Crucial win for Town in difficult conditions

Penrhyncoch 1-2 Denbigh Town

Denbigh returned to winning ways with a deserved victory in what was a vital game for both sides. Second half goals from Pat Hinchcliffe and Mark Roberts gave them a comfortable two goal lead before the Roosters pulled a goal back in injury time.

Denbigh welcomed Kristian Pierce back to their ranks following his transfer from Rhyl the day before and he started the game. Local lad Pierce had been a favourite with Denbigh supporters prior to his move to the coast and his signing helped give Denbigh a welcome boost. Young Scott McHarrie returned to the team following his suspension and his presence in midfield was evident from the start. Curtis Langton also returned as a central defender alongside captain Tony Davies with Stuart Vernon coming in at right back.

The game started in appalling conditions with torrential rain and a strong wind. Denbigh had the first chance on 5 minutes when a goalmouth scramble in the Roosters penalty area saw first Mark Roberts shoot and then Kristian Pierce pounce on the rebound and having a half chance before the defence cleared.

The hosts then a great chance as Jon Evans sent a low ball from the right wing across the Denbigh goal but there was no one on the end to capitalise. Minutes later Denbigh were under pressure again following a free kick when Jack Rimmer delivered a cross in which found John Foligno in space but his header from 6 yards went straight into Town keeper’s Craig Vernon’s arms.

From the clearance Pat Hinchcliffe broke at speed down Denbigh’s left wing and into the penalty area only for the Penrhyncoch defence to tackle and force a corner. The Roosters responded with Josh Shaw and Tom Evans linking well to play themselves into the Town penalty area only for the final ball to be collected safely by Craig Vernon.

With conditions making the pitch very heavy, tackles were coming in thick and fast and Denbigh won a free kick just inside the Penrhyncoch half. Lewis Sirrell swung a looping ball into the box and Mark Roberts was able to control the ball and shoot but his shot was blocked by a Rooster possibly by his arm. Appeals for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

As the half drew to a close Curtis Langton fed a superb ball for Kristian Pierce to run onto a one on one with keeper Jenkins. Pierce rounded the keeper but lost his balance slightly and could’nt recover and the danger was cleared and the teams went in 0-0 at half time.

The second half started with both teams having chances with Jack Rimmer having a golden opportunity for the Roosters when he was in space on the right side of the penalty area only for his shot to be off target and into the stand behind. Town’s Mark Roberts was then free when he beat a defender only for his shot to be comfortably saved by Jenkins

Left back Bailey Jackson linked up with Pierce who fed Sam Downey whose low shot hit the post as the game continued to ebb to and fro. Roosters responded and but for a goal line clearance from Denbigh’s defence they would have taken the lead following a Luke Sherbon’s shot which was scrambled away to safety.

Denbigh responded and on the break Pat Hinchcliffe moved into the penalty area down the right wing to unleash a screamer of a shot from a tight angle which flew into the net on 59 minutes to give Denbigh the lead.

Immediately Penrhyncoch made a substitution with ex Denbigh striker Carl Lamb coming on for defender Matt Mousley as the Roosters looked to get the equaliser

However five minutes later it was 2-0 as Kristian Pierce did well down the left to force his way into the area and shoot. His shot was blocked by Jenkins and the rebound fell to Mark Roberts whose low shot from 12 yards hit the net despite valiant attempts from Penrhyncoch’s defenders to block the shot.

Now Denbigh enjoyed the more of the possession as the two goal cushion give them more time and composure on the ball in difficult conditions. The hosts made a double substitution on 70 minutes as they pushed to get a goal back but stalwart defending from Denbigh’s back four kept them at bay.

That was until the 91st minute when following a Rooster attack Steff Evans knocked down a ball for Jon Evans to place the ball wide of Craig Vernon to give the hosts a late goal and some hope.

It was’nt to be and Denbigh were able to play the game out and come home with three valuable points as they look to move up the league table.

Joint manager Matty Jones said after the game “This was such a big win for us. The lads were superb in difficult conditions and adapted well. We now need to follow up on this performance with a similar display against Holywell on Friday night at Central Park”

Penrhyncoch
Leigh Jenkins, Tom Evans, Matt Mousley, Sion James, John Foligno, Carwyn Jones, Jack Rimmer, Luke Sherbon, Josh Shaw, Jon Evans, Craig Williams : Subs – Steff Davies, Owain James, Antonio Corbiero, Carl Lamb

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

Referee – Mike James (Llandudno Junction)
Assistant – Alun Jones
Assistant – Stu Ellis

Attendance – 50