Denbigh Town v Brymbo FC 

 Welsh Trophy 3rd Round

 25th November 2006

Denbigh hit by Trophy blow

A three times taken penalty was one of many talking points when Denbigh Town took on Brymbo FC in a fiery 3rd Round Welsh Trophy encounter.

In blustery conditions , Brymbo started the brighter and a poor back pass by Denbigh's John Roberts let in Neil Wynne who planted the ball past goalkeeper Hulse to give the visitors the edge.

A flowing move involving good work by Kevin Evans found Richard Williams Cooke in space , and he almost gave Paul Edwards an opportunity to level matters , but a last ditch tackle prevented a shot on goal. Town were now playing some neat football , but were frustrated in front of goal by some excellent defending by the Brymbo men.

Denbigh had to be alert as Brymbo were proving to be a handful on the break , and Hulse went down smartly to save a snapshot from Kerian Jones.

Denbigh were now flowing , and another cracking move involving the excellent Kevin Jones  and Ian Evans presented Darren Cassidy with an opportunity , but his well hit shot was turned round the post by Dan Evans in the Brymbo goal.

With Edwards and Harden pulling the strings in midfield , Denbigh were searching for an equaliser and it nearly came when Harden dribbled into the box but saw his shot deflected over the bar by one of the Brymbo defenders.

A Richard Williams Cook screamer scraped the left hand post but Denbigh were then hit with a sucker punch when , on the stroke of half time ,  Scott Roberts saw Hulse off his line and lifted a 30 yarder over the backpeddling keeper and into the net.

The second half sprang into life when the referee spotted a foul on Kevin Evans in the box and Denbigh were awared a dubious penalty. Things threatened to turn ugly and the referee produced a straight red towards the Brymbo bench for something that was said. Ryan Harden stepped up and saw his shot saved by keeper Evans but the referee pointed for the spot kick to be retaken. Harden then sent his second kick over the bar and uproar threatened to ensue as the ref yet again pointed for the kick to be retaken , judging the goalkeeper Dan Evans to be well off his line. Evans saw red and Brymbo were down to ten men.

Jamie Hobson stepped forward and planted the ball in the bottom left of the net to give Denbigh a lifeline.

Denbigh pressed for an unlikely equaliser with Brymbo showing stern qualities in defence , but the Town were missing in the final touch in front of goal. Hulse had to save smartly from a Brymbo piledriver and a wicked Ryan Harden cross into the box beat defenders and attackers. A Kevin Evans special from 20 yards was tipped over by Darren Evans who had replaced his namesake in goal.

Brymbo held on and Denbigh will be disappointed to go out of the competition at the Third Round stage.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Hand Inn , Denbigh

 

Denbigh Town Reserves v Greenfield FC

Clwyd League Division One

 

2nd December 2006

 

Denbigh Hold On in 7 Goal Thriller

 

Goals galore brightened up a rainy day as Denbigh Reserves beat a tough Greenfield outfit in the Clwyd League Division One fixture at Central Park.

Chasing a third straight win in the league , Denbigh started on the back foot as the visitors began brightly , with Greenfield forward Craig Griffiths scraping the post with a 25 yard rasper. Denbigh settled into a rhythm and a surging run by full back Rob Scrimshaw , back from his duties with the first team , was finished superbly when his 20 yard scorcher hit the net to give Town the lead on 6 minutes. Denbigh were now bossing midfield . James Koval cut in from the right and was unlucky to see his placed shot hit the side netting. A Greenfield breakaway saw Griffiths go close with a header , but Denbigh hit back when Martin Jones threatened the visitors goal with a long range effort that was only just off target.

A second goall looked likely , and Gary Madoc Jones made it two for the hosts when he cleverly skipped past a static Greenfield defence and rounded the keeper to finish an excellent individual effort for his ninth league goal of an impressive season.

The wet conditions began to tell and some challenges were causing referee Boyd problems , and Denbigh's Tom Sheridan saw yellow for a late tackle in the middle of the park.

The third goal for the Town came in comic book style. A Chris Brown flick header found Madoc Jones in front of goal , but his tame shot rolled agonisingly across the goal line. To the astonishment of players and the referee , the ball was picked up by a defender and placed for a goal kick , and the referee had no alternative but to award a spot kick as he adjudged the ball had not gone into touch. Evergreen Chris Brown stepped up made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0 to the Town.

Greenfield now stepped up the pace and tackles began to fly. Martin Jones was caught late and limped off  to be replaced by debutant Gareth Lewis.

The second half saw Greenfield coming out a more determined outfit  and Gareth Smith had to be brave to smother the ball following a whipped corner. Then Smith was alert to get down smartly to a Greenfield freekick , but it was no surprise when the visitors pulled a goal back when the classy Craig Griffiths found himself with just the keeper to beat on 55 minutes. Denbigh had a let off when the Greenfield Man of the Match Griffiths then found himself in the same position a minute later , but he saw his effort bounce back off the woodwork. Conditions were now atrocious , with driving wind and rain causing havoc in both defences. Denbigh struck after a foul on Koval on the edge of the box. Koval took his own free kick , which could only be parried away by the keeper and Brown gleefully pounced and tucked in the rebound to give Denbigh a 4-1 lead. Denbigh were flowing and a move involving Gary Madoc Jones and Gary Roberts saw the ball falling to Chris Brown who shot just over.  It was now end to end stuff and ping pong ensued in a crowded Denbigh penalty area as Greenfield threatenen , but Jonny Bowen and Justin Jones were on hand to clear the lines under severe pressure. Denbigh were breaking well , and a Scrimshaw effort was cleared off the line. Then the busy Madoc Jones was fed by Gary Roberts , and he was unlucky to see his shot clear the right hand post.  Time was running out and Greenfield hit Denbigh with a double strike. Craig Griffiths grabbed his second of the game on 88 minutes and a harsh penalty decision presented the same player with his hat trick which the Greenfield marksman duly took.

