RUTHIN TOWN 2

PORTHMADOG 0

TEAMS in the upper reached of the Huws Gray Alliance are having no joy in their meetings with Ruthin Town.

A fortnight after denting Bangor City's lofty aspirations, Chris Williams' side were doing the same to third-placed Porthmadog.

A double from Llyr Morris supplied Ruthin with an 11th success of the season and this keeps them on course for a top-six finish.

With the runners-up spot still up for grabs, Porthmadog fell short at Ruthin when they needed a win to keep up the pressure on second-placed Flint.

Despite a missed penalty, Llyr Morris proved to be the match winner with his second-half brace, taking him above Conwy's Corrig McGonigle and to the top of the scoring charts.

Porthmadog made a bright start and in the fourth minute, Shaun Cavanagh's dangerous cross to the near post was well cut out by home keeper Ryan Goldston.

Soon after, Julian Williams met a Cavanagh free kick, but his header lacked power.

The home team then responded with Ryan Jones firing over the bar and Paul Pritchard gathered well at his near post when Gwydion Ifan crossed a low ball to the near post.

Pressure was then mounted on the Port goal as Ruthin quickly switched defence into attack.

Gwion Owen supplied Llyr Morris, who fired straight at the keeper.

Morris was soon a threat again and it needed a good recovery tackle from Ceri James to deny him a clear chance on goal.

Rhys Rowlands headed over the bar as Ruthin continued to press and Paul Pritchard was called into action again, going down well as the dangerous Morris closed in on goal.

Porthmadog did create a clear opportunity on goal down the other end, but Iwan Lewis lifted his shot over the bar.

The visitors could have gone ahead around the half-hour mark with a mighty scramble in the crowded home box.

Ryan Goldston had to pull off a couple of last ditch blocks to deny former team-mate Mike Sharples and then Julian Williams.

Ilan ap Gareth had an early effort on goal after the interval for Port, but it was the home side who soon got their noses in front.

On 51 minutes, Llyr Morris ran on to a through ball and then outpaced the defence.

He broke in on goal and sent an angled shot past the advancing Paul Pritchard.

Within 10 minutes, Ruthin could have doubled their advantage.

Morris burst into the box on the right, only to be brought down by Mike Sharples.

Referee Mark Jones pointed to the spot, but a great save from Paul Pritchard denied Ruthin striker Morris his second goal.

By now, Porthmadog had used all three of their substitutes, but there was little change.

With 20 minutes remaining, Ruthin doubled their lead.

Llyr Morris took advantage of hesitation in the Port defence when a high hopeful ball bounced on the edge of the box.

He reacted quickly for what turned out to be a simple tap-in, grabbing his 17th league goal of the campaign.

Morris went close to completing his hat-trick prior to the final whistle.

After bursting through to reach a through ball, he was thwarted by another excellent Pritchard save.