CPD Y Rhyl 1879 were knocked out of the Ardal Northern League Cup on Saturday (August 31) after defeat on penalties at home to CPD Porthmadog FC at Belle Vue.

It would be the Lilywhites who would break the deadlock, with the ever-dangerous James Stevens crossing the ball from the right-wing area, finding Sam Ashton, who made no mistake from inside the six-yard box with 23 minutes played.

The turning point of the game came when Porthmadog forward Tom Hilditch received a red card for two yellow card offences; one for an elbow, and a second for dissent.

But despite being down to 10 men, Porthmadog came out in the second half with a fresh impetus, creating numerous problems for the Lilywhites’ back line on the counter-attack.

On 60 minutes, Rhyl would get a golden opportunity to double their lead; Jonny Bravo crossing the ball to strike partner Callum Parry, whose tame effort was saved well by visiting keeper Ollie Farebrother.

Porthmadog continued to force their way back into the game, and Cai Jones found an equaliser on 75 minutes following a period of dominance for the visitors.

The game finished 1-1, with a penalty shootout required to determine who would progress.

Porthmadog took the first penalty, with Josh Cooke saving well from Cai Jones.

With the next eight penalties finding the back of the net, up stepped Ollie Staveley, who could secure the victory for Rhyl.

But he struck the face of the bar, meaning it was four penalties apiece with 10 taken.

The decisive miss for the home side came from James Jones, ensuring the visitors secured a place in the next round of the cup following an entertaining fixture.

A disappointed Rhyl manager, Gareth Thomas, said following the game: “First half, we were good value for a 1-0 lead.

“Second half, we stopped playing and were rushed with the ball. At 1-0, we had a great chance to increase our lead on 60 minutes which we didn’t take.

“We will be back in training on Wednesday as we look to put this afternoon’s disappointing result behind us.”