With a minute of the 90 remaining Sports led 1-0 and had one hand on the cup, but a dramatic equaliser from Rhuddlan forced extra time, where Steve Jones’ side went on to lift the trophy.
The prestigious REM Jones Cup Final at Bastion Gardens, Prestatyn saw North Wales Coast East Division One champions Sports take on the Rhudds in a hotly-anticipated contest.
Town started strongly, with Cole Shone having a header cleared off the line within the first minute.
For the opening 15, the blue and yellow army had a handful more chances before Sports settled into the game and started to pin their opponents back.
The low sun did not help the Rhuddlan defence, causing some missed headers. Town also gave fouls away and conceded chances, but none – fortunately for them – were converted.
However, on the half-hour, a misplaced pass playing out from the back and a poor clearance gifted young Alfie Griffiths an opportunity on a platter – and he made it 1-0 to Sports.
Rhuddlan began the second half in relentless fashion and had a chance on 59 minutes, but top-scorer Liam Bowers’ shot was well blocked.
Some substitutions from both teams saw the tempo reignite and young Connor Lambert of Rhuddlan certainly did that.
Town threatened often before in the 89th minute a Lambert long ball found Riley Patterson, who slipped in Bowers for the equaliser and 35th goal of the season for the skipper.
The dugouts cleared and absolute scenes. Bowers went close to a winner, but not to be – extra time needed.
An unfortunate injury left Sports down to 10 in the added half-hour and Rhuddlan utilised this advantage.
Town dominated the entirety of extra time, having chance after chance until eventually on 112 minutes Evan Espley was clean through and he made no mistake.
In the closing stages, Lambert released young Patterson who beat three men and from 25 yards out lashed a stunner into the top right hand corner – what a goal to clinch a memorable win!
Rhuddlan manager Steve Jones said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the lads. Every single one of them played their part in this win. I’ve said previously when it clicks with these lot it’s special and we saw it again. They never know when they’re beaten, and I think this is the starter to the main course incoming next season. This lot are truly special and it is a joy and a privilege to manage them. “
Andy Booker, Joshua Edwards, George Edwards, Luke Bowers, Riley Booker, Liam Bowers (c), Evan Espley, Riley Patterson, Jake Jones, Callum Lloyd, Cole Shone. Subs used: Connor Lambert, Harvey Marshall, Ewan Hughes, Matthew Parsonage. Unused sub: Reece Chamberlain.
Danny Jones, Sam Herd, Lewis Eyre-Williams, Sam Jones, Hayden Kivell, Ste Falvey, Alfie Griffiths, Matty Griffiths Mike Jones (c), Dylan Taylor, Ashley Castle. Subs used: Harvey Brewerton, Cy Williams, Dan Martin, Osian Davies, Harrison Nickson.
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