Ruthin Town 3 Mynydd Isa 0
Ruthin completed their season with a comfortable victory over MI they cruised to a 3 goal advantage in the first half with a 15th minute penalty by Mike Garrod, Liam Jones added the second on 25 minutes following up a rebound off the keeper after a Gary Ellison effort. On 40 minutes the game was put beyond doubt when Will Roberts cut in from the left and fired a thunderbolt of a shot past the helpless MI keeper.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Ruthin playing good football as MI became more physical in their approach the only thing missing was more goals as it could have been 6 or 7 for Ruthin.
Second half substitutes were Dafydd Jones for Mark Jones, Dewi Jones for Liam Jones and Garmon Rhys for Will Roberts.
Good all round performances from Ruthin, Gaz Ellison was busy up front, held the ball up well and deserved a goal for his efforts, Mike Robinson was impressive again in the centre of midfield
Ruthin MOM - Mike Robinson
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Liam Jones, Gary Ellison, Garmon Rhys, Dafydd Jones, Mike Sharples, Sam Cartwright, Martin Dyer.
26th April 2008
Llanfair PG 2 Ruthin Town 2
Ruthin cruised in the first half with goals from Will Roberts and a penalty from Mike Garrod, Wil Roberts was forced off with a hamstring injury on 30 minutes replaced by Liam Jones.
Ruthin seem to have stirred Llan up for the second half when they drew level with 2 poor goals. Sam Griffiths replaced Dafydd Jones on 70 mins and Garmon Rhys came on for Mike Garrod on 75 mins.
Ruthin MOM - Aled Roberts
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Dafydd Jones, Gary Ellison, Garmon Rhys, Dafydd Jones, Sam Griffiths.
19th April 2008
Ruthin Town 1 GAP Queens Park 4
A poor result but not a particulalry poor performance by Ruthin but they were given an object lesson in finishing.
Ruthin started well and had GAP on the back foot for the first 15 minutes, on ten minutes Ben Collins was booked for a robust but fair challenge, after 20 minutes Ruthin gained a deserved lead a Ben Collins corner coming back off the bar Gary Ellisons initial effort was cleared off the line only for Matthew Davies to follow up and hammer the ball into the net. The game opened up and Gap started to get stronger both keepers made impressive saves as the game went from one end to the other. After 35 minutes Ruthin were badly disrupted by an injury to the hard working Tryfan Prosser, Liam Jones was introduced on the left with Will Roberts moving up front. On 40 minutes poor defending allowed Chris Courtney to move inside onto his favoured right foot and finished expertly from 20 yards.
The second half continued in the same entertaining way on 55 minutes Ruthin failed to clear their lines and Chris Courtney ran in to finish past a very annoyed Simon Williams. A minute later Mike Garrod was clean through but was thwarted by another impressive save by the GAP keeper.
On 58 minutes further suicidal defending with Ruthin yet again failing to clear their lines letting in Kevin Breeze to slide the ball past Williams.
Ruthin continued to push for goals but on a number of occassions some desparate defending in the 6 yard box by GAP enabled them to maintain a 2 goal advantage. On 88 minutes Courtney again finished impressively to give the scoreline an unjust appearance.
Hopefully Ruthin have thrown all their defensive mistakes into one match and will return to the tight defending of recent times it has to be said that whenever Ruthin made a mistake they were punished in a clinical manner.
Not many stand outs for Ruthin Simon Williams played well in goal, Mark Jones and Ben Collins played well at full back, and Dafydd Jones did well when he came on for Rob Render on 75 minutes.
MOM - Ben Collins.
Match Sponsor - SAM ROBERTS - Plant Hire
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Garmon Hafal, Dafydd Jones, Liam Jones.
9th April 2008
Ruthin Town 2 Denbigh Town 2
Ruthin put up another good performance on a heavy pitch against an under strength but very resilient Denbigh.
The first 20 minutes saw Ruthin play excellent football stretching Denbigh to the limit. On 18 minutes good passing between Will Roberts and Matthew Davoes resulted in a fine cross by Mark Jones for the in rushing Tryfan Prosser to put a diving header just wide.
In a rare venture up field Denbigh do what good sides do they take their chances on 26 minutes a good move on the right resulted in Lunstrum tapping in at the far post.
