PENRHYNCOCH boss Gari Lewis praised his injury-hit side after securing a precious 1-0 win at Huws Gray Cymru Alliance basement rivals Ruthin.

Mark Gornall’s penalty on 75 minutes proved enough, after Florin Burcea - making his long-awaited league debutant - was brought down in the box.

The Romanian, however, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the incident, with the injury likely to keep him on the sidelines for a number of weeks.

“That sums up the way things have been going for us at the moment,” said Lewis. “Florin is a wonderful talent, he produced a bit of magic to win us a penalty, but got injured in the process.

“He was taken to hospital, but x-rays showed no break. It appears the shoulder came out of its socket and popped back in, so we’ll see how he bears up.

“There was a delay of eight or nine minutes, while Florin was treated, but Mark Gornall kept his composure to put away the penalty at the end.”

After suffering their fifth straight defeat at Guilsfield, it was a game that the Roosters really had to win, and they looked a bit tense at times, against a side rooted to the foot of the table.

A cagey start saw few clear-cut chances at either end, but newcomer Burcea - who has been away for six weeks - fired one effort over the bar.

Ruthin had a couple of chances, but Penrhyn’s defence held firm for a welcome clean sheet - and they are just three points adrift of Llanfair in 10th.

“I was immensely proud of the boys, many of whom are playing with injuries,” added Lewis. “It was a big win for us, and it has taken us to just a few points from the teams in mid-table.

“There was nothing in it, but we worked hard on our defensive shape in training, and that has paid dividends.”

PENRHYN: L Jenkins, M Mousley, A Lemon, S James, J Foligno, M Gornall, F Burcea (H Harwood 70), O James, G Mansell (G Lewis 82), D Carruthers (L Doherty 80), E Evans. Subs: A Thomas, A Corbisiero.