Goalless draw means more dropped points in title race for CPD Y Rhyl 1879

ARDAL NORTH WEST – MARCH 23

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 0
Brickfield Rangers 0

Despite the amazing pre-match news that Rhyl 1879 had been awarded a £378,000 grant to help secure their future at Belle Vue, the team was unable to go on and claim three vital league points towards their title quest.

The Lilywhites did everything but score against visitors Brickfield, but only a draw saw Gareth Thomas’ side’s lead at the Ardal North West summit cut again this afternoon.

After winning 3-0 at Hawarden Rangers, second-place Flint Mountain are now just six points behind Rhyl having played five games less.

Victories for Nantlle Vale and Llay Welfare also put them in a position to overtake 1879 if they win their matches in hand.

As opposed to the previous Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Holyhead Hotspur, where the Lilywhites were second best, and the midweek 6-1 drubbing at Mountain, Rhyl dominated against Rangers and squandered numerous opportunities to win the game.

There was an early blow for the hosts when striker Mark Roberts left the field injured on 12 minutes to be replaced by Jonny Taylor.

Brickfield relied on a fast counter-attacking approach which would have paid dividends in the first 20 minutes but for great saves by Ryan Woods from Cameron Thomas and Andy Vale.

Rhyl’s first serious attempt on goal came after 28 minutes when great work from James Cairns saw the ball laid back for Alex Jones, whose shot was blocked near the goal-line by Kiran Russell.

Taylor had a low free kick palmed behind for a corner by Josh Cooke, but in general Rhyl were guilty of slow build-up and an inept final ball.

Woods had to perform marvels again with a great tackle to stop the rapid Vale in his tracks.

Alex Jones’ header just before the break dropped narrowly over the bar.

The start of the second half brought another setback for the hosts when Rhyl’s outstanding defender Reece Fairhurst was helped off injured and may now face a spell on the sidelines.

The second 45 was mainly all about Rhyl attacking and at times desperate Brickfield defending.

Sam Ashton delivered a cross from the left which Callum Parry back-headed goalwards, but Cooke was in the right spot to catch the ball.

Brickfield nearly performed a smash-and-grab when Iwan Hardy had a clear sight of goal on a breakaway, but his attempt missed by inches.

Parry went close twice from crosses via Cairns and Chris Bennett, then sub James Hay shot at goal, but somehow Russell headed off the line.

Another Parry chance saw him in on goal, but Cooke saved with his legs.

It was not for the want of trying, but Rhyl just could not find that elusive goal.