RUTHIN TOWN 2

HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR 1

AUGUST may feel such a long time ago, but it was in Ruthin Town's minds as they conducted a successful revenge mission.

On the first day of the Huws Gray Alliance season, Holyhead Hotspur edged out Chris Williams' visitors by a solitary goal.

Just one goal separated the sides once more in the return fixture, but this time it was Ruthin who were celebrating at the final whistle after they picked up their 10th triumph of the season.

It wasn't Ruthin's best performance by any means, but points are the most crucial things at this stage of the season and they remain well in the mix for a top-seven finish.

The Ruthin side showed changes from the defeat versus leaders Caernarfon Town seven days earlier, with Mathew Williams, Craig Wilkinson, Garmon Hafal and skipper Ilan Hughes coming into the team.

The game started at a slow pace bit and initially it had a pre-season friendly feel to it.

It took 20 minutes for the first chance of the afternoon to arrive and Holyhead threatened the Ruthin goal.

After something of a scramble, Town managed to clear to safety.

This incident woke Ruthin up and soon after Jordan MacCarter received the ball wide right, cut in towards the box and rattled the bar from 22 yards out.

Playing with the number 10 on his back, Craig Wilkinson was making a positive effect and from his through ball, MacCarter was brought down by the visiting keeper for a penalty to be awarded.

Top scorer Llyr Morris took it, but he saw his spot kick effort being saved.

Top scorer Morris didn't have to wait too long to make his mark, though, and 60 seconds later, a poor throw out by Holyhead's keeper only found Wilkinson.

With the goal gaping, he squared it for Morris to tap-in the opener four minutes before the interval.

One very soon became two as Ruthin ended the half on a real high.

A ball over the top found Morris and as the keeper came rushing out, the Ruthin attacker coolly finished it off from edge of the box.

The second half began with Holyhead showing off a more direct style of football and on 55 minutes they forced Town keeper Ryan Goldston into a good save.

Goldston did well to keep out the attempt from point blank range after a knockdown into the striker's path.

Youngster Tomos Watkin-Jones came on for the injured Wilkinson and his direct running and pace caused Holyhead problems.

Indeed, after a great one-two with Morris, Watkin-Jones forced a good save from the keeper.

MacCarter was still causing problems, and from a good run and a terrific cross, Morris just failed to convert for his hat-trick.

It wasn't game over just yet, though, and on 71 minutes Hylyhead pulled a goal back.

A big kick upfield was flicked on and striker John Littlemore finished well beyond Goldston to set up a grandstand finish.

The last 20 minutes witnessed Ruthin defending a number of crosses into their box and the hosts were pleased to hear the final whistle with their lead still intact.