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DATE	OPPONENT	COMP	F-A	REPORT & PICS
11th May	Hawarden Rangers	WNL	5-0	This evening saw Rhos know that a victory would clinch the Welsh National League Premier Division title against mid tabled Hawarden in front of a decent crowd at Ponciau Banks. The match began with a good tempo with Rhos playing like champions from the start with no signs of nerves whatsoever and they took the lead after only five minutes with a neat finish from Tony Cann who volleyed home his 30th goal of the season. Rhos continued to play the ball around and push the visitors back and were rewarded further on the quarter hour mark when Ben Jones raced down the right and squared to Jamie Jones to smash home from close range. The visitors almost pulled a goal back five minutes before the break when the striker reacted quickest to lift the ball over Steve Williams in the Rhos goal only to see the ball glance narrowly wide, this scare seemed to galvinise the Rhos lineup and the immidiatly when up the other end and were awarded a penalty after the ever impressive Steve Powell had been felled in the box, up stepped the ever reliable Ian Andrews to send the visiting custodian the wrong way. HT 3-0 The second half started with Rhos finally looking to have one hand on the trophy with the game in the early periods of the half resembling a pre season match, this saw the visitors who were playing with no pressure whatsoever create a glorious opportunity when the striker raced through only to be denied by an excellent save from Williams in the Rhos goal. This again like in the 1st half made the Rhos lads realise that they should keep the tempo of play up till the very final whistle and that is exactly what the did with further goal coming from Jamie Jones and Matty Holmes and many more could have been scored if it was not for many quality saves from the visiting keeper. The final whistle saw joyous scenes with the players and fans celebrating clinching the title on home soil. Each and every member of the squad and commitee deserve this title after 10 months of hard work, one thing that has been installed into the playing staff at the club is to never give up and keep going to the final minute which many believe was ultimatly one of the key values which saw us crowned champions. Hopefully the reserves can follow this up in there league cup final on Friday night to make this the most successful seeason in the clubs history.
8th May	Llay Welfare	WNL	4-0	Today saw Rhos play there penultimate game of the season against mid table Llay Welfare knowing that the fate of the league championship was handed back to us after rivals Chirk lost to Venture the previous evening. The match began with Rhos much the better team and almost took the lead within the first 20seconds when a Jamie Jones free kick almost found youngster Jamie Rogers at the far post. Rhos were not to be thwarted for long though with Ben Jones reacting first at the far post to hammer the ball home off the underside of the bar to reduce any tension the Rhos fans were possibly suffering from before the match began. Rhos looked to add to there tally and almost did on the half hour mark when a free kick from Jamie Jones was heading for the top corner only to be denied by the visiting keeper. HT 1-0 The second half began in similar fashion to the first with Rhos doubling there lead in the second minute of the half when another Jones free kick was delivered in only to evade everyone and nestle in the far corner of the net. This goal looked like it lifted the pressure off the Rhos players and the remainder of the match saw some excellent controlled football from the home side and were awarded further with goals from the excellent Ian Andrews from the penalty spot and defender Dave MacIntyre who broke through and scored at the second opportunity after an initial great save from the away keeper. This result saw Rhos return to the summit with us now holding a two point lead over Chirk with both clubs having one match to play. A victory at home over Hawarden on Tuesday would see us clinch the title no matter how Chirk get on the following evening at FC Cefn, a draw could be sufficient also with us at present being 11 goals better off on goal difference meaning Chirk would need to beat rivals Cefn by 12 clear goals to pip us.
28th Apr	Overton	WNL	2-1	At last a victory, but again Rhos showed no form at all in this dreadful game to watch, the visitors went in 1-0 up at half time and Rhos were totally lacking in ideas. However the second half saw Rhos come to life and were able to grind out a result with goals from STEVE POWELL and BEN JONES. Not a lot more you can say about this game but it was a well needed win
24th Apr	Borras Park Albion	WNL	2-2	A very disappointing result away to Borras after beating them quite comfortably at home a couple of weeks before, the match started comfortably for Rhos and were unlucky not to go a goal up after 5 minutes when Dan Nash was adjudged offside. Rhos took the lead with a powerful headed goal from STEVE POWELL However, the equaliser from Borras was an unstoppable shot from 35yards straight into the corner of the net giving Steve Williams in goal no chance. The rest of the game saw Rhos squander chance after chance until ALED DODD put them ahead with a cleverly taken goal. Unfortunately it was Borras who scored the final goal of the game to make it a very disappointing 2-2 draw.
