Two late goals by Andrew Davies for Caersws snatched a victory that had appeared to be Port's, when Mark Williams headed them into a 79th minute lead. This was a game played at a rather frantic pace throughout and in a swirling wind it all became something of a lottery.
From the start it seemed likely that there would be goals as neither defence inspired confidence. Indeed Port conceded an early goal, which has been the case for the third consecutive game, and was the result of some poor defensive marking.
After only three minutes Graham Evans received a Christmas bonus when he rose unmarked to head Dylan McPhee's free-kick over Gerard McGuigan and into the visitors' net. McPhee was again involved after six minutes, shooting just wide after a good cross by Venables who had burst past Ritchie Owen on the right.
Port, however got themselves back into this end to end game, after 15 minutes, when an excellent long cross from the left, by Carl Owen, found Mark Williams on the back post and the striker's header looped over Mulliner and into the net.
This completed the scoring in the opening half but there were chances at both ends. Gareth Parry was just off target, for Port, after Gareth Caughter had flicked on Mark Williams' left wing cross. While at the visitors' end Dafydd Evans had to clear off the line after McGuigan had dropped a McPhee corner from the left. Later McGuigan saved well from Mark Howells and again from the busy Dylan McPhee.
In the second period the early chances fell to Caersws. A useful 30 yard effort by Andrew Davies, following a corner on the right, sailed just over. Graham Evans was also off target after Emrys Williams had failed to clear.
Just after the hour mark it took a brilliant point blank save by McGuigan to keep out Graham Evans and Andy Marfell spurned a good heading chance from a cross from the right. Port were still in the game and began to strike back though relying too much on the long balls for Mark Williams to hold up and neglecting the passing game through midfield which has previously served them well.
The introduction of Steve Pugh on the right pleased the visiting supporters and soon brought more variety into the attack. Following a couple of pacy runs to suggest that he would be a threat Pugh burst past Howells and reached the bye-line before crossing a fine near post cross for Mark Williams to place a perfect header past Mulliner. This 79th minute goal was the best of the five goals. The visitors had got their noses in front but their defence was not oozing with confidence and the home side threw everything in to attack.
With only six minutes left McGuigan leaped up to palm out Marfell's cross but in the crowded penalty area Andrew Davies reacted first and Port just failed to scramble out his shot on goal with the linesman confirming that the ball had crossed the line. More was to come and once again, with time running out, it was Andrew Davies who took his opportunity to find the net in a crowded box. Caersws had snatched a victory in game that could easily have gone either way. There was time for a couple more Caersws corners and a 30 yard effort from Gareth Caughter which flew past Mulliner's post.
Caersws were pleased to gain their first home league victory of the season while Port will feel disappointed to have thrown a winning lead with just six minutes to go. An exciting end to end game but one that cried out for a player who could slow the game down and give the attacks more purpose and direction. It was all too frenetic with few players prepared to hold the ball and create.
Caersws: Mulliner, Andrew Thomas, Mark Howells, Colin Reynolds, Hugh Clarke, Dylan McPhee, Chris Venables, Andy Marfell, Graham Evans, Graham Jones, Andrew Davies. Subs: Jamie Davies, Mark Probert, Alan Williams.
Port: Gerard McGuigan, John G. Jones, Emrys Williams, Danny Hughes, Mike Foster (Lee Webber), Gareth Caughter, Gareth Parry, Dafydd Evans, Ritchie Owen (Steve Pugh), Mark Williams, Carl Owen (Tony Williams).
Report by Gareth Williams
