Knighton suffer cruel late blows in play-off defeat

Knighton Town's dreams of reaching JD Cymru North finally ended following a 3-0 defeat to Porthmadog in the Lock Stock Ardal Northern League promotion play-off at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue.

Having picked up the Radnorshire Cup and got into the latter stages of the League Cup - Harry Stokes’ side secured a play-off spot on the last day of the season, as they hunted back to back promotions.

Victory would have seen Knighton move to their highest position since the early 1990s.

The Radnor Robins had the first opportunity of the game with Sam Hoyle firing a 30 yard effort over the crossbar in the fifth minute.

Porthmadog responded eight minutes later with Rhys Williams testing Ben Davies, before former Newtown forward Luke Boundford was denied by Port custodian Josh Cooke from a tight angle.

Gruff John's 25 yard free-kick fizzed narrowly over the crossbar two minutes later, before Knighton had a big chance on the half hour mark.

Kieran Dovey broke into the penalty area but his low cross was deflected wide of the far post by Taylor Wozencraft.

The Knighton striker was in amongst the action again soon after, before he gave the ball away which almost led to a decent Port chance, but John was unable to keep his shot down from 25 yards out.

The Radnor Robins more than held their own against the former top-flight club but went behind three minutes before the interval.

Shane Sutton was judged to have fouled Williams in the box with Osian Evans stepping up to fire the North Wales side in front from the spot.

They almost went two ahead in first half stoppage time but Evans volleyed over from a good position.

Knighton almost got back on level terms before the break as Adam Worton’s free kick found Callum Stead - but he saw his header save.

Knighton were still bang in the game and were looking dangerous as Stead dragged an effort just wide.

Both sides were having openings with Evans looking dangerous for Port, as he saw a shot parried away by Davies.

The Radnorshire club again threatened when Dovey’s free kick was punched away - while Worton headed over from a corner.

Knighton were pushing and having the better of the chances but as they went in search of an equaliser - they left the back door open with ten minutes remaining.

Port worked the ball to Danny Brockwell and the former Cymru Premier forward fired low past Davies from 20 yards - to all but kill the contest.

However, Knighton didn’t give it up as Boundford fired wide of the target from close range.

It was a frantic finish with Port having penalty claims waved away - before the third goal arrived as Port held off any faint Knighton hopes.

Evans was at it again as he broke into the penalty area and struck home with a low shot.

Knighton still keep pushing for a consolation but it wasn’t to arrive with Portmadog, a former Cymru Premier club, returned to the second tier of Welsh football.

For Knighton, they were left to reflect on a superb campaign in the third tier of Welsh football - as they look to mount another promotion push next season in the Ardal North East League.

They will be instilled as one of the favourites to go on and achieve promotion next season - with Llanuwchllyn having gone up as champions.