When studying the term ‘a game of two halves, many will cite Denbigh Town Reserves’ first pre-season test of 2025.

Town made the short hop to nearby Henllan to face the Top Parc sides’ Development squad with the hope of a strong showing in their first friendly of the summer. However, six unanswered goals in the first 43 minutes spelt disaster for the young Denbigh side.

Despite pulling four goals back via Rhys Lloyd (brace), Sean McFee and Rowan Maxwell, Town sank to a 6-4 loss against their near neighbours in a first half display many in red would love to forget.

The home side took the lead on 10 minutes when a strike from distance hit the crossbar before Lewis Devine brought his man down, and the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was converted, and three minutes later the lead was doubled with a low strike inside the box.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse the hosts had a free-kick sail into the box and a spare man at the back stick was able to prod home. Three became four as an uncontested header sailed home via a header on 25 minutes and twelve minutes later things were topped off with another penalty.

With two minutes before the break Henllan made it six and Town finally shifted into some sort of gear when McFee’s low free kick rolled home before the break.

Half-Time: Henllan 6-1 Denbigh Town

Thing couldn’t have gone worse in the second period, and within seconds Town finally started to play. Lloyd was impressive with a terrific run down through the defence before slotting home on 48 minutes.

On 67 minutes McFee delivered a superb free-kick which youngster Maxwell was able to turn home before three minutes later Lloyd made a darting run in the box before being dragged down. He dusted himself off and lashed it home to the right to further reduce the deficit.

Town continued to chase a leveller with substitute Tomos Jones coming agonisingly close whilst Cai Frith also had an effort denied, but it wasn’t to be as the hosts held on in perhaps the most jekyll and hyde performance you’ll ever see.

The Reserves are next in action at Llansannan on Friday night.