Football: Owen brace fires Bethesda Athletic FC to win

Oct 1 2008 By Dave Jones

BETHESDA ATHLETIC 2 LLANRWST UNITED 1

WELSH ALLIANCE LEAGUE

TWO goals in three second half minutes from home striker Richard Owen turned the tables on a battling Llanrwst outfit and secured Bethesda a sixth straight Welsh Alliance win.

With defender Paul Dixon out injured, the experienced Nigel Barry moved to right-back and keeper David Clarke returned from suspension.

In a goal-less first half, strong defending from a Rwsters side weakened by suspensions and fielding a number of promising reserves, kept the score at 0-0.

Pesda came out determined to break the deadlock in the second period but it was United who struck first when Bryn Jenkins netted on 61 minutes.

Chris O’Neal side roused themselves and in the 73rd minute a cross from the right by Mike Lundstram was headed in by Owen.

Three minutes later Owen notched his 13th goal of the season – and it was unlucky in more ways than one for Llanrwst.

Darren Gowans crossed from the left, Owen’s shot was saved by the Llanrwst keeper, but from the rebound the striker forced the ball forwards and despite desperate efforts to clear it, the referee’s assistant ruled the ball had crossed the line.

Debutant Neil Hughes thought he had made it 3-1 in the dying seconds when he headed home but the referee had already blown for full- time.

"It was a scary game for us," admitted Pesda boss O’Neal. "Llanrwst promised when we beat them earlier in the season that they would turn us over at our place. They came to spoil the party and did a good job; we were a bit lucky to get the win but we persevered and made it six straight wins.

"We’re at Holywell next Saturday and will aim to make it seven."

O’Neal also revealed he has been charged with improper conduct following alleged remarks he made to the referee following Bethesda’s recent 4-1 Welsh Cup defeat at Tywyn- Bryncrug.

He will soon face a disciplinary hearing in Northop, but is also waiting to hear of the outcome of a written complaint Bethesda made over the performance of the referee.