WELSHPOOL 2

RUTHIN LADIES 0

A YOUTHFUL Ruthin side impressed during their weekend match versus Welshpool.

Niamh Roberts made her debut for the side, while Katy Hancock was appearing in only her second game for the first team.

After an end-to-end start, Welshpool won a number of short corners, but Ruthin's defence managed to repel these attacks.

Goalkeeper Harriet Jones did not let the ball near the back of the board at all with incredible saves throughout the game, especially three saves in a row.

Heledd Beech was unlucky to sustain a ball to the knee and she had a short time off the pitch, leaving Ruthin with 10 players, but the visitors battled on.

Coach Richard Hackett took advantage of the strong first half performance and during his half-time team talk, he encouraged the girls to keep fighting, as there was so much positive play to build on in the second half.

Ruthin did not start the second half as strongly and they conceded two goals in the first 10 minutes after the restart.

Despite this, Ruthin kept their heads up and they carried on in determined fashion.

Welshpool won several more short corners, but they couldn’t break through the strong defensive line of Lois Hughes, Llio Jones and Gwen Rees, with Eleri Jones playing solidly as ever and being in the right place at the right time.

One defensive short corner saw Ruthin counter attack with Megan Hughes leading the way, but the visitors failed to break through Welshpool’s defensive line.

Ruthin’s young side proved to be at an advantage in the latter stages, with their fitness levels allowed them to keep fighting until the final whistle.

The young squad of girls should be very proud of their efforts, playing in the Division One of the North Wales League at such young ages.

Ruthin have a vital game on Saturday as they host basement side Bangor University.

Push back is at 10.30am on the artificial surface at Ruthin Leisure Centre.