CPD Y Rhyl 1879 now have a seven-point lead at the top of the Ardal North West league after a tight 1-0 away win at Brickfield Rangers on Saturday (November 18).

Gareth Thomas took his Lilywhites side to Clwedog Park to face an in-form Brickfield Rangers side siting in sixth place in the league table, following an unbeaten run of five games.

It was Thomas’ men who started on the front foot, forcing Brickfield goalkeeper Cameron Dutton to pull off a string of fine saves to keep the score level.

The away side didn’t have it all of their own way, with Rangers proving to be excellent on the counter-attack, utilising their pace and energy to heap prolonged periods of pressure on Rhyl.

READ MORE:

Off-day for Rhyl as they draw at home to Saltney Town

With 35 minutes played, Brickfield had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, with forward Andy Vale one-on-one with Rhyl goalkeeper Ryan Woods, only to flash his effort wide of the post.

Despite a relatively even first half, it was Rhyl who took the lead before the break; home keeper Dutton saved a James Jones effort brilliantly, only for brother Alex to force the ball over the line.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both goalkeepers called on to prevent any further goals.

Thomas opted to ring the changes late in the second half to ensure the Lilywhites left Clwedog Park with all three points.

Following the game, Thomas said: “It’s a great three points on a difficult pitch.

“Oli Staveley was absolutely fantastic when he came on; it was a proper squad performance that won us that game today.” 

Next week, the Lilywhites are back in cup action, making the trip west along the A55 to tier four Penmaenmawr Phoenix in the FAW Amateur Trophy with a 2pm kick off on November 25.