MATCH OF THE DAY – JD Welsh Cup: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1 Brickfield Rangers 0

JD WELSH CUP ROUND TWO

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1 (Lightfoot 63)
Brickfield Rangers 0

Dave Jones reports from the Hops and Barley Community Stadium

Ben Lightfoot’s delightful 63rd minute goal deservedly booked Rhyl 1879 their place in the last 32 of the Welsh Cup.

The last two encounters between this pair at the Hops and Barley Community Stadium had ended 0-0, but the deadlock was finally broken after over 250 minutes of goalless football when Lightfoot controlled a high ball into the area by Morgan Murray and fired home.

In all fairness, the Lilywhites could have won by at least three or four goals such was their dominance against fellow Cymru North opponents, especially in the second half.

Brickfield threatened first when the hosts gave the ball away on the left and the lively Jay Richardson broke into the box, but his low cross from the left was well gathered by Rhyl keeper Alex Swindell.

Some good build-up play in the ninth minute led to a Lightfoot volley which forced a great save from Robbie Williams in the away goal.

Richardson picked up a wayward clearance from the keeper in the 19th minute but blasted over the bar.

Rhyl then had a good spell of attacking, passing the ball around patiently and nicely, but were unable to get past a solid Brickie defence. A brick wall one might say.

At the other end, the dangerous Richardson fired on target from 20 yards but Swindell held on well.

Paul Fleming battled to win possession for Paul Moore’s side on 37 minutes and find Jack Parry, who drilled wide.

Half-time: 0-0

The Lilywhites were well on top throughout the second half, with Rangers posing no threat going forward.

Lightfoot saw his 20-yard effort deflected wide before the midfielder found Parry, who was off target with a left-foot strike.

Then came the goal the home fans longed for on 63 minutes. It had been on the cards and Rhyl certainly did not rest on their laurels.

Great work from electric sub Damase Kiwande helped set up Murray who headed inches wide.

One of the highlights of the day was Kiwande bringing the ball down skilfully from a ridiculous height.

Rhyl kept attacking till the end in search of a killer second and were very worthy victors.