DENBIGH TOWN 3

BODEDERN ATHLETIC 0

DENBIGH Town moved into the semi-finals of the Lock Stock Cookson Cup on a day of mixed emotions at Central Park.

In a week of sadness for the club following the news that long-serving groundsman Derek Hughes had passed away, Denbigh reacted by putting on a display which saw them through comfortably against Bodedern.

They can now look forward to a home semi-final against Nantlle Vale.

A minute’s silence was held prior to the start of the tie as a mark of respect and in memory of club stalwart Derek, who has been a major part of the club for such a long time and who was held in the highest regard by everyone associated with Denbigh Town.

Denbigh manager Dewi Llion Jones called up Billy Holmes as a central defender alongside John Terry, as Moses Barnett was unavailable.

Midfielder Will Ashley returned to the starting line-up with Dan Clarke away on holiday.

The first half saw Denbigh playing with the wind, but it proved to be a scrappy affair and their chances were limited against a disciplined Bodedern team.

At the back, John Terry was in commanding form winning balls in the air with Billy Holmes slotting in well alongside him.

Full backs Sion Jones and Dan Lloyd put in sound performances and they kept Bodedern’s chances to a minimum.

Despite having plenty of possession, it was not until the 40th minute that Denbigh had their first clearcut chance.

Mark Roberts chested down a Dan Lloyd cross into the path of Jake Walker, whose shot went just wide of the target.

Just on the stroke of half-time, Billy Holmes went on a mazy run and weaved his way into the penalty area.

He found Mark Roberts, whose shot was well saved by Bodedern keeper Kenny Hughes.

The second half saw Denbigh take control of the tie.

On 56 minutes, Town thought they had taken the lead.

Mark Roberts' free kick from the edge of the box beat the Bodedern wall and it was palmed away by keeper Hughes into the path of Paul Fleming, who slotted home.

Denbigh’s joy was short-lived, though, as the assistant referee had waved his flag for offside.

Denbigh piled on the pressure and they won a free kick inside Bodedern’s half with 65 minutes gone.

A perfectly weighted set piece from youngster Jacob Barratt was floated into Mark Roberts, whose glancing header went well clear of Hughes’ outstretched arms and into the net to give Denbigh a deserved lead.

Bodedern responded and they had a bright spell, winning a corner with 71 minutes on the clock.

Denbigh got the ball away and the clearance fell to captain Mark Roberts, who surged forward out of defence and into the opposition’s half.

A one-two with Jacob Barratt allowed him to lay a ball on for Paul Fleming to fire home from 10 yards and give Denbigh the cushion of a two-goal lead.

Once again, Bodedern responded and Denbigh keeper Antoni Sarnowski was called upon to make a fine fingertip save from striker Aidan Clark.

The 86th minute saw Denbigh get their final goal.

It was created by Billy Holmes with another long foray into the Bodedern half and onto the penalty area.

He laid on the perfect pass for Jacob Barratt to slide in to make it 3-0 and the game was won.