HENLLAN U-15s 3

DENBIGH TOWN U-16s 7

AN incredible nine first-half goals flew in as Denbigh Town Rhinos and Henllan United U-15s battled it out in a pulsating League Cup clash.

In the end, Denbigh eventually ran out 7-3 winners.

Henllan took a third minute lead from a free kick before nearly adding a second as Denbigh keeper Jake Jones was forced into a superb one-on-one save and James Thomas had to clear off the line from another Henllan attack as the hosts made an explosive start.

Denbigh did finally settle and they soon found their range of passing.

Man of the match Gethin Rogers was able to exploit areas with dangerous runs, one on which saw the Rhinos level as he combined with Jake Roberts and Finn McCoole to present Thomas with a finish.

Another Rogers foray moments later saw Denbigh ahead, with his cross being powerfully headed home by Finn McCoole for his eighth goal in five starts.

Rogers then had a hand in setting-up Owen Williams for number three and McCoole's close-range second looked to have set Denbigh on their way to a big win.

However, Henllan didn't let heads drop and they capitalised on an uncharacteristic goalkeeping error to make it 4-2.

A smart turn and finish from the edge of the area from Jake Roberts saw Denbigh grab a fifth and he grabbed his second minutes later.

James Thomas bravely rounded the Henllan keeper after being picked out by Jake Jones for Roberts to hit his second and 12th of the season.

Henllan scored again at the end of a prolific half to keep the tie alive.

The second period was a much quieter affair with Denbigh very much asserting themselves over their younger opponents.

Rogers saw a header cleared off the line, before Bradley Roberts' stunning shot cannoned off the woodwork and it fell kindly for Tomos Jones to rifle in the rebound.

On this showing, few will bet against Henllan doing very well in this competition in 12 months’ time.