Match Details
Date: Wednesday 16 August 2017
Result: 2-1 (lost)
Starting XI- Josh Roberts, Sean Jones, Jamie Foulkes, Paul Griffiths (c), Dion Gibbins, Nic Jones, Kien Morris, Jimmy Jones, Alex Williams, Oliver Davies, Andrew Jones
Substitutes – Daniel Cox, Callum Taylor, Darnell Prescott
Goalscorer(s):
Paul Griffiths
Very disappointing to come away from this game without anything on the basis of play. The lads put in a very good performance despite the loss but we were a little naive to concede an 85th minute goal. However games are won by scoring goals not on possession and chances.
Given the midweek fixture and the distance we had to travel it was inevitable that we would lose some players work commitments. New signing Conner Kendrick was an unfortunate absentee but we have more depth in the squad this season which allowed us to reshuffle the pack by bringing in Andrew Jones and putting Alex Williams up to. Daniel Cox returned to the squad after a family holiday and despite landing in the early hours was named on the bench. However, Dan was introduced early after Kien Morris picked up a knock.
In a first half that finished 0-0 both teams asked plenty of questions and had chances to take the lead. The surface at the village hall was the best we have seen it since we have been visiting and the lads were playing some excellent football. The home team looked dangerous on the counter but as expected played a lot of long balls to their big striker up top.
Second half in typical Cefn Albion fashion we started a bit slow and were punished by the home team. Not switched on for a quick free kick and we found ourselves 1-0 down. The lads responded excellently and took the game to the hosts and were in full control as they searched for an equaliser. It wasn't long before our dominance paid off and we were deservedly back on level terms when out captain Paul Griffiths sent home a bullet header from a Jimmy Jones free kick. In all fairness both teams had chances to win it but in our search for all three points we struck the crossbar twice from Nic Jones and Jimmy Jones. With 5 minutes to play a sloppy goal was conceded to send us home with nothing to show for all out efforts tonight. Andrew Jones was named man of the match for his efforts on the night, he tirelessly tracked back in the wing back position and played his part with some vital covering. A good response from Andrew after missing out on the starting XI against Chirk last Friday.
We will take a lot from the game because the performance was there but we will also learn that sometimes we need to see games out and take what we can. Not many team will visit Llanuwchlyn and pick up much so maybe our young team should have settled for a point? Credit to the lads though they played the game on the front foot which signifies the confidence within the squad.
We would like to say a big thank you to our travelling fans who were there in their numbers tonight. The weather was atrocious but you made a huge effort to back the team. Absolutely first class.
