CPD Y Rhyl 1879 began the new year leading the Ardal Northwest League thanks to a late home win against Llanrwst United on December 31.

Having seen off Llandudno Albion only four days earlier, Lilywhites manager Gareth Thomas was eager to build on the good form his players had shown of late.

Llanrwst came into the game having not played a match in more than weeks, but with an experienced, well-drilled team they were looking to upset 1879’s good form from the off.

It was Llanrwst who took control of the game in the early stages; with a man spare in midfield, it would take some great defending by Reece Fairhurst, Miles Todd and just ahead of them, Dan Sim to keep the visitors at bay.

As it was evident that the visitors were getting the upper hand, Thomas moved quickly and made a tactical switch bringing Sion Williams into midfield form left back midway through the first half, making the game more even.

Todd and Aaron White were both booked in the first half, which would come to an end with Gwydion Owen in the Llanrwst goal having had little to do as 1879 struggled to create concrete chances on goal.

The second half started better for the Lilywhites. seconds after the restart, a speculative ball by right-back Chris Bennett from 35 yards out was going in at the far post, but Owen pulled off a great save.

As 1879 pushed up the field, Llanrwst struggled to contain them, Cynan Edwards and Chris Nicholson both going into the referee’s notebook.

Sam Thomas was later sent off for the visitors after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

As the pressure built up on the 10 men from Llanrwst, Rhyl found the net on 75 minutes.

A long throw came in from the left, headed out by the Rwsters defence, but Jack Higgins was there to smash the ball through the packed box and into the back of the net.

But as Rhyl went off to celebrate in front of their supporters, the referee signalled for offside.

The pressure would continue from the home team and Jonny Taylor would come close again with a few minutes to go.

And Taylor finally broke the deadlock with four minutes left; a stunning counter attack saw Higgins cut the ball back to the hardworking Taylor 30 yards from goal.

He opened up and fired the ball past keeper Owen, and this time, there was nothing that could stop him from running off celebrating.

Higgins was again instrumental in the final stages of the game; he and Ellis worked together to keep the ball up in the Llanrwst corner.

A late chance for the visitors came to nothing and 1879 would end 2022 top of the Ardal Northwest League.

Next up for the Lilywhites will be an away fixture to Flint Mountain on January 7, followed by another away game at Felinheli on January 14.