CEFN 2
LLANFAIR 0
JUST two points separate Cefn and champions Llandyrnog at the end of a thrilling season.
Steve Hicklin’s charges took their tally of victories to a fine 15 with an expected home success versus Llanfair, but for long spells the high-flyers were held up by an inspired goalkeeping display.
“We deserved it on the whole, but their keeper had a heck of a game for them,” said Cefn’s Dilwyn Roberts.
Llanfair player-boss Roger Beech has seen his side improve over recent weeks and he said: “We did well (at Cefn) and we played really well.
“The lads worked really hard.”
It was goalless for much of the encounter, although Cefn always appeared to be on top.
“To be fair, Cefn had a lot of chances and a lot of play in the box,” added Beech.
However, Llanfair stood up to the most potent attack in the Summer League, with number one Steve Roberts in simply stunning form.
Roberts made a string of great saves in the first half to keep his side on level terms - and he was also at the top of his game during the second 45 minutes.
Pickings were few and far between in an attacking sense for Llanfair, with Ifan Roberts having one opportunity with a lob, while Guto Jones also had a sight of goal.
Llanfair’s undoing proved to be a pair of second half set-pieces.
“We fell asleep with two free kicks,” said Beech.
Cefn finally gained the lead midway through the second period when Jake Walker’s brilliant 35-yard free kick hit the net, via the underside of the crossbar.
They stretched their lead soon after when a quick free kick from Owain Roberts released Cefn man of the match Walker to score his 19th goal of the campaign.
“Overall, we worked hard and we made them work hard,” added Beech.
“We tried to play good football.”