Denbigh Town just ONE point from Ardal North West title

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH WEST LEAGUE

Denbigh Town 4 (Pritchard 23, Worrall 28 & 67, Brown 64)
Nantlle Vale 1 (R Jones 69)

Report: Stephen Whitfield

Denbigh need just a draw from next Saturday’s final game of the season at bottom side Rhostyllen to be crowned Ardal North West champions.

Town still trail leaders Bangor 1876 by a single point, after the city side finished their fixtures with a 3-2 victory over Hawarden Rangers today.

Due to their superior goal difference over the fan-owned blues, a point at The Rec next weekend will be sufficient to ensure Dewi Llion Jones’ team end up title-winners.

Today saw the revitalised Vale of Clwyd side make it 16 victories in their last 17 league outings at the expense of unpredictable Nantlle Vale.

Only a tremendous early save from Aaron Jones denied Vale the opening goal.

Denbigh were dominating but needed to break that deadlock. It happened in the 23rd minute.

Some neat play involving Nathan Brown and Craig Pritchard saw the latter with the ball at his feet on the edge of the box. Pritchard’s deflected shot found the top corner and Town were one-up.

Five minutes later, Worrall from almost the same position blasted the ball home with a fierce right foot drive.

Denbigh were playing some wonderful stuff now with a lot of possession and some neat moves emanating from the defenders Ben Lockley, Morgan Thomas-Sadler, Dan Parry-Jones and Billy Holmes.

Chances came the home team’s way and both Jake Walker and Sam Haddon will be disappointed they did not put theirs away and seal the game, but full credit to Vale keeper Owain Roberts who was pulling off some stunning saves.

The visitors came out in the second half in determined mood and were adamant that Denbigh were not going to have everything their own way.

Town needed another goal to be comfortable and it came via Brown who scored a wonder effort from fully 25 yards – his 29th of the season.

At this stage, Bangor 1876 were level at 2-2 against visitors Hawarden. Had that score remained, Denbigh would be crowned champions today.

In the 67th minute, the contest at Central Park was truly over when Worrall headed in a free kick for his second of the afternoon and 18th goal in 17 appearances since joining the club from Llay Welfare in January.

Richard Jones pulled one back for Nantlle, but the hosts ran out comfortable winners.

Bangor 1876 notched a late winner to beat Hawarden, leaving Town needing that point for the title next Saturday.