 

Sheridan's youngsters next game is at Mostyn on 9th December , kick off 2pm , and they will be looking to keep the winning run going.

 

Team;

Gareth Smith : Rob Scrimshaw Johnny Bowen , Justin Jones , Lee Mason Martin Jones: James Koval , Tom Sheridan , Gary Madoc Jones , Chris Brown , Gareth Roberts. Subs  Jamie Clayton , Gareth Lewis , Steffan Tomos , Chris Bailey.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Railway Inn , Denbigh.

 

Denbigh Town v Nefyn United -

Welsh Alliance

 

9th December 2006

 

Hot Town in Sweet Victory

 

Denbigh Town were back to their best as they put Nefyn United to the sword in a hard fought victory at Central Park. Following an early morning pitch inspection , Tim Dyer's team knew that nothing short of a win would do. And the introduction of new signing Chris Moores was to prove pivotal in the Town's quest for the three points.

Denbigh came out of the traps and Matty Gatfield's probing ball found Paul Edwards whose well struck shot tested the keeper. Nefyn were finding it hard to settle  and Richard Williams Cooke reacted first after a good interchange between Chris Moores and Ian Evans , and was unlucky to see his placed effort rebound off the left hand upright.

Nefyn were becoming a handful on the break , and the silky skills of the tricky Eddie Palmer almost produced a shock goal for the visitors , but the winger's effort scraped the Denbigh post.

It was new boy Moores who was making an immediate impact , and the debutant first fed Williams Cooke who was denied by a last ditch tackle . Moores then found himself one on one with the Nefyn keeper and the striker took two touches , finishing with aplomb to give Town a deserved lead on the 10 minute mark.

Denbigh nearly added an immediate second as Captain Mark Orme met a Matty Gatfield corner , but his header just cleared the crossbar.

Nefyn were not lying down and only a frantic tackle by John Roberts saved Denbigh as United broke in numbers. Then the woodwork came to the rescue as a 25 yard screamer from United's Jason Jones smacked onto the bar with Hulse rooted to the spot.

Denbigh hit back as first Moores and then Ian Evans forced corners. Orme was chasing a second goal and his surging run found Moores who returned the compliment , but the Denbigh captain's challenge for the 50-50 ball was deemed illegal. Next Gatfield tried his luck - first from open play and then a belter of a free kick that had the visiting defenders in a panic.

A second goal was coming and it was supplied in superb style with an individual effort from Williams Cooke on 37 minutes. The Denbigh man collected the ball wide on the left , beat three defenders and gleefully found the net from a sharp angle.

Nefyn finished the half on top and Hulse spectacularly turned over from a rip-snorter of a free kick to ensure Denbigh went in two goals to the good.

The game was now Denbigh's to lose as Nefyn pressed forward in the second half. Another debutant , Adam Jones , ex of Burnley FC and Rhyl FC , was proving a useful outlet and his run down the left help create a chance for Ian Evans who scraped the post with a 20 yard curler. The hosts were now dominant in all areas of the park , and man of the match Paul Edwards effort cleared a post with the goal begging. Then Williams Cooke surged forward from midfield and found Moores in front of goal. The new man , rather than taking a pot shot , tried to tee up Ian Evans but his pass was too firm and Nefyn escaped. Gatfield created an opening following a mix up in a now panicky United penalty box and the keeper had to claw away his effort.

Adam Jones was finding space on the left wing and his pinpoint cross forced a corner , from which the tireless Paul Edwards worked the keeper.

Manager Dyer now shuffled his pack , and the introduction of Cassidy , Hobson and Welshpool goal ace Calvin Davies brought more urgency into proceedings as Denbigh sought more goals.  Great work between Williams Cooke and Edwards presented Davies with a one on one situation , but Nefyn keeper Aikman produced a fine save. Aikman was more fortunate a minute later when he fumbled a cross by the classy Adam Jones , and after ping pong in the box , was relieved to see the ball hacked to safety. Substitute Cassidy was creating alarums with his excursions deep into the Nefyn defence. First his snap shot inched wide and then his left wing cross found the head of Williams Cooke , whose flick flew just past the post. With full time approaching , Williams Cooke nearly increased the score with a rasping drive from a free kick and a minute from time Calvin Davies could have netted on his return but his effort flew wide of the target.

 

Denbigh Town; Jamie Hulse , Kevin Jones , Adam Jones, Mark Orme , John Roberts , Paul Edwards , Kevin Evans , Matty Gatfield , Ian Evans , Richard Williams Cooke , Chris Moores. Subs: Calvin Davies , Ryan Harden , Darren Cassidy , Steve Jones , Jamie Hobson.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Golden Lion

 

Denbigh Town v Pwllheli

Welsh Alliance League

 

30th December 2006

 

Evans Above as Kevin clinches huge win

 

 

A spectacular Beckham-esque 40 yard strike ensured the points went Denbigh's way in a rousing encounter with Pwllheli at Central Park.

In front of the biggest league crowd of the season , Denbigh knew they would have to be at their best to overcome a powerful Pwllheli outfit.

And it was Pwllheli who started the more confident with a David Farr header , which was well stopped by Hulse in the Denbigh goal.Paul Edwards hit back for the hosts and his strong run out of midfield ended with his effort being saved by Pwllheli keeper Andrew Parry.

As Pwllheli pressed forward , Hulse punched away a wicked cross and then pulled out a top drawer save to deny a point blank effort from danger man Cai Williams.Denbigh were limited to breakaways , and Chris Moores had a hopeful penalty appeal turned down on the 16 minute mark.

Pwllheli went close again as Cai Williams lobbed towards goal , and Hulse was relieved to see the effort bounce off the crossbar to safety. The visitors were now flowing but a foul by them on Moores presented Richard Williams Cooke with a free kick effort from 25 yards that the keeper did well to save.

Suddenly Denbigh were ahead. Good work by the busy Paul Edwards found Adam Jones. His dink ball into the box was collected by Ian Evans , who had his legs swept from under him by an over enthusiastic Pwllheli defender and referee Cousins had no alternative but to point to the spot. Moores duly slotted the spot kick to the left of the Pwllheli keeper in clinical fashion and Denbigh had their noses in front.

