Hat Trick hero Sirrell sinks Ruthin

This eagerly awaited derby lived up to its expectations in a captivating game full of incident and watched by the largest crowd at Central Park for many a year. Lewis Sirrell was the hero of the day with three superb goals, along with Denbigh keeper Craig Vernon making two vital penalty saves in a fiercely competitive game which saw Denbigh finishing the game with ten men.

On a mild Boxing Day afternoon Denbigh made two changes to the side that lost to Rhyl as they welcomed back Miles Todd from suspension with Dan Lloyd coming in at left back. Ruthin had won the previous encounter 2-1 in August and went into the game as favourites in light of their higher league position.

The first challenge of the afternoon saw Miles Todd pick up a yellow card after less than a minute for a late challenge in a typical start to a local derby. With four minutes gone Denbigh’s Mark Roberts was on the end of a great through ball from Sam Downey, but Ruthin keeper Ryan Goldston was alert to the danger and was able to thwart Robert’s attempt on goal. Ruthin responded and from a corner Kevin Evans’ header went just wide of the Denbigh goal.

Denbigh continued to pressure and Dan Lloyd had a half volley which went into the midriff of Goldston. The always impressive Tony Davies continued to lead his men by example and he went close with a glancing header from Lewis Sirrell’s free kick. Pat Hinchcliffe then went close with a curling free kick which went just wide of the left hand post.

On 30 minutes Ruthin were awarded their first penalty when Llyr Morris broke into the penalty area and in a challenge from Tony Davies he fell to the ground and referee Mike Gray pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to Davies. Morris brushed himself down to take the kick and with a well struck shot fired to Denbigh keeper’s left hand side. Vernon reacted superbly by diving to his left to make a brilliant save by palming the ball away to safety and to the delight of the vociferous home crowd.

This spurred the home team on with Scott McHarrie seeing his shot go just wide from a Curtis Langton knock down.

The first goal came on 38 minutes as a result of hard working Pat Hinchcliffe doing some great work on the right wing and he sent in a pin point cross for Lewis Sirrell to head in from 10 yards giving Goldstron no chance.

With teams coming out for the second half with Denbigh 1-0 up, it was’nt long before that lead was doubled with that man Lewis Sirrell picking the ball up some 20 yards from goal and letting fly an unstoppable shot which flew past Goldstron.

Tempers got heated as the game progressed and after a goal mouth scramble in the Ruthin penalty area resulted in some pushing and shoving, referee Gray showed yellow cards to Curtis Langton and Pat Hinchcliffe.

Still Denbigh were in control of the game limiting Ruthin’s forward line to sporadic glimpses of the Denbigh goal with Curtis Langton and Tony Davies proving a strong barrier to any attempts on goal. In midfield Stuart Vernon excelled again, playing some touches with Sam Downey and Scott McHarrie who have formed a great relationship in the engine room of the team and helped dictate the game.

Up front Sirrell was in search of his hat trick and was unlucky when on 80 minutes another long range shot was this time parried away by Goldstron. He did’nt have to wait long for his third as on 84 minutes he caught the ball on the volley to blast the ball into the net. 3-0 to Denbigh and it should have been enough for Denbigh to see out the game comfortably

However Ruthin were not finished and Llyr Morris picked the ball up and ran into Denbigh’s area, only to be challenged unfairly by Denbigh’s defenders and another penalty was awarded. Denbigh’s defenders protested at the severity of the decision during which Curtis Langton received his second yellow card of the game meaning he had to leave the field. Ruthin substitute Ryan Jones stepped up to take the penalty kick and once again Vernon guessed correctly and produced another tremendous save and Denbigh cleared the ball to safety.

Minutes later and it was all over with Denbigh deservedly taking the three points. A delighted joint manager Dewi Llion said after the game “What a great result for the lads and what a hat-trick for Lewis. Verno’s saves were brilliant. We went into the match with a game plan which the players all took on board and its paid dividends. The lads gave their all today and its means so much to win in front of such a large crowd”.

Denbigh’s next game is away to Flint Town Utd on Saturday 29th December – kick off 2.30pm

Denbigh Town FC
Craig Vernon, Miles Todd, Dan Lloyd, Curtis Langton, Tony Davies (Capt), Stuart Vernon, Scott McHarrie, Pat Hinchcliffe, Sam Downey, Lewis Sirrell, Mark Roberts: Subs – Sam Jones, Tom Jones, Bailey Jackson, Jake Walker, Chandon Gioacchini

Ruthin Town FC
Ryan Goldston, Matthew Evans, Tomos Roberts, Kevin Evans, Tom Dyer, Ilan Hughes, Gwydion Ifan, Craig Wilkinson,Llyr Morris, Gwion Owen, Tom Williams : Subs – Osian Davies, Ryan Jones, Issac Edwards, Wil Owen, Tomos Watkin-Jones

Referee – Mike Gray
Assistant – Nathan Wheatley
Assistant – Simon McCormack

Attendance – 680

Match Sponsor – Prompt Travel of Llandyrnog