Testimonial match for football great Derry Morris will raise funds for a very special cause
One of the finest strikers to kick or head a ball in the Vale of Clwyd has a special testimonial game coming up this weekend.
Llandyrnog United 90’s Legends take on Denbigh Town 90’s Legends at Cae Nant in honour of a man who has represented both clubs with great distinction – the evergreen DERRY MORRIS.
At the age of 55 most footballers have long said goodbye to their competitive careers, but Derry was still going strong in tier 4 at the end of last season with Llandyrnog.
This Bank Holiday Sunday, August 28, some of Dyrny’s finest stars of the 1990’s meet numerous ex-Denbigh greats from the same decade at Llandyrnog’s home ground, kick off 12.30 pm.
Managers on the day will be Russ Pierce for Llandyrnog and Denbigh will be led by Bill Dawson. Both men were in charge of the clubs during very successful spells in their histories.
Derry’s chosen charity to benefit from the day will be PROSTATE CANCER UK.
All players involved will give £20 to the cause and supporters in attendance are also asked to donate generously.
The current Llandyrnog players confirmed are:
Andy “Ginge” Evans
Azzi Hughes
Gwynfor Evans
Darren Williams
Paul Williams
Mel Evans
Keith Humphries
Hefin Davies
Nathan Jones
Arwyn Bimbo
Medwyn Jones
Bryn Evans
Garry Evans
Willie Hebson
Gerald Taylor
Neil Jones (Bugsy)
Berwyn Jones
Alan Vaughan
Arfon Griffiths
Derry Morris
Barry Williams
Denbigh Town
Paul Jones (keepers)
Mike James
John Jones
Steve Hurst
Davie Calvert
Peter O’Brien
Vinny Hayes
Ally Jones
Shaun Kelly
Kevin Jones (Bones)
Rich Bartley
Tom Mutton
Mark Lewis
Stu Clarke
Craig Kelly
Ian Clayton
David Webster
Plus possibly be others to be confirmed
The Main Man – Derry Morris
Born: June 19, 1967
Teams played for
Trefnant (Summer League)
Trefnant Village (Clwyd League)
Flint Town United (League of Wales)
Ruthin Town (Cymru Alliance)
Denbigh Town (Cymru Alliance)
Bethesda
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Rhewl Vets
Denbigh Vets
Llandyrnog United
Although playing as a defender in his latter years, Derry originally made his name as a centre forward.
His tremendous heading ability made him a real danger at set pieces, while his strength and skills on the ball probably placed him in the Mark Hughes mold.
A player with an excellent temperament, his overall goals tally is unknown, but one of the most important came in the 1991-92 President’s Cup Final.
Playing at Central Park, Denbigh Town, Derry was representing Llandyrnog against arch rivals of the time St Asaph.
In the final minute, the striker received the ball wide left, near the dressing rooms and curled an absolute beauty into the net to win the cup.
Derry struck it so well, he turned to celebrate with the crowd before the ball even hit the target. That goal typified the fact that Derry had a variety of finishes in his arsenal – not just from inside the box.
Sunday’s match will pay tribute to a very special player and it is hoped the weather, turnout and football on show will befit the occasion.