by a rare sight in this game, good interplay from Dolgellau, Lee Riches, David Edwards and Peter Griffiths, and the latter thwarted by sweeper Ben Richards who did well throughout. On twelve minutes, Morris and Gareth Lloyd set up David Edwards who blasted over from just inside the area. Very little was happening, Carno attempting to play the football, moving Dolgellau from one side to the other, but their play was breaking down inside the home area, Dolgellau then threatening on the break.
On twenty minutes, Daniel Pierce and Geraint Jones linked well threatening inside the home area, however the final ball went astray, Sion Lloyd and Griffiths attacking the Carno box, again Richards intercepting. Two minutes later Chris Davies played in Rob Bennett and his deflected shot was saved comfortable by Dolgellau’s Rowland Humphreys. Humphreys then saved again, a Hughes mistake allowing Pierce a free shot.
Again, a period of goalmouth starvation, until the 35th minute when a corner from Pierce was volleyed just over by Geraint Jones from the edge of the box.On forty minutes Peter Griffiths worked himself clear only to shoot just wide with keeper Brown advancing.A last-ditch challenge by Pierce then thwarted Edwards. Then, on the stroke of half time, with neither side deserving, a poor clearance from keeper Brown fell to Edwards who hit the ball into the net from 20 yards.
Carno went into half time furious that their better approach play had not been rewarded, but they had the knowledge that the strong wind would be in their favour in the second period.At the start of the second period they almost drew level, however Humphreys saved Davies’ effort. They then had a further setback when the same player played the ball straight to Sion Lloyd who sprinted clear and slid the ball past keeper Brown to give Dolgellau a 2-0 lead.Almost straight, Peter Rees was again given space down the right and his cross was dropped into the net by keeper Humphreys to give Carno renewed confidence.
On 57 minutes a deliberate handball by Jones Morris earned him a booking and Carno a free kick, Chris Davies hitting it a full 35 yards, but straight at Humphreys.On 68 minutes Dolgellau were awarded a free kick wide on the left. Up stepped Edwards, however his under-hit cross was cleared from the edge of the box, Rees sprinting clear and with only Sutton to beat he squared into the path of Rob Bennett who made no mistake. In the last quarter of an hour, Dolgellau were becoming less of a threat whilst Rees and Pierce were threatening at the other end, both coming close.
On 82 minutes substitute Tom Richards beat two players only to be cut short by a well timed challenge from the impressive Sutton just inside the box. A minute later a Rob Bennett run forced a save from Humphreys. Then, with three minutes remaining, a Pierce shot took a vicious deflection straight up into the air, Humphreys could only parry the downwards into the path of Tom Richards who forced the ball in from the goal-line.
That was it, Carno ecstatic, Dolgellau devastated. Next week’s visit to Llanrhaeadr will be a true test of their mettle.
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 4 (David Edwards 2, Peter Griffiths, Gareth Lloyd) Aberystwyth Reserves 3
This was totally against the form book, but with two local players, Darren Jones and Iwan Lewis, lining up for the visitors, it provided the motivation the locals needed to give that little bit extra, unsettling their opponents from first to last whistle.
Before the youthful visitors were into their stride they were one down when, on three minutes, a quickly taken free kick from Lee Riches sent Peter Griffiths clear and he teed up David Edwards who made no mistake from twelve yards.
Within minutes a 25-yard shot from Aber’s Darren Jones was diverted for a corner by keeper Arfon Williams; however the keeper stretched his weak shoulder and had to leave the field. This was a minor disaster for Dolgellau, having to replace Williams with influential defender Jonathan Sutton – with 85 minutes remaining!
On 14 minutes Edwards opened up the visiting defence sending Sion Lloyd clear, the pass looked over-hit; however Lloyd managed to send in an excellent cross to the far edge of the area, Griffiths squaring across for Gareth Lloyd to head home from close-in, doubling the lead.
On 18 minutes Iwan Lewis, who was a danger throughout, beat his marker and sent in a teasing near post cross, but this was scrambled away by the nervy defence.
On twenty minutes Lloyd sent Edwards clear, however the striker had to slide in to make any contact, the ball deflecting off the keeper or a corner.
This was followed by a good run and shot from Aber’s Anthony Hartnell, a warning to the home defence that Aber was still a threat.
On 22 minutes a repeat event, when Gwilym ap Dafydd ran from midfield through the home midfield and as the defence backed off unleashed a low drive from 20 yards, apparently giving Sutton no hope. This was the goal that Aber needed, however they suffered an immediate setback when, Edwards ran on to a long hopeful ball and managed a last ditch effort to shoot at goal and to his surprise saw the ball squeeze under the visiting keeper to restore Dolgellau’s advantage.
On 25 minutes a Tom Bowen cross created an opportunity for Darren Jones, however his header was directed wide from 6-yards.
On the half hour mark Keith Morris created an opportunity for Griffiths however his clipped shot was inches wide.