Denbigh were now playing with more confidence. Moores went on a mazy dribble and set up Kevin Evans whose snap shot tested the visiting keeper. Ian Evans then found himself in space but his square ball just failed to find the boot of the marauding Mark Orme. Next , Kevin Jones chipped in a sweetie and Pwllheli were thankful that a Denbigh head just failed to connect with the goal begging.

Town now had the game by the scruff of the neck and Moores unleashed a snapshot on goal following excellent build up play with Kevin Evans and Adam Jones. Then Ian Evans ran at a desperate Pwllheli defence and released Moores who in turn found Paul Edwards in space. Only a last ditch tackle stopped the Denbigh dynamo from adding to the scoresheet.

Denbigh captain Mark Orme now found himself with an opportunity as he surged into the box , but keeper Parry went down bravely and smothered the ball .

As half time beckoned , a Pwllheli penalty appeal was waved away as the West Wales outfit countered , but it was Denbigh who looked more likely when first a Paul Edwards effort was palmed round the post and then from the subsequent corner , the same player had his effort kicked off the line.

Pwllheli were out of the blocks in the second half and it was the dangerous Cai Williams who unlocked the Denbigh defence. The Pwllheli man thought he had scored when put clear , but the ball stuck the post. With the Denbigh defence screaming for offside , Lloyd Edwards was first to react and he slotted the ball past the stranded Denbigh keeper to give Pwllheli parity on 48 minutes.

Pwllheli's joy was short lived as a minute later it was that man Orme who rose to the occasion. His looping header could only be parried by the Pwllheli keeper and there were jubilant scenes as the ball nestled in the back of the net.

With Denbigh back in front , the visitors were not lying down and it was end to end stuff. Orme turned villain as he gave away a free kick on the edge of his own box. Only a desperate deflection from John Roberts kept the ball from hitting the target. Ian Evans then robbed the ball off a Pwllheli defender in the middle of the park and bore down on the Pwllheli goal. Rather than take the shot on , he rolled the ball onto the incoming Moores ,  but the Denbigh striker was left with his head in his hands after slicing his shot wide.

A piece of magic from Ryan Harden had the visitors in panic mode , and Pwllheli were lucky to escape a penalty appeal for handball as Harden again conjured up more brilliance.

The heavy pitch was not helping as tackles began to fly. Pwllheli full back John Paul Roberts was booked for a foul on Kevin Evans , and , with Denbigh dominant , it looked like things might turn ugly , as Ian Evans was then on the receiving end of a stern challenge.

On 65 minutes an Adam Jones cross picked out Moores , but his challenge on the Pwllheli keeper was deemed illegal. Then Harden went on a jinking run , which was brought to an abrupt end by an illegal challenge and a Richard Williams Cooke rasper was tipped round the post by a flying Andrew Parry.

Pwllheli remained a danger on the break , and only a foul by John Roberts , for which he saw yellow , stopped a clear run on goal by the Pwllheli forwards. From the set piece , Denbigh were grateful to Mark Orme for clearing the danger when Farr looked set to score.

Manager Tim Dyer now shuffled his deck and Darren Cassidy replaced the non stop Ian Evans up front. Against a now tiring Pwllheli defence , Richard Williams Cooke sought out Kevin Evans who returned the complient , but Williams Cooke's blockbuster across the goalmouth failed to find that final touch.

Steve Jones replaced Chris Moores up front as Denbigh looked to kill off the game. The conditions were taking the legs out of Pwllheli and Denbigh's fitness began to tell.

It was almost amok time as Denbigh began to run riot and a Steve Jones flick header found Cassidy but the Denbigh man's firm effort was excellently saved by the impressive Pwllheli keeper. Steve Jones then set up Orme but his first time effort flew wide.

On 85 minutes Denbigh finally killed the game off and it was done in spectacular fashion. A clearance from the visitor's penalty box fell to the feet of Kevin Evans a yard inside the Pwllheli half. Evans spotted the keeper outside of his box and the Denbigh man lifted the ball beyond him and into the net to record a contender for Goal of the Season.

 

Denbigh Town: J.Hulse , A.Jones , K. Jones , M. Orme , J.Roberts , P.Edwards , K.Evans , R.Harden , I.Evans. R.Williams Cooke , C.Moores. Subs: M.Gatfield , J.Hobson , D. Cassidy , S.Jones.

 

 

After Match Hospitality: The Mason's Arms.

 

 

Clwyd League Division One

 

Date: 6 January 2007

 

Venue: Central Park , Denbigh.

 

 

Sharpest Toole gives Denbigh Deserved Win

Matt Finish pushes Reserves to within reach of league leaders.

 

Matt Toole clinical shot down a worthy Mochdre Sports side to give Denbigh Reseves a fifth straight league victory. But it was a sterling defensive display which ensured that Tony Sheridan's youngsters keep a promotion spot in sight  - and next Saturday's six pointer at Central Park againt league leaders Abergele Rovers will no doubt be a mouthwatering prospect.

 

Sheridan has moulded his young charges into a determined outfit , and they began brightly  when Tom Sheridan rose life a salmon and was unlucky to see his goalbound header bounce off a Mochdre defender to safety. With both sides playing neat passing football , Mochdre almost broke through , but last ditch tackles , first by the consummate  Lee Mason , and  then Justin Jones kept the visitors at bay.

On 8 minutes Gareth Roberts tricked his way into the box and he released Toole who was unfortunate to see his placed shot inch past the left upright , with the keeper at full stretch.

Denbigh shotstopper Gaz Smith was then called upon , and he first got down well to a Chris Littler effort  , and then had to be quick to react to a Bill Whippe drive from the edge of the box.

Denbigh now began to take control , and a marauding run by the busy Gareth Roberts released Toole whose blocked effort fell to Madoc Jones , who worked the keeper with a rasper.

