Analysis: Reviewing Rhyl 1879’s victory over Connah’s Quay Town in Ardal North West

MATCH OF THE DAY ANALYSIS

ARDAL NORTH WEST – NOVEMBER 9

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2 (D Proctor 23 & 67)
Connah’s Quay Town 0

When Rhyl 1879 went 2-0 up midway through the second half on Saturday, the one thing they could not afford to do was relax.

That is because the team they were playing, Connah’s Quay Town, have made a habit of producing remarkable comebacks in their debut Ardal North West season.

Previously this campaign, they had recovered from 2-0 down to beat NFA 3-2 and pulled back a two-goal deficit to draw with leaders Porthmadog.

And of course there was their FAW Trophy tie in South Wales, where they trailed St Josephs 2-0, rallied to make it 2-2, and then won on penalties.

In short, the Deesiders don’t know when they are beaten.

And at Belle Vue on Saturday afternoon, they never stopped trying, but came up against some fantastic last-ditch Rhyl defending and very solid goalkeeping from Adam Reid.

At the other end, 1879 had the player who made all the difference in the match – two-goal hero Dylan Proctor.

To win trophies, you need at least one major goal scorer and in the 21-year-old, the Lilywhites appear to have signed someone special.

Eight goals in his last four games, and nine in eight since he joined in September. That’s the sort of return Rhyl need if they are to achieve their promotion dream.

As well as being up against Proctor’s brilliant finishing, Town were also facing an 1879 team under a new manager and ultra-keen to impress. Some may have been playing for their futures.

Perhaps there was also a bit of extra determination in tribute to those who have recently departed the club in the players’ minds today too. Some who have left will be very much missed.

Whatever was in their heads, this Rhyl side would not be denied their victory today. The effort was tremendous, the defending superb and the passing at times as sharp as it’s been all season.

Of course it remains to be seen what the intentions of new manager Paul Moore are.

Does he plan a mass clearout, bringing in players he knows from his native North West and wants to work with, or will he stick with much of what he has now.

Rhyl 1879 are definitely as good as anyone in the league, they have proven this with their displays against the likes of Porthmadog, NFA and now Connah’s Quay Town this term, but consistency will be the key for the coming months. New blood may be needed to take things a step further.

Back-to-back home wins constitutes a good start.

Rhyl set a benchmark today that they can really build from.

It remains to be seen if they grasp the nettle.

It really was great to hear the Lilywhites fans in such good voice today. That will have really inspired the players.

Connah’s Quay Town showed plenty so suggest they can stay up among the leading pack for the rest of the season.

They will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat, but have already shown many times this campaign how resilient and determined they are to keep on winning.