Jonny Taylor’s 86th minute goal ensured Rhyl grabbed the dramatic late victory which keeps them top of Ardal North West entering 2023.
Despite being decimated by suspensions and injuries during December, Gareth Thomas’ side scrapped out three wins which keeps them at the summit going into January.
Saturday’s visitors Llanrwst had not played in five weeks and lost their previous two games 1-0, but with a very experienced, well-drilled team they were looking to upset 1879 from the off.
The Rwsters took control in the early stages. With a man spare in midfield it would take some great defending by Reece Fairhurst, Miles Todd and just ahead of them Dan Sim to keep the visitors at bay.
As it was evident United were getting the upper hand, manager Thomas moved quickly and made a tactical switch bringing Sion Williams into midfield from left back mid-way through the first half. This was a very positive move and made the game more even.
However, it remained 0-0 up to half time, with 1879 having struggled to create chances.
The second half started better for the hosts. Seconds after the restart a speculative ball by right back Chris Bennett from 35 yards out was going in at the far post only for Gwydion Owen to pull off a great save.
Bizarrely the ball went out but a goal kick was given – not the only odd decision by the ref during the game.
With an hour played Thomas brought Jack Higgins on for Aaron White. Higgins would have an instant effect, playing just in front of Sion Williams and Sim.
Llanrwst had problems dealing with him, and after being on the pitch less than a minute, he went closest to opening the scoring.
Taylor cut inside on the right, picked Higgins out, only for him to pull his shot just wide.
On 67 minutes, the Conwy Valley visitors were reduced to 10 men when Sam Thomas received a second yellow card.
As the pressure built from Rhyl, the home fans would finally see the ball in the back of the net on 75 minutes.
Kieran Ellis’ long throw from the left was headed out by the Rwsters defence, but Higgins was there to smash the ball through the packed box and into the back of the net.
As the players went off to celebrate, the referee signalled for offside despite no flag of response from the linesman.
The pressure would continue from the home team, Jonny Taylor whipping one just past the far post.
Then with four minutes left – the winner.
A stunning counter attack saw Higgins cut the ball back to the hard-working Jonny Taylor 30 yards from goal. He opened up and fired the ball past keeper Owen, this time there was nothing that could stop him from running off celebrating.
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Luke Wilmot, Chris Bennett, Sion Williams, Miles Todd, Reece Fairhurst (C), Dan Sim, Aaron White, Jack Davies, Kieran Ellis, Jonny Taylor, Macauley Taylor. Subs: Ollie Staveley, Jack Higgins, Warren Adam.
Llanrwst United
Gwydion Owen, Chris Nicolson, Gruffudd Ap Gwyndaf, Chris Beardmore, Cynan Edwards, Sam Thomas, Tom Jones (C), Leon Doran, Adam Noble, Leighton Griffiths, Sion Roberts. Subs – Gruffudd Evans, Sam Jones, Alun Roberts, Ashley Seddon, Matt Mullender.
Played: 29
Won: 25
Drawn: 2
Lost: 2
Points 77 (out of 87)
GOALS SCORED 106
GOALS CONCEDED 19
SCORERS: Kieran Ellis 22, Carl Lamb 15, Macauley Taylor 13
Jan 8: Penmaenmawr Phoenix (home) W 8-0
Jan 22: Llandudno Junction (away) W 6-0
Jan 29: Llannefydd (home) D 1-1
Feb 12: Llanfairfechan Town (home) W 6-0
Feb 26: Prestatyn Sports (home) W 4-0
Mar 19: Mochdre Sports (away) W 2-1
Mar 26: Meliden (away) W 4-0
Apr 9: Kinmel Bay (away) W 7-0
Apr 16: Glan Conwy (home) W 3-0
Apr 23: Llandyrnog United (away) W 4-1
Apr 27: Prestatyn Sports (away) W 2-0
Apr 30: Llandyrnog United (home) W 5-1
May 4: Meliden (home) W 2-1
May 11:: Rhuddlan Town (home) W 6-0
May 14: Llanfairfechan Town (away) W 8-0
May 19: Glan Conwy (away) W 5-0
P 16 W 15 D 1 L 0 GF 73 GA 5
Aug 6: Rhostyllen (h) W 4-2
Aug 14: Llanrwst United (a) W 3-1
Aug 17: Flint Mountain (h) W 3-0
Aug 27: CPD Y Felinheli (h) W 4-0
Oct 15: Saltney Town (a) W 3-2
Oct 22: Bangor 1876 (h) L 1-2
Nov 5: Brickfield Rangers (a) W 2-0
Nov 12: Hawarden Rangers (a) W 2-0
Nov 19: Brickfield Rangers (h) D 3-3
Nov 25: Denbigh Town (a) L 1-2
Dec 3: Hawarden Rangers (h) W 3-0
Dec 27: Llandudno Albion (h) W 3-2
Dec 31: Llanrwst United (h) W 1-0
P 13 W 10 D 1 L 2 GF 33 GA 14
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