Seven red cards, 10 yellows and a mass brawl – we won’t forget this one in a hurry!

ARDAL NORTH WEST – OCTOBER 22, 2022

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1 (A Jones 20)
Bangor 1876 2 (Morris 23, McGonigle 78)

Seven red cards, 10 yellows and mass punch-up right at the end – the first ever competitive match between Rhyl 1879 and Bangor 1876 will not be forgotten.

It was not all about the aggro. The football was fiercely competitive between two sides which gave it their all, but there were also plenty of quality moments on show.

However, an unsightly brawl near the final whistle involving players and officials from both sides which was caught by a TV camera could end up landing the clubs in hot water.

Although numerous bad challenges were thrown around in the first half, referee Gareth Webb showed just two yellow cards.

Bangor defender Corey Jones headed against the bar early on, but it was Rhyl who took a 20th minute lead.

Jonny Taylor was brought down just inside the box, and although Alex Jones’ penalty was kept out by Huw Shaw, the taker was following up to convert the rebound.

Bangor were level three minutes later. Liam Morris flicked the ball past out-rushing keeper Ryan Roberts, but looked to have been forced too wide to score.

However, Morris worked the ball onto his left foot, and was allowed space to cut inside and drill in the equaliser.

The visitors suffered a blow when keeper Shaw had to leave the field on a stretcher after a collision with Jonny Taylor. Left-back Kian Owen took over between the sticks and produced a great stop to deny Macauley Taylor before the break.

At the other end, Roberts saved brilliantly from Les Davies and Gethin Thomas.

HALF-TIME: 1-1

After the break, most of the chances fell Bangor’s way, but in the 73rd minute came a flashpoint.

On the advice of an assistant, referee Webb ordered 1879 manager Gareth Thomas to leave the bench for apparent dissent.

Five minutes later, Morris sent in a sublime cross from the left and top-scorer Corrig McGonigle, who had been kept very quiet all game, sent a superb header over Roberts and into the net for his 28th goal of the season.

In the 84th minute the second red card was shown, Rhyl defender Miles Todd receiving his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident near the corner flag.

The game was in its fourth minute of added time at the end of the 90 when trouble erupted after Rhyl were awarded a corner.

Plastic bottles appeared to be thrown from the crowd at 1876 defender Tom Clarke while he was on the floor following a challenge.

Before the corner could be taken, several fights broke out and numerous punches were thrown.

The referee blew what he later confirmed was the final whistle and firstly showed red cards to Alex Jones and Clarke.

Rhyl subs Jack Higgins and Aaron White also saw red, as did 1876’s Corey Jones.

It was an unsavoury end to what had been quite an entertaining game. The consequences of today’s events are now awaited.