In yet another superb performance from Llany they edged out their hosts with a gutsy and well organised defensive effort which was backed up by some clinical attacking play and a tireless work ethic from all the players that represented the team on this cold February afternoon. It marks the first time in the club’s history since reforming in 2011 that they have spent any time whatsoever at the top of the league.

Nathan Bartram made three changes from the side that edged out Newtown Wanderers last weekend as Mike Edwards, Sam Roberts returned and Ryan Leonard made his debut for the club following his arrival from Llynclys FC. Edwards started as striker with Callum Whyte and Grant Jones providing the width either side of him as part of a front three. Jack Roberts and Lee Rogers played in the centre of midfield, with Leonard deployed in defensive midfield. Luke Andrew continued at left back, with Sam Roberts at right back and Josh Hayward partnering Simon Botley in central defence as he captained the side in the absence of an ill Jamie Phillips. Luke Jones continued his recent run in the team in goal for the border side.

Llany started as they meant to go on by taking the kick off and forcing a corner within the first minute of the game as they signalled their attacking intent. They were able to dominate much of the play in the opening 20 minutes of the game as they probed for a way through a resolute looking Morda defence. There were a couple of half chances as Jones was played in on a couple of occasions and Edwards ran into the channels intelligently to stretch the defence, but clear cut chances were few and far between.

Jones was able to create one when his run and cross from the left hand side fell to the feet of Edwards, who was unable to get the connection he wished for on the ball and saw the goalkeeper save comfortably. He was in the action again soon after when he wriggled into some space about 25 yards out but could only drag his left footed effort wide of the post. Botley had a chance at the back post when a corner was headed on, but could only hit a tame effort straight at the man on the goal line, who cleared easily.

Morda were posing a threat themselves as they looked to get their two strikers involved early. It was when they got the ball into these two early on that they looked their best going forward as they moved Hayward and Botley out of position and allowed the intelligent runs of their midfielders to come into play. A couple of efforts from the edge of the penalty area flew harmlessly over and the closest they came was when a cross from the right wing was headed against the crossbar. The rebound caused a moment of panic in the box, but Sam Roberts was on hand to hack it clear.

Before half time came there was time for Jack Roberts to get to the near post ahead of the goalkeeper and force a brief scramble inside the six yard box, whilst Rogers was just unable to connect with a cross at the back post after he had begun a move near the halfway line. Whyte tested the goalkeeper with a free kick and Llany were grateful for a good end to the half after Morda had dominated possession after Llany’s initial good start.

Llany got the second half off to the perfect start when they scored thanks to a familiar sight in Llany games. Botley nodded a defensive header out to Jack Roberts, who touched the ball to Jones in the right back position. There was no danger at this point, with Llany in possession of the ball 20 yards into their own half, but then Jones was off and running. It was a ridiculous run, controlling the ball whilst running at full speed and beating man after man as he charged down the right wing. He made his way to the touch line, but still wasn’t finished as he continued parallel to it before sending in a low delivery across the face of goal. Edwards was on hand at the back post to gratefully take the chance and finish into the bottom corner for his first goal since October, albeit in only his second game since then.

Jones was off and running soon after but Morda had learned their lesson and he was crudely scythed down for a free kick 30 yards from goal, which Jack Roberts blasted wide. Roberts went close soon after when he beat the goalkeeper to a header from a corner but was unable to direct it into the goal before it was cleared from danger.

Morda were never out of the game and Llany had their goalkeeper Luke Jones to thank on numerous occasions as he continually charged out of his penalty area to clear any balls over the top and ease the pressure on his defenders. On top of this he made two commanding punches from dangerous looking crosses and capped off his man of the match display with three top quality saves to keep the hosts at bay. All three came when the Morda attackers peeled into space around the edge of the penalty area and fired early drives across the face of goal. One was tipped around the post for a corner and the other two had the sting taken off them before he collected the loose balls.

Morda also missed the target with a header when well placed and failed to test Jones on a few other occasions as the hustling and harrying from the midfield three and the mopping up from the defenders behind them restricted them to long range half chances.

The game was still well in the balance at that point though and it wasn’t until just minutes from the end that Llany were able to seal one of their biggest ever victories. With Morda pushing forward in search of an equaliser they left themselves exposed at the back, so when a loose ball broke to Grant Jones in the middle of the pitch he was able to charge in on goal unopposed for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He tried to push the ball to the right, but the Morda man was able to get an arm to it on the edge of the penalty area, but could only touch it into the path of substitute Scott Jones who steered the ball into the empty net and sparked wild celebrations from his teammates.

There was still time for a Morda substitute to stab an effort wide of the near post and another player to go into the referee’s book, but Llany were able to see out the game comfortably enough and record a historic victory. The moment was enjoyed by everybody connected with the club, but there are no illusions over the amount of work still to be done. There are still plenty of games left to be played and Morda are still the favourites to win the league as it is still in their hands. However, it was a win that helped Llany’s promotion chances no end and gave them even more of a boost for the final months of the season as they turn their attention to the next game.

Llanymynech Football Club

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