Penrhyncoch 2 Rhyl 1

TWO second half goals proved enough to seal a hard-fought win which took the Roosters up to seventh place in the JD Cymru North division.

In difficult conditions with wind and rain lashing Cae Baker, chances were at a premium in the first half. The first chance fell to the Lilywhites’ Sam Molyneux but his shot was comfortably saved by Leigh Jenkins in the Penrhyncoch goal.

At the other end, the hosts’ first opening saw Jonathan Evans’ shot dealt with by Rory Crowther.

Rhyl, who gave a debut to new loan signing Conor Harwood, began to gain more possession as the half progressed with the new man looked lively out wide in an advanced position and he had a good chance saved by Jenkins.

Ben Nash should have given Rhyl the lead in the 28th minute but his shot went wide of the post and four minutes later a positive run by Ilan ap Gareth saw a chance open up but his shot was blocked.

The movement of Arek Piskorski out wide was giving the hosts defence plenty of problems but the tall striker was unable to take advantage and create a clear opening.

Playing into the wind after the turnaround, the home team sat deeper but Rhyl failed to make the most of the possession that followed, Tom Creamer’s half chance in the 50th minute going high and wide.

And that miss proved costly when Steff Davies was allowed to turn inside the penalty area to place a low shot past Crowther in the 57th minute to give the Roosters the lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage within seven minutes when a long ball forward wasn’t dealt with by the Rhyl central defenders.

Ifan Burrel’s shot was parried by Crowther into the path of Tomos Evans who had the simplest chance to stroke the ball home from close range into an empty net.

Paul Williams was brought on for his debut to replace Molyneux with Creamer pushed further forward but too often the Lilywhites’ composure was lost in the opponents’ half as Penrhyn sat back and absorbed the pressure.

Jenkins was able to deal comfortably with the crosses coming into the box including a swirling delivery which looked to be dropping in under the bar until he palmed it over.

A great chance fell to Ben Nash who was unable to guide his header goalwards whilst Harwood had a headed opportunity go the wrong side of the near post.

Rhyl finally pulled one back in the 87th minute when Dave MacIntyre was able to advance towards the box unopposed to unleash a left-footed strike which nestled in the corner of the net.

The last few minutes saw the visitors pile pressure on the hosts but Penrhyncoch stood firm to clinch a big three points.