JD Cymru North – 1876 suffer record defeat as Ruthin hit top form

JD CYMRU NORTH

Ruthin Town 4 (Martin 45+7, El Amri 48 & 86, Morris 60)

Bangor 1876 0

Report: Jonathan Ervine

Not a night to remember for 1876 – a record club defeat and their renowned striker Les Davies sent off.

Ruthin were on cloud nine, however, as they celebrated their first home league win of the campaign.

On what ultimately turned out to be a frustrating evening, Bangor made a bright start.

A chance arrived inside the opening minute when Corrig McGonigle broke into the box but home goalkeeper Daniel Goldston was equal to his effort.

Ruthin sought to respond swiftly and Carl Jones had to show sharp reflexes to repel a powerful shot by Soulayman El Amri.

Still inside the opening 10 minutes, McGonigle found space on the right of the penalty area and his low shot just eluded Sam Jones as he slid in at the back post.

After a water break, the hosts seemed to impose themselves on the game to a greater extent. Around the half hour mark, El Amri again showed his pace on the right. He played the ball across the box to Harry Martin, but the midfielder’s shot was saved by Jones.

The game looked set to be goalless at the break but the hosts broke the deadlock six and a half minutes into first half injury time. Carl Jones saved a shot from El Amri following a corner but Martin was on hand to turn in the rebound.

It was Town who made the better start after the break, and they doubled their advantage in the 48th minute when El Amri broke into the right side of the box and found the net with a low shot across the face of goal.

Ten minutes into the second period, the visitors had a glorious chance to extend their advantage, but Jones produced a fine stop.

Just before the hour, the hosts did add a third. Following a quick break down the left, the ball was worked into the box and finished well by Llŷr Morris.

With 15 minutes left, the chances of Bangor mounting a late comeback received a blow when substitute Les Davies received a straight red card for a heavy challenge.

On 85 minutes, Ruthin added a fourth goal when El Amri dribbled along the byline before scoring with a low finish.

In injury time, Bangor came close to scoring a consolation goal when Iolo Hughes got his head to a free-kick from Mason Blackwell-Jones. However, his downward header struck the ground and bounced over the crossbar.