MATCH ANALYSIS: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 versus Conwy Borough
MATCH ANALYSIS
ARDAL NORTH WEST – MARCH 8, 2025
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 7 (D Proctor 17 & 56; Bravo 27, Bennett 72 & 88, Kemp 75, Fairhurst pen 88)
Conwy Borough 1 (Etherington 7)
Dave Jones assesses the action at Saturday’s top versus bottom clash
While Saturday’s scoreline at the Hops and Barley Community Stadium suggests it was another dismal afternoon for bottom side Conwy, there were in fact quite a few positives to emerge from the game for the Tangerines.
Boro trailed just 2-1 at half time and it really should have been 2-2, but Theo Davies was unable to take a massive chance when clear on goal, Lilywhites keeper Adam Reid performing marvels to deny the young striker.
James Etherington’s early goal for the visitors reminded Rhyl that this would be no walk in the park, although the final margin of victory does infer otherwise.
Good finishes from Dylan Proctor and Jonny Bravo gave the hosts that interval lead, the 50-yard pass from Reece Fairhurst to release the Portuguese front man to score coming straight out of the Glenn Hoddle or David Beckham manual.
After the break, Rhyl were guilty of a couple of glaring misses and with 55 on the clock, one just wondered whether this might just end up a struggle for the league leaders.
However, Conwy had nothing to offer in attack at all in the second half, and it was down to how well they could defend which would determine the final score.
Proctor’s 26th goal of the season on 56 minutes made it 3-1 and suddenly there was a much more relaxed feel to proceedings for the home contingent.
Conwy’s 16-year-old keeper, Alfie Martin, produced some really fine saves before the floodgates opened in the final 20 minutes.
Sub Chris Bennett made a superb impact when he came on with a pair of great finishes and it was pleasing to see Fairhurst and the ever-industrious Tom Kemp rewarded with a goal apiece.
In the end, it was seven and it could have been more, but Conwy deserve some credit for making a game of it for the best part of an hour.
Rhyl 1879 are still 11 points clear with five games remaining – four at home.
Eight more points will secure them the tier 3 title, but they might not need that many.
The Lilywhites remain undefeated under Paul Moore and Ronnie Green and with the goals potential they carry don’t show any signs of turning off the power.
CPD Y RHYL 1879
Adam Reid
Calum Proctor
Billy Holmes
Tom Kemp
Reece Fairhurst (c)
Jordan Worthington (Harry Burnell 68)
Josh Lawrenson (Chris Bennett 68)
Lewis Hodson
Dylan Proctor
Paul Fleming
Jonny Bravo (James Stevens 77)
ATTENDANCE: Not available
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Rhyl 1879
Billy Holmes – two assists, hit the woodwork twice direct from corners, always a danger on the left, stunning display
Conwy Borough
Alfie Martin – 16-year-old keeper produced half-a-dozen top class saves in a brave and determined performance against the leaders.