LLANELLI 2 PRESTATYN TOWN 2

 

Leading 2-0 with just five minutes remaining, the Reds seemed to be on course for a certain three points, but a bizarre own goal and a magnificent strike for the equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game, wiped out the advantage, but once again they will be wondering why they do not seem able to finish off their chances.

 

A mist-shrouded Stebonheath made life difficult for spectators to keep abreast of what was happening on the pitch, but still without several players through injury and suspension, the home side did introduce a new face in midfield with Ashley Evans making his debut after his move from Neath, and he acquitted himself well, not shirking any tackles and showing neat distribution when in possession.

The Reds were well on top in the first period, with early attempts by Craig Williams and Jason Bowen just off target, although it took a fine save from Ashley Morris to deny Ian Griffiths when Prestatyn broke down the middle.

John Hill Dunt in the visitors goal got down to block an Adam Orme effort, before he was beaten on 18 minutes following a shot by Williams which rebounded off a post and was seized on by Bowen who was then brought down in the area, leading to the award of a penalty which Rhys Griffiths duly despatched into the net.

The hosts then had a great chance of doubling the lead when Griffiths with a superb reverse pass sent Orme clear, but he delayed shooting and Dunt managed to get down and divert the danger around the post.

Williams volleyed over when he met a cross by Orme and then became the supplier, directing a ball into the middle which Griffiths just failed to reach with his head in front of goal.

Evans did well to bring off a saving tackle on John Fisher-Cooke as he was about to pull the trigger, and then at the other end, played in Bowen who elected to pass when a shot was on the cards and a defender cut it out.

Morris was called into action again, this time pushing away from the head of Ross Stephens when he seemed destined to meet a delivery into the middle by Griffiths, before Jordan Davies,who had come on in place of the injured Bowen, found Griffiths with a great cross, only for the striker`s header to rebound off the underside of the bar and out with Dunt beaten.

Prestatyn were having a far better second half, with Stephens forcing Morris into another fine save by turning over his well struck free kick from outside the box.

Slightly against the run of play, the home side extended their lead with ten minutes left following a superb pass from Griffiths which bisected the defence, allowing Williams to gain possession before slotting the chance beyond the goalkeeper.

This appeared to be the goal which would settle matters in the Reds favour, but just five minutes later, a terrible mix-up in the home goalmouth involving Morris, Stuart Jones and Antonio Corbisiero, led to the latter inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to give the visitors a glimmer of hope.

There was even worse to come from the home point of view, as in the fourth minute of stoppage time Gareth Wilson was found infield in acres of space and he struck a quite superb 25 yard shot low just inside the post to earn the visitors an unlikely share of the spoils.

MATCH STATS

LLANELLI:   Morris; C. Thomas; Giles; S. Jones ©; Corbisiero; Evans; Legg; Bowen (Davies, 58); Orme; Griffiths; Williams; Subs. not used; R. Jones; Jenkins; Batley; L. Jones.

GOAL CHART: Llanelli – Griffiths (P), 18; Williams, 80.  Prestatyn Town – Corbisiero (OG), 85;  Wilson, 90+4.

YELLOW CARDS:  Llanelli – Orme; Griffiths; S. Jones.  Prestatyn Town -  Davies; Edwards; Rogers; Gibson; Stephens.

LLANELLI MAN OF THE MATCH:  Ashley Evans.

REFEREE:  Mr. Darren Adie (Caldicot),

ATTENDANCEL  149.