Port started the game well against a Caersws side whose late run has taken them into the top five. In the sixth minute a good passing movement enabled them them get their noses in front. Dafydd Evans struck a fine ball inside the back for Steve Pugh to race on to and the winger made ground to the bye-line before placing a perfect cross for Graham Austin to head home his first goal since joining the club. Caersws almost struck back immediately as Graham Evans stole behind the defence but for once his strike was wayward.
As Port dropped back to protect their lead they conceded the centre field to the visitors who now pressed forward in search of an equaliser. A Venables corner from the left was cleared off the line by Pugh and this was followed by a shot wide of the mark by Jamie Davies after good work by Andrew Davies.
McGuigan was then called upon to make the first of several fine saves when with a one handed diving save he kept out Graham Evans at close range. Soon Foster had to head off his line following a Kevin Scott free-kick. The home side were defending too deeply and failing to close down in midfield.
McGuigan was in action again reacting quickly to keep out a Graham Evans flick. Port were now confined to the occasional break as when Mark Williams supplied Ritchie Owen whose shot was just off target. The almost inevitable equaliser came just three minutes before the interval. Venables whipped a powerful corner which was deflected at the near post straight into the path of central defender Hugh Clarke who had the simplest of tasks to head home from close range.
In the second-half both sides enjoyed periods of pressure. The visitors started well but McGuigan kept Port on level terms with a superb 54th minute reflex save to keep out Andrew Davies. Caersws deservedly went ahead after 61 mins when Venables beat McGuigan to the ball on the right of the box before making a quick transfer for Andrew Davies to shoot into the empty goal. Port did not allow their heads to go down and with the introduction of Gareth Parry and Tony Williams making a difference they pushed forward. Good build up work by Gareth Caughter and Gareth Parry allowed Tony Williams to get to the bye-line but there was no one to exert a finishing touch to his low cross. As Port pushed forward Caersws took advantage to counter-attackand though McGuigan pulled off another fine save from Andrew Davies it was Graham Evans who was on hand to score his 22nd goal of the season after 76 mins.
Port continued to push forward with the visitors beginning to show cracks at the back. Gareth Parry caught Mulliner by surprise but could not get enough power on his header. The introduction of Cambell Harrison brought back memories of his wonder goal at Colwyn Bay. He scored on this occasion too, but this time it was a close range effort. Tony Williams chipped the ball over a static Caersws defence and Mulliner was faced with three home attackers bearing down on him but it was Harrison who steered the ball into the net. Though Port were second best overall they continued to pressurise but the equaliser eluded them.
All in all a good game with both sides attempting to play football. Port missed out once more by the odd goal. Caersws are certainly one of the best sides to visit the Traeth this season and had they started the season as they are finishing then maybe TNS and Rhyl would have been given a run for their money.
Port: McGuigan, John G Jones, Ryan Davies, Lee Webber, Mike Foster, Steve Pugh (C Harrison), Dafydd Evans, Gareth Caughter, Ritchie Owen (Tony Williams), Graham Austin (Gareth Parry), Mark Williams.
Caersws: ,Mulliner, Probert, Scott, Reynolds, Clarke, Howells, Venables, Jamie Davies, Graham Evans, Graham Jones, Andrew Davies.Subs: McPhee, Mark Lewis, David Jones.
Report by: Gareth Williams
