Llandudno 2-0 Conwy Borough: Derby delight for Seasiders
Llandudno picked up their second consecutive home win as they defeat local rivals Conwy Borough at Maesdu Park in the JD Cymru North.
The home side were put in front by Marc Williams after 20 minutes who finished confidently, Lee Thomas then struck home with just under 20 to play.
Sean Eardley’s men dominated large periods of the game playing some beautiful football in the process. The home side had numerous chances to kill the game but wasn’t able to capitalise. Borough kept Llandudno on their toes and always had a threat on the counter.
This result puts Llandudno in a strong position up in fifth on 14 points having played seven games. Opponents Conwy Borough find themselves in seventh on 11 points from eight games.
Llandudno started the game brightly with an early effort from in form right back, Morgan Owen.
Conwy Borough were forced into an early change with Cory Williams replacing the injured Alexander Roberts.
The first real chance of the game fell to Connor McGonigle of Conwy Borough who got his head onto a cross from the left-hand side, his header was saved by Pearson in the Llandudno net.
Llandudno opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Marc Williams got on the end of a great ball from the right-hand side and finished well into the top right-hand corner.
The visitors were also looking dangerous in the opening half an hour. With 30 minutes gone there was a scramble to clear on the edge of the Llandudno area when a few strikes came in from the Conwy Borough attacking line.
The visitors had a golden opportunity just after the 30-minute mark when Matt Mullender gave the ball away to Connor Davies, Davies drove powerfully towards goal and got a fierce shot away that was well saved by Pearson.
The Seasiders appealed for a penalty with ten to play of the first half after Shaun Cavanagh went down in the area under a challenge from the defender. The referee waved away the appeals.
Morgan Owen had a fine run just before halftime as he ran with directness into the Borough box, he was unselfish and opted for the pass instead of the shot which came to nothing. Chance gone.
Cavanagh saw the only yellow card of the derby for a challenge on Harry Lockley. Lockley unfortunately leaving the field on a stretcher and being replaced by Shaheen Ahmed.
The first chance of the second half fell to Llandudno, a quick throw over on the left-hand side put Gareth Evans through on goal, he looked to square it across the 18-yard box, but his pass was blocked well.
Williams had a great chance to add another goal to his first-half strike when he was found free in the box, he looked set to score but his shot was tame which made it easier for goalie Crowther to save.
The Seasiders hit the woodwork on the hour mark with a powerful header from a few yards out, the ball bounced kindly for Borough, and they were able to clear their lines.
The home side missed another chance not long after, Borough gave the ball away cheaply in defence but a poor through ball meant they were able to retrieve the situation and regain possession.
Max Moore replaced Aron Hughes-Jones after 65 minutes and was straight into the action. He was slid through on goal and opted to chip the keeper, his effort way over the crossbar.
Llandudno made it two with 20 to play thanks to a great finish by Lee Thomas. The ball sat up nicely for the forward and he made no mistake with the finish firing confidently into the right-hand corner.
The home side made it very difficult for Conwy Borough to mount any sort of attacks in the last ten minutes by keeping the ball well. Borough had a long-distance effort tipped over the bar with a few minutes to play but Llandudno held out for a well-deserved derby day win.
Llandudno: Shaun Pearson, Morgan Owen, John Bennett, Guto Williams, Gareth Evans, Daniel Hughes (C), Shaun Cavanagh, Aron Hughes-Jones(65’), Matthew Mullender(77’), Marc Williams, Lee Thomas(80’)
Substitutes: Jack Robinson, Sion Williams(77’), Danny Brookwell(80’), William Jones(65’), Max Moore
Goals: M.Williams 20’, L.Thomas 71’
Yellow Cards: S.Cavanagh 44’
Conwy Borough: Rory Crowther, Ben Lockley, Harry Lockley(45’), Nathan Williams, Iolo Hughes (C), Sean Mccaffery, Conor Davies, Craig Whelan, Meilir Williams(75’), Corrig McGonigle, Alex Roberts(12’).
Substitutes: Bradley Farrar, Cory Williams(12’), Marcus Breese(75’), Stuart Howson, Shaheen Ahmed(45’)
