cpdffestiniogfc.co.uk

Saturday 9th May 2009
League matches – K.O.2.30pm

Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs 2 v 3 Bethel
Kieron Ellis 11
Geraint Owen 89

BLAENAU AMATEURS 2 BETHEL 3.
By virute of this deserved win Bethel still have hopes of ending their Teejac Gwynedd League season in the runners up spot behind the champions whom they beat at Cae Clyd on Saturday. For the home side there was no Gareth Roberts, the Reynolds brothers or the long term absentees Geraint Hughes and Aled Owen in their line up and once again they they found wanting at the back in the opening minutes as Sam Williams took advantage of some sloppy defensive play to give the visitors a 2nd minute lead. That is the third home match in recent weeks that the Amateurs have conceeded in the opening minutes and had to play catch up. Even before then the home side had chances to have taken the lead and worse was to come for the Quarrymen on 8 minutes when a cross cum shot from way out on the right by Jamie Whitmore deceived Peter Jones in the home goal and it was 2-0. Thre minutes later the home side were back in the match with a well struck low shot from Keiron Ellis which found the back of the net past a diving Iolo Roberts in the Bethel goal. Bethel's play was direct whilst Blaenau were once again over elaborating and been caught in possession on many occasions and therefore putting unnecessary pressure on their defenders. Indeed the visitors had two glorious chances to increase their lead before the break with Whitmore and Terry Jones guilty of missing goal scoring chances. At the other end Iolo Roberts did well to save from Terry Hughes and when he was beaten his defender Rheon Parry was on hand to clear a goal bound effort from John O'Donovan off his goalline. The home side fell further behind with a 30 yard screamer from Jamie Whitmore 7 minutes into the second half which ended up in the Amateurs's net via the underside of the bar. Blaenau had most of the possession but it was Bethel that looked the most likely to score and even wholesale changes by the home side made little difference to their pattern of play. When they did get an effort on goal Iolo Roberts did well with two good saves and at the other end Bethel were always dangerous on the break but lacked that final finishing touch. Right at the end Blaenau got a goal they deserved at that time when Geraint Owen headed in a left wing corner kick and that was about the end of the match. It was a match where it seemed that the home side had the upcoming 2 cup finals on their mind and with the championship and promotion already sawn up who can really blame them but they must play better than they have in the last few matches if any silverware is to join the championship trophy at Cae Clyd. This Saturday the League season ends with Bontnewydd the visitors to Cae Clyd and before that match kicks off at 2.30pm the Amateurs are to be presented with the Teejac Gwynedd League Championship trophy.

Meirion Ellis