CYMRU NORTH: Brickfield top with 100% record, draw for Ruthin, Rhyl 1879 game abandoned late due to serious injury

NOVIRA CYMRU NORTH – REPORTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Brickfield Rangers 2 Penrhyncoch 0

Four games., four wins, top of the Cymru North – a fantastic start to the campaign for Gareth Wilson’s men.

Brickfield flew out of the traps and were 1–0 up after just two minutes, in-form striker Andy Vale latching onto a Sam Flory knock-on before calmly finding the net.

Rangers were firmly in the ascendancy, but their attacking threat was dealt a major blow on 20 minutes when Jay Richardson sustained a broken collarbone after being upended by Leigh Jenkins.

Despite the setback, Brickfield continued to dominate possession, with Robbie Evans pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Penrhyncoch defended resiliently and looked to threaten on the counter whenever possible.

Vale continued his remarkable scoring streak on 56 minutes, finishing brilliantly following a long clearance from goalkeeper Carl Jones. That makes it seven goals in four games for the team’s talisman up front.

After that, it was a game of few chances, but Brickfield saw the game out professionally to secure another three points.

CPD Llanuwchllyn 0 CPD Y Rhyl 1879 0

A serious injury to Rhyl defender Billy Holmes past the 90-minute mark caused this match to be abandoned.

As the game entered additional time, a Llanuwchllyn counter-attack led to a collision between Holmes and a home forward.

Both players went to ground, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. However, the focus immediately shifted from football as it became apparent Holmes had suffered a serious neck injury in the collision. The Rhyl played remained motionless on the pitch as both teams, along with the medical staff, worked to assist him.

A Rhyl 1879 spokrsman said: “Given the nature of the injury, medical advice was that Billy should not be moved and an ambulance was called.

“The game was subsequently delayed for around 30 minutes as everyone waited for the ambulance to arrive. With Billy still receiving attention on the pitch, the referee ultimately took the decision to abandon the match. Later on, the ambulance arrived and Billy had been assessed by medical professionals, he helped into the ambulance and was taken directly to hospital for further treatment and assessment.

“The thoughts of everyone at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 are firmly with Billy, his family and those close to him. We would like to thank the players, staff, officials and everyone at Llanuwchllyn for their support and assistance during what was a deeply concerning situation.”

The score was 0-0 when the incident occurred.

Rhyl had created the better chances, Dan Apantaku attempting an ambitious overhead kick which hit the post, while Llanuwchllyn keeper Evan Parry produced a number of superb saves.

The Lilywhites will await further information from the relevant authorities regarding the outcome of the abandoned fixture.

Guilsfield 2 Ruthin Town 2

A well-earned point for Ruthin as Clos Mytton.

Ryan Knott put the hosts ahead with an 18th minute penalty, but Prince Yeleong levelled before half time.

Knott struck again on 66 for Guils, but a 74th minute equaliser from Meirion Pughe ensured it ended all-square.