Ruthin continued to press and on 30 minutes the busy Gary Ellison scored from a great cross by the impressive Ben Collins. On 40 minutes Denbigh fought back again Lunstrum scoring from a header at the near post from a Denbigh corner.
The second half continued in a similar vain to the first with Ruthin pressing and keeping good possession on a very difficult surface with Denbigh breaking dangerously at times with O'Mahoney looking strong and quick up front and Mark Orme seemingly able to read and intercept most Ruthin moves. Ruthin's Ben Collins, Will Roberts, Mike Garrod and Mike Robinson putting in good performances in the mud.
On 70 mins Garmon Hafal and Liam Jones replaced Will Roberts and Matthew Davies in the wide positions. On 75 minutes Ruthin gained a deserved equaliser with Mike Robinson heading in from 12 yards following a Mark Jones cross.
On 82 minutes Tryfan Prosser turned neatly in the box only to see his effort hit the bar.
This was a very good match played on a difficult surface with Denbigh being most pleased with a share of the points. Tryfan Prosser and Gary Ellison lead the line well with good movement in difficult conditions, also impressive for Ruthin were Mark Jones, Ben Collins, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson and Will Roberts.
MOM - Ben Collins
Match Sponsor - George Wimpey Homes
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Garmon Hafal, Dafydd Jones, Liam Jones, Martin Dyer.
5th April 2008
Guilsfield 0 Ruthin Town 3
Ruthin ran out convincing winners in what was expected to be a dour battle for the points, Guilsfiled must hate the sight of Ruthin this season having conceded 3 goals in each of 3 fixtures against one of the leagues current form sides.
It started well for Ruthin as on 15 minutes Mike Garrod had a tap in from a good cross by Matthew Davies, on 23 minutes Gary Ellison was denied by a good save by the keeper but the ball hit the in coming centre back and ran into the net for an own goal. Ruthin continued to press and on 35 minutes Mike Garrod put through a great ball for the lively Will Roberts to score a scorcher from 20 yards.
Ruthin prepared for a Guilsfield onslaught in the second half but it never came and Ruthin continued to boss proceedings if it wasn't for a good goalkeeping performance and some errant finishing by Ruthin it could have been a significant defeat for Guilsfield.
Dafydd Jones was introduced with 20 minutes to go for Will Roberts, Garmon Hafal came on for Matthew Davies, and Mike Sharples for Rob Render with 10 minutes to go.
Another clean sheet for the Ruthin back 5, good performances all round for the whole squad but again the pick for Ruthin was the still improving Mike Robinson in the middle of the park.
MOM - Mike Robinson.
Match Sponsor - Ruthin Precast Concrete - RPC.
With relegation worries becoming a distant memory Ruthin now look forward to the visit of another in form team in local rivals Denbigh Town on Wed evening(9th April) ko 6:30 in what could be an entertaining match.
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Garmon Hafal, Dafydd Jones, Mike Sharples, Martin Dyer.
29th Mar 2008
Ruthin Town 2 Gresford Athletic 1
Another three points from a team in the bottom 4 gave Ruthin a great boost to consolidate a position nearer to mid table.
With only 3 games surviving the weather the referee had a good look at the pitch before kick off and further downpours during the first half made conditions very difficult but never dangerous. In truth Ruthin should have had this game sown up by half time.
They started brightly with Gary Ellison prominent in the first 15 minutes as he played a one touch and pass game. On 17 minutes Will Roberts again playing in a wide left role easily beat two Gresford defenders and with the keeper to beat pushed his shot wide of the far post, three minutes later Tryfan Prosser was one on one with the keeper and chose to shoot forcing a great save from the Gresford keeper.
On 28 minutes Matthew Davies delivered a great free kick from the right and as Aled Roberts forcefully ran in the ball almost got stuck in his designer stubble but fortunately the ball bounced off his chin and into the net.
Ruthin continued to play good football in atrocious conditions on 41 minutes Matthew Davies again put in a quality cross for Will Roberts to steal in on the far post to put a firm header past the keeper. Ruthin ralaxed running into half time and Gresford grabbed a lifeline with a header past Simon Williams.
