DENBIGH TOWN 2
CAERNARFON TOWN 0
ON-TOP Denbigh Town eased to their first Cymru Alliance win in 10 games with a 2-0 result over fallen Welsh giants Caernarfon Town, writes Peter Glynn at Central Park.
A goal in each half earned the Vale side maximum points against a Caernarfon side that looked a shadow of the outfit that started the season with so much promise.
The first half was an even affair with both sides testing the waters without really committing - although Gary Penlington went close to edging the visitors ahead on 11 minutes, his header being beaten over by Town glovesman Azz Hughes.
Ian Evans had a penalty shout soon after for a push in the back and then Mark Roberts sent in an effort for the Cofis that inched wide.
The game was uninspiring until the 24th minute.
Denbigh’s Darren Cassidy received the ball to feet 25 yards from goal, looked up and curled in a beauty to warm a bitterly cold afternoon.
The second stanza was mostly Denbigh’s and they deservedly scored their second - and clinching - goal on 54 minutes.
A free kick from Liam Jones was met by the head of Kevin Evans a yard outside the box and the ball looped over and beyond Mike Platt in the Caernarfon goal.
Adrian Hoyle hit the bar after a mazy run and next Ian Evans had a close-range effort well taken by Platt, who impressed for most of the afternoon.
Caernarfon’s best chance fell after smart work from John Kennedy, whose sublime cross was headed wide by Ben Collins.
Jon Slater may have added a third on 88 minutes after a surging burst that put him in the clear.
The long fellow lifted the ball over Platt under pressure from the Cofis’ defence, but watched his effort roll agonisingly across goal and to safety.