Llandyrnog vs. Ysceifiog

Another Summer League night and another chuffing awful bit of weather! Once again there are no pictures or notes to aid me as my camera and notepad are not waterproof and I was determined to keep my hands warm.

On to the football and the Cae Nant side extended their unbeaten home run for the season with a 5-1 victory over a tough Ysceifiog side. In conditions that Kevin Costner could comfortably drink piss in, Llandyrnog started extremely brightly with Dan Porter, Dan Roberts, and Brandon Keating all being kept at bay by the visiting keeper. The Blues were playing some lovely flowing football with the majority of the troubles for Ysceifiog coming down their left hand side and Llandyrnog looking like they may be on for a bucket-load of goals on the night. As the first half progressed and the visitor's goal remained untouched, it was actually Ysceifiog that went closest when a scramble in the home box ended with an Yseifiog player hooking a shot on to the bar from five yards. Ysceifiog went close again soon after, profiting from some lax play in the Dyrnog midfield and barreling  through on goal, rounding Daniel Jones and knocking the ball onto the outside of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the half when Llandyrnog top scorer Dan Porter's long range looper sailed in over the keeper, the goal was not instantly celebrated as it appeared everyone present (except for Porter) seemed to think that the ball had gone over the bar and celebrations only came when the Ysceifiog stopper picked the ball out of the net! A bizarre goal but a good one all the same. Dan Porter added a second within five minutes as another long range effort sailed in to the net only this time there was no hesitation to celebrate, another great goal from Porter.

The third of the night was scored by Brandon Keating with a long distance pile-driver that the Ysceifiog Number 1 got his hands to but the power was just too great for him and he could only slow the ball from bulging the net rather than stopping it all together. It was a hit that Thomas Hitzlsperger would have been proud of. That was all the relevant action from the first half or rather all relevant action I can recall.

The second half was barely in full swing when Danny Roberts beat the offside trap before dinking the ball round the onrushing keeper and into the empty net. Ysceifiog appealed for the offside but it was actually Brandon Keating that was offside and he did not become active so the right call was made by the ref. There was an Ysceifiog goal half way through the half but to be honest I was too busy drinking tea and hiding under the shelter of the pavilion to see all the way up the hill (I mean that literally to those that haven't seen the Cae Nant pitch). It may have been a good goal, it may have been stuffy, I have no idea. You can make up that goal yourself and if you add an obscure reference to a Kevin Costner movie or an inappropriate comment to the goal it will still fit the tone of what I've written. Knock yourselves out.

Llandyrnog's fifth and final goal came by way of substitute Josh Davies, who's low shot from the edge of the 18 yard box was hit too early for the keeper to set himself and snuck in to the bottom corner. There were a couple more decent chances for Llandyrnog but some good last ditch defending, two seemingly legitimate penalty claims being turned down (to credit the ref, he did play advantage on one penalty incident.). There was also a host of saves from the Ysceifiog stopper with one in particular standing out as he palmed away Danny Roberts' goal-bound header when it looked for certain that it was in.

That is actually all I recall, I have given my Man of the Match award to Brandon Keating, mainly for his first half performance in which he was involved in all of the dangerous moves seemed to involve the young forward, his constant running in behind the Yellows defence providing real food for thought for said defence. Pat Hinchcliffe again warrants a mention but he get's one of those every match so he can play second fiddle to Brand for tonight.

I can't recall the team Llandyrnog fielded because I am sleepy and have no notes (not sure if I mentioned that?). To make up for that I have a quote from Llandyrnog manager Jimmy McNally:-

"I thought we played really well as a unit, played some great football despite the conditions and it was against a tough opponent. Big 3pts"

Jimmy obviously happy with that.

All that remains to be said is thanks for reading this and fingers crossed that we have a little sunshine for the next few games so that normal service can resume.

Thanks Again

Paul

I have had to edit this a little as I fell asleep whilst writing it and bizarrely signed my name as Oauk!
Clearly my brain had switched off by that point.

