MATCH REPORT | Porthmadog 0-1 Gresford Athletic | 2023/24 JD Cymru North, Matchday 23

Gresford Athletic earned three crucial points through Charley Edge's late free-kick away against Porthmadog on matchday 23 of the 2023/24 JD Cymru North on Saturday.

The first half was a quiet affair, with nothing much to split the two sides.

Porthmadog claimed the first major chance of the game, with Jake Jones' header bouncing off the woodwork in the 22nd minute, but not finding the back of the net.

In the 30th minute, Porthmadog goalkeeper Oliver Farebrother made a great save to deny a Gresford Athletic effort, keeping the score level.

The half time whistle blew after what was a scrappy first 45 minutes, with both teams looking to find the opener in the second half.

The second half started with plenty of end-to-end action, with Gresford Athletic coming close to find the lead in the 63rd minute, but Porthmadog clear it off the line to keep the scoreline goalless.

Into the last 10 minutes, the game was looking like it would end in a stalemate until Gresford Athletic were awarded a free-kick in the 87th minute. Charley Edge stepped up and fired the ball into the top corner, giving The Colliers a late advantage and an potentially important victory.

Gresford Athletic did manage to hold onto the lead and earned a deserved three points following a battling performance, with the free-kick cementing the points on the board.

Jordan Pownall was voted as Gresford Athletic Man of the Match after a great performance in midfield to help secure the win.

Porthmadog

Starting XI: Farebrother (GK), J. Jones, T. Williams, N. Williams, Banks, Evans, Owen-Ford (Thomas - 70'), R. Jones (McMillan - 90'), R. Williams, C. Jones, Brookwell

Yellow cards: R. Williams

Subs not used: Pike, Gittins, Hughes, Puw

Gresford Athletic

Starting XI: Dutton (GK), Johnson, Hesp, Williams, Buxton (Mann - 45+2'), Griffiths (C), Pownall, Edge, Gallagher-Keenan, Deacon (Mannion - 64'), Ozlu

Goalscorers: Edge

Subs not used: J. Smith, Chaplin, Bennett, Roberts

Match Officials

Referee: Andy Harms

Assistant Referees: Martin Roberts, Peter Owen