Anyone who was at this game will never forget the day they saw Rhos United keeper Richard Hillier-Evans ‘do a Pat Jennings‘.
In the 1967 Charity Shield, from his own area, the legendary Tottenham Hotspur glovesman kicked the ball from his hands and sent a large punt down the field that bounced over Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney and into the net.
Fast forward 58 years and Hillier-Evans did exactly the same for North Wales Coast East Division One leaders Rhos in their 3-0 win over Prestatyn Sports on Saturday.
Jennings scored his long-distance goal at Old Trafford, Hillier-Evans did it at Betws-yn-Rhos Sports and Recreation Fields.
Vasty different venues – same result!
Rhos delivered a statement performance in their biggest game of the season, taking a huge step towards the title with a dominant victory.
From the first whistle, the unbeaten table-toppers meant business. Billy Bibby sent Adam Williams through on goal in under a minute, but Sports keeper Bradley Greenough denied him.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Mike Chapman split the defence with a perfectly timed pass. Lewis Sealey pounced, kept his cool, and slotted under the onrushing keeper.
Prestatyn responded with pressure, launching dangerous corners and testing the Rhos defence, but Hillier-Evans was rock solid, punching clear multiple times. Bret Durkan then came to the rescue with a crucial goal-line clearance.
On the 30th minute, Chapman almost produced a moment of magic from halfway, but his audacious effort found the side netting.
Just before half time, Prestatyn’s danger man Mike Jones was sent through, but Hillier pulled off a top class one-v-one save to keep Rhos in front.
Rhos came out hungry for more, with Chris King and Bibby controlling the midfield battle. Sealey went close again, firing just wide.
The 63rd minute saw super subs Richard Hill and Scott Court enter the pitch, immediately making an impact.
In the 68th minute, Court delivered an inch-perfect cross, and Sealey soared like a salmon (to smash home a bullet header – his 22nd goal of the season.
Prestatyn nearly hit back, but Hillier produced another stunning save to deny Kris Owen.
Then, in the 86th minute, something straight out of a goalkeeper’s dream happened.
Hillier-Evans collected a cross with ease, spotted an opportunity, and launched a massive kick forward.
The ball bounced on the Sports’ 18-yard line, looped over the stranded keeper, and rolled into the net!
Cue absolute scenes as the Pink Panther wheeled away in celebration.
Two more wins from their remaining five matches will guarantee the league title for Rhos.
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