DEPLETED Penrhyncoch produced another plucky performance to return from Rhyl with a well-earned 2-2 draw - and it could well have been more, had the Roosters not squandered a late penalty.

Some resolute defending and incisive attacking play on the counter-attack had seen Penrhyn more than match the Lilywhites in a rousing display at Belle Vue.

They twice hit back to level, courtesy of Cledan Davies and Sion Meredith, and Davies could have settled the issue four minutes from time, but he saw his spot kick saved by keeper Rory Crowther.

The positive 2-2 draw, however, means Roosters are now eight points clear of third-from-bottom Caersws who again had no action due to a waterlogged pitch.

“It was one of the best points since I’ve been manager,” said boss Gari Lewis.

“We went there with just 11 players, and just me on the bench, so to come from one of the toughest places to go in the league with a draw is a fantastic achievement.

“The boys gave everything. I can’t speak highly enough of them, and if they continue to show that kind of spirit, then they will be in this league next season.

“Even Rhyl’s management said that we should have won it, which is nice, but we won’t be getting carried away as there is still a lot of work to be done by us.”

Rhyl had the majority of the early play, with James Murphy breaking into the box and seeing his shot comfortably saved by visiting goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins.

Aaron Pomeyie sprinted clear, but his low shot was deflected away by Jenkins, and on 20 minutes Jordan Barrow played in Pomeyie again, but he fired over.

Further home pressure saw Alun Webb’s low cross go just inches away from Phil Marsh, and then Barrow fired a fierce strike over, but Penrhyn held on.

A change of tactics saw the Roosters come more into the game, with Liam Lewis driving forward, but they then fell behind three minutes before half time.

The visitors failed to properly clear a corner kick and Murphy was able to cross the ball towards the six yard box, where former Bala and Aberystwyth player Will Bell managed to head the ball home.

In the last minute, Penrhyncoch had their best chance of the first half but Elian Evans headed over Crowther’s goal.

Undaunted, Penrhyn were level five minutes into the second half when the visitors were awarded a free kick on the wide right hand side of the penalty area and Cledan Davies drilled a well struck 25-yard effort into the back of the net

The game opened up with some end-to-end action, and Rhyl’s Sam Downey was denied by some last ditch defending, before Alex Titchiner was quickly closed down and saw his shot deflected wide.

Rhyl, however, regained the lead on 73 minutes when Alan Webb’s cross evaded defenders and forwards alike, but a slight headed touch by James Murphy from close range was enough to beat Jenkins.

Murphy then saw his shot go narrowly over, but a cross by Matt Mousley to the near post saw Sion Meredith head down and whilst Crowther was able to stop the shot Meredith forced home the equaliser.

The match appeared to be turning in favour of the visitors when Rhyl had Jordan Barrow sent off for a reckless tackle on 82 minutes and then, four minutes from time, they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge by James Brewerton.

With regular penalty taker Jonathan Evans being one of six players to miss the game, Cledan Davies stepped up, but home keeper Crowther dived to his right and forced his shot on to the post, before then managing to hold onto the ball.

Rhyl could have sneaked it at the end, but the Roosters threw bodies on the line to ensure a deserved share of the spoils.

RHYL: R Crowther, J Brewerton, W Bell, T Hartley, J Barrow, S Carroll, S Downey, P Marsh (A Titchiner 46), A Pomeyie (M Connolly 62), J Murphy, A Webb (D Holland 73). Substitutes not used: B Collins.

PENRHYNCOCH: L Jenkins, E Evans, C Davies, S James, J Foligno, M Mousley, R Murfet, N Blake, S Davies, S Meredith, L Lewis. Subs not used: G Lewis, G Allen.