PORTHMADOG missed out a Huws Gray Cup final berth with a narrow 1-0 home loss to league-leading Airbus Broughton at the semi-final stage.

Oli Lanceley’s sixth minute strike proved decisive as a resolute defensive display from the Wingmakers frustrated the hosts’ pursuit of a leveller.

Ifan Emlyn sent an early sighter over the Airbus bar after two minutes but it was visitors who went ahead via their first attack of the game.

Midfielder Brady McGilloway broke down the right and his deep cross to the back post was turned home by academy prospect Lanceley who got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble.

The home side responded well to the setback and came close to getting back on terms when Julian Williams crossed for Tomos Emlyn, whose effort from 12 yards was saved smartly by Dave Roberts.

Port keeper Paul Pritchard then had to touch Matty McGinn’s 20-yard free-kick over the bar, before Mike Sharples had a header cleared off the line for the home side.

At the other end, Asa Hamilton forced Pritchard into a good save at his near post and with half-time approaching Hamilton found space in the box but lifted his shot narrowly over the bar.

The second half saw Airbus close ranks and sit deep as Port laboured to break down a solid and well-organised defence.

The closest Port came to levelling came when Sion Edwards tried his luck from 30 yards with an effort that sailed narrowly wide of Roberts’ right-hand post.

As Port pushed forward in search of an equaliser the chances came for a second Airbus goal, as Hamilton fired narrowly over the bar and had a shot well saved by Pritchard, before Lanceley’s run on goal was snuffed out by Emlyn’s clearance tackle.

Port will be hoping for better luck when they return to Huws Gray Alliance action this Saturday at home to bottom side Holyhead Hotspur (2.30pm).