CPD Y Rhyl 1879’s grip on first place in the Ardal North West League loosened after a 3-0 defeat at CPD Pwllheli on Saturday (January 13).

Having soaked the early pressure, the home side would see success from their first chance at goal on 14 minutes.

A short throw-in out on the left saw Ashley Ainsworth with his back to goal, turn the defender and enter the box, before his shot found its way under goalkeeper Ryan Woods and roll over the line.

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Poor first half costs Rhyl in 4-2 loss at Nantlle Vale

And the hosts doubled their lead late in the first half, when Ainsworth capitalised on a defensive error that saw him through on goal.

With Woods bearing down on him, Ainsworth calmly lifted the ball over him to get his and Pwllheli’s second.

A 50-50 tackle between Alex Jones and Ainsworth on the halfway line saw Jones being stepped on; following a confrontation with Ainsworth the, referee’s assistant on the far side entered the pitch.

After saying he had seen a headbutt by Jones, the referee was left with little choice but to give Jones his marching orders in what was the last action of the first half.

Rhyl almost clawed a goal back when a Pwllheli defender punched the ball with his hand, but though the pointed to the penalty spot, he was called over by his assistant who adjudged Callum Parry to be in an offside position.

Pwllheli went on to add a third on 72 minutes, from a move which started deep in their own half.

With the ball won and hit long to the left, Carl Jones was able to get a yard of space, and with a touch he was in on goal; with Woods careering towards him, he slotted the ball low to his right to make it 3-0.

With other results not going Rhyl’s way, either, the points advantage in the league is down to five, but second-placed Nantlle Vale have two games in hand.

Manager Thomas was particularly honest in his post-match comments, stating that the performance was not good enough.

Thomas will look for a distraction from the league next time out as the Lilywhites are in cup action, when South Wales outfit Newport City visit Belle Vue in round six of the FAW Amateur Trophy on January 20.