Llandyrnog vs. Caerwys

Llandyrnog got back to winning ways with a routine 6 - 0 victory over Caerwys on a cold and windy Summer LeagueThursday night at Cae Nant. Llandyrnog, aiming to bounce back from Monday's loss, started the game very quickly and almost had the ball in the back of the net within a minute of the kick off when Patrick Hinchcliffe went close with a header following some good work from Luke Humphreys down the left hand side. Luke himself was next to go close and will be disappointed not to have scored when he latched on to a Chris Williams flick on before slamming the ball into the Caerwys keeper's crotch after possibly delaying the shot a tad too long.

Chris Williams was next to go close when he beat the offside trap and shot across goal only to see the ball bounce back off the upright. The deadlock was broken soon enough though with Pat Hinchcliffe getting the first of the night from the spot. Tom Evans' whipped corner hitting the crossbar before being struck towards goal (I didn't see who by) only to be pawed away superbly by a leaping Caerwys defender. A moment of controversy though as the referee not only elected to not send the player off for a deliberate hand ball but failed to even take his name in the book. It was a move which prompted former Summer League player Russ 'Giggsy' Jones to ask the official why it wasn't a red card at half time only to receive the following reply:-

"What??? Do you want me to referee by the rules?"

Summer League, bloody hell! You couldn't make that up and that's coming from someone that makes most of these reports up!!!

The first half didn't really come to life after that with the ball spending the majority of the time in the air and most moves breaking down in that crucial final third. There was room in the first half though for a second goal for both Patrick Hinchcliffe and Llandyrnog as he brought down a Chris Williams flick well before wrong footing the defender by cutting back and drilling the ball low across the keeper. That was it for the half and after a quick nip home to put on my gloves and hat (again, it's SUMMER League) the second half underway.

Llandyrnog, in much the same way as the first half, came out of the blocks quickly as Luke Humphreys saw his smart effort turned onto the crossbar by the Caerwys stopper. That was quickly followed by a rasping Pat Hinchliffe half-volley that just sailed wide of the post.

The third goal came as Luke Humphreys finally scoring the goal that had thus far eluded him better than Wesley Snipes sitting on the roof of a train. The youngster slotting home from close range after some very unselfish play from Chris Williams. Luke almost had a quick double on his hands after a lovely flowing move down the left hand side that began with Emyr Jones showed some Iniesta like feet and culminated in Luke trying his luck from 18 yards only to see his effort thwarted by the keeper.

Chris Williams added the 4th goal for The Blues but the plaudits should go to Patrick Hinchcliffe who beat four men on a mazy run into the Caerwys box before rolling the ball into the path of Chris who calmly tucked the ball into the net from a matter of yards.

There was a lengthy stoppage midway through the second half as in an attempt to stop Patrick completing his hat-trick the Caerwys centre back and keeper smashed into each other so hard that you'd be forgiven for thinking they were attempting to impress Richard Keys. Both of the Caerwys players actually requiring lengthy treatment before having to leave the field of play, Caerwys had actually made their only two substitutions so were left with nine men but after a brief discussion with both captains it was decided that rather than put a team at a disadvantage or abandon the game, the Caerwys subs were permitted to come back onto the field of play. Unorthodox decision but a good one in the interest of fair play. A quick moment to wish a speedy recovery to the two Caerwys lads too although I doubt they are reading this so I really needn't bother.

With the game back into swing Patrick would claim the hat-trick (I am not a tabloid writer so will resist the urge to use any puns) that had thus far eluded him and doubled his tally for the season after substitute Brandon Keating great defense splitting pass put Man of the Match Hinchcliffe in acres of space behind the Caerwys back-line enabling to pick his spot in the far corner of the Caerwys net.

There was one final goal on the night and Brandon Keating again turned provider when he received a great ball down the line from Mally Hughes before putting the ball on a plate for Tudur Morris to add his name to the scorer's sheet.

For those that like to know the team:-
Daniel Jones
John Jones, Russ Moorcroft, Emyr Jones, Mally Hughes
Patrick Hinchcliffe, Phil Hinchcliffe, Tom Evans, Tudur Morris
Luke Humphreys, Chris Williams

Subs: Brandon Keating, Chris Evans

I actually too some pictures tonight too although they are as bad as usual. Also included are two efforts from Idris Parry who has mocked me since day one for the blurriness of my pictures and attempted to best me, I don't want to give it away but he failed miserably.

Wellies drops and gives us twenty for giving the ball away.

