RUTHIN TOWN 2

HOLYWELL TOWN 1

WHAT a way to end a terrific campaign.

Ruthin Town came from behind against Holywell Town on Friday evening to lift aloft this season's NEWFA Challenge Cup.

Chris Williams' charges have gained praise from all quarters this season for their hard-working displays and goals from captain Ilan Hughes and star striker Llyr Morris ensured they gained some silverware from the campaign.

A bumper crowd was in attendance at Airbus UK Broughton to witness the final and goals were likely to be in the offing, with the two Huws Gray Alliance clashes between the sides this season yielding 13 goals.

It was Ruthin who had the better of the opening exchanges, with Jordan MacCarter going close early on.

Holywell then threatened when Mark Winslade saw his fierce drive from a tight angle rebound off the post before it was scrambled clear by the Ruthin backline.

The deadlock was in the 18th minute and it was Holywell who were celebrating.

Matty Harvey headed back across goal from a corner for Winslade to

bundle the ball home.

Despite this setback, Ruthin hauled themselves level just a minute later.

A quick break down the left saw Llyr Morris run into the penalty area and fall under a challenge from Holywell keeper Shaun Pearson.

After protestations from the Holywell bench against the decision, skipper Ilan Hughes stepped up to put the spot kick away.

Holywell had a chance to regain the lead when Matty Harvey's header from a corner was cleared off the line, however the next goal went in Ruthin's favour with five minutes of the first half left to play.

Llyr Morris broke clear and slotted the ball past Pearson.

After a positive start to the second half, the Wellmen looked to have

levelled when Graeme Williams latched on to an aerial ball and fired home, but this effort was ruled out for offside.

Shaun Tuck was denied by a timely Ruthin challenge when he seemed to be through, while Steve Lewis had a goal disallowed following another offside call.

In the dying minutes, Holywell’s frustrations were compounded when Shaun Tuck was shown a red card.

An excellent defensive display from Mike Sharples saw him being named as man of the match.