Match Report: Druids beat Rhyl in seven goal thriller
Cefn Druids claimed a 4-3 win over Rhyl on Friday evening to go fifth in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League.
In an act of cruel irony for the visiting Lilywhites, all of Druids’ scorers were former Rhyl players, with Aaron Bowen, Mike Pritchard and an Ashley Ruane brace securing the dramatic win for Cefn Druids.
Cefn Druids looked in control during the first half, going 3-0 up in just over 30 minutes. The opening goal came in the sixth minute, when Aaron Bowen sent a spectacular curling effort into the top right corner of the goal.
gap Connah’s Quay loanee Ashley Ruane then made it two for Druids in the 22nd minute scoring in a route one goal. From a Michael Jones goal kick, he received the ball upfront and scored, making up for an earlier open-goal miss.
When Mike Pritchard gave Druids their third with a shot from the edge of the Rhyl area in the 34th minute, the game looked all but over, yet a minute later Toby Jones reduced the deficit for Rhyl with a headed goal.
In the second half Rhyl came out sensing a way back into the game and were rewarded for their perseverance. Despite Porya Ahmadi missing a penalty, Aaron Simpson made it 3-2 with a goal from the resulting corner.
Rhyl continued their push and completed their comeback via Carl Lamb who connected with an Ahmadi header to score in the 67th minute.
The winner came for Druids in the 75th minute, when a penalty was awarded to the home side and Ashley Ruane stepped up to secure his brace.
Despite a tense closing period, Druids held on to confirm their second win of the season, whilst the result leaves Rhyl without a win in three but still fourth in the table.
Both club’s standings are at the mercy of upcoming Dafabet Welsh Premier action, which will be played this coming Saturday and Sunday.
