Ardal North West – Denbigh Town top but CPD Y Rhyl 1879 are hot on their heels

Lock Stock Ardal North West reports – August 26/27

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 4 CPD Y Felinheli 0

Report and photo (main image at head of article): Shôn Hughes

Rhyl 1879 will take a break from league action this Saturday when they visit fellow tier 3 Ardal North West side Bodedern Athletic in the latest round of the FAW Amateur Trophy.

Gareth Thomas’ men made it six straight wins in all competitions this season when they beat CPD Y Felinheli 4-0 at Belle Vue last weekend.

However, only an own goal separated the teams until the 87th minute.

The whites remain the only team in their division with a 100 percent record.

Rhyl took an 18th minute lead when Chris Bennett’s corner from the right was headed into his own net by Ryan Cain.

And that was the end of the scoring until the hosts added three very late strikes.

Towards the end of the first half, Felinheli pushed for an equaliser, Iwan Owen seeing his close-range shot blocked superbly by Miles Todd, Gavin Lloyd-Jones then firing over following a great move.

On the hour home manager Thomas brought on Jack Higgins and Sam Kersh for Macauley Taylor and Aaron White respectively.

This would change the game almost instantly as from his introduction Higgins caused havoc in midfield.

On 69 minutes he was denied his first goal for 1879 twice as Felinheli keeper Guto Hughes produced two amazing saves from close range.

Finally, 1879 scored a second, Alex Jones with the great ball in that was headed low and hard by Higgins past Hughes.

Higgins would then turn provider, a sublime pass releasing Alex Jones, who fired first time into the back of the net.

Before the end, Alex Jones struck again, heading in a Tom Cain corner.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Ryan Roberts, Chris Bennett, Sion Williams, James Jones, Jordan Worthington, Miles Todd, Aaron White, Alex Jones, Macauley Taylor, Kieran Ellis, Elliot Evans. Subs Tom Cain, Sam Kersh, Jack Higgins, Warren Adam
CPD Y Felinheli
Guto Hughes, Ifan Jones, Ryan Cain, Connor Japheth, Ifan Emyr, Dylan Jones, Tomos Davies, Iwan Owen, Gavin Lloyd-Jones, Iwan Edwards, Ifan Stead. Subs Rhys Edwards (GK), Gruff John, Aled Griffith, Steffan Williams, Aled Hughes

Bangor 1876 2 Llay Welfare 2

Report: Jonathan Ervine; photo: Matt Johnson

Corrig McGonigle’s 15th and 16th goals of the season rescued a point for 1876 against the ultra-tough Llay Welfare.

The match got off to a lively start with McGonigle hitting the outside of the post inside the first 10 seconds.

Sion Edwards, Tom Clarke and Joe Culshaw all went close, the latter’s shot well saved by Llay keeper Owen Raynor.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead after 20 minutes when Rhys Lloyd got on the end of a pass from Matthew Worrall and lobbed into the net.

Bangor almost got back on terms when Raynor fumbled a free-kick from Edwards, but the keeper managed to push the ball out for a corner.

1876 talisman Les Davies then made a decisive intervention inside his own box when he headed an inswinging corner off the line.

Despite Bangor creating several chances in the closing stages, Welfare doubled their advantage in the final minute of the half. Following a corner, a deflected long range shot from Josh Phillips beat Huw Shaw.

Half-time: 0-2

With 20 minutes left, Bangor 1876 got right back into the game when a cross from Edwards was headed in by McGonigle. Within minutes, scores were level when McGonigle curled in a free-kick from 20 yards.

In an exciting finish, Clarke and Cameron Barry went close for the hosts.

Deep into injury time, Llay’s Worrall swung in a free-kick from the left that was parried by Shaw and then cleared off the line by Davies.

Denbigh Town 2 Bodedern Athletic 0

Report: Iwan Jones; Photographs: Roy Gunther/Stephen Whitfield

Nathan Brown and Paul Fleming found the net in a scrappy encounter where the result ensured Denbigh finished the weekend top of Ardal North West on goal difference.

Before the game a minute’s silence was impeccably observed by players and supporters of both teams in memory of former Denbigh Town FC committee member David Gerald Williams, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.

He was the father of club president Clwyd Williams. The club’s condolences go to Clwyd and all his family and friends at this sad time.

Denbigh’s early pressure paid off on 10 minutes when Brown received the ball just outside the penalty box. The skillful youngster made time for himself and coolly bent a left-foot shot past keeper Carl Jones.

Sam Haddon almost added a second when his curling right foot shot clipped the outside of the post.

The second half saw a straight swap with Chris Wright taking Denbigh’s gloves from keeper Aaron Jones.

Within three minutes of the restart Denbigh had doubled their lead.

Haddon broke the Bodedern defensive line and released Brown, whose first time shot was parried by Jones into the path of Fleming and Denbigh’s captain was able to slot home from close range.

On 60 minutes came a substitution for Denbigh with Mark Roberts returning to the team in place of Harry Lockley.

Roberts had retired from the game at the end of last season, but with Denbigh’s numbers depleted through injury and unavailability he responded to manager Dewi Llion’s call for help by volunteering to step up.

And master marksman Roberts was unlucky not to score when his shot was saved by Jones.

Hawarden Rangers 1 Llanrwst United 2

Sam Jones struck at the double on 19 and 38 minutes to earn Llanrwst three superb points at Hawarden.

James Ratcliffe replied for Rangers from the penalty spot.

Llandudno Albion 2 Brickfield Rangers 3

Early dark horses Brickfield made it four wins in five with a cracking result at Llandudno.

Andy Vale found the net twice for the Wrexham side before Elson Bassangue plundered an 85th minute decider for the visitors.

Dave Maddock and Joe Carey hit back for the Albion,

Nantlle Vale 0 Flint Mountain 2

Leaders Nantlle Vale were rocked by a fine display from league newcomers Flint Mountain at Maes Dulyn.

Sam Molyneux and Kyle Smyth scored on 35 and 41 minutes respectively for Aden Shannon’s side, who had Calyn Spencer red-carded after 63.

Saltney Town 1 Rhydymwyn 1

A fine point for early-season strugglers Rhydymwyn, who led through Iwan Rogers’ 20th minute goal.

Leon Flatman’s 82nd minute equaliser rescued a point for the Bordermen.