Roberts was at his trickiest and after good work by Toole , Madoc Jones found himself with an opportunity but Guinn was equal to the task.

James Kovall was busy in the middle of the park and his first time effort was blocked , his follow up effort clearing the bar. Denbigh's patient build-up now had Mochdre on the back foot and Toole controlled a Jonny Bowen ball to set up Madoc Jones  - and only a last ditch tackle from the Mochdre back line prevented the goal.

Roberts now did a step over and gained a yard of space , but the youngster was unfortunate to see his effort flykicked away for a corner. Bowen enjoyed another of his runs out of defence and he released Roberts who was fouled on the edge of the box , the free kick coming to nothing.

The second half opened with a free kick for the visitors on the edge of the Denbigh box , and Lee Mason had to be calm to usher the ball to safety. Madoc Jones now had a sniff of a chance and his piledriver tested the Mochdre custodian. But then a wicked deflection struck Madoc Jones in the face and the younster required treatment before manfully carrying on.

Gareth Roberts now went on a sublime dribble and released the eager Kovall who had his legs taken , but from the resultant free kick , the shot on goal lacked any power to trouble Guinn. Denbigh were now camped in the visitors half of the field. A slick passing move between John Earnshaw and Toole saw the latter jinking his way towards goal , but Guinn again had the measure of the shot.

A goal was coming and it arrived in great style on the 55 minute mark. Scrimshaw raced forward down the left and his pinpoint pass found Earnshaw in space. The Denbigh man spotted Toole unmarked in front of goal , and from that range there was to be no mistake as the Denbigh man cooly converted to edge the hosts into the lead. Denbigh now went for the jugular . Earnshaw again broke free and won a corner , from which Tom Sheridan presented a chance for Toole , but the striker saw his effort sneak wide. Mochdre hit back with Bill Whippe , and Denbigh shot stopper Smith had to turn his firm effort round the post. Mochdre began to up the ante and Smith was again called upon to get down to a sharp chance from the Mochdre sub , Bobby Clayton.

Earnshaw conjured up a bit of brilliance to force yet another corner but at the other end Smith was relieved to see a Littler lob sail over the bar.

Manager Sheridan now introduced Andy Skeoch into midfield. He fed Tom Sheridan whose curler was spectaularly clutched out of the air by the impressive Guinn. A Skeoch free kick was rolled to Kovall , who met the ball on the volley , only to see it flash just wide. Another impressive Skeoch ball , a first time effort , released Earnshaw who was in agony to see his goal bound effort hacked off the line. Gareth Lewis then tested the visiting keeper but with time running out , Denbigh had to stand up and be counted as Mochdre launched an all out assault on the Town goal. Lee Mason headed a wicked shot away and the same man was on hand to head clear the follow up. At the death , Denbigh had a let off when a hopeful ball in wmanaged to bypass defenders and attackers alike. Denbigh were relieved to see the ball roll agonisingly wide of the empty goal.

 

Denbigh Town Reserves: Gareth Smith , Rob Scrimshaw , Jonny Bowen , Justin Jones (Captan) , Lee Mason , Gary Madoc Jones , James Kovall , Tom Sheridan , Matt Toole , John Earnshaw , Gareth Roberts: Subs: Jamie Clayton , Gareth Lewis , Chris Bown , Steffan Tomos , Andrew Skeoch.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Hand Inn , Denbigh

 

 

 

13 January 2007

 

Denbigh Town 0 Llanrwst United 1

 

Welsh Alliance League

 

Heartache as Roosters stun sorry Denbigh

 

Disappointing Denbigh were left wondering what might have been when they slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to promotion rivals Llanrwst United.

Tim Dyer's men would have been hoping to carry on their recent form in this hastily re-arranged fixture , but it was the Roosters who committed a smash and grab act to steal the points in gale force conditions.

Town were under pressure as Llanrwst sought to take advantage of the wind conditions in their favour, and Hulse had to be quick to turn over a lofted effort at the expense of a corner.  This was pressure soccer for both clubs , and as a result it was not just the weather that was stormy. Tackles began to fly in thick and fast with both sides looking to dominate and eek out an advantage. Llanrwst were penalised wide on the right after a hefty challenge on Ian Evans , which presented Gatfield with an opportunity to float a ball into the area. Denbigh were left screaming for handball as the ball ran loose after Orme's snapshot was blocked on the line by a wayward arm.

Denbigh found chances at a premium as United utilised their offside trap to perfection , but a burst from defence from the busy Paul Edwards almost opened the door for the hosts. Williams Cooke collected the ball just outside the Denbigh box and , after beating two men , set up Edwards who surged towards the Roosters goal. The old one-two with Ian Evans gave Edwards a sight of goal , and the Denbigh man was sent sprawling as the visiting keeper appeared to take man rather than ball.

The visitors now upped the pressure and Adam Jones had to be alert to tackle the dangerous Jenkins in the Roosters front line. Then Gatfield was at his coolest to usher the ball to safety as Llan threatened , but at the other end the industrious Moores had a shot just off target.

Denbigh thought they had pinched a lead on 35 minutes when Kevin Evans hit a fizzer from outside the box , and with the ball slipping from the keepers hands , the home side were convinced that the ball had carried over the line , but to the amazement of the players the  referee waved play on. Then Ryan Harden set up the marauding Mark Orme and the Denbigh captain's 30 yard effort was tipped over in spectacular fashion by the flying Paul Roberts betwen the United sticks.

A mix up in Denbigh's midfield allowed the visitors a run on goal and John Roberts had to clear desperately with a header to prevent a goal. From the corner , Hulse had to gather under severe pressure as Llanrwst now sought a half time lead. It was end to end stuff , and first Moores had a firm strike blocked off , whilst at the other end Orme had to head away a dangerous inswinging cross to prevent a Jenkins strike on goal.