Pat Hinchcliffe gets in to a foot race with the ball

Idris Parry shows exactly why he will not be mocking my photos again

You hear me Parry? Not a word in future! An empty goal?!?

The camera back in the hands of an expert! Just at the contrast between the light.

Thanks for reading

Paul

Llanrhaeadr vs. Llandyrnog

Llandyrnog Summer League 2013 Unbeaten Run

15th April 2013 to 20th May 2013

It is with great sadness that I report that at around 9:00 tonight the Llandyrnog Summer League team unbeaten run, beloved by many, departed us. On a chilly and dark evening in the Pentre Motors owned village of Llanrhaeadr, surrounded by family and friends alike the Llandyrnog streak finally gave in. 

Unfortunately falling victim to a nasty case of the own goal, the streak wasn't strong enough to battle through and when the matter was complicated further by a nicely finished breakaway goal deep in the second half, Llandyrnog's run just did not have the fight left in it to bounce back. There were brief signs of life when a stone-wall penalty appeared to revive the Cae Nanters but the on-call referee denied the appeals then subsequently pronounced the streak dead.

It will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who witnessed it and I think this is best summed up with a quote:-

"The hour of departure has arrived and we go our ways: I to die, and you to live. Which is better? Only God Knows." Greek Philosopher Socrates

or rather

"Fucking shit that!" An unnamed Llandyrnog fan

That is all I am really writing tonight, it's my blog and I can do what I want with it! Hopefully, normal service will resume on Thursday. In all honesty Llanrhaeadr were worthy winners tonight in a tight game with few chances. We weren't at the races and that happens at times, we'll be back to put this right.

Thanks for browsing

Paul

Henllan vs. Llandyrnog

Right then, there are no photos as I was too focused on staying relatively dry and warm. I didn't really make notes either because the rain has an awful habit of ruining the paper in my notepad. That last one isn't really a problem though because I only need to tell you about a few of the facts, they are as follows:-

Fact Number 1 - Llandyrnog, won an encounter as tight as the pitch it was played on, 2-1.

Fact Number 2 - Danny Robs opened the scoring with a truly superb header which he looped over the Henllan keeper, who was so stranded I think I saw him chatting with a volleyball, after connecting with a wonderful floated ball in from Chris Williams, itself preceded by some good, quick build up play through the spine of the team.

Fact Number 3 - Henllan equalised when Daniel Jones in the Dyrny goal called for the ball to be left to run through to him, in a ploy that appeared riskier than going out on a date with Loic Remy (allegedly), which he then forget to come and collect. The Henllan attacker claiming it in Dan's absence and knocking the ball into the now empty net to give his team undeserved parity.

Fact Number 4 - The game got a bit spiky and the referee was on top form, if of course that form was in keeping with the performance of a blind Chuckle Brother taking cues from an audience.

Fact Number 5 - The Henllan crowd are a quiet, likable bunch.

Fact Number 6 - Fact Number 5 is actually dripping with sarcasm, they behaved like a shower of bastards.

Fact Number 7 - Patrick Hinchcliffe scored an absolute screamer that actually should be all this blog should be about. He picked the ball up around 35 yards from goal and looked up to see the Henllan stopper slightly out of position and proceeded to hammer the ball into the top corner. To be honest though, the keeper could have been stood exactly in the path of the ball and I don't think he'd have saved it. This goal is made all the more impressive when you consider:-

• Patrick Hinchliffe is 15 years old
• He celebrated the goal as soon as he struck it
• He's 15 years old
• It was such a crucial goal for the side
• He's only 15!!!!!!!

Fact Number 8 - At the risk of going all computer game on you Patrick deserves the Man of the Match for the goal alone but I'm going to give a tied Man of the Match as Danny Roberts was absolutely awesome all night, winning everything in the aire and flicking on for the willing runners up top and out wide. This has been the hardest Man of the Match to pick so far as the whole team, to a man, was superb last night. Chwarae teg chaps.

