Caernarfon Town player ratings vs Crusaders: Three 8s as Cofi’s win on European debut
Caernarfon Town beat Crusaders on their UEFA Conference League debut. (Image: Sam Eaden/FAW)
Caernarfon Town had a dream UEFA Conference League debut as they defeated Crusaders 2-0 at Nantporth.
Morgan Owen opened the scoring for the Cofi’s in the third minute and then ten minutes from time Zack Clarke doubled the hosts’ advantage.
Despite Crusaders making a series of changes, they could not break down the Canaries rearguard, with Richard Davies’ men taking a healthy lead to Northern Ireland next Wednesday.
Caernarfon Town started on the front foot and just on the edge of the box Paulo Mendes had a chance, but his shot went over the bar.
Their perfect start saw them break the deadlock early. Darren Thomas was in space and he picked out Right-back Morgan Owen let fly with a powerful effort that looped over Jonny Tuffey.
Caernarfon did suffer a blow moments later though as Mathew Jones picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Gruffydd John. As a result of that, the Crusaders had their first meaningful chance but Stephen McMullan was alert to Kieran Offord’s effort.
Offord shortly went into the book for leading with his elbow on Ryan Sears. Crusaders tried to test McMullan from a dead ball situation but Ben Kennedy’s shot went the other side of the goal.
Caernarfon still attacked but they weren’t getting as many clear-cut chances as Zack Clarke’s shot was closed down. Up the other end, Darren Thomas made a goal-saving interception to deny Kennedy from sliding home.
The Cofi Army erupted 10 minutes before halftime as Caernarfon doubled their lead. Danny Gosset played the ball to Thomas and he played a killer pass to Clarke to finish as he slotted under the onrushing Tuffey.
Crusaders made a series of changes both at half-time and during the second period but they struggled to make many clear-cut chances.
As the game reached the last ten minutes, Caernarfon were forced to clear the ball off the line from a Crusaders free-kick. Phillip Lowry rose highest but Mooney was there on the line.
Caernarfon Town player ratings vs. Crusaders
Stephen McMullan – 7
Sound performance from the 19-year-old. Didn’t have much to do but dealt with crosses well and looked assured in between the sticks.
Morgan Owen – 8
Took his goal brilliantly. A powerful effort that Tuffey was never saving. Riled up the opposition with Robert Weir getting away with a sly shoulder barge.
Ryan Sears – 7
Solid display on his debut for the Cofi’s.
Phil Mooney – 7
Did a good job of winning his headers when Crusaders floated some crosses in. Hassled with all the Crusaders attackers.
Mathew Jones – N/A
Gutting for the former Newtown midfielder. He went down in the eighth minute and couldn’t continue. Jones cut a frustrated figure as he went off.
Paulo Mendes – 7
Had an early opportunity that he would have liked to have got on target. He did well otherwise.
Danny Gosset – 7
Helped set up the second goal as he found Darren Thomas.
Matty Hill – 7 (subbed off, 71)
Forced to do some defensive work in the second-half as Crusaders made some chances. Did well.
Darren Thomas – 8 (subbed off, 79)
The Cofi Messi doing what he does best. He was in that pocket of space to find Morgan Owen to score their goal. He showed great vision for the second goal as he played a killer pass to Clarke.
Louis Lloyd – 7
A few bright moments for the former Wrexham youngster. He’ll have liked to have got more involved in to the game.
Zack Clarke – 8 (subbed off, 79)
Timed his run well to run onto Darren Thomas’ through ball. Showed great composure to score when put through.
Sub: Gruffydd John 10′ – 7
Came on probably earlier than expected because of Mathew Jones’s injury.
Sub: Sam Downey 71′ – 7
Brilliant sliding block to deny a Crusaders cross reaching the striker.
Sub: Marc Williams 79′ – N/A
Sub: Joe Faux 79′ – N/A
