Ruthin 1 - Llanrhaeadr 2

Result aside this was a good performance by Ruthin on a wet pitch which stood up well to the test. The home side controlled most of the proceedings playing a really good passing game which was resisted by a well organised Llanrhaeadr defence. Due to the level of possession it was fair that the Ruthin faithful were optimistic that Ruthin would open the scoring, however, a mix up at the back led to the visitors scoring the first goal on 40 minutes giving them the lead at half time.

The second half continued much as the first and things looked brighter for the hosts on the hour as Llyr Morris was fouled in the box and a penalty awarded, much to the protestations of the Llanrhaeadr players. Llyr duly converted.
Ruthin’s elation was short lived as four minutes later Llanrhaeadr scored their second goal, this time from a free kick which was headed in from the far post via the underside of the bar.

The bar at the other end of the pitch was to come into play a couple of times during the second half as first Ryan Jones and then Osian Davies hit the woodwork only for the ball to come crashing back into play, the first from a free kick and the second from a fine left foot shot. Jimmy Haynes in the Llanrhaeadr goal also had a solid game as Ruthin easily won the shots on target stats. It has to be said that you would expect a decent goalkeeper to make the half a dozen saves he made but make them he did.

As the game entered its final quarter Ruthin pressed for an equaliser and were camped in the opposition half but Llanrhaeadr’s well organised defence stood firm, they defended deep, determined to hang on to their lead. Ruthin in turn continued to play their good passing football and dominated the latter stages to such an extent that two men were left at the back marking a lonely striker.

Whilst it was a match that could easily have gone the other way credit must be given to Llanrhaeadr for managing the game as they did and going home with the points, but on this showing there isn’t a great deal wrong with what Ruthin are doing.