The second half began brightly enough for the hosts when a succulent move involving Ian Evans and Moores was punched clear and the Adam Jones' follow up effort scraped wide. It was still nip and tuck , with first Moores forcing a home corner and then Orme at his bravest to clear away a Llanrwst whipped cross. On the hour mark , Harden jinked a ball to Williams Cooke who had head in hands when his effort just failed to find the target. At the other end , Hulse had to sprint off his line to clear away a promising break from the eager Rooster forwards. Then a Kev Evans header across goal was deemed handball when Denbigh finally looked like unlocking the Llanrwst goal after a period of sustained pressure. Yet another Harden free kick found his captain , but Orme just inched his header off target with the keeper scrambling.

Ian Evans was on the end of some rough treatment , but the Denbigh man almost found Moores in space in front of goal but again the impressive Llanrwst defence held firm.

On 75 minutes the deadlock was finally broken and it was the visitors who struck the all imporetant goal. Following good work out of defence , a three man move was finished with glee by the nippy Jamie Turner.

Denbigh were now fighting like tigers and an Adam Jones cross was headed over his own crossbar by a desperate Rooster defender when Moores was poised to strike. From the corner , a Paul Edwards piledriver from 35 yards cleared the bar , but with time ebbing away , Town were finding clear cut opportunities hard to come by.

Andy Booker replaced  Harden on 80 minutes and the youngster immediately forced a corner , from which Moores headed over. At the other end a Matt Corcoran screamer cleared the Denbigh bar , only for Town to hit back ,  as first Orme released Moores who fed Edwards  , whose sweet curler was deflected wide when a goal looked certain. Then Booker weaved some magic in the box , but the ball refused to sit up and his effort was cleared with the crowd begging for a strike on goal. Dyer cast his final throw , and Cassidy replaced Gatfield in search of an unlikely equaliser but ultimately it was the Llanrwst players who finished the game in victorious mood , punching the air in celebration of a hard fought win.

 

Denbigh Town: Jamie Hulse , Adam Jones , Matty Gatfield , Mark Orme , John Roberts , Paul Edwards , Kevin Evans , Ryan Harden , Ian Evans , Richard Williams Cooke , Chris Moores. Subs: Darren Cassidy , Andy Booker , Jamie Hobson , Kevin Jones , Steve Jones.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Railway Inn

 

 

Clwyd League Division One

 

Date: 6 January 2007

 

Venue: Central Park , Denbigh.

 

Sharp Toole does the Job!

 

Matt Toole clinical strike shot down a Mochdre Sports side to give Denbigh Reseves a fifth straight league victory and put them in reach of table topping Abergele Rovers. And next Saturday's six pointer at Central Park againt the league leaders will be a mouthwatering prospect.

 

They say goals win games , but an outstanding defensive display ensured that Denbigh gained maximum points when clear cut opportunities were at a premium.

Manager Tony Sheridan has moulded his young charges into a determined outfit , and they began brightly  when Tom Sheridan leapt like a salmon and was unlucky to see his goalbound header bounce off a Mochdre defender to safety. With both sides playing neat passing football , Mochdre almost broke through , but firece tackles , first by the consummate Lee Mason , and  then Justin Jones kept the visitors at bay.

On 8 minutes Gareth Roberts tricked his way into the box and he released Toole who was unfortunate to see his placed shot inch past the left upright , with the keeper at full stretch.

Denbigh shotstopper Gaz Smith was then called upon , and he first got down well to a Chris Littler effort  , and then had to be quick to react to a Bill Whippe drive from the edge of the box.

Denbigh now began to take control , and a marauding run by the busy Gareth Roberts released Toole whose blocked effort fell to Madoc Jones , who worked the keeper with a rasper.

Roberts was weaving some magic out wide and after good work by Toole , Madoc Jones found himself with an opportunity but Guinn in the Mochdre goal was equal to the task.

James Kovall was busy in the middle of the park and his first time effort was blocked , his follow up effort clearing the bar. Denbigh's patient build-up now had Mochdre on the back foot and Toole controlled a Jonny Bowen ball to set up Madoc Jones  - and only a last ditch tackle from the Mochdre back line prevented a strike on goal.

Roberts now did a step over and gained a yard of space for himself, but the youngster was unfortunate to see his cross-shot flykicked away for a corner. Bowen enjoyed another of his runs out of defence and he released Roberts who was fouled on the edge of the box , the free kick again testing the keeper.

The second half opened with an opportunity for the visitors on the edge of the Denbigh box , and Lee Mason had to be calm to usher the ball to safety. Madoc Jones now had a sniff of a chance and his piledriver tested the Mochdre custodian. But then a wicked deflection struck Madoc Jones full in the face which drew claret , and the youngster required treatment before manfully carrying on.

Denbigh were limiting Mochdre to long range efforts , with Mason & Jones commanding in the back line. Gareth Roberts now went on a sublime dribble and released the eager Kovall who had his legs taken , but from the resultant free kick the shot on goal lacked any power to trouble Guinn. Denbigh were now camped in the visitors half of the field. A slick passing move between John Earnshaw and Toole saw the latter jinking his way towards goal , but Guinn again had the measure of the shot.

A goal was coming and it arrived in great style on the 55 minute mark. Scrimshaw raced forward down the right flank and his pinpoint pass found Earnshaw in space. The Denbigh man spotted Toole unmarked in front of goal , and in the wink of an eye the Denbigh man coolly converted to edge the hosts into the lead. Denbigh now went for the jugular . Earnshaw again broke free and won a corner , from which Tom Sheridan presented a chance for Toole , but the striker saw his dink effort sneak wide. Mochdre hit back with Bill Whippe , and Denbigh shot stopper Smith had to turn his firm strike round the post. Mochdre began to up the ante and Smith was again called upon to get down to a sharp chance from the Mochdre sub , Bobby Clayton.

Earnshaw conjured up a bit of brilliance to force yet another corner but at the other end Smith was relieved to see a Littler lob from distance sail over the bar.

