Ruthin Town 2 Rhyl 3

For the second game running Ruthin gave illustrious opposition a head start. Ex player Kristian Pierce scored the first goals when Matthew Worral laid the ball back to him at the edge of the box and KP put the ball into the top corner. Ruthin had plenty of possession and the visitors worked hard to contain the home side. Will Owen hit the bar with a good shot on 20 minutes as Ruthin looked for the equaliser.
Rhyl were always dangerous on the break forcing some good saves from Ryan Goldston who had a good game in goal. It was one of these saves that lead to a disputed penalty as James Stead was brought down by Osian Davies who was clearly upset at the decision. Kristian Pierce scoring to make it 2-0.
Ruthin were always in the game and looking dangerous, Gwydion Ifan going close with a shot before Max Peate made it 3-0 just before half time with header from a free kick.
Chris Williams felt that the score line didn’t reflect the game and that we were still in the game at half time. He was to be proved right. Ruthin kept pushing for a goal as Rhyl defended deeper and when Mathew Evans’ header went in on the 60 minute mark Ruthin had hope. Llyr Morris came on for Gwidion Ifan and he and Ryan Jones up front were causing problems. Another disputed penalty, this time for Ruthin, was given as Llyr and defender Max Pete challenged for a through ball into the box. Llyr duly converted to make it 2-3, game on with 20 minutes to go.
Nerves started to jangle but Rhyl had opportunities of their own with Ryan again making a good save from Mike Pritchard. At the other end Ryan Jones had a great free kick just tipped over the bar by Crowther in the Rhyl goal as the pressure mounted. With 5 minutes to go Llyr Morris was bundled over as he went for a cross from the left, another penalty was awarded. This time Ryan Jones took responsibility and unfortunately blasted the ball over the bar.
Undeterred Ruthin continued to press for the equalise but Rhyl held out to take the points up the A525.