Rhyl 1879 player reveals when he hopes to return after ‘frustrating’ injury lay-off
Ben Lawrence played for Rhyl in their Welsh Cup semi-final against Caernarfon Town last season. (Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW)
Rhyl 1879 defender Ben Lawrence has provided a positive update on his recovery from a serious injury and is targeting a return to action before the end of the year.
Lawrence has been sidelined since early April after suffering the injury during Rhyl’s game against Guilsfield last season.
The right-back was forced off after 53 minutes of that encounter and subsequently missed the Lilywhites’ final matches of the campaign against Gresford Athletic and Penrhyncoch.
Ben Lawrence reveals his hopes of returning before Christmas
The 2025 summer signing joined Rhyl from Flint Mountain and quickly established himself as an important part of the squad.
Lawrence made 23 Cymru North appearances during his first season with the club, scoring twice and registering two assists.
One of his goals was an unforgettable strike away at Guilsfield, a moment that quickly became one of the highlights of his campaign.
But he has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines since April, watching on as his teammates have begun the new campaign.
Lawrence has now provided an update on his recovery, admitting it has been difficult being away from the game, while remaining positive about his progress.
“After a serious injury at the end of last season, it’s been a very frustrating few months for me,” Lawrence said.
“Hard to be away from the game, the team, the fans, but I’m keeping positive to get back as soon as possible.
“Working hard and progressing well. I can’t wait to be back playing again.
“I’m hoping to be back for November/December.”
Rhyl’s November and December fixtures could await Lawrence
That timeframe could see Lawrence return during an important period of the season for Rhyl.
The Lilywhites currently sit 10th in the Cymru North table after seven matches, with two wins, two defeats and three draws to their name.
They were knocked out of the Welsh Cup last Saturday after suffering defeat to Brickfield Rangers.
Their attention now turns back to league action, with a trip to Gresford Athletic next up.
If Lawrence’s recovery continues to progress as hoped, there are several potential dates for his return in the coming months.
Rhyl are scheduled to face Holyhead Hotspur on November 7, before travelling to Penrhyncoch on November 21 and Gresford Athletic on November 28.
December then brings fixtures against Guilsfield on December 5, Llanuwchllyn on December 19 and Bangor City on Boxing Day.
For Lawrence, the hope will be to make his long-awaited comeback somewhere within that run of fixtures and put a difficult few months firmly behind him.
His return would provide another option for Rhyl as they look to climb the Cymru North table and build momentum through the winter months.
