Two goals in three second half minutes sentenced Penrhyncoch to their first defeat of the season in the Cymru North when edged out 2-1 at home to Ruthin.

Buoyed by their last-gasp win at Llanrhaeadr, it was a disappointing outcome for the Roosters, who did enough in the sun-drenched encounter to have emerged with some reward.

After a goalless first half, the game swung towards the visitors midway through the second period as Llyr Morris and Gwydion Ifan scored in quick succession.

Although Lance Jones pulled one back with a neat finish, Penrhyn were unable to find an equaliser despite their efforts.

The Roosters now look to make a positive response away to newly-promoted Llanfair United on Wednesday, where they hope to be boosted by the return of experienced duo Stef Davies and Antonio Corbisiero, along with youngster Guto Huws.

"It was incredibly hot, a 50-50 game, and over the 90 minutes a draw would probably have been a fair result," said Penrhyn manager Gari Lewis after the defeat to Ruthin. "At 0-0 after about 70 minutes, the first goal was always going to be so important. Whoever scored first would probably go on to win the game.

"They had a good period and took advantage of a bit of a lapse which took the stuffing out of us and they quickly got a second.

"We had our chances, but it was always going to be tough going into the game without three massive players for us - Stef (Davies), Corbs (Antoni Corbisiero) and Jack (Rimmer).

Ruthin had gone into the encounter without manager Chris Williams who had stepped down earlier in the week after three years at the helm.

The game was in the balance for most part before the deadlock was broken on 68 minutes when the hosts were caught out by a ball over the top and the predatory Morris made no mistake as he broke through.

Ifan doubled the lead just two minutes later, before Lance Jones glanced in a Tom Evans cross on 76 minutes to give the Roosters hope of retrieving the situation.

Jones limped off after turning his ankle moments later, and the hosts’ chances faded as Ruthin held firm to return with the points.

Penrhyn had their opportunities during the second period, with Jonathan Evans having one effort tipped onto the bar, while Stef Gittins crashed a shot over and Owain James volleyed past the post.

After travelling to Llanfair United in midweek, the Roosters then have a chance to take an early breather as they have no game on Saturday.

Penrhyncoch (v Ruthin Town): L Jenkins, M Pemberthy (M Evans), T Evans, S James, J Foligno, L Lewis, L Jones (E Rees), O James, S Gittins, J Evans, I Burrell (G Pugh-Jones).