DENBIGH TOWN 3

GUILSFIELD 4

DESPITE claiming a first half lead, Denbigh Town weren't able to celebrate a weekend Huws Gray Alliance triumph.

There was lots of effort and energy from the Denbigh lads during their home clash with Guilsfield, but it was the Mid Walians who went away with the three points on offer thanks to a thrilling 4-3 success.

Following heavy overnight rain, an inspection was carried out on the surface during Saturday morning and the pitch was deemed playable.

Curtis Langton returned to the Denbigh team at left back, with Miles Todd and Tony Davies continuing at the heart of the defence. Lewis Sirrell moved into midfield and promising youngster Owen Evans was included on the bench after some impressive performances for the reserves.

Denbigh started by playing against strong gusts of wind, which did have an effect on the game in parts.

Guilsfield used the elements to their advantage by creating two early chances, with one shot hitting the side netting and keeper Craig Vernon had to be alert to pull off a fine save.

However, it was Denbigh who took the lead after a quarter-of-an-hour.

After being played through, Mark Roberts wrong footed ex-Denbigh keeper Mike Jones to slide home the opening goal.

Guilsfield responded well to falling behind and once again Vernon was called upon to produce a great save.

Home midfielder Pat Hinchcliffe was coming more into the game as he gets back to match sharpness.

He sent a great delivery into the box on 22 minutes, but the Denbigh attackers could not capitalise on the opportunity.

As the half progressed, Guilsfield gained more possession and Vernon had to dive low to save Stuart Rogers' shot.

The pressure eventually told in the 38th minute.

Adam Jenkins sent a free kick into the box and it was deflected into the net by Steve Blenkinsop.

Things got worse for Denbigh nine minutes into the second half.

Some sloppy play in midfield saw the hosts lose the ball and Adam Jenkins broke through to score Guilsfield's second.

Denbigh management duo Matty Jones and Dewi Jones made a double substitution on the hour, with Jake Walker and Tom Jones replacing Pat Hinchcliffe and Sam Jones.

The game became a stop-start affair for a period as neither team could get a firm grip on the contest.

The defining moment came on 77 minutes when the ball was played into the Denbigh penalty area.

A Guilsfield shot and it hit a Denbigh defender at point blank range and while the visitors appealed for a penalty, the referee shook his head.

He then saw his assistant flagging for hand ball and after a quick discussion, the penalty was awarded.

Jack Harris blasted his spot kick into the middle of the goal to make it 3-1.

It was four-one to the visitors just two minutes later when the unfortunate Miles Todd deflected a low shot into his own net.

Denbigh refused to throw in the towel and a cross from substitute Sion Jones landed on the roof of the net.

On 88 minutes, Town had the ball in the net when skipper Tony Davies rose to head home from six yards out.

Denbigh keeper Craig Vernon was then involved in a nasty collision and appeared to turn his ankle.

After some lengthy treatment, the game resumed and in the 96th minute, Tony Davies headed in his second of the game.

However, a minute later and it was all over as Guilsfield held on to their slender advantage.