Fortunately the conditions improved on half time otherwise there was a good possibility the game would have been abandoned, Dafydd Jones was introduced for the second half as the influencial Matthew Davies had suffered a back injury, and within minutes of the restart Gary Ellison(rib injury) was subbed for Garmon Hafal.
Ruthin continued to press in very difficult conditions but Gresford were dangerous on the break with Simon Williams having to be sharp to tip a dangerous shot onto a post. On 70 minutes Mike Garrod broke into the box and forced a great save from the keeper Garrod picked up the rebound, beat the keeper but slipped on the rain sodden surface as he was going to get Ruthins third, on 80 minutes Dafydd Jones put in a great cross only for Tryfan Prosser to slip as he tried to finish from 5 yards out.
Gresford tried manfully to gain a desparately needed point but Ruthin held out well, Mike Sharples was inrtoduced for Will Roberts for the last 5 minutes and did well down the right hand side.
Once again Mike Robinson was a driving force in the middle for Ruthin making light of energy sapping conditions, Matthew Davies impressed again and Tryfan Prosser ran the line well.
Ruthin have a tough match at Guilsfield this Saturday whilst Ruthin hosts the NEWFA cup semi final between Bala and Corwen.
Match Sponsor - Tillwise, Ruthin.
Ruthin squad - Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Garmon Hafal, Dafydd Jones, Mike Sharples.
22nd Mar 2008
Penrhyncoch 1 Ruthin Town 2
Another great 3 points for Ruthin, in very difficult conditions for both teams this was never going to be a classic.
Ruthin started brightly with Gary Ellison having a goal disallowed for offside in the first 2 minutes, with Ruthin playing with the strong wind behind them it was difficult to keep the ball from going out of play. On 25 minutes after a corner the Penrhyn centre forward shot from 4 yards out but somehow Simon Williams produced a miraculous save to not only keep the ball out but actually keep hold of the ball. Will Roberts looked a constant danger on the wide left with his pace but Ruthin were finding it difficult to thread the ball through to the forwards.
Ruthin settled better in the second into the wind they were able to keep the ball and start to play some decent football. Matthew Davies was prominent with tidy touches and good crossing. In fact it was Davies on 52 minutes who gained Ruthin the lead as a result of one of his crosses the ball broke back to him 16 yards out he timed his volley to perfection beating the Penrhyn keeper for pace.
Penrhyn fought back gallantly and following a free kick for once the Ruthin defence were caught cold Mark Egan hit the equaliser with a well drilled effort.
Ruthin came back strongly and began to dominate, on 76 minutes Mike Garrod broke down the right and delivered a low hard cross into the box, two Ruthin players completely missed the ball but as the ball ran across the 6 yard box towards the far post the Penrhyn right back Mark Douglas put faith in his trusty right foot and smashed the ball past his own keeper for a great finish.
Ruthins good habit of holding out for the win emerged and they closed the game down to gain a deserved 3 points.
Following another good perforamnce by all the top performers for Ruthin were as usual Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Simon Williams, Aled Roberts, but men of the match on Saturday were Matthew Davies who has discovered a defensive side to his game and Ben Collins who is a very cultured left back(although reports to the chairman are that he blames a bad pint for being 'ill' later on in the evening).
Match Sponsor - Cennin Computers
Si Williams, Mark Jones, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Will Roberts, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Garmon Hafal, Sam Cartwright, Mike Sharples.
Pictured versus Holyhead is Ruthin No 9 Gary Ellison on the prowl in the first half. He later scored one of the most important goals in Ruthins season.
15th Mar 2008
RuthinTown 1 Holyhead Town 0
This game was eagerly anticipated at Ruthin, there was an expectation of an open entertaining game between two young sides who enjoy playing good football. Holyhead have been on a great run with their previous defeat being in late December and they have been scoring goals for fun.
It was Holyhead who opened the game with a high tempo with Curt Williams and Marc Evans prominent up front. Ruthin slowly gained the upper hand and after 10 minutes began to boss the first half Holyhead cleared off their line on 3 occassions on 10, 15 and 36 minutes. Ruthins back four kept the dangerous Willimas and Evans in check.
In the second half Ruthin almost repeated last weeks mistake of gifting an early goal Marc Evans got through 1 on 1 with Simon Williams within a minute of the restart but Williams stood tall and forced Evans to shoot wide.
