GRESFORD ATHLETIC 1

RUTHIN TOWN 0

RUTHIN drew a blank on their travels as they opened their 2020 programme with a defeat.

Chris Hardy's charges headed into the opening weekend of the year as strong favourites to record a magnificent seventh JD Cymru North win of the season.

However, a solitary goal proved to be enough to secure the three points in favour of hosts Gresford Athletic.

The first half proved to be a close tussle and the best chance before the break went to Ruthin when a shot hit the post in the 34th minute.

The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes into the second half.

Nathan Williams set up the goal by putting the ball into the box and Jack Chaloner was there to tap home.

That was enough to seal the deal and Gresford were able to celebrate their first win since they defeated Corwen way back on September 28, 2019.

“It’s a massive, massive relief,” said Gresford's director of football Steve Halliwell after the win.

“I’ve certainly felt the knock-on effect of not winning games, but a win has been coming and it’s great to start the New Year with victory.

“I’ve missed that winning feeling and it’s great to see the smiles on the faces of everyone at the club.

“The atmosphere in the changing room afterwards was great, the speakers were bouncing and after asking for unity we got just that.”

There was better fortune for the two Ruthin Town sides involved in Wrexham Area League action over the weekend.

Looking at the Reserves' Division and Ruthin Town Reserves secured a 2-1 triumph in their home meeting versus Penycae Reserves.

Goals from Owain McKee and Rob Williams made sure Ruthin claimed their sixth success of the season.

Elsewhere, Ruthin Town Development eased to a 4-0 home triumph over Coedpoeth United Reserves.

A fifth victory of the campaign was signed, sealed and delivered courtesy of goals from Gruff McKee, Pete Jones, Ben Smith and Dan Smith.