Minutes later a weak Aber goal kick fell to Griffiths who sprinted between two defenders, rounded the keeper and blasted into the empty net. This was more than Dolgellau could have believed, 4-1 after 30 minutes!
On 32 minutes a corner resulted in a scramble on the edge of the home six yard box, eventually ricocheting off the advancing Sutton to safety.
Ten minutes of untidy sparring took place at this stage with neither side able to dominate, although Dolgellau’s attack on the break was causing panic in the visiting ranks throughout.
On the stroke of half time, one of the many set pieces that the visitors were dangerous from resulted in the ball falling to Darren Jones who looked suspiciously offside, however he made no mistake, crashing the ball in from inside the six yard box, reducing the deficit at a crucial time.
Dolgellau had an opportunity to maintain their three goal lead right at the death when a free kick from Griffiths found the head of Keith Morris however he headed over from inside six yards.
In the first three minutes of the second period, the threat of Edwards and Griffiths was maintained the former setting up the latter on both occasions, forcing two corners in quick succession.
Fifteen minutes of sparring then took place, mostly between the two goal areas and mostly forgettable, then the game came to life again when, on 65 minutes, Aber pulled another goal back. Lewis again beating Jones and crossing to the near post, Darren Jones side-footing home from close in.
On seventy minutes, Edwards lost his marker, sent Morris clear and Iwan Kojs almost met his cross at the far post.
Then with quarter of an hour remaining, it was again Griffiths and Edwards who opened up the Aber defence, with a neat one-two setting up Edwards to seal the game, however he missed the target with the goal at his mercy.
Aber continued with their long throw tactic that was causing panic in the home defence, with some last-ditch clearances, Gareth Hughes giving all. Needless free kicks were given away and these were launched into the area, taking advantage of the indecision. From one of these, Sutton and Jones collided with strong appeals for a penalty waved away. From another Rory Rebeck headed straight at Sutton.
Dolgellau were always dangerous on the break and from one of these raids, five minutes from time, Griffiths turned two players and forced himself clear only to be denied by a fingertip save from the keeper. Edwards then created for Griffiths however a last-ditch challenge saved the day.
This was to be the final action of the game as the relief of the final whistle came, Dolgellau inflicting Aber’s first defeat on them and finally clinging on to three points; even after the setback of losing their keeper after five minutes; in a seasons so far of ‘what might have been’!
Stephen Parry
SPAR Mid Wales League - Dolgellau 2 (David Edwards, Dafydd Jones) Tywyn Bryncrug 2
Dolgellau approached their first ever Spar league match with some trepidation especially with their opponents having finished in the top five for the last three years. This was to be a marker of how the season was to progress. To everyone’s surprise they had no reason to worry as they took the game to their visitors from the first minutes and were very unlucky not to have gained all three points.
Dolgellau signified their intention in the first minute with a Peter Griffiths effort that sailed just wide. After 3 minutes Keith Morris sent Griffiths clear, his pinpoint pass reached Sion Lloyd and his effort was saved comfortably by keeper McMullen. The same combination caused problems later, however a last ditch interception from Gwynne saved the day. The next attack resulted in an Ian Jones Morris free kick that was flicked goalwards by Dafydd Jones, again comfortably gathered by McMullen.
The long ball was causing chaos in the visiting back for with Griffiths threatening constantly.
After 10 minutes roles were reversed when a long cross field ball resulted in the visitors’ Mark Edmondson hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
A minute later a clearance out of the home defence was well held up by Griffiths until the support of Lloyd arrived and his inch-perfect pass split open the visiting defence, Lloyd beat two players, but saw his effort saved by the keeper at the near post.
Griffiths then had a shot, again comfortably saved by McMullen.
On 16 minutes Sion Williams was sent clear to round McMullen and slot into the empty net. It appeared initially that the referee had over-riled his assistant; however, following discussion the goal was disallowed. It would only be a matter of time and, after 17 minutes; Griffiths rounded the keeper to be brought down resulting in the award of a penalty, the keeper escaping with a booking. Up stepped David Edwards to score.
Tywyn/Bryncrug were stunned, Dolgellau elated. It took another 5 minutes before the visitors were stirred into action when Edmondson again cut in from the right, but he toe-poked wide of the target.
On 27 minutes Dolgellau’s dominance was resumed when a Lloyd cross from the left met the head of the unmarked Williams at the far post, however he was off target. On the half hour mark Lloyd again beat his marker to fire against the upright. Would Dolgellau rue all these missed opportunities?
Two minutes later Griffiths again caused havoc, dribbling into the box, beating two and being brought down, however referee Jones waved the strong appeals away.
On 35 minutes Williams had an effort saved by McMullen, he latched on to the rebound and crossed to the six yard line from where Morris headed over.
On the stroke of half time a snap shot from the visiting Nick Williams hit the target, but was dealt with easily by keeper Arfon Williams.
Half time arrived, home side confident and dominant, but disappointed with lack of goals and away side relieved that it was only 1-0 and knowing that they could only play better following a disappointing performance.