Manager Sheridan now introduced Andy Skeoch into midfield and Denbigh were purring. Skeoch fed Tom Sheridan whose curler was spectaularly clutched out of the air by the impressive Guinn. Skeoch then picked out Kovall from a free kick , who met the ball on the volley only to see it flash just wide. Yet another impressive Skeoch ball , a first time jobby , released Earnshaw who was in agony to see his goal bound effort hacked off the line.  With time running out , Denbigh had to stand up and be counted as Mochdre launched an all out assault on the Town goal. Lee Mason headed a wicked shot away and the same man was on hand to head clear the follow up. Then at the death , Denbigh had a let off when a hopeful ball into the box managed to bypass defenders and attackers alike , and Town were relieved to see the ball roll agonisingly wide of the empty goal , and Denbigh held on for their well deserved victory.

 

Final Score: Denbigh Town Reserves 1 Mochdre Sports Reserves 0

 

Denbigh Man of the Match: Justin Jones

 

Denbigh Town Reserves: Gareth Smith , Rob Scrimshaw , Jonny Bowen , Justin Jones (Captan) , Lee Mason , Gary Madoc Jones , James Kovall , Tom Sheridan , Matt Toole , John Earnshaw , Gareth Roberts: Subs: Jamie Clayton , Gareth Lewis , Chris Bown , Steffan Tomos , Andrew Skeoch.

 

After Match Hospitality: The Hand Inn , Denbigh

 Denbigh Town Reserves v Brynford United

20th January 2007 - Clwyd League Div. One

 Toole Hat-Trick Sends Town Second

 

 

Classy Denbigh Town Reserves put Brynford United to the sword in a tough encounter which sees the Central Park club sitting pretty in second place in the league.

Playing with the wind at their backs , Town immediately went for the jugular as first Madoc Jones and then Matt Toole tested the United keeper.

A Jonny Bowen burst out of defence found Gareth Roberts , and his tricky footwork almost created an opportunity for Toole , but the goal-sniffer just failed to find the target.

After Brynford tested the home keeper , Town took the lead when Toole notched the first of three strikes. Bowen bobby-dazzled down the left flank and his wicked cross fell to Gareth Roberts who set up the Denbigh hitman. Toole is lethal when given that sort of space in the box and the keeper was left clawing at air.

Denbigh were now purring and Madoc Jones and Toole both had shots charged down as Brynford clung on.

United gradually found their feet and a flying header from Dean Rigby in front of goal should have tested the keeper , but his effort flew over.

At the other end , Justin Jones tried his luck with an overhead kick , then the impressive John Earnshaw released Bowen who send over his trade mark cross which the United defence sliced to safety. Next Madoc Jones used his strength to wriggle into the box , setting up Toole who had the ball hacked away when poised to pull the trigger.

It was all Denbigh as a Sheridan effort scraped the paintwork after a sublime move involving Toole and his partner in crime , Madoc Jones.

It was all Denbigh and it was no surprise when Toole got his second on 35 minutes , and the same man could have notched another a minute later but Weller in the visitor's goal did well to smother his effort.

Suddenly Brynford put together some good football and clawed back a goal on the 40 minute mark. Rigby took advantage of a slip in the Town back line and his toe poke beat a despairing Smith between the home sticks.

Playing against the wind in the second half , Town took the game by the scruff of the neck and pinned Brynford back with neat concise football. On 56 minutes , great work by Scrimshaw released Toole in the box , who clinched his hat trick after his first effort had been parried.

There was no let up as a kerfuffle almost presented Madoc Jones with an opportunity , but the same man finally got his reward for an outstanding performance , when Toole turned provider , and Madoc Jones finished with aplomb to the delight of his colleagues.

As a contest the game was over , and as the temperature plummeted , the game was halted in bizarre fashion so that the stand-in referee could put his coat on.

 

Final score: Denbigh Town Reserves 4 Brynford United 1

Man of the Match : John Earnshaw

 

After Match Hospitality: The Mason's Arms

 

 

20th January 2007

Rhydymwyn 1 v Denbigh Town 3

Cookson Cup 2nd Round

 

Cookability as Denbigh seek silverware

 

Cup Holders into the Semi

 

Denbigh Town booked a Cookson Cup semi final date after a comfortable win at near neighbours Rhydymwyn.

And Town will be looking to carry this form forward to their next League game at Conwy United on Saturday.

Denbigh started the brighter in blustery conditions and , despite a difficult surface , were finding their men with some excellent passing.

And it was the visitors who took a deserved lead on the 19 minute mark , when Richard Williams Cooke turned on a sixpence and converted with a right foot effort.

Rhydymwyn pressed for an equaliser and Denbigh shot-stopper Jamie Hulse was relieved to see a sharp effort skim narrowly wide.

The second half saw Denbigh dominate proceedings , as first Ian Evans went close after a mazy dribble from the on-song Andy Booker. Then Chris Moores , who was a menace all afternoon , must have thought he had scored but the home keeper turned away his snapshot.

Denbigh were looking to kill the game and it was midfield dynamo Paul Edwards who burst out of midfield , beating the offside trap and he joyously lifted the ball over the advancing custodian to give Town some breathing space.

Denbigh began to show their class as first Chris Moores was fed by Booker , but he could hardly believe it when his effort was well saved. Then on 64 minutes , Ian Evans appeared to be clipped by the keeper when poised to strike , with the referee waving play on.

Rhyd now came back into it and put the Central Park side under some pressure , forcing several corners , and on one occasion Hulse had to be at his best to beat a goalbound effort round the post to safety.

The hosts deserved a goal and it came from a corner on the 79 minute mark with the ball tapped in with the Denbigh defence caught static.

Town responded immediately and it was that man Williams Cooke who powered in a left foot free kick from 20 yards that had the home goalie rooted to the spot to restore a two goal cushion.

Denbigh played out the rest of the game comfortably to book their semi final place with Llandudno Junction on 3rd March.

 

27th January 2007

Conwy United v Denbigh Town 

 Welsh Alliance League

 

One hit wonders gain precious win

 

Game breaker Paul Edwards helped Denbigh to victory against Conwy United in a tense battle at the Morfa. The pressure was on the visitors to get a result after recent disappointments and it was Edwards' clincher that ultimately proved the difference between the two teams. But Denbigh will have to improve for next week's encounter againsy high flying Llanrwst.

