Rhyl undone by two dubious penalties in Airbus Broughton defeat

The Lilywhites put in a much-improved performance but were left frustrated by a number of refereeing decisions that had a huge say on the outcome, and the result leaves Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side in 12th spot and 17 points behind the Wingmakers as they turn their attention to Nathaniel MG Cup action on Tuesday night against Llandudno (7.45pm).

A lacklustre start from the home side saw them fall behind within the opening five minutes when Leo Riley produced a fine finish past Rory Crowther after latching on to a James Hooper delivery.

Things almost got worse for them soon after when Max Peate’s attempted back pass to Crowther left the keeper wrong-footed, but the skipper atoned for his error by getting back to avert the danger.

Gradually the Lilies began to see more of the ball and Mike Pritchard had the ball in the neat after a neat passage of play on the half hour mark, but referee Nick Pratt waved off the effort for a handball in the build-up.

Kristian Pierce worked his way into a goalscoring opportunity after 42 minutes, but he failed to control at a crucial moment and the chance went begging to close out the first period.

After the break saw forward James Muprhy spurn two good chances to get the hosts back on level terms, with Joe Palmer firing over at the other end during a frantic opening to the second half.

The impressive Aaron Hassall teed up Gareth Partridge on 55 minutes but his shot was diverted by keeper Dave Roberts, and Pratt turned the game on its head on the hour mark when he awarded the visitors a spot kick after an infringement by Matthew Cook, which Matty McGinn converted.

Pierce and Murphy went close to getting the home side back into the game soon after, but their fate was sealed in the closing stages when Lewis Buckley converted another penalty after a foul on the same player by Crowther.

This ensured the Lilies’ extended their losing run to five games, scoring just twice in that time.