DESPITE the destruction caused by Storm Arwen the volunteers at Bro Cernyw ensured the NWCFA East Premier Division tie against CPD Y Rhyl 1879 got the go ahead.

Just before the game started all players, coaches and supporters paid tribute along with all clubs across Wales to pay their respects on the 10 year anniversary of the tragic passing of Welsh International player and manger Gary Speed.

The Lilywhites faced a huge blow before they even kicked a ball as talented midfielder Dan Sim pulled up during the warm-up, adding to the concerns with Carl Lamb who is also battling with illness that came on overnight.

With a surface which was in desperate need of a cut the away team adapted quickly and dominated possession and took just 15 minutes to break the deadlock after recent signing from Kinmel Bay Kieran Ellis bullied the home defence following a Reece Fairhurst through ball home making it 1-0 on his first start of the lilywhites.

Centre forward Ellis continued his man of the match display creating havoc with his strength pace and determination seven minutes later, beginning on the right-hand side battling his way past 2 defenders and poking the ball home past goalkeeper Joe Edwards. The first half ended with 1879 going into the break 2-0 to the good.

The Lilywhites then continued to dominate the play in the second half but suffered a sucker punch as Bro Cernyw’s Will Hughes looped a long-range effort over the head of visiting goalkeeper Ryan Roberts bringing the home side back into the tie making it 1-2 with 61 minutes played.

However, on the back of the conceded goal Rhyl went up a gear and in the 68th minute as captain Reece Fairhurst volleyed home a left footed drive into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 1-3.

Rhyl manager Gareth Thomas said: “We’re delighted with the result in incredibly challenging conditions, Kieran Ellis absolutely outstanding today on his full debut scoring two goals.”