Football: Llandudno Junction looking for revenge

Oct 20 2011

LLANDUDNO Junction might fancy their chances of revenge when they host Holyhead Hotspur for a second weekend running this Saturday.

Although defeated 2-0 by the Harbourmen in Saturday's FAW Welsh Trophy tie at the Flyover Ground, the Railwaymen may feel a little aggrieved they ended up the losing side.

For long periods Junction enjoyed the better of the play and created plenty of chances, but they could not break down a solid visiting defence with keeper Ben Heald in fine form.

Junction have an opportunity to redress the balance this Saturday when Hotspur are the visitors again, this time for a Welsh Alliance Division One encounter (2.30pm).

However, Denley Smith's side face the challenge of ending Holyhead's eight-match unbeaten run in the league which has lifted the Anglesey outfit up to second place.

Hosts Junction threatened early in the Trophy tie, Hotspur keeper Ben Heald foiling Nathan Jones before Tom Nathan Edwards did well to take the ball from Danny Jones in the danger area.

Somewhat against the run of play the Harbourmen took a 13th-minute lead. A free-kick was awarded some 20 yards out and Jay Gibbs struck a brilliant shot which flew just inside keeper Joe Welsh's right hand post.

At the other end Chris Saxon did well to clear Oran Cassidy's header off the line and Heald pulled off another good stop, while Hotspur also remained a threat with Asa Thomas having two decent attempts.

With Jamie Jones a menace down the left flank for Junction there was all to play for in the second half.
It was end-to-end at the start of the second stanza, John Blundell firing straight at Heald from a good position while Mike Edwards tested Welsh.

On 57 minutes Hotspur went two-up when following a game of ping-pong in the Junction box, Gareth Owen showed typical strength and determination to force the ball home.

The Railwaymen continued to give out danger signals and a free-kick from dead-ball specialist Dwyfor Williams was not too far away.
Jamie Jones' header was goalbound, but Alex Jones cleared the threat from right under the crossbar.

Thomas rippled the side-netting for the Anglesey side and Kenleigh Owen almost pounced for a third after Welsh spilled the ball.
Late on Junction could have claimed a consolation when Rob Williams was through one-on-one, but Heald would not be beaten and produced a fine block.

PENMAENMAWR PHOENIX crashed out of the FAW Trophy when they went down 3-0 at home to Gwynedd League underdogs Llanllyfni on Saturday.

ARON JONES struck twice in Llanrwst United's 4-2 win at Llanfair United, Steve Evans and Kane Williams also registering for the Rwsters who advance to round three.