Veterans football: Ruthin come out on top in a well-contested Vale of Clwyd derby

Ruthin Town Vets 4 (Beech, Porter, Hughes, MacCarter)
Denbigh Vets 1 (Vernon pen)

The third and last game for Ruthin Vets in the North Wales East return to football pilot scheme ended in a comfortable win.

Having suffered defeats in their opening two games, Ruthin were determined to end with a victory against fierce Vale of Clwyd rivals Denbigh.

Ruthin took the game to the visitors from the off and had plenty of possession but did not really test Denbigh’s stand in keeper – their usual glovesman was injured in the warm up.

The breakthrough finally came in the 25th minute when a crossfield ball found Dan Porter in the Denbigh box where we was scythed down by the full back.

Roger Beech stood up to take the penalty which was saved low by the keeper; however the ball bounced back to Beech who made no mistake on the second attempt.

Ruthin had further chances to increase the lead before the break but Denbigh stood firm.

Half-time: 1-0

It only took around five minutes into the second half for Ruthin to increase their lead.

Following a short corner routine the ball was crossed in, and with Ian Evans causing panic in the Denbigh defence, Porter had the simple job of tapping the ball home.

Denbigh got a goal back in the 65th minute when Dewi Jones was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by Ruthin keeper Steve Roberts. Stu Vernon stepped up to slot home the penalty.

Ruthin regained their two-goal almost immediately. After a jinxing run in the Denbigh box Ian Evans found Elgan Hughes who fired the ball into the net from 12 yards.

Another goal soon followed when Dave MacCarter was quickest to react after Will Endaf’s shot was parried.

More goals could and maybe should have come Ruthin’s way, but it was a much better performance this week.

The team showed good discipline, were strong defensively and moved the ball well on a really heavy pitch.

Despite it being a local derby, the game was played in good spirits with both teams going at it till the end; however, bragging rights remain in Ruthin this time.