21st Apr	Chirk A.A.A.	WNL	2-4	This evening saw the eagerly awaited clash of this seasons top two teams with a big crowd gathering on Ponciau Banks. Many dubbed this a possible title decider. The match began with the early stages being played in the centre of the field but that soon changed when the young looking visitors getting a lions share of posession and looking to pierce the Rhos rearguard. The visitors were to open the scoring after 15minutes when the Rhos defence failed to clear the ball on numerous occasions which allowed the visiting striker to smash the ball home from 18yards out giving Steve Williams in the Rhos goal no chance whatsoever. This early setback seemed to wake the Rhos players up and after a short spell of pressure drew level when Ben Jones reacted first after the visitors failed to clear a Kevin Scott corner. Many were hoping that this would spur Rhos on the take the remainder of the half to Chirk but it was the visititors who upped the tempo and created two decent chances where last ditch defending kept the scores level. With half time fast approaching a Chirk player was played through wide on the right and was needlessly brought down when going nowhere to give the referee no choice but to award the penalty that was thumped home. HT 1-2 The second half began with Rhos under instruction tob increase the pressure on the visitors from the off but it was Chirk who immidiatly went on the attack and scored another when a long throw found the unmarked centre back to guide the ball in. Rhos then needing two goals to draw level threw caution to the wind and did manage to reduce the arrears with 20 minute remaining when Ben Jones found space in the area again to slot home. Rhos continued to push players forward but without really stretching the well marshalled visiting defence who were happy to sit back and defend and look to hit Rhos on the counter attack, the said counter attack saw the lively Chirk strikers race away only for defender Aled Rowlands to be sent from the field of play for a professional foul with 5 minutes to play to give Rhos more of a mountain to climb. With Rhos now down to ten men and throwing caution to the wind to get back level Chirk broke away again in the final minute and completed the scoring to give them a well deserved victory. In summary a potentially fatal blow to our hopes of clinching the league title to go with our already achieved promotion, though our destiny may no longer be in our own hands with Chirk having a game in hand and now level on points, we must ensure we continue to fight in our remaining 4 fixtures. We may currently be down but we are not out just yet. * Apologies to all for the late publishing of this report.
17th Apr	Llay Welfare	WNL	3-1	Again in glorious sunshine Rhos come up against Llay Welfare today in our 1st league meeting of the season looking to emulate our Welsh Trophy success earlier in the season. The match saw Darren Wright returning to the starting eleven and he seemed to have an impact in our play from the very first minute. Rhos played the majority of the early stages camped in the Llay area but without forcing the home keeper into any save of any note. The pressure Rhos were putting on the home side finally paid off after 18minutes when tops scorer Tony Cann was first to react to a goalmouth scramble to hammer the ball into the roof of the net. Rhos continued to dominate posession and again the pressure finally took its toll when Darren Wright unleashed a left foot drive from 25 yards out into the top corner. HT 2-0 The second half started in similar fashion to the first but with Rhos now playing up the 'hill' they were awarde that concentration must not be lost to allow the home side back into the match. Rhos almost extended there lead with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Khoz Jones outpaced the home defence and struck a peach of a shot narrowly wide from 20yards out. The home side then threw caution to the wind in an attempt to get back into the game and a long punt into the box caused confusion with the Rhos defence with keeper Steve Williams coming to the rescue with an important block. Williams was then called upon again, this time producing an excellent one handed save to deny the Llay winger who had struck a great angled drive. This period of pressure from the home side then paid dividens when the home striker looped a header over everyone into the bottom corner of the goal with 5 minutes still to play. Rhos then come up with the perfect responce seconds later when Matty Holmes outpaced the home defence to slot home to kill off any hopes of a Llay revival. In summary a decent performance from the squad which nudges us three points ahead of rivals Chirk who were today in NEWFA Cup action and sets us up nicely for Wednesday nights home encounter of the top two. With this result today cumulating with Corwens loss to Brymbo assures the club of promotion to the Cymru Alliance. A great achievement by all involved, now lets go up in style and go up as champions.
10th Apr	Brymbo	WNL	2-2	Today saw Rhos play a quick return fixture with Brymbo and after the victory only 3 days earlier many were expecting Rhos to run out comfortable winners. The match began in glorious sunshine with an excellent playing surface to pass the ball around but could not build up any head of steam at all with the majority of the early play taking place in the centre of the field. Rhos almost took the lead on the 10min mark with there first attack of the match only for the home keeper to pull off an excellent save from a Matty Holmes header. The home side then seemed to grow in confidence and played the ball around nicely and were awarded on the half hour mark when the lively young forward took advantage of a defensive error to slot home. It was hoped that this setback would spur Rhos on for the remainder of the half but it was not to be the case with the home defence not put under any real pressure. HT 1-0 The second half started with Rhos urged to raise the tempo and take the match to the young Brymbo side but it was the home side who raised the bar and deservidly took a two goal lead with half an hour remaining when the defence failed to deal with an inswinging corner and the ball was bundled over the line to the delight of the home crown. Rhos from that moment on finally woke up and pulled a goal back immediatly with Nefyn Davies nodding home from a Dave MacIntyre cross(pictured). Five minutes later Rhos were awarded a penalty when Steve Powell rounded the keeper and was taken down by the keeper when he was just about to