Conwy began the first stanza the stronger and in the opening minutes were unlucky to see an effort from Ryan Watson scrape the post.

The Town were finding the going tough on a bobbly pitch and Denbigh were grateful to Jamie Hulse who had to turn a rising shot from Tommy Sykes around his left hand post.

On 30 minutes Denbigh thought they had breached the Conwy defence. Harden and Cassidy combined to release Edwards but the midfielder's shot lacked the power to trouble Shaun Pearson in the Conwy goal.

The second half was a different kettle of fish as Denbigh burst into life and began to find their men. On 52 minutes Darren Cassidy rose to meet a Booker corner and his firm header thumped against the bar. Denbigh upped the ante and introduced Calvin Davies and Richard Williams Cooke to proceedings and both men combined to release Chris Moores who had his fierce drive beaten away.

A neat move involving Orme and dribble wizard Booker on 72 minutes released a marauding Calvin Davies but the goal ace's shot was well saved by the United stopper.

A minute later dangerous Davies was in agony as he saw his snap shot again superbly saved by Pearson , but ecstasy soon followed as Town finally made the breakthrough on the 74 minute mark. Booker swung over a corner which was met at the near post by Paul Edwards and the Denbigh Man of the Match planted a firm header past the keeper for that all important goal.

Conwy bounced back and sub Howard Vaughn almost grabbed a leveller on 79 minutes but the United man headed wide when well placed , with Hulse baying for offside.

With Roberts and Orme marshalling the defence , Denbigh settled things down and played out the game to earn the precious points to keep themselves in the hunt for promotion.

 

Final Score: Conwy Utd 0 Denbigh Town 1

 

Denbigh Town: J.Hulse , J.Hobson , K.Jones , M.Orme(C) , J. Roberts , P.Edwards , A. Booker , R.Harden , D.Cassidy , K.Evans , C.Moores. Subs: used - C.Davies , R.Williams-Cooke. Not used: I.Evans , A.Jones , S.Jones.

 

The Denbigh Town FC Podcast can be heard at:  http://denbigh.libsyn.com

 

Man of the Match: Paul Edwards

 

Denbigh Town Reserves v Point of Ayr

Clwyd League

27 January 2007

 

Point Mug Denbigh

 

Wasteful Denbigh squandered a two goal lead to share the points with a battling Point of Ayr side in this Clwyd League Division One encounter at Central Park.

Seeking a seventh straight win , Town began brightly , with John Earnshaw finding Gary Madoc Jones in the box with a pinpoint pass whose effort was saved.

Then Earnshaw tried his luck with a volley that flew just wide after excellent interlink play between Gareth Roberts and Matt Toole.

Denbigh were at their best as Justin Jones knocked a ball out of defence to the feet of James Kovall. The midfielder rode the challenge and slipped the ball to Madoc-Jones. Toole joined the party but his effort was beaten away by Rich Allen in the visitor's goal.

Suddenly Point burst into life and an excellent cross was dealt with under pressure by the excellent Rob Scrimshaw. Point forced two quick corners and only a great challenge by dynamo Earnshaw kept the visiting strikers at bay. Point continued to press and a 30 yarder by Danny Beal scraped the bar with custodian Gareth Smith backpedalling.

The Denbigh stopper had to go where angels fear to tread as another wicked Point cross caused mayhem in the Denbigh box.

It was frenetic stuff as first Kevin James played a ball out of defence to Madoc-Jones who created space to try his luck with a curler.  Then Point hit back and Smith pulled out a top drawer save from another Danny Beal fizzer , and then followed it up by pushing a Darren Harris header around the post at full stretch.

It was end to end stuff as Lee Mason found Madoc Jones with a ball , and the striker's header fell to Toole who was lurking with intent, but the Denbigh poacher blasted wide when well placed.

The hosts exploded into the lead on 37 miniutes in fine style when the classy Kovall picked out Toole with a ball that the Denbigh man hit first time , giving the despairing keeper no chance.

The Central Park outfit were now rampant and first Earnshaw volleyed over the bar , and then as Point tried to break out , Andy Skeoch combined with Madoc-Jones whose effort was bravely turned away.

The second half saw Denbigh continue to press , and Gareth Roberts invited Toole to shoot but the ball refused to sit up and the opportunity was missed. Roberts went for goal himself and his jinking run ended with his shot being gathered at the second attempt.

The visitors were not lying down and Harris was proving a problem for the Denbigh defence with Smith having to be brave to save at the feet of the Point hitman.

Next Rob Scrimshaw found himself in the box after a trademark run , but his pull back to Skeoch was volleyed wide. Then Skeoch found Gareth Roberts out wide on the left and the youngster hit a low cross that cleared everyone in the the 6 yard box.

Gaps were appearing in the Point defence and Madoc-Jones beat one , then beat another and slammed the ball goalward , only to see it clear the bar by fractions. Denbigh had the game by the scruff of the neck , yet Point were not lying down. Only a last ditch tackle by Scrimshaw prevented a certain goal as the visitors piled out of defence.

Denbigh were rewarded with a second goal on 70 minutes and it was an absolute beauty. Madoc Jones' persistance won the ball in front of the box  and he laid it back to Roberts who took a touch then curled a peach from 25 yards into the back of the net with the keeper nowhere.

Madoc Jones then had a chance as he poked wide when well placed and it seemed Town were to record a seventh win on the bounce. But Point grabbed a goal back from a stunning strike by Paul Campion that left Smith clawing at air on the 80 minute mark and almost immediately after , Point should have scored but somehow the ball ended up the the keeper's gloves after a harum scarum in the Denbigh box.

Denbigh fought back and Madoc Jones released Toole but Allen pulled out a tremedous save to deny the Denbigh man.

