CPD Y Rhyl 1879 moved nine points clear at the top of the Ardal North West League after a 1-0 victory in blustery conditions at home to Bethesda Athletic on Saturday (December 9).

Neither team managed to control the game at Belle Vue in the early stages of the first half, with the only clear-cut opportunity falling to front man Kieran Ellis, with visiting keeper Gethin Hughes saving well.

On 24 minutes, the deadlock was broken following some great work by ever-present Alex Jones, November player of the month James Cairns slotted the ball home into the bottom left corner making it 1-0 to the Lilywhites.

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On the stroke of half-time, midfielder Ollie Staveley made a powerful run through the midfield heading towards the Bethesda goal, only to be felled 30 yards from goal.

There was immediate concern from the home bench for Staveley due to the nature of the way he landed.

Staveley was then replaced by Sion Williams, as a trip to A&E was required for the midfielder who picked up a shoulder injury.

The second half offered little in terms of final third opportunities.

The visitors began to gain a little bit of momentum on the counterattack with home keeper Ryan Woods making a great save low to his right-hand side to keep the visitors at bay.

One final opportunity for the home side to increase their lead fell to Oli Buckley following to great work on the right-hand side, the ball crossed to Buckley only for his strike to be well saved by visiting keeper Hughes on the goal line.

After the match, Rhyl manager Gareth Thomas added: “I’m delighted with the three points in tough conditions.

“It wasn’t the best game to watch, but the three points were the most important thing today.”

The Lilywhites take a break from league action in their next game, as Flint Mountain visit Belle Vue in the FAW Amateur Trophy on December 16 (2pm kick-off).