Within seconds of the restart, Morris was gifted with an opportunity inside the 6-yqrd box, but sliced his effort wide. 5 minutes later a Williams header into the path of Edwards presented the youngster with a goalscoring opportunity; however his effort was screwed wide.
On 52 minutes a Griffiths through ball resulted in Lloyd sending Williams clear, however a moment of hesitation resulted in a goal saving challenge from Cook.
Just before the hour mark a moment of indecision between the impressive defensive pairing of Jones Morris and Jon Sutton resulted in Tywyn/Bryncrug’s Matthew Jones shooting just wide.
On the hour Griffiths turned his marker and almost doubled Dolgellau’s lead.
On 65 minutes a Morris long throw fell to Williams who had a clear view of goal from eight yards; however his shot was blocked at the near post.
Three minutes later Edwards appeared to send Griffiths clear to score, however this too was ruled offside.
A long punt forward out of the visiting defence was misjudged at tie back and Ben Holt lobbed in from 25 yards to give draw his team level. This was a major setback for the dominant home side and within two minutes it was 1-2, a needless free kick was driven into the penalty area and a moment of indecision was enough for Holt to turn and fire an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Neither side could believe it, but for different reasons.
It seemed that the home bubble had burst, and the game appeared to fizzle out, however to Dolgellau’s credit they kept plugging away. Then, on 75 minutes, another mazy run down the left from Lloyd allowed him to slide the ball between two defenders into the path of Dafydd Jones and he fired in an unstoppable shot from the angle. The relief was clear to all. Both teams pushed for the winner, however with Sutton and Jones Morris keeping the dangerous Holt and Griffiths under wraps it was the home side who came closest to scoring when the thorn in the visiting defence, Griffiths, beat two defenders only to see his shot saved by McMullen from close-in. It was not to be!
Stephen Parry
FA Wales Cup Preliminary Round
Dolgellau progressed to the first round proper with consummate easy, following a demolition of hapless Llanfyllin and now look forward to a favourable draw in the next round. Nobody could have foreseen a 4-0 lead after just 25 minutes as the pace and guile of the home side going forward was too much for their pedestrian opponents throughout.
Dolgellau could not have got off to a better start when, after 5 minutes, a mazy run from Sion Lloyd ended with a left foot cross to the far post that was headed in (unmarked) by Sion Williams. Then, after 13 minutes, Llanfyllin’s Binks appeared to pull Jones-Morris, but was allowed to race clear, he was met by keeper Williams and his far post cross fell to the unmarked Buckley who slid the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
On 17 minutes, Dolgellau’s Peter Griffiths, who linked well with Williams, cut in from the right and curled a left footer into the far corner giving keeper Evans no chance.
The same player then sent Sion Lloyd clear and he cut in from the left curling a right footer inches wide.
On 20 minutes it was again Griffiths, this time sending David Edwards clear and, although he needed three attempts in the resultant scramble, he finally blasted home from six yards. Five minutes later the pace of the same player sent him clear on to a Lloyd cross field pass only to be unceremoniously up-ended inside the box by defender Phillips. Up stepped Edwards to slot home the penalty with Phillips looking on in relief that he remained on the pitch.
This was beyond the home team’s wildest dreams, 4-0, 25 minutes, and things got even better when, Williams sent Griffiths clear and he calmly slotted home leaving his marker in his wake.
The second half was never going to be as entertaining with Dolgellau resting on their laurels and Llanfyllin all out to regain their lost pride.
On 55 minutes an excellent series of on-twos between Lloyd and Lee Riches resulted in the latter sending Williams clear and he was tripped on the edge of the box, Woodman this time lucky to stay on the pitch. Riches took the quick free kick, but missed the target.
Minutes later Dolgellau, comfortably in possession in their half became careless, resulting in a needless free kick. Dale Williams, Llanfyllin’s star player, floated in kick for Dave Furniss to head home unchallenged from eight yards.
On the hour, Griffiths again put Williams clear with a pinpoint cross field ball, the latter attempting to lob the approaching keeper, but scuffed his shot, Evans easily saving.
Minutes later an excellent defence-splitting pass from Williams sent the ever-dangerous Lloyd clear, but his shot was inches wide from the edge of the box.
On 70 minutes a long, hopeful ball from Llanfair resulted in keeper Williams mis-judging the bounce for Birks to head on and slot into an empty net to reduce the arrears to 2-5.
Ten minutes later Sion Lloyd put sub Gareth Lloyd (who had replaced the impressive Griffiths) clear and he slid in number six.
Soon afterwards a long ball from Jones Morris sent Williams clear, but the keeper saved at his feet as the numerous options available confused him, then, 5 minutes from time, sub Iwan Kojs put Edwards clear and he lobbed the keeper with ease for no. 7.
As time was running out, a classy back-heel from Williams Edwards through again, but Evans saved his effort.
This was a good start for the locals against one of last season’s SPAR struggles, but they are fully aware that things will get harder!
Stephen Parry
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