Point now sniffed an equaliser as first Harris headed over in front of an empty goal , and then with Denbigh outnumbered in the back line ,  only a great tackle by the non-stop Scrimshaw prevented Point another goal. The equaliser was coming and it arrived in the shape of dangerous Davies who planted a firm header into the net from a corner to give Point a share of the spoils.

 

Final Score: Denbigh Town Reserves 2 Point of Ayr 2

 

Man of the Match: Lee Mason.

 

Listen to the Denbigh Town FC Podcast at: http://denbigh.libsyn.com

 

After Match Hospitality: The Golden Lion.

 

Holders Denbigh Town booked their place in the Cookson Cup Final courtesy of a nail biting penalty shootout at Central Park.

Town were pushed all the way by a Llandudno Junction side , and had to come back from an early goal to force extra time and the dreaded penalties.

 

3rd March 2007

 

Spot On As Town Reach Cup Final

 

Holders Denbigh Town booked their place in the Cookson Cup Final courtesy of a nail biting penalty shootout at Central Park.Town were pushed all the way by a Llandudno Junction side , and had to come back from an early goal to force extra time and the dreaded penalties.

It was the Junction who set the pace early doors and Mike Langstrom tested the Town keeper Hulse with an effort from 9 yards. Latest signing Kenny Burgess was bright up front for Town , and the new boy turned well in the box but fired over the bar when well placed.

Adam Jones delivered an evil cross into the Junction box which was punched away by Junction Keeper Rob Jones and then Richard Williams Cooke opened his shoulders and spanked a twenty five yarder straight into the keepers breadbasket , but at the other end Hulse had to pounch a low fizzer at his near post.

Burgess found Williams Cooke who in turn sought out Ian Evans who nicked the ball past the keeper but saw his cross-shot parried behind for a corner.

Junction were not there to make up the numbers and began to take charge. Neil Poynton's effort was well saved by the impressive Hulse and then John Roberts had to be brave to head away a ball into the box under pressure from Junction's Daryl Jones.

Ashley Smith scraped Hulse's cross bar with the Denbigh keeper backpedalling and then on 20 minutes , the visitors made their momentum tell with a well taken goal by Daryl Jones who swept the ball home from a flag kick.

Burgess threatened to go all the way as the cup holder's sought an immediate reply. Then Richard Williams Cooke was unlucky when a deft touch almost put him clear , but a Junction boot hacked the ball away.

Adam Jones and Kevin Evans linked up to release Ryan Harden , but the little string-puller's effort was saved low down by Jones.

Gatfield went on a surging run and delivered a sweet cross to Harden who tapped square to Williams Cooke , the big man being unfortunate to see his true strike beaten away by the excellent Jones.

Hulse was brave at the other end as Oliver Walters got onto the end of a Junction breakaway. Next Gatfield did well down the right to find Burgess whose final touch just let him down as a score seemed likely. A minute later Burgess found the net but his effort was ruled out for his challenge of a fumbling keeper.

Junction now began to turn up the pressure and Nathan Jones tested Hulse with a dipping free kick. The Denbigh stopper then had to get down to smother a Poynton effort as Junction now looked to double their advantage.

Town broke out and the non-stop Paul Edwards was put through by a Williams Cooke flick header , but the midfield dynamo fired across the face of the goal.

At the other end Walters' first time effort failed to test Hulse when well placed and another Junction move ripped through Town's midfield and Walters again was disappointed with his pop on goal when slipped in by Ashley Smith.

The second half was a different game as Denbigh came out all guns blazing. Kevin Evans found Edwards who struck a sweet ball low and hard across the box , the keeper just managing to stramble the ball to safety. A long Hulse clearence fell to Williams Cooke but again Jones in the Junction goal was on hand to grasp the ball. Ian Evans then had an effort parried and his follow up fell to Williams Cookke whose placed effort was scrambled off the line.

Denbigh deserved a goal and it was Kenny Burgess who grabbed it after he was teed up by Williams Cooke to give Town parity on the 50 minute mark.

Kevin Evans had a penalty claim waved away as Denbigh went for the kill and were now  firmly camped in the Junction half of the pitch.

The hosts were at their best as first Williams Cooke fired across the face of goal , and then a Kevin Evans effort was palmed wide by the Junction shot-stopper. The same man fizzed a 30 yarder over the bar and then Harden and Williams Cooke teamed up to create an opportunity for Burgess.

Next Williams Cooke broke clear and his cross fell to Ian Evans but the worker bee was denied at the expense of a corner.

Harden was flattened outside the box and his freekick sniffed out Edwards who in turned swept in a low ball that cleared everyone in the 6 yard box.

Manager Dyer threw on Darren Cassidy and Jamie Hobson as the holder's upped the ante still further , but but despite a number of half chances , Junction forced the tie into extra time.

Fatigue began to play a role as Town swept forward on the restart.

Adam Jones produced a great run but was denied at the death by Rob Jones. Then Burgess ran his socks off to reach a ball and deliver a cross that was fly-kicked clear. Evans and Burgess set up Williams Cooke but the Denbigh man dragged the ball wide. A rare Junction attack cleared the bar and from the goal kick the ball found it's way to Williams Cooke who struck a post and was in agony to see the ball roll across the face of goal to safety. As extra time ebbed away , Evans sought out Williams Cooke but the Denbigh marksman just failed to add that final touch.

It was all down to penalites. Hulse got down well to push away Dwyfor Williams' effort and Mark Orme , on as sub , stroked home the winning spot kick to secure another Cookson Cup Final for the holders.

 

Denbigh Town: Jamie Hulse , Matty Gatfield , Adam Jones , Kevin Jones , John Roberts ,  Paul Edwards , Kevin Evans , Paul Edwards , Ian Evans , Kenny Burgess , Richard Williams Cooke. Subs( All used)  Mark Orme , Darren Cassidy , Jamie Hobson

Match Day Mascot: Jordan Macdonald.

Match Ball Sponsor: The Music Factory.

 

Listen to the Denbigh Town FC Podcast at: http://denbigh.libsyn.com