Penmaenmawr Phoenix made it back-to-back league wins with a hard-earned 2–0 victory over Broughton United at Cae Sling. A goal in each half from James Hobson settled a game in which the visitors had chances of their own, while Phoenix created enough to merit the three points.
First half
Broughton threatened early, but Anthony Marshall recovered to cut out a dangerous ball before the visitors could turn it into a clear chance. At the other end, Jay Sutton kept the goalkeeper busy: one delivery flashed across goal without a Phoenix touch, and a later effort drew a good save.
Phoenix had Ryan Vaughan to thank for keeping the scores level when a Broughton attacker appeared set to break through. Vaughan timed his sliding challenge well and denied what looked like a promising opportunity.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. Lee Craven sent in an inviting cross, and Hobson met it with a composed finish, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the corner.
Sutton soon created another opening, clipping a ball in that Hobson could not quite reach. Broughton responded with one of the half’s best chances when their number nine lifted an attempt over Cameron Darling, only for the ball to strike the crossbar.
Just before the interval, Dean Wright delivered a fine ball that Dan Evans flicked on towards Hobson. A determined challenge from a Broughton defender prevented the forward from doubling his tally, leaving Phoenix 1–0 ahead at half-time.
Second half
Phoenix started the second half brightly. Marshall struck a long-range effort just wide, before Craven’s free-kick was met by Evans, whose flick also missed the target by a narrow margin. The hosts continued to press for a second, but Broughton remained within one goal of a way back into the contest.
Phoenix finally found the cushion their efforts deserved in the 62nd minute. Liam Griffiths delivered a deep cross and Hobson rose to head home, completing his brace and making it 2–0.
Matty Robinson replaced Evans in the 70th minute. Phoenix continued to create chances, with Hobson sending an effort straight at the goalkeeper after another Sutton delivery. Riley Keating later came on for Wright and was soon involved in a near miss: Sutton lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, but a defender cleared before it crossed the line. The loose ball reached Keating, who made room to shoot and sent his effort just wide.
Kaydan Williams-Squires replaced Hobson in the 86th minute. Broughton still had a late chance to unsettle Phoenix, but after a touch carried their attacker wide, Darling recovered to make the save and preserve the clean sheet.
Looking ahead
Hobson’s two finishes made the difference, while the work at the other end ensured Phoenix secured all three points. The win lifted the Penmen to third in the table at the end of the day, although sides around them still have games in hand. Attention now turns to the cup tie against Mynydd Isa.
