Caernarfon showed glimpses of the early season form that took them to sixth place in the table in this match, but also were affected by some of the old defensive frailties that have cost the team goals.
NEWI started the match well and drew first blood after only five minutes as Aden Shannon latched on to an excellent defence-splitting pass to lob Ian Willcock, stranded in no-man's land, from 25 yards.
Caernarfon regrouped and had long spells of possession but chances were at a premium. The first fell to James McIlvogue after 13 minutes when he stretched to attempt to convert a right-wing cross from Calvin Davies, but McIlvogue turned the ball wide of the post.
NEWI then had ten minutes of constant pressure, and as the home defence creaked, they nearly scored through Dan Desormeaux who struck the bar with an audacious effort from 20 yards, and his brother Joe Desormeaux also had an effort well held by Ian Willcock five minutes later. Soon after, however, Caernarfon were gifted a chance to equalise as John Main was penalised for handling a Wayne Phillps corner in the box. Top scorer McIlvogue stepped up to calmly beat Stuart McIntosh in the Druids goal.
Caernarfon looked a different side in the second half as they took the game to Druids, and they deservedly took the lead after 52 minutes as McGoona evaded Aled Rowlands' challenge to set up McIlvogue who calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing McIntosh.
The lead was further extended a minute later as Calvin Davies converted a Paul Roberts cross from the right wing, running in towards the near post and placing a clever shot past McIntosh at the far post. Caernarfon looked like scoring more goals at this point and a win seemed assured, but NEWI Cefn Druids clawed their way back into the game.
They pulled one back on the hour mark as Aden Shannon latched on to a mistake by Antrobus in defence and fired a low shot towards goal. Willcock got a touch to the shot and the ball crept in at the far post despite the efforts of Mick Maloney to keep it out.
NEWI then had their best spell of possession of the match as they chased the equaliser and Caernarfon looked nervous in defence, especially during the last ten minutes. The win was saved by Willcock in the 84th minute when he saved sub Roy Cardus's fierce shot, diving to his left to tip the ball past the far post.
Overall, Caernarfon played much better than of late and can consider the match a good night's work well done.
CAERNARFON: Willcock, Roberts, P, Maloney, Brandreth, Antrobus, Williams,L, Rodgers, Phillips, McIlvogue, Davies, C, McGoona. Subs: Kelly, Wilson, Moores.
Report by Geraint Jones
