Football: Ruthin Town FC sink Llandyrnog United

Sep 24 2008 by Dave Jones, Denbigh Visitor

Late strike seals Dyrny’s fate

RUTHIN TOWN 4 LLANDYRNOG UNITED 3

CYMRU ALLIANCE LEAGUE CUP ROUND ONE

A LAST-MINUTE winner from Gary Ellison settled a thrilling Vale of Clwyd derby in Ruthin’s favour but it was cruel luck on Llandyrnog who fought back from 3-1 down to restore parity.

John James’ visitors were quickest out of the blocks and took a sixth minute lead when a Tom Wilcox-Jones cross to the far post was headed in by Tom Sharples.

The lead, however, only lasted for four minutes as Ruthin’s Sion T Roberts applied a finish to make it 1-1.

Roberts almost added to his tally when after turning his marker his snapshot from the edge of the box came back off the post.

Town took control of the game midway through the half with two quick goals.

A long punt from Ruthin keeper Simon Williams was miscontrolled by Mike Sharples and Roberts took advantage, giving United custodian Ian Davies no chance from just inside the box.

Minutes later Simon Hulse wriggled free on the left and his cross was headed in by Mike Garrod.

The interval’s refreshment must have revitalised the visitors as they started to dominate and after 62 minutes were rewarded for their endeavours.

Endaf Jones cut in from the left and after beating two men his powerful ground shot was pushed out by keeper Williams for Ian Dunn to follow up and tap in as any good striker should.

Ruthin were now in retreat and with five minutes left Anthony Marshall made a run into the box and was upended by Ben Collins, giving the Villagers a penalty. Marshall himself converted to equalise.

The momentum was with the visitors and they looked the likely winners as extra time loomed but well into injury time there was another twist.

Ruthin had a free-kick on halfway which was pumped deep into the box and after a scramble the ball went into the net with Ellison claiming the final touch.

It was a relieved Ruthin who go forward to the last eight of the League Cup.

Also in the Cymru Alliance League Cup first round, Denbigh Town enjoyed a 3-0 win over Penrhyncoch at Central Park with Kevin Evans striking twice and Darren Cassidy also on target.