Thanks for reading

Paul

Trefnant vs. Llandyrnog

Another away game and another win for Llandyrnog, this time on the gentle incline of the Trefnant pitch. Llandyrnog traveled down Cherry Tree Mile on their way to a comfortable 4-1 victory without the suspended Malcolm Hughes, prolific goal-scorer Josh Davies, or Patrick Hinchcliffe (best of luck in your exam mate), there was however a return to Llandyrnog Summer League action for Chris Williams. Williams who started his Summer League career for Llandyrnog, and is the son of former Llandyrnog great Glyn Williams, made his season debut after returning to the village this year following spells at Llanrhaedr and Rhewl (He may have played elsewhere but I don't think so).

The game started brightly and it was Chris Williams with the first real chance as he latched onto Brandon Keating's squared ball only to see his sidefooted effort comeback off the underside of the bar with the keeper beaten like he was Rihanna getting a lift off Chris Brown. After a couple of corners in quick succession and a little bit of scrappy play in the Trefnant penalty area, Dyrny created a good opportunity again, John Jones lofting in a great ball from the right back position only for the Trefnant stopper to paw the ball out onto a grateful Danny Robs' head. Danny made no mistake from two yards out as he scored 7th of the season.

The chances started to come thick and fast for Llandyrnog then as John Jones, supporting well from full back, saw a long range drive stopped by a great diving block from the Trefnant #11, Craig Jones stinging the keeper's hands on the subsequent rebound. Craig then had a good double chance as he headed straight at the Trefnant #1 from five yards only to see the ball parried back into his path, unfortunately he couldn't keep his shot down and the ball ended up high above the goal.

There was a break in play midway through the half as a Trefnant player (I think it was Rob Cefn, who surely should be known as Rob Trefnant now?!?) took a rasping shot straight to the chops and subsequently dropped to the floor. It was the footballing equivalent of some Shawn Michaels' sweet chin music.

With the game back underway Danny Porter attempted to further extend his lead as Llandyrnog's top scorer only to see his effort from the edge of the area pushed wide. Not long before the half came to a close Llandyrnog were forced to make a change with Chris Evans replacing the scorer Danny Roberts who had felt a tightness in his hamstring. (You know how on Match of the Day they only show substitutions if the sub ends up being a goal-scorer? This might just be the blogging equivalent of that moment).

There was the now obligatory penalty shouts with five minutes left in the half when Martin Fearnley appeared to raise an arm in blocking a Danny Porter effort and mere seconds later Porter seemed to be upended as he picked up Fearnley's spike. The referee was not interested though and despite strong appeals from the players, nothing was given.

There was just time enough in the half left for Russ Moorcroft to try and double the Blues' lead but he couldn't quite get over the ball as he headed over from five yards.

When the second half kicked off it was Trefnant who started the brighter as Lawrie Bell's 25 yard corker was tipped over the bar by a nonchalant Daniel Jones. That would signal Trefnant's only real adventure deep into Llandyrnog territory for the moment though as Dyrny enjoyed a period of sustained pressure. They went close as a lofted free kick (Tom Evans or John Jones I think), was misjudged by the keeper and then headed off the line as it bounced it's way towards the net.

The second wasn't much longer in coming though as Chris Evans (son of former Llandyrnog goalkeeper Andy 'Ginge' Evans and brother to Mikey Evans) scored his first senior goal for Llandyrnog and one he has Dan Porter to thank for. Porter had received the ball on the corner of the 18 yard box and driven towards the byline, he then cut back on the defender freeing himself to shoot past the onrushing keeper. His shot was tipped by the stopper and as it looped up into the air and towards the goal 15 year old Chris Evans followed it in and headed home from a few yards to ensure the ball crossed the line.

No sooner was the second on the board than a third felt the need to be added, Dan Porter scoring his tenth of the campaign from the penalty spot, drilling his penalty low and to the left after Llandyrnog were awarded a penalty following what looked like a soft handball. There is a chance the referee was trying to atone for the earlier non-award of a penalty but I've seen similar pens given and my obvious bias makes me think this may have been a stone wall penalty...honest.

Dan Porter was involved heavily again as Llandyrnog added their fourth goal of the night as his delightful, outside of the foot effort from the edge of the area sailed past the goalkeeper before bouncing back off the bar and onto the stranded goalkeeper's back before bobbling back into the net. I feel harsh taking away what would have been a great goal for Porter but this one has to go down as an own goal.

