North Wales Coast West – derby victory edges 1879 ever closer to league title

NORTH WALES COAST EAST PREMIER DIVISION REPORT – APRIL 27

Prestatyn Sports 0
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2 (Walsh 26, Lamb 61)

Undefeated 1879 moved to within one win of the Premier Division title after tonight’s hard-fought victory at The Meadows.

The dismissal of Sports midfielder James Harper near half time following a challenge by the right touchline swung the contest majorly in Rhyl’s favour.

However, even with 10 against 11, the game was far from one-sided with the hosts proving they are worthy of the lofty position they have held all season.

Sports created a great early opportunity when Tom Wickerson crossed from the right, but Mike Jones, who had more time than he probably thought, volleyed straight at keeper Ryan Roberts.

The visitors went in front on 26 minutes with a truly cracking effort.

After winning a free-kick just outside the box, Mike Walsh curled an absolute beauty around the wall and inside the right-hand post for 1-0.

Macauley Taylor had a big chance for a second, but his mishit effort from close range caused no problem for keeper Ryan Jones.

Then came the turning point. In the 45th minute, Harper committed a foul down the right and referee Mark Petch may well have been influenced by the loud reaction of supporters as he showed the Sports man a red card.

Although a man down for the second half, the hosts competed really well, but most of the attacking came from the visitors.

In the 61st minute a great corner from the left saw Carl Lamb jump highest to head in his 32nd goal of the season.

Taylor was denied by a fine Jones stop as Rhyl pressed for a third, but Sports were never overrun.