PENRHYNCOCH manager Gari Lewis is looking for a positive response from his players after they slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Ruthin Town in the JD Cymru North.

Penrhyn had made a very promising start, with Steffan Davies giving them an early lead, only for Kevin Evans to restore parity for the home team after 35 minutes.

The prolific Llyr Morris then struck twice in the second half to secure the home win, with goals on 50 and 79 minutes, as Penrhyn slipped to a seventh defeat.

The ninth-placed Roosters will be determined to return to winning ways when they play hosts to a Llanfair United side still seeking their first league win.

Ruthin, who had pushed Aberystwyth Town all the way before narrowly bowing out of the Welsh Cup the previous weekend, went into the game full of confidence.

Chris Hardy’s side made a bright start, with striker Llyr Morris having half a chance after just four minutes - but from Penrhyn’s first attack, they took the lead.

A long ball caught out centre halves Garmon Hafal and Kevin Evans, with striker Steff Davies finishing well beyond goalkeeper Ryan Goldston from 16 yards out.

Ruthin fought back, and Gwion Owen, Morris, Wil Owen and Gwydion Ifan all had chances, with Osian Davies’ header clipping the bar from a right wing cross.

But Penrhyn almost restored their lead on 33 minutes when Steff Davies again got in behind the home defence, but Goldston tipped his effort against the post, and Matty Evans was able to clear off the line.

Ruthin kept their composure and they were back on level terms when Kevin Evans met Ilan Hughes’ corner with a bullet header into the top corner of the net.

The hosts then missed a golden chance to take the lead at the break as Llyr Morris got in behind the defence and was caught by the on-rushing keeper for a penalty.

Ruthin skipper Ilan Hughes stepped forward to take the spot kick, but his attempt was well saved as the half ended at 1-1.

Gari Lewis’ men found themselves trailing five minutes into the second period, however, as the dangerous Owen played a great through ball for Llyr Morris to outstrip the defence and coolly slot home.

Penrhyn found themselves pressed back, and Gwydion Ifan saw his attempted chip cleared by the defence, and substitute Tom Roberts saw his shot easily saved.

Ruthin then secured the points in the closing stages as a good team move involving Dafydd Evans and Tom Roberts saw a good through ball played in by Ilan Hughes, and Morris finished the chance.

Penrhyn did cause a few nervy moments for the hosts at the end, and Goldston produced a great save to keep his side’s two-goal cushion intact - and the Roosters will now look to bounce back this weekend.