Football: Denbigh and Ruthin reserve sides draw

Aug 13 2008 By Dave Jones

DENBIGH TN RESERVES 2 RUTHIN TN RESERVES 2

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

VALE of Clwyd rivals Denbigh and Ruthin Reserves played out a full- blooded 2-2 draw at Central Park, writes Peter Glynn.

These two sides play in different leagues – Denbigh in the Clwyd Premier and Ruthin in Welsh National (Wrexham Area) Division One – and on this showing the standards of football looked pretty even.

Both teams were looking to play quality football and the spectators were rewarded with some fine goals.

The visitors took a lead in only the fourth minute with Gwydion Jones capitalising on hesitancy in the Denbigh back line and firing past a rooted Jamie Roberts.

But Denbigh refused to lie down and Brett Jones played in a lovely ball for Dean Billingsley to swivel on a sixpence and volley home on 35 minutes.

Ruthin’s Stuart Drake next did some excellent work at full-back to deny Ben Stanway an opportunity, whilst at the other end Sam Cartwright tricked his way through the Denbigh midfield and his cross fell to Elfed Roberts who struck a beautiful drive that rattled the crossbar.

Then just before half-time, Cartwright conjured up a ball for the willing Gwydion Jones to thump home a header to give Ruthin a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second stanza dished up more goodies, and a great little goal earned Denbigh an equaliser and ultimately a share of the bragging rights.

Excellent play from Jac Glover and Jamie Evans presented an opportunity for Matt Toole in the box.

He neatly clipped the ball over for Billingsley to plant a header into the net from eight yards out.

Billingsley’s partnership with Michael Hind looks exciting, whilst at the back Paul Williams put in a great 90 minutes for the Central Park outfit.

James Drury almost made an immediate impression for Denbigh, coming on as sub and striking wood with his first attempt at goal.

But then Ruthin might have pinched it when Gwydion Jones fired just wide when looking certain to complete a hat- trick.