Football

MATCH OF THE DAY: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 3 Porthmadog 1 – game highlights

Great camera work from RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY as he captures Jason Foulkes’ opening goal for Rhyl 1879. Thanks as ever Richard

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 are on the verge of Ardal North West League title glory after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Porthmadog at the Hops and Barley Community Stadium.

But there is still work to do for the Lilywhites.

After the weekend results only Holyhead Hotspur can now stop Rhyl from lifting the 2024-25 championship crown.

1879 are on 65 points from 28 games, while Hotspur have 57 from 27. Holyhead’s goal difference is better by +4.

State of play:

Rhyl 1879 – Played 28 Points 65 (GD +48)
Remaining fixtures: April 12 – Llanrwst United (a); April 19 – CPD Llannefydd (h)
Holyhead Hotspur – Played 27 Points 57 (GD +52)
Remaining fixtures: April 12 – Corwen (h), April 19 – Llanrwst United (h), April 26 – Porthmadog (a)

One win from their final two games will seal the title for Rhyl.

However, Holyhead Hotspur could still finish top if they win their final three games and 1879 take 0 or 1 point from their closing matches.

After back-to-back home defeats, Rhyl delivered the goods today with a well-deserved 3-1 home victory over a Porthmadog outfit which had previously beaten them twice this season.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Fleming (white) is denied by Porthmadog keeper Ollie Farebrother. Can you spot me in the background? Red jacket, looking miserable and moody as ever 🙂 Picture: RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY

20 min – GOAL: Reece Fairhurst lifts the ball over the defence and JASON FOULKES sends an exquisite lob beyond keeper Oliver Farebrother. RHYL 1 PORT 0
22 min – GOAL: Teams are often at their most vulnerable when they have just scored – and so it proved in Rhyl’s case. Tom Kemp blocked a Port shot, the ball ran to Cai Jones and he set up JOHN LITTLEMORE to volley in from close range. RHYL 1 PORT 1
27 min: Farebrother produces a great block to deny Paul Fleming from point blank range.
30 min: Kemp lofts free kick into the area, Fleming wins a header and Dylan Proctor’s instinctive volley flies straight at Farebrother.
37 min – GOAL: Rhyl win free kick about 22 yards out, left of the penalty box. DYLAN PROCTOR drills a beauty beyond the dive of Farebrother. RHYL 2 PORT 1

HALF-TIME: Rhyl 1879 2 Porthmadog 1

55 min: Amazing defending from Rhyl’s Chris Bennett as he cuts out a Littlemore cross into the six-yard box which is begging to be put away.
59 min – GOAL: DYLAN PROCTOR turns on the ball in midfield, works himself into position for a shot and fires home magnificently right-footed from over 20 yards for his 30TH GOAL of the season from 25 matches across all competitions. RHYL 3 PORT 1
77 min: Billy Holmes’ low cross from the left sets up sub Lewis Hodson with a great chance, but he blazes over.
88 min: Port never gave in but struggled to create clear chances against a strong Rhyl defence. Danny Brookwell’s late volley is brilliantly blocked by Holmes.