The encounter then turned into a real end to end thriller but the defences of both sides coped well. The most dangerous moments came from corners with Matthew Davies and Ben Collins knocking in quality crosses and Mike Edwards doing likewise for Holyhead, on 55 minutes it was Ruthins turn to clear off the line.
On 73 minutes Will Roberts took a knock to the head and was substituted for Mark Jones who impressed at right back, within 3 minutes Garmon Hafal was subbed for Sam Cartwright. On 75 and 80 minutes Holyhead had two 25 yarders tipped away by the agile Williams.
As time was running out and both sides still intent on winning Holyhead had a series of corners from the 90th to the 92nd minute with the referee being encouraged by Ruthin fans to blow his whistle but as was the pattern of the game Ruthin then broke out and forced Holyhead into conceding a corner another quality ball from Matthew Davies was met at the near post by Gary Ellison to nod in. Ruthin celebrated to the full whilst Holyhead couldn't quite believe it.
There were some impressive performances from Ruthin but again Aled Roberts, Mike Robinson, Mike Garrod were the pick with Rob Render putting in a very solid performance at centre back. It was great to see Gary Ellison get on the score sheet he's had a tough time recently but never gives up.
The importance of Gary's goal was only realised when the results from elsewhere came in with 4 of the bottom 5 winning their games.
Match Sponsor - L & J Tyres Ruthin.
Ruthin MOM - Mike Robinson
Si Williams, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod, Mike Robinson, Garmon Hafal, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Mark Jones, Sam Cartwright, Mike Sharples, Martin Dyer.
8th Mar 2008
RuthinTown 2 Bala Twon 3
A very tight game saw in form Bala come out on top. First half was a very tight affair with both sides equalling each other out.
Ruthin committed the cardinal sin of letting a goal in early in the second half, a Bala cross came in too easily and Warren Duckett was on hand to nod in at the far post. Ruthin stirred themselves and started to peg Bala back they were rewarded on 66 minutes when Mike Robinson tapped in at the far post following a corner.
On 70 minutes Liam Jones as very harshly sent off by an overly exuberant referee, nonthe less Ruthin continued to push and went ahead in the 74th minute with a stunning goal from 30 yards by Mike Garrod.
As is their way Bala continued to battle and on 80 minutes Gethin Lloyd went down in the box for a penalty the dependable Huw Price obliged from the spot.
Not satisfied with a draw Bala continued to push hard against Ruthins ten men. On 85 minutes as a ball ran at pace into the box Simon Willimas stretched to palm it away the ball came back off Neil Fishers knee and ran forward for him to tap in the winner.
Ruthin will be disappointed they let this game slip away but they continue to improve while Bala are stacking up an impressive set of results without playing at their best the sign of good side.
Ruthin MOM - Mike Robinson
Si Williams, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Mike Garrod, Liam Jones, Mike Robinson, Matthew Davies, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Dafydd Jones, Garmon Hafal, Martin Dyer.
1st Mar 2008
RuthinTown 1 Lex XI 0
This was a vital win for Ruthin and the 3 points provides a 'little' gap from the bottom teams.
The win was more important than the game which was a good thing, both teams were very tense and afraid of making any mistakes. Lex started brightly and it seemed Ruthin were continuing the lacklustre effort of the previous week but following a few early flourishes from Lex when Gary Penlington looked dangerous Ruthin slowly but surely put their game together. Chances were few and far between but Lex rarely got at the Ruthin back five.
Late in the first half Tryfan Prosser came close with a speculative effort from 25 yards which the Lex keeper did well to tip over.
That was pretty much the sum of things until we got to the 80th minute the tiring Sion Roberts had been substituted for Matthew Davies, Mike Garrod was moved from centre midfield to up front. Garrod was the inspiration his tireless running and pace caused Lex all sorts of problems and on 83 minutes there seemed no danger as the Lex keeper and a centre back debated who was going to deal with an easy ball into the box but the sharp Garrod put in a burst of speed to cause panic between the two the ball ran through for Garrod to gratefully accept the gift. Cue much celebration and relief for Ruthin supporters. On 85 mins Will Roberts who had been instrumental in the goal was substituted for Dafydd Jones.
Ruthin kept Lex at bay for the remainder of the match.
