Football: Denbigh Town FC have fun in friendly

Aug 13 2008 By Dave Jones

DENBIGH TOWN 7 RHUDDLAN TOWN 3

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

ALTHOUGH Denbigh manager Tim Dyer had hoped for a tougher test in his team’s final pre-season warm-up game, he was grateful to Clwyd League Rhuddlan for stepping in at late notice.

Town were originally down to play Blacon of the West Cheshire League, but the English side pulled out late and Rhuddlan admirably stepped into the breach.

"We could have done with something a bit sterner so close to the start of the season, but we were glad to get in 90 minutes after Blacon pulling out and Rhuddlan gave us a reasonable game," said Dyer.

The visitors took an early lead with a cracking 25-yard strike before an Ian Evans equaliser and a pair from in-form Darren Cassidy gave the Vale side a 3-1 interval cushion.

Kenny Burgess added a fourth after the break before Martin Jones reduced the deficit, then Kevin Leech made it 5-2.

Jones struck again for Rhuddlan, but ex- Airbus front man Leech had the last word, completing a hat-trick to round off a comfortable win.

Last season, Denbigh’s first back in the Cymru Alliance after a five-year absence, saw Town finish in a more than respectable eighth place.

Dyer would like to think the team can do better this time.

"We’re looking to finish in the top six this year," he said. "We did well last year in finishing eighth and got to two cup semi- finals. It would be good to have another good cup run this season and hopefully this time pick up some silverware.

"We’ve improved the squad and I think we’re capable of giving anyone a run for their money."

Denbigh have a tough start as on Saturday they entertain Anglesey side Glantraeth who have undergone a squad revamp in the summer under ambitious new manager Kev Hughes.

Denbigh have brought in the likes of Tom Matischok (from Wrexham) Chris Williams (Llandyrnog), Kevin Jones (Dow FC), Kevin Leech (Gap QP), Liam Byrne (Dow), Matt Harrison and Gaz Walsh (both Rhyl area) and Gareth Martin (Ruthin) so Dyer has certainly been busy in the transfer market.

Players going to pastures new include Mark Orme (Llangefni) and Luke O’Mahoney (Colwyn Bay).

The impressive Central Park ground is looking well as Denbigh have put new drainage in and new perimeter posts.