There was another little stoppage in the game as the Trefnant goalkeeper took a couple of sore ones that required treatment. He was initially caught by Chris Williams who lunged in a tad as he tried to get onto the end of a big punt forward before it ran through to the goalie. As he dangled a boot towards the ball he just caught the keeper's shins causing what looked to be quite a bit of pain. The Trefnant defenders pleaded in vain to the referee that the challenge was malicious and as they checked on their gloves-man, Rob Cefn proceeded to give the referee a demonstration of what he perceived to be a lunge/stamp by Williams, the problem was Rob was a little to close to his keeper and actually ended up stamping on the prone keeper's leg. He quite literally kicked his own player whilst he was down!

That was as good as it got for Llandyrnog as injuries to the the two strikers, Brandon Keating and Dan Porter and the fact that they had only one sub and he was on the pitch (unfortunately I did not have my boots and would probably have been less effective) meant that Llandyrnog were limited up top. Both players tried valiantly to hold the ball up but their inability to run made it nigh on impossible for Llandyrnog to create any clear cut chances.

It was actually Trefnant that finished the game stronger and after creating a couple of half chances they actually got the goal their energetic performance deserved. Russ Vaughan (Member of THE Vaughan family that has produced many a good Summer League and Llandyrnog player over the years [Uncle Alan and father John Vaughan]) sent a grass cutter hard across the face of Daniel Jones' goal which the Dyrny keeper could not push far enough wide and Trefnant's giant forward happily swept the loose ball in, much to the appreciation of the home support.

There were a couple more chances for both sides but nothing really exciting, the result was probably a fair one with Llandyrnog under-performing and perhaps showing a little complacency with regards to the game. I give my blog Man of the Match award to Chris Williams who produced a solidly effective, understated performance in the centre of the park that had a touch of the Michael Carrick about it. A mention also for Craig Jones who looked lively in the first half and had to put in a real shift late in the second to cover for the stricken front men. John Jones also had a very good first half, supporting play well and exploiting the space his opposite number left him.

The team was as follows:-

Daniel Jones
John Jones, Russ Moorcroft, Phil Hinchcliffe, Tudur Morris
Craig Jones, Chris Williams, Tom Evans, Dan Roberts
Brandon Keating, Dan Porter

Sub - Chris Evans

There is literally only a few photos because aside from the one at the top, of the 30 I took only a small handful are not blurry! I most definitely not a photographer (I'm probably not much of a blogger either but I'm trying).

I'm not sure why but everyone appears to be attacking without the ball!

Tom Evans clearly does not fancy Gaz John's chances here, if you look closely you just make out  the spelling mistake on the Trefnant shirt! Two f's in scaffolding chaps.

Thanks for reading

Paul

Rhewl vs. Llandyrnog

Rhewl attack as I hide under the Helen's lifesaver of an umbrella

It was another win for Llandyrnog on a wet and windy night in Rhewl with Llandyrnog getting all three points on the back of a 4-2 victory. In conditions not exactly fitting a 'Summer' League night Llandyrnog prevailed in what was a feisty game that could have seen far more cautions that it eventually did.

Llandyrnog started brightly and immediately set up camp in the Rhewl half, there was an early chance for Phil Hinchcliffe who couldn't quite get his head over the ball when he latched on to Danny Roberts' floated free kick. Within five minutes Llandyrnog had taken the lead, after winning a corner following a lung busting 50 yard run from Danny Roberts, Tom Evans whipped an inviting ball in for an unmarked Patrick Hinchcliffe to nod home from close range and show his old man how to bury a header (albeit a simpler one than Phil had attempted).

The tone for the remainder of the game was set moments later when the Rhewl Hinchcliffe, brother of Llandyrnog's Phil, picked up a yellow card for a lunge on Dan Porter. Unfortunately Llandyrnog were unable to make the most of the resulting free kick as Dan Porter placed it high and wide.

There were shouts for a penalty from the Llandyrnog contingent as Emyr Jones, up for a corner, showed some delightful dribbling skills as he turned his man in the Rhewl box and attempted to cut the ball back to the queue of blue shirts looking for a tap in, only to see his pass blocked by what appeared to be a Rhewl arm. The referee did not agree and play was waved on. The pressure continued to mount on the home side and Patrick Hinchcliffe almost added a second on the night but his smart overhead kick was straight at the keeper. The pressure did tell though and eventually Rhewl's good fortune ran out when Danny Robs volleyed in from close range after Rhewl again struggled to get near a wicked Llandyrnog cross, this time from Dan Porter.