Ruthin MOM - Aled Roberts
Si Williams, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Mark Jones, Ben Collins, Mike Garrod, Liam Jones, Mike Robinson, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Sion T Roberts, Dafydd Jones, Rob Render, Garmon Hafal, Matthew Davies, Martin Dyer.
23rd Feb 2008
RuthinTown 0 Buckley 3
Another 'after the lord mayors show' performance from Ruthin, the team just didn't turn up on Saturday for this important fixture. Buckley were up for the clash and were first to just about everything.
As the script would be followed on 15 minutes it was Simon Holloway who pounced first peeling away from his marker following a free kick he volleyed in from 6 yards. Buckley continued to dominate to half time.
Buckley scored two more early in the second half, Ruthin woke up when they were virtually out of the contest. A stunning stop form the Buckley keeper, a shot against the bar and a disallowed goal guaranteed it wasn't Ruthins day.
In a strange way this may be good for Ruthin as the new squad will now realise they are in a relegation dogfight and there are tough matches ahead!!
15th Feb 2008
RuthinTown 0 Buckley 3
Another 'after the lord mayors show' performance from Ruthin, the team just didn't turn up on Saturday for this important fixture. Buckley were up for the clash and were first to just about everything.
As the script would be followed on 15 minutes it was Simon Holloway who pounced first peeling away from his marker following a free kick he volleyed in from 6 yards. Buckley continued to dominate to half time.
Buckley scored two more early in the second half, Ruthin woke up when they were virtually out of the contest. A stunning stop form the Buckley keeper, a shot against the bar and a disallowed goal guaranteed it wasn't Ruthins day.
In a strange way this may be good for Ruthin as the new squad will now realise they are in a relegation dogfight and there are tough matches ahead!!
16th Feb 2008
Llandudno 0 RuthinTown 0
Another good result for Ruthin at 2nd placed Llandudno, the first half was entertaining with plenty of end to end football but chances were at a premium, Simon Williams pulled off a couple of fine saves in particular a very smart block on 20 minutes from a shot from 8 yards out. Ruthin also went close with Tryfan Prosser 'scoring' but was harshly ruled offside.
The second half was satisfactorily boring from a Ruthin point of view. The Ruthin back line coped well with Llandudno's attacks and kept them to corners and crosses from deep. With 20 minutes to go Sion T Roberts was introduced for Garmon Hafal, Gary Ellison moved to wide left and Sion partnered Tryfan up front.
With ten minutes to go Tryfan and Sion Roberts played a couple of one two' s breaking through the Dudno defence resulting in Sion putting a difficult chance just wide from 12 yards out. As against Llan PG last week Ruthin comfortably played out the final few minutes to earn a very useful point.
The whole Ruthin team put in a good performance but most prominent were Simon Williams, Aled Roberts, Ben Collins, and Mike Robinson.
Match Sponsor - Bryant Homes.
Ruthin squad
Si Williams, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Mark Jones, Ben Collins, Mike Garrod, Liam Jones, Mike Robinson, Garmon Hafal, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Dafydd Jones, Sion T Roberts, Sam Cartwright, Martin Dyer.
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9th Feb 2008
RUTHIN TOWN 2 Llanfair PG 0
There was a sense of anticipation about this match following the 'draw' with Gap Queens park, with Ruthins new manager Adie Jones getting used to the squad and a feeling that the squad that's coming together could make it's mark over the coming months.
Ruthin started brightly playing some good attractive football on 8 minutes Garmon Hafal kept the ball well under pressure just outside the Llan PG box, he slipped a great pass to Mike 'Robbo' Robinson who sent in a low cross from the left, there didn't seem to be much danger until Tryfan Prosser lost his marker and with an exquisite near post flick beat the Llan PG keeper before he moved. Ruthin did not sit back and continued to play good football with Garmon Hafal a threat on the left with Tryfan and Mike Garrod causing problems with their movement. On 24 minutes Ruthin went into a deserved 2 nil lead, after anotehr Ruthin move broke down the ball fell to Ruthin left back Ben Collins who put in a superb cross that the LlanPG defence failed to clear the ball fell to Mike Garrod in the box he calmly evaded one challenge then slotted in a great shot from 12 yeards out.
