Sunday afternoon action at Cae Marian saw the Ardal Leagues North East leaders Llanfair United visit mid-table Dolgellau AA with the points shared in an exciting 1-1 draw.
Unbeaten since the start of November, Llanfair were hoping to continue their table-topping form on Sunday afternoon but it wasn’t an easy afternoon for the league leaders who came face to face with a lively Dolgellau outfit.
The hosts had the dream start to proceedings as they took an immediate lead after only a couple of minutes of play.
Catching Llanfair on the break, a wonderful cross from the left carved open the United defence allowing for an unmarked Gerwyn Williams to power the ball home from around 12 yards out.
Dolgellau dominated the first 20 minutes and were deserving to be ahead in the early stages. Jake Jones caught the ball 25 yards out but his low strike narrowly creeped wide of the far upright prior to a goalmouth scramble that saw three successive Dolgellau opportunities blocked in the box as they looked to take advantage of Llanfair’s sluggish start.
Llanfair’s first clear cut chance fell to Karl Seliaerts as he got on the end of Josh Astley’s delivery but headed the ball straight at Darren Andrews who confidently parried away the danger.
A half volley from Paul Griffiths fizzed inches wide of the post from the edge of the area prior to Andrews punching away Max McLaughlin’s strong effort.
Down the other end a deep cross from Harri Davies caused Mark Richards’ to push his teasing cross onto the crossbar before he could compose and collect the loose ball.
With 33 minutes on the clock a freekick was awarded for Llanfair after McLaughlin was tumbled on the edge of the area. Griffiths stepped up and curled the ball around the wall inot the left hand side to bring play level.
Despite play being level, Dolgellau were playing well and causing problems for the Llanfair backline with their quick counter attacking play. They saw a questionable penalty claim waved away when Gerwyn Williams was tackled by Richards in the box when clear on goal.
A minute before the break, both teams could’ve taken the lead. Dolgellau’s Williams caught the ball on the volley forcing the goalkeeper to scramble back to save before down the other end McLaughlin’s 30 yard strike rattled the base of the post.
The second half saw a similar pattern with Dolgellau taking a hold once again in the early stages with plenty of quick breaks down the wings.
Dol’s David Edwards’ cross was narrowly headed over his own net by Matthew Spencer in a let off for the visitors after almost an hour.
Play was getting feisty as the game progressed with tackles flying in from all directions with the three points there for the taking.
Andrews was called into action to deny McLaughlin’s shot from range prior to Spencer losing possession in the opposite box allowing for Williams to fire the ball across the face of goal but none of his teammates were there to poke the ball home.
Llanfair had the ball in the net in the 71st minute when Spencer’s acrobatic bicycle kick was disallowed for an apparent foul in the area.
As the game came to a close, it was Dolgellau who were looking most likely to score with Edwards having his effort saved strongly by Richards before Gerwyn Williams had two game winning chances when he went one-on-one with Richards but instead of lifting the ball over him, fired straight at the shotstopper on both occasions.
A fair result after what was a very competitive fixture but credit must go to Dolgellau who kept leading goalscorer Astley quiet all game and posed a threat throughout against a Llanfair side who weren’t at their best this afternoon but remain top of the table after this weekend’s fixtures.
Dolgellau: 1. Darren Andrews, 2 Harri Davies (15. Aron Burrough 73’), 3. Rob Kimberley, 4. Joey Jones, 5. Jonathan Sutton, 6. Jonathan Harisson, 7. Gethin Evans (17. Jamie Jones 73’), 8. Jake Jones, 9. Gerwyn Williams, 10. David Edwards, 11. Robert Evans
Subs not used: 12. Dion James, 14. Thomas Carr, 16. Ioan Roberts
Goal: 9. Gerwyn Williams 4’.
Yellow Cards: Gerwyn Williams 23’, Gethin Evans 32’, Jake Jones 41’, Robert Evans 55’.
Llanfair United: 1. Mark Richards, 2. Owain Jones, 3. Thomas Gregory, 4. Owain James (14. Toby Roberts 87’), 5. Matthew Spencer, 6. Nathan Hughes, 7. Nyasha Mwamuka, 8. Karl Seliaerts, 9. Joshua Astley, 10. Paul Griffiths (16. Ben Jones 64’), 11. Max McLaughlin
Sub not used: 12. Jamie McVeagh
Goal: 10. Paul Griffiths 33’.
Yellow Card: 11. Max McLaughlin 90+2’.
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