A minute’s silence was well observed prior to the start of the game in memory of Denbigh manager’s Eddie Maurice-Jones’ father who had passed away on Boxing Day.

Both team’s form had improved of late and it was Denbigh who started the stronger, with Alan Bull coming close on two occasions from free kicks with one hitting the bar. Striker Jake Eyre hit a fierce shot that was well saved by Ruthin keeper Jones and Andrew Swarbrick had a half chance that again was well saved.
On 30 minutes a low cross from Jake Eyre on the right wing was deflected by Ruthin defender Wil Ashley and looped over his goalkeeper into the net to give Denbigh a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ruthin responded well and from a free kick caused by Denbigh goalie John Hodgin handling a back pass, they forced an excellent save form Hodgin.

The second half started with Ruthin putting more pressure on the Denbigh defence and on 57 minutes’ substitute Llyr Morris found himself in space in the penalty area and he slotted the ball into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1.
The game then flowed with both teams creating chances. Denbigh had numerous opportunities to kill off the game but the Ruthin defence stood firm. Ruthin had a free kick tipped onto the bar by keeper Hodgin as they came close to taking the lead
The final few minutes saw both Denbigh’s Alan Bull and Tony Davies with good chances going wide.

This was a game both teams felt they could have won. The narrow pitch meant Denbigh had to adapt their normal game and even though they had more of the chances, the Ruthin attack where always a threat.

Denbigh’s next game is away in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance League Cup against Caernarfon on New Year’s Eve – Saturday 31st December with a 2.30pm kick off.

Teams
Denbigh – John Hodkin Jack Riley, Billy Holmes Steve Wright, Tony Davies, Keiran Gaul, Gareth Partridge, Aaron Hassell, Andrew Swarbrick, Alan Bull, Jake Eyre . Subs Liam Smith, Andrew Stockton, Phil Molyneux, Jon Hill-Dunt

Ruthin – Dylan Jones, Mathew Davies, Jak Newell, Wil Ashley, Kevin Evans, Ilan Hughes (Capt), Patrick Hinchcliffe, Osian Davies, Jordan MaCarter, Wil Owen, Garmon Hafal. Subs Llyr Morris, Tom Jones, Chris Williams, Mathew Evans, Tom Sharples.

Referee –Aaron Jones
Attendance 350