RUTHIN TOWN 2

RHYL 3

A FIERCE fightback just came up short from Ruthin Town's perspective.

Seemingly down-and-out when they trailed high-profile visitors Rhyl at half-time on Saturday, Chris Williams' charges showed their mettle to grab two goals of their own after the break.

However, the Lilywhites maintained their slender advantage through until the final whistle to bag their first victory of the campaign.

Rhyl knew the size of the task that they faced with memories that Ruthin impressively did the league double over them last season.

The visitors played against the wind in the first half and their first opportunity came when Mike Pritchard's shot from close range was saved by home custodian Ryan Goldston.

Rhyl took the lead in the 11th minute.

After a good spell of possession, James Murphy played in Matthew Worrall, who laid the ball off for former Denbigh Town midfielder Kristian Pierce to find the target.

Ruthin looked to respond and six minutes later, Wil Owen's attempt hit the crossbar.

Rhyl stretched their advantage in the 26th minute.

James Stead who was fouled by Osian Davies in the box and referee Tom Owen pointed to the spot.

Kristian Pierce confidently strode forward to score the penalty.

It was by no means all one-way traffic and a shot from Gwydion Ifan ended up narrowly wide of the target.

However, the final word of the half belonged to Rhyl, who went 3-0 up.

A free kick from James Stead picked out an unmarked Max Peate, who headed the ball beyond Goldston.

Ruthin did give themselves a glimmer of hope of forging a fightback when they pulled a goal back on the hour.

Mathew Evans headed home unchallenged to cut the deficit.

The hosts remained on the front foot and Ryan Jones create problems for the Rhyl defence.

The gap between the teams was down to a solitary goal in the 69th minute.

Llyr Morris chased the ball down and under close contact from Max Peate, the striker went down, with Tom Owen pointing to the spot again.

Morris successfully converted the penalty to give the hosts real hope with 20 minutes to go.

Rhyl responded by having a good spell of their own, with Mike Pritchard having a shot saved by Goldston.

The hosts also threatened and Ryan Jones' free kick from outside the box was tipped over by Rory Crowther.

Town had a great chance to level things up with seven minutes to go.

Llyr Morris went to ground under pressure from Hartley inside the six-yard box and referee Owen pointed to the spot for the third time.

This time it was Ryan Jones who stepped up, but his penalty went over the bar.

With four minutes of injury time to be played, the hosts continued to press, but Rhyl held on for the win.