Rhewl then started to make inroads into the game and almost got a goal from nothing when a poke at the Llandyrnog goal was deflected, wrong footing Daniel Jones before creeping just wide of the post. Rhewl's rare forray into the Llandyrnog half did not stem the tide though as Llandyrnog added a third goal, this time Phil Hinchcliffe drilling in from ten yards after the Rhewl stopper had parried a Tudur Morris effort tamely into the path of the elder Hinchcliffe.

The game turned into a bit of a midfield battle at this point and barring a few Rhewl corners and a scramble in the Rhewl area that was hoofed clear chance were at a premium for the remainder of the half. There was another yellow card though as the Rhewl #2 was booked for hacking down Dan Porter after one of his team-mates had tried and failed to do the same to Llandyrnog's top scorer.

Soon after the restart Dan Porter made way for Luke Humphreys with what is hopefully just a knock but given some of the treatment being dished out to him it was probably wise to replace him. The second half continued in the same vain as the first one finished when the Rhewl #9 was booked for trying to put young Pat Hinchcliffe into a headlock after being warned on more than one occasion in the first half for his behaviour. Phil Hinchcliffe followed him into the book by giving him what appeared to be a good old fashioned rugby tackle. The game continued as a scrappy affair with plenty of ticking offs being doled out by referee and a bit of bite being put into both sides tackles.

Chances finally started to come after a mix up in the Rhewl defence and a poor clearance from the Rhewl goalkeeper let Luke Humphreys in only for the hapless keeper to twice parry the ball back to the Llandyrnog attackers before eventually grabbing hold of the ball. Patrick Hinchcliffe again went close for the Blues when his shot was deflected narrowly wide of the Rhewl net.

As it turned out Rhewl would claim the next goal as Llandyrnog failed to clear the ball before a little penalty box pinball resulted in Iolo Hughes smashing the ball home from close range. Llandyrnog responded within a minute when a defensive mistake from the Rhewl Hinchcliffe was pounced upon by substitute Luke Humphreys who calmly slotted under the Rhewl #1 after gambling on the last defender missing the ball through.

The game wasn't done there though as Dion Lloyd scored with an effort from just over 20 yards that flew into Llandyrnog net leaving Daniel Jones with no chance. That was it for the goals but there was just enough time for Tom Evans to find his way into the book for a late challenge on a Rhewl midfielder that left the opposing player in a heap.

The game almost erupted moments after the final whistle when Tom Evans decided to test whether the Rhewl goalkeeper was willing to back up some of the shit he was talking (it turns out he wasn't) but fortunately cooler heads prevailed and the players left the field.

It was a scoreline that is perhaps generous on the Rhewl side but understandable given the awful conditions and niggly nature of the game.

My Man of the Match goes Patrick Hinchcliffe who put himself about all evening and was central to most of the games better moments. There were deserving performances too from Tom Evans who freed Patrick up to get forward and disrupted the flow of the Rhewl midfield perfectly and also Emyr Jones at the back who defended well all night and even joined the occasional attack to good effect.

The team was as follows:-

Daniel Jones

John Jones, Russell Moorcroft, Emyr Jones, Mally Hughes

Tudur Morris, Tome Evans, Patrick Hinchclliffe, Danny Roberts

Phil Hinchcliffe, Dan Porter

Subs: Chris Evans, Luke Humphreys, Jamie Dowell, Craig Jones

There isn't many photos because it was wet and cold and my hand was shaking too much to get a non-blurry pic of the action. You can enjoy these two but that's your lot,.

A Rhewl free kick sails harmlessly over

Porter wearing whatever that is meant to be, far better than the tights he had on underneath though.

