RUTHIN TOWN 3

DENBIGH TOWN 1

IT'S a blue Christmas in the Vale of Clwyd.

The big Boxing Day Vale of Clwyd derby deservedly went the way of Chris Williams' Ruthin Town.

In front of a huge crowd at Memorial Park Fields, Ruthin claimed the three Huws Gray Alliance points on offer, which secured a league double over their near neighbours.

Ruthin had the better of the opportunities in the opening period and they deservedly claimed the lead 11 minutes shy of the interval.

Denbigh midfielder Kristian Pierce gave the ball away inside his own half and a one-two with Llyr Morris set up Gwion Owen to rifle in the opening goal from 12 yards.

An injury may have played a part in Pierce's poor pass during the build-up to the goal and he was replaced at the interval by Corey Smart.

Smart did add some energy to the visitors' performance when the second half got underway and Denbigh enjoyed more possession.

Striker Josh Davies threatened when his header forced a good save from Dylan Jones.

Ruthin were swift when they broke, though, and they doubled their advantage on 55 minutes.

Osian Davies played in Jordan MacCarter, who fired a powerful strike into the corner of the net.

It was by no means game over and Denbigh were handed a lifeline six minutes later.

Despite vociferous home protests, the away Town won a penalty when Kevin Evans was adjudged to have fouled Josh Davies.

Davies picked himself up to tuck away the spot kick.

Most of the second half possession belonged to the team in red, but the Ruthin backline dealt superbly with everything that was thrown at them.

Ruthin continued to look the more dangerous team in the final third and they made the points safe in the closing 10 minutes.

Osian Davies was fouled in the box and star striker Llyr Morris tucked in the spot kick to seal the deal.