HOLYWELL TOWN 0

RUTHIN TOWN 3

THE ideal start to the new season.

That's exactly what Ruthin Town experienced over the weekend.

Chris Williams' charges could not have wished for a better start to the Huws Gray Alliance campaign as they impressively saw off hosts Holywell Town 3-0 to become the first leaders in this season's Huws Gray Alliance.

It was Ruthin who made the better start and an early free kick was lofted into the home area, which was gathered by goalkeeper Andy Metcalf.

At the other end, Matthew Harvey had an opportunity for the Wellmen, which was saved by Ruthin number one Ryan Goldston.

Both sides had glimpses of goal as the early stages continued at a pace.

Sam Jones headed wide from a Holywell corner, while the home side struggled to clear when Ruthin had the next attack.

Ryan Jones' dangerous cross caused a few problems for the defence before it was eventually cleared by Sam Jones.

A goal did finally arrive in the 12th minute and the strike had Ruthin celebrating.

Ruthin defeated the Holywell offside trap with a fine ball through the defence and Ryan Jones ran on to it to slot part Andy Metcalf.

Holywell attempted to respond to this early setback and Connor Littler's shot from the edge of the box went over the bar.

The home side remained on the front foot after this and a good save from Ryan Goldston denied Matthew Kendrick.

It was then Ruthin's turn to attack after this and Gwion Owen had a glimpse of goal when he fired over from a decent position in the home penalty area.

Ruthin did manage to extend their advantage in the 26th minute with a terrific effort.

After picking up possession, Ryan Jones ran along the edge of the area and then turned to shoot past Metcalf and make it 2-0.

While Ruthin were in a comfortable position at this stage, Holywell continued to threaten every now and again.

After half-an-hour had elapsed, Sam Jones' attempt from a free kick went narrowly over the bar.

However, it was effectively game over with eight minutes of the first half remaining when Ruthin bagged their third goal of the evening.

Gwion Owen was the player on the scoresheet on this occasion as he fired his effort beyond the clutches of Metcalf.

Both sides had opportunities as the half drew to a close.

Damien Ketley's shot was well saved by visiting number one Ryan Goldston and at the other end, Gwydion Ifan fired over from the last attack of the opening period.

Looking to extend their healthy advantage even further, Ruthin had the first opportunity of the second half, which was saved by Metcalf.

Matty Harvey threatened with a Holywell header at the other end, while Ruthin dangerman Ryan Jones sensed that a hat-trick was on the cards and only a last-ditch tackle from Harvey prevented him from getting a shot away.

Holywell were shouting for a penalty when Kevin Evans challenged Damien Ketley, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Gwion Owen attempted to put Ruthin four goals to the good, but his shot went wide, prior to Holywell having a decent spell of pressure.

Davey's shot was deflected wide at the expense of a corner and Ketley's header ended up off target.

Ruthin were still forging the better chances, though, and only a great save from Metcalf at the feet of Wil Owen denied the visitors another goal.

The home side went back on to the attack and Davey put his effort wide, before substitute Marc Gunther almost made an immediate impact when his shot was well saved by Ryan Goldston.

The Ruthin number one did well to gather a cross under pressure from Ketley, while Goldston then kept out Sam Jones' shot from distance at the second attempt.

Solid at the back, Ruthin were so unlucky not to grab a fourth goal before the final whistle was sounded.

Gwion Owen was the unfortunate player as his shot hit both posts before being safely gathered by Metcalf.