SATURDAY (March 12) saw CPD Y Rhyl 1879 edge past Penmaenmawr Phoenix 1-0 at Belle Vue in the semi-final of the Cookson Cup.

Gareth Thomas’ team were looking to continue their fantastic recent form that has seen them not lose a competitive fixture since early September.

The Lilywhites started positively, with Rhyl number 10 Carl Lamb striking the top of the crossbar with a looping header in just the third minute of the game.

The first half played out evenly, with no clear-cut opportunities for either team, leaving little for goalkeepers Ryan Roberts and Jonathan Sweetser-Hawkes to do, and the second half began in a similar vein.

But with an hour played, Penmaenmawr had a golden opportunity to take the lead when the ball fell to their forward 10 yards from goal, only for it to sail straight over Roberts’ goal.

That miss proved pivotal as on 78 minutes, the experienced Rhyl duo of Mike Walsh and Lamb linked up to break the deadlock.

Walsh played the ball into Lamb’s feet in the penalty area and, following a delightful first touch, Lamb slotted the ball home, leaving the Lilywhites fans jubilant and 1-0 to the good.

With the Lilywhites progressing to the final of the Cookson Cup, they will battle it out for the trophy with fellow North Wales Coast Football Association East League Premier Division rivals Llanneffyd.

Thomas added after the game: “It was a poor performance for 90 minutes, Penmaenmawr having a great opportunity in the early stages of the second half and unlucky not to score.

“We fashioned one chance, which Lamby fortunately put away.”

The Lilywhites are back in league action next Saturday (March 19) as they visit Mochdre Sports, kicking off at 2pm.

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