Thanks for reading

Paul

Nantglyn vs. Llandyrnog

First and foremost I would like to apologise in advance for the short nature of this match report and the lack of photos. I did attend the match and was intending to throw up the standard report but due to Llandyrnog Reserves Winter League team playing in a cup final on the same night (which they won 3-1, congratulations lads), the Summer League was short of players Craig and Daniel Jones and missing Reserve manager Jimmy McNally. Due to us being without a couple of other players for various reasons I was asked to grab my boots and potentially end a self-imposed retirement that came after a particularly embarrassing performance against Trefnant pre-season. As I was required to sit on the bench I wasn't really able to make notes on the game and I have a terrible memory so without my notes it's hard to give you an accurate description of the game.

What I can say with certainty is that Llandyrnog won 9-2 with the returning Josh Davies, in his first run out since Ysceifiog, scoring four goals. Tudur Morris got himself a brace and there was a goal each for Danny Roberts and Dan Porter with Patrick Hinchcliffe scoring his first senior goal for the summer side.

Llandyrnog could have scored plenty more on the night but didn't really kick into gear and barring a good ten minute spell in the second half did not play to their potential, that said you can't be disappointed with a 9-2 victory.

My blog Man of the Match award goes to Tudur Morris who exploited the space the Nantglyn defence afforded him time and time again and was influential throughout the match. There were strong performances too from Josh Davies, who held the ball up well up top and caused plenty of problems for the home side, Danny Roberts who impressed on his return to the team after missing the Cefn game for a holiday and also Patrick Hinchcliffe and Tom Evans also impressed in the centre of the pitch with both players working tirelessly for the team and distributing well to the front men. A special mention too for Chris Evans, another of McNally's Minors (that's not what it sounds like) who made his first senior start in an unfamiliar position as goalkeeper and performed competently in covering regular keeper Daniel Jones.

For those that are curious about my own return, as it turned out there was no need to send on the 'Ten Minute Thierry' and I wasn't called upon to add to my massive Summer League goal scoring record of one (coincidentally scored against Nantglyn last year on my debut).

The win put Llandyrnog to the top of the league following a drawn match between Cefn and Llanrhaedr. For those keeping tabs on the side it was as follows:-

Chris Evans
John Jones, Russell Moorcroft, Adam Lloyd, Mally Huughes
Tudur Morris, Tom Evans, Patrick Hinchcliffe, Danny Roberts
Dan Porter, Josh Davies

Subs - Emyr Jones, Jamie Dowell, Paul Roberts

Thanks for reading

Paul

Llandyrnog vs. Cefn

A rare picture that contains a football.

It was a big game tonight as the top two collided for the first time this season, as both teams were unbeaten prior to tonight it was a good opportunity for each team to inflict a loss on the enemy. Unfortunately neither team was able to do that as the game ended in a 3-3 draw.

The match had barely started when Cefn scored the Cae Nant's first away goal of the season as the Number 9 profited from some lax defending to roll the ball past the onrushing Daniel Jones and into the far corner. It was a disappointing start for Llandyrnog who didn't seem to have come out of the dressing room.

The goal did lift Llandyrnog, playing in the old school white kit to save clashing with Cefn (it's so old school I wore it in my last under 16's tournament for the village and I'm almost 30), with Danny Porter testing the keeper with a snap shot from the edge of the 18 yard box after showing some good feet. Craig Jones, sporting a sleeker haircut and chastising himself far less in this game, was next to go close when his glancing header sailed inches wide after a superb ball in by Peter Pan Mally Hughes. Craig came close again within a few minutes when his attempt at a cross to the back post almost dropped nicely inside said post.

Cefn threatened momentarily and almost scored as one of the midfielders attempted to head the ball in the net but was penalised for a shove on Tom Evans (it may not have been Tom because I didn't write it in my notes but I think it was Tom).

Dyrny leveled things up moments later when Brandon Keating poked home after Tudur Morris had lofted in a great free kick from just inside the Cefn half that Danny Porter managed to flick on. It was a just reward for the Cae Nant men as they began to get a grip on the game.

The game was a bit stop start for the next 5 or 10 minutes as Tom Evans and the Cefn Number 6 exchanged some proper challenges and a few verbals and a head injury to Emyr Jones, that brought a bit of the red stuff out, delayed things a little further. The next event of note was Llandyrnog getting themselves in front through Danny Porter, as he wriggled a shot (can I call a shot a wriggler?) into the bottom left hand corner following some great work from Craig Jones, who kept his feet well when he could have gone down before slotting Porter in to his right on the overlap.

