Juniors win close match!

Finally Arriva and the Juniors played their 2nd round match of the Elias Cup after a number of cancellations through December and January. Arriva were first to find their feet and got their passing game going well and from a right crossfield centre Dylan Roberts slotted home well on 4 minutes. On 7 minutes Rowlands went close for the Juniors as he fired just wide. The Juniors tried to get their game going but Arriva had the upper hand until the Juniors changed formation then Allaway had better support and had a couple of efforts just off target. Then from a cross Arriva gave a penalty away for hand ball and Allaway fired home to equalize on 14 minutes. The Juniors for a while attacked without creating chances. On 20 minutes Arwel Griffiths had a bad injury dislocating his shoulder after an aerial challenge and run as both players fell heavily on the synthetic surface. However on the restart both teams strove for a break but both defences held firm as it became a midfield battle for supremacy. Half Time 1v1. The second half started as the first with Arriva on the front foot however the Juniors then became stronger and on 58 minutes Gareth Hughes had a long range shot on goal which brushed a defender and nestled in the net. The Juniors battled hard in midfield with Owain Rowlands having his best match yet for the Juniors. The match ebbed and flowed with both teams having half chances but not creating a clear cut chance. With ten minutes left Arriva had a couple of opportunities to equalize which were spurned. Allaway for the Juniors also had an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt but missed the chance. Both teams strove hard in a sporting match to gain a result but the Juniors crossed the line as winners this time ,as Arriva had beaten them in two previous cup ties. Both midfields shone in this match however the Juniors with Owain Rowlands had the man of the match. As for Arwel Griffiths he thanks both teams for his care and attention both on and off the field and the swift attention at Ysbyty Gwynedd which has got him on the road to recovery.