Ardal North West – Keeper Woods is Rhyl 1879 hero, while Saints edge up to second

ARDAL NORTH WEST ROUND-UP

Bethesda Athletic 1 CPD Rhyl 1879 2

It was close to a perfect weekend for table-toppers Rhyl 1879 as they clinched a hard-fought win at Bethesda to move 13 points clear, while most of their main title rivals slipped up.

Star man for the Lilywhites was goalkeeper Ryan Woods, who produced some amazing late saves, but the whole defence, which had an unfamiliar look, stood out.

At the other end, Jonny Taylor played his first 90 minutes since December 31, 2022, when he scored the winner against Llanrwst.

Taylor also netted at Bethesda on 21 minutes, making it two goals in as many appearances this season.

Callum Parry converted a penalty after 46 to boost his tally to four goals in his last five matches.

Athletic hit back through Scott Hughes soon after, but the visitors held on for an heroic win over a team which has improved considerably in recent weeks.

The only regular at the back for Rhyl was captain Reece Fairhurst. Chris Bennett, whose game time has been limited of late, started at right-back, while 18-year-old debutant Kieran Baker performed with great maturity at LB. Oliver Staveley reverted from his usual midfield role to central defence.

After the game, 1879 manager Gareth Thomas admitted it was a struggle at Parc Meurig, but commended his team’s courage in difficult circumstances, heaping particular praise on the back-four, plus the work-rate of Taylor up front.

“We’ve had to dig in,” he said. “We were low on numbers due to couple a of suspensions and unavailability – which is going to happen – and a couple of injuries.”

Thomas said from the relative comfort of a 2-0 lead, the fact Rhyl conceded a few minutes later put them under pressure.

“Our Achilles heel again,” he added. “We had a chance from a great move for 3-1 when Callum (Parry) was through, but their keeper made a good save.

“In the last 20 minutes they threw absolutely everything at us. To be fair to Ryan Woods – that’s why I say he’s the best in the league – he was outstanding, making two or three massive saves.”

Summing up the outcome, Thomas added: “That’s come through hard work and desire.

“That wasn’t pretty, in fact it was awful to watch, but the togetherness and determination got us three points.”

Taylor’s goal came from a Sam Ashton assist to make it 1-0 at half time, then a minute after the break Parry’s spot-kick doubled the lead.

Scott Hughes hit back from a Daniel Hughes assist on 50, and after that it was largely backs to the wall for Rhyl, but they came through.

Second-place Llay Welfare were held 1-1 at Conwy Borough, Nantlle Vale in third suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Llannefydd and Flint Mountain went down 3-2 at St Asaph City, who vaulted into second spot.

Conwy Borough 1 Llay Welfare 1

Much-improved Conwy made it three games undefeated with a commendable draw at home to in-form second-place Llay.

Dan Evans’ 83rd minute header from a Toby Jones assist rescued a point for the Tangerines, Max Peate having nodded the Welly in front after 70 from a Jared Taylor delivery.

Holyhead Hotspur 1 Hawarden Rangers 1

After caning Saltney 8-0 at home seven days earlier, Hotspur were expected to see off lowly Hawarden comfortably at the New Stadium, but that’s not how it worked out.

Following a goalless first half, Connor Parry edged Rangers in front on 47 minutes before Dylan Summers-Jones equalised on 66 from the penalty spot.

Hotspur had top-scorer Cory Williams sent off after the final whistle for a second yellow card.

Llanrwst United 1 Pwllheli 1

All-square at Parc Gwydir, Ashley Ainsworth striking first for Pwll on 52 before Morgan McBreeze levelled after 59.

Nantlle Vale 0 Llannefydd 1

Surprise at Maes Dulyn, where a Llannefydd side which had lost 4-2 at home to Nantlle on the first day of the season gained revenge with an uxexpected 1-0 away win.

Llion Morris’ 12th minute goal was enough to put a dent in Vale’s title hopes, Ashley Owen missing a penalty for the home side.

Saltney Town 2 Brickfield Rangers 3

Gareth Wilson’s Brickfield side made it four straight league voctories, an Andy Vale double and Ethan Owens own goal, all within the first 22 minutes, proving sufficient to win the day for the Wrexham travellers.

Callum Webber and George Davies replied for the Bordermen, but it was not enough to save them from a sixth loss in seven league outings.

St Asaph City 3 Flint Mountain 2

Jake Walker’s first half hat-trick – which included a penalty – was enough to clinch the win which moved Saints into second place.

Mountain replied through Corey Smart and Calyn Spencer, but their run of seven straight league wins came to an end and they had defender Rowan Brooks dismissed for a second yellow on 90.

Y Felinheli 1 Llangefni Town 2

Cameron Jones’ 91st minute goal snatched all three points for Llangefni.

It was another case of playing well for no reward for Felinheli, who led at half time thanks to Cal MacDonald’s 37th minute strike.

John Littlemore levelled for Cefni on 76 minutes before that late decider made it maximum reward for the Anglesey visitors.