CATCH-UP: Ardal North West – Rhyl 1879 in command after beating Llangefni, 16-year-old seals Hawarden win
LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH WEST
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 4 Llangefni Town 0
Report: Shôn Hughes
Leaders 1879 make the tricky trip to Llay Welfare this Saturday on a real high after thrashing a Llangefni team which had caused a shock by winning at Bangor 1876 the week before.
Gareth Thomas’ side made it eight unbeaten in the league – seven of them wins – with a commanding display at Belle Vue against their much-improved Anglesey visitors.
Thomas went into the game with long-term injuries to Jordan Worthington and Elliot Evans unavailable, and suspensions being served by Jonny Taylor and Aaron White, the latter having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at the previous game against Saltney.
James Jones would also miss the game with family commitments.
The Rhyl faithful were happy and vocal to see Tom Cain warming up after a serious ankle injury which has kept him out for the last few months.
Prior to referee Rhodri Owain Ap Dafydd getting the game underway, the crowd observed a flawless and respectful minute’s silence in memory of Llangefni Town’s former manager and volunteer Ken Rowlands who had recently passed away.
The Lilywhites came out of the traps flying, and returning Alex Jones almost immediately got on the score sheet, putting his shot just over from 10 yards.
With only six minutes played the hosts were awarded a penalty, Macauley Taylor brought down by keeper Cian Thomas.
Jack Higgins stepped up to take and calmly dispatched.
Cefni responded well, but were unable to force an equaliser and Higgins was there again to double 1879’s lead just before the break, set up by Taylor.
Following the interval, the game was stopped for several minutes as away keeper Thomas suffered a nasty facial injury following a collision with a team-mate, leaving him unable to carry on. He was replaced by Josh Roberts.
The scoring continued on the hour, Taylor volleying home following a wonderful ball from captain Reece Fairhurst.
A couple of minutes later Tom Kemp would put 1879 four goals in the lead, applying a marvellous finish after Chris Bennett picked him out with an exquisite ball.
No shock this time.
Brickfield Rangers 3 CPD Y Felinheli 2
Andy Vale (2) and Gerson Silva Neto delivered the goals which earned three points for Brickfield.
Dylan Jones and Iwan Owen replied for Felinheli, who had Gavin Lloyd-Jones red-carded after the final whistle. Rangers’ Michael Derosa was dismissed for a second yellow on 66 minutes.
Flint Mountain 2 Llandudno Albion 1
Dean Seager put battling Albion ahead on six minutes, a Joel Lloyd own goal levelled it after 25 and Aaron Hassall bagged a winner in first half added time for Mountain.
Hawarden Rangers 2 Nantlle Vale 0
Sixteen-year-old Noah Summer scored twice on his first full start for an ecstatic Hawarden.
Young Sumner netted on three and 79 minutes, the win lifting Rangers out of the bottom three.
Llanrwst United 0 Saltney Town 4
Shay Davies was a hat-trick hero as Saltney produced probably their best performance and result of the season.
Stephen Chiocchi had started the ball rolling with the Bordermen’s first goal on 10 minutes.
Llay Welfare 2 Rhostyllen 2
Another tremendous comeback from Rhostyllen, who recovered from two-down to grab a point with a 98th minute equaliser.
Lewis Bickerton-Cole and Scott Swords put Llay two to the good at half time, but Tom Douglas hit back with a penalty on 53 minutes.
Deep into added time, Cavan Daley salvaged a draw for the visitors, who a week earlier rallied from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Flint Mountain.
Friday
Denbigh Town 1 Bangor 1876 0
Matthew Worrall’s eighth minute goal was enough to secure Denbigh a well-deserved victory.
This match was reported on in depth by Grassroots North Wales last Friday.