The second half started well for Llandyrnog and they could have extended their lead when Dan Porter beat 4 players before being denied by a great last ditch tackle from one of the Cefn back four as he prepared to pull the trigger.

Unfortunately for us Llandyrnog boys, Cefn were next to score as Cefn's #4 calmly tucked a penalty into the right hand side after Mally Hughes had run across an attacker in the box, halting his attempt to get to the ball. It was a fair decision to be honest and as much as I'd like to deny it, I can't. Mally was then kind enough to give his name to the young referee when a little dissent ensured he picked up his first yellow of the season.

Conceding another goal again seemed to lift Llandyrnog and Craig Jones went close for a third time as he latched on to a lofted ball as it neared the by-line and attempted to knock the ball over the keeper only to be clattered and see his effort narrowly miss. The Whites (at least for this game) were in soon after though when the referee again took centre stage (although he was centre stage by virtue of the shininess of his kit which he'd clearly had form his parents last Christmas) by awarding a penalty to the home team. Brandon Keating being hacked down on the far side as he broke clear in the box, again it was a stone wall penalty and the young ref was spot on in his decision. The in-form Keating stepped up to take the penalty only to see it saved by the Cefn keeper before reacting quicker than anyone else and scrambling home the rebound which was perhaps harsh on the keeper. A relieved Jimmy McNally had the following to say:-

"The big bastard nearly saved it!"

Whilst not exactly Shakespearean in his verbalisation of events the sentiment was exactly right. It was a close one.

Aside from a close shave wherein a Cefn player nipped in front of Dyrny keeper Daniel Jones' attempted punch to head over the bar, the home side were in the ascendancy from this point on and began to create chances at will. Phil Hinchcliffe's pile driver soliciting a good save from the Cefn gloveman which was then followed by Patrick Hinchcliffe hooking a shot agonisingly wide as he picked up the ball after the keeper failed to hold a rasping Dan Porter effort from distance.

Porter himself went close as he hassled a defender into making a mistake only for the opposition goalkeeper to save smartly. The Cefn #1 again denied Llandyrnog harder than a TV personality from the 70's denies sexual allegations (too soon?) when he superbly stopped a low Pat Hinchcliffe effort as Dan Porter made a nuisance of himself in the box.

Completely against the run of play Cefn made it 3 a piece as one of their own finished neatly off the near-side post. I didn't see who it was and I was too annoyed to try and find out. They equalised and we'll leave it at that, it's a Llandyrnog blog and I'll be as one sided as I like.

Jimmy McNally's team searched in vain for a last minute winner and were kept at bay by the frustratingly effective Cefn keeper. A couple of goalmouth scrambles didn't quite fall the way of the home team and the ref blew for full time. It was most certainly a case of two points lost for Llandyrnog and one gained for top of the league Cefn, who celebrated loudly (I think I even saw John Terry in a Cefn kit,too late?) at the final whistle with the point the gained whilst the Llandyrnog boys looked like they'd been beaten. Unfortunately there where too many little mistakes in the game for Llandyrnog and Cefn capitalised on those, on another night it would have been a comfortable win but it wasn't another night so we settle for the point.

The Man of the Match award goes to Phil Hinchcliffe, who has now played up top as well as centre mid and centre back, he tirelessly put himself about and dominated in the air, flicking on for the lively Porter and Keating time and time again. Phil also held the ball up very well when necessary and is a great general to have on the pitch. Craig Jones, Danny Porter, and Tom Evans all deserve a mention too and young Chris Evans was very good when he came on as a second half substitute and caught the eye with a mazy run but Phil takes the award.

The Llandyrnog team was:-

Daniel Jones
Tudur Morris, Russ Moorcroft, Emyr Jones, Mally Hughes
Craig Jones, Tom Evans, Patrick Hinchcliffe, Brandon Keating
Phil Hinchcliffe, Dan Porter

I didn't take many photos, or rather I did and they are mainly blurry but here are a couple that weren't as blurry.

Tom Evans tries to start a mosh pit

Patrick about to force a good stop from the keeper

Tudur Morris because I rarely photograph the defence although he is just watching here

This one because a member of the partisan crowd claimed taking pictures was easy and then took this!!!

Thanks for reading

Paul