Following this LlanPG pressed Ruthin back but the only danger came from corners Ruthin keeper Simon Williams competently dealt with a series of dangerous crosses into a packed area.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Ruthin playing attractive football and breaking dangerously and Llan never able to get behind the excellent Ruthin back four of Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Mark 'Hoff' Jones and Ben Collins. With twenty minutes to go it was great to see Sion T Roberts come on as a substitute, after 4 years of injury, for the impressive Tryfan Prosser, Sion got straight down to business causing problems to the Llan defense with his strong running he was very unlucky not to score hitting the post from an acute angle. It was also great to see the return of Dafydd Jones folowing an 8 month absence he came on for Matthew Davies. The final substitution was U16's player Gwydion Ifan replacing the tiring Garmon Hafal.
Ruthin saw the game out comfortably with LlanPG not being able to get past the resolute Ruthin defence once during the game relying on crosses and corners to pose a threat.
The whole Ruthin team played well and they will improve again many playing together for the first time on Saturday. Stand outs for Ruthin were Simon Williams, Aled Roberts, Mark Jones, Robbo, Tryfan and Mike Garrod.
Ruthin squad
Si Williams, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Mark Jones, Ben Collins, Mat Davies, Liam Jones, Mike Robinson, garmon hafal, Tryfan Prosser, Mike Garrod, Daffydd Jones, Sion T Roberts, Sam Cartwright,Gwydion Ifan, Martin Dyer.
Match Sponsor Davies Bros builders - Llandyrnog.
Action from Ruthin v Gap QP Ruthin in Blue left to right Ben Collins, Sam Cartwright, Martin Dyer(Keeper and Skipper) and Aled Roberts .
2 of Ruthins new signings Mike 'Robbo' Robinson No6 and Ben Collins.
Ruthin left to right Aled Roberts, Rob Render, Ben Collins, Mike Garrod, and Liam Jones.
Pictures courtesey of Phil Rees Photography
www.philreesphotography.co.uk/
07969 390369
01978 313789
Above - Ruthin v Gap QP new signing Mike Garrod(Blue middle) and Garmon Hafal(right)
26th Jan 2008 RUTHIN TOWN 1 Gap QP 1 Gap win 3 4 following penalties
Even though Ruthin will not be going through to the Semi Finals of the League cup there were many positives from this match. Ruthin more than matched the Chelsea of the Cymru Alliance. With new signings Ben Collins, Mike Garrod and Mike Robinson all impressing on their debuts and the rest of the team all performing well especially 17 year old Garmon Hafal putting in one of his best performances of the season.
The first 20 minutes were evenly matched with both sides playing good football on a difficult surface, after 20 minutes Ruthin had a purple patch were they pegged QP back for a 15 minute period QP cleared off their line once and on 30 minutes Tryfan Prosser produced an unstoppable shot into the left hand corner of the net from 20 yards out, Ruthin also hit the post at this stage and if they had produced another goal Gap may have caved in but in the remaining 10 minutes of an exciting half Gap bounced back and hit both posts in separate attacks with Dyer stranded.
Ruthin started the second half slowly and it was QP's turn to pile on the pressure Aled Roberts, Rob Render and Martin Dyer held firm and Ruthin regained their previous style again it was very close with QP pressing and Ruthin victim to a trigger happy linesman giving offside at any opportunity. Gary Ellison was booked for shooting after being caught offside once again and this was to cost dear. QP scored from a corner with 15 minutes to go with 5 minutes to go the QP left back clearly went to head butt Gary Ellison the punishment was a ludicrous yellow instead of a red for the full back whilst Ellison also got booked and therefore sent off following his previous booking.
Extra time loomed but Ruthin kept fighting Tryfan Prosser broke through with minutes to go he knocked the boucing ball past the keeper and as it ran towards the empty net the QP centre back cleared just in time.
Extra time was a tight affair with several Ruthin players suffering cramp whilst working hard with 10 men, Ruthin captain Martin Dyer made a couple of vital saves to take the match to penalties.
Ruthin lost out 2 3 on penalties and 3 4 overall but Ruthin looked like a different team with the new recruits, with more due this week and the return of Will Roberts(suspended) and Daffydd Jones(7 months out) Ruthin intend being a different proposition in the coming months. Match Ball sponsors - Davies Bros. Builders Llandyrnog.
13th Jan 2008
KEEP an eye out for big news in the coming few days about Ruthins plans for the rest of the season.
Some of Ruthins more mature players are showing signs of recovery it seems as if every player around the mid twenties who gets injured at Ruthin are out for at least 3 months. For a couple of months now we have been asking 20 year olds to help out 16/17 and 18 years olds hopefully this will change soon.
Dafydd Jones has been training this week after being out for 6 months.
Martin Plant has started to build up his training but it will be a slow process.
Tom Wilcox Jones is still a few weeks away.
Gareth Martin is back in the Gym and still a few weeks away.
Sam Griffiths has been sub for the reserves recently and continues to build his fitness levels.
I'm sure some people had forgotten they had played for Ruthin this season !!!!!
RESERVES and COLTS
It was a good day for the Res and Colts the reserves won a tight cup match on penalties at home to Buckley reserves.
The Colts won 2 nil away at Acrefair.
12th Jan 2008
RUTHIN TOWN 0 PRESTATYN 6
Unfortunately no real surprises in the result again a very young Ruthin team put their all into the game but you can't allow for strength and experience. Prestatyn were two up in 15 minutes following nieve defending from Ruthin, Ruthin broke well at times and it was not all one way traffic with Gary Ellison showing good touch and pace up front and Tryfan Prosser unlucky with a couple of efforts. Prestatyn are a very dangerous side and in the 4 further breaks they made in the first half scored two further goals. In summary the game looked relatively even but Prestatyn had 6 true attacks in the first half and scored 4 times.
Ruthin were told to play with pride in the second half and a combination of that effort and Prestatyn becoming complacent kept the score to 6 nil.
Prestatyn will do the same to more experienced sides this season and the Ruthin Managers have told the youngsters that they are proud of their efforts. There will be changes at Ruthin over the coming week as we look to significantly strengthen that squad.
BALA TOWN 3 RUTHIN TOWN 0
Bala progressed to the 4th Round of the NEWFA Challenge Cup last Saturday with an emphatic victory over close rivals Ruthin, but were given a hard fight by a very young Ruthin team who had lost a number of first choice players before the match began. Ruthin played with a back 4 containing 3 18 year olds and a 16 year old. The home side had the best possible start when they took the lead after only 7 minutes. Marc Griffiths headed firmly home into the corner of the net after a fine cross from Warren Duckett. Bala controlled most of the possession and forced the visitors into desperate defending. Ows Roberts was brought down in the penalty area but the decision went the visitor's way and then Gethin Lloyd headed just wide after a superb run and cross by Warren Duckett. Craig Papirnyk then headed over after a fine cross from Gethin Lloyd. Despite significant Bala pressure the score line remained 1-0 at half time.
Ruthin broke periodically with Tryfan Prosser having a good opportunity from just outside the box on 20 mins but overran the ball.
The match result was put out of doubt when 2 penalties were awarded and converted in the space of 5 minutes. On 65 minutes Ows Roberts was tripped in the area after a surging run had taken him past a number of defenders and Huw Price converted the resulting kick from the spot. 5 minutes later the Ruthin defence was somewhat harshly judged to have handled and again Huw Price expertly converted with a shot into the opposite corner from his first. Again despite considerable territorial advantage Bala failed to break the resolute Ruthin defence and the match finished with Bala well on top but lacking any real threat.
Sat Dec 29th 2007
Gresford 2 Ruthin Town 1
In summary yet another depleted squad from Ruthin scored 3 goals 2 of which were own goals, missed an open goal from a yard out and missed a penalty.
Gresford Athletic moved off the foot of the table after beating Rutrhin Town at home, a Rob Render own goal gave Gresford a half time lead. Ruthin's Liam Jones squandered a second half penalty before Sam Cartwright thought he had earned Ruthin a point with eighty ninth minute equaliser on 95 minutes came the next own goal from a Mike Sharples header.
Ruthin squad - Martin Dyer, Will Roberts, Aled Roberts, Rob Render, John Jones, Liam Jones, Simon Holloway, Sam Cartwright, Tryfan Prosser, Gary Ellison, Dave Holloway, Mike Sharples, Rob Lewis, Dewi Jones,
For previous reports look at sub pages within the current report page.