FLASHBACK – 15 YEARS AGO: 10-man Rhyl edge narrow win over Porthmadog at Belle Vue

HUWS GRAY ALLIANCE – JANUARY 3, 2011

Rhyl 1 (Williams 16)
Porthmadog 0

In this week 15 years ago Rhyl edged a narrow victory over Porthmadog at Belle Vue.

The Lilywhites entered the new year with league title aspirations, while Port were destined for a mid-table finish.

A Chris Williams header 16 minutes into the game separated the two sides at the end.

Port were left kicking themselves that they did not get something as they will hardly get a better opportunity to pick up points at fortress Belle Vue.

After 36 minutes the goalscorer found himself the centre of a highly controversial decision when he received a straight red card from referee Gareth Wyn Jones for allegedly kicking the ball at the linesman following a disputed decision.

Rhyl were left to play the remainder of the game with 10 men. The experienced John Leah and Greg Strong marshalled things at the back, ably supported by full back Rhys Darlington and Porthmadog were restricted to long range efforts which meant that despite having plenty of second half possession, Chris Howarth in the home goal was never unduly troubled.

Port had a clear opportunity to open the scoring after only 7 minutes when Mike Foster caught the home defence napping with a quickly taken free kick near the left touchline. As a result Paul Roberts found himself free and behind the home defence. The striker cut inside, but delayed his shot long enough for Howarth to fall at his feet and smother the shot.

Soon after the Port defence received a warning when they were caught out by a long ball over the defence which led to Chris Williams skewing a shot wide of the post.

After Richard Harvey pulled off a good save at the feet of Mark Cadwallader, Rhyl got their noses in front.

With 16 minutes gone Brad Maylett broke wide on the right and lifted a cross to the back post where Williams raced in to head into the net from close range.

Just before the half hour there was almost a repeat when Cadwallader crossed from the right but this time Williams’ header was inches over the bar.

Harvey again needed to be alert when tipping a Russell Courtney header over the bar.

The best Port moves started from debutant Gareth Jones Evans who built up well from midfield. But Port had to rely on shots in and around the box. From one of these Darren Gowans blasted over the bar and a couple of Marcus Orlik efforts did not seriously test the keeper. Half time came and 10-man Rhyl were able to reorganise.

HALF-TIME: 1-0

Straight from the restart Paul Roberts produced Port’s best effort on goal. He burst from midfield and let fly a shot from 25 yards which went narrowly the wrong side of the upright.

In an immediate response on the break down the left Mike Pritchard thundered a 20 yard effort which rattled the crossbar.

Then for Port, Jones Evans broke to the edge of the box but his shot drifted wide of the post.

Though Port were applying the pressure, the home side were a threat on the counter and when Cadwallader let fly from 18 yards, Harvey pulled off an excellent save diving to his left to turn it round the post.

Despite Port possession they were denied any clear cut chances by the excellent Rhyl defence.

Orlik came close with a header when Rhys Roberts lifted a cross and late on the same player was off radar with a form hit.

Near the end Rhyl sub John Toner was close from a narrow angle and in the 90th minute another shot from distance struck the Port crossbar. This time it was sub Scott Beckett. But there was to be no addition to the score and Rhyl held out with something to spare.

The second half was not without its refereeing controversies either. When Rhys Roberts brought down Maylett the referee, after consulting his linesman, waved a yellow card and followed it with a red one.

He was under the impression that he had already yellow carded Rhys. In fact it was Ryan Davies who had previously been yellow-carded. A furore followed but eventually the referee was persuaded and withdrew the red card.

Despite the time taken with this incident plus five substitutions the referee only allowed two minutes of added time.

Porthmadog: Richard Harvey, Euron Roberts (Jack Jones 80), Mike Foster (Richie Owen 86), Gareth Jones Evans, Ryan Davies, Rhys Roberts, Jamie McDaid, Dan Pyrs, Paul Roberts, Marcus Orlik, Darren Gowans (Cai Jones 63)

Rhyl: Chris Howarth, Andy Pearson, Rees Darlington, Russ Courtney, Greg Strong, John Leah, Brad Maylett, Paul Mooney, Mark Cadwallader (Scott Beckett 71), Mike Pritchard (John Toner 86), Chris Williams.

Referee: Gareth Wyn Jones, Bontnewydd.

Attendance: 386.

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED THAT SEASON?

• Rhyl did the double over Porthmadog, also winning 3-0 in the league at Y Traeth, Andy Pearson, Rhys Darlington and Stuart Rudd with the goals.

• The Lilywhites finished second in the table, nine points behind champions Connah’s Quay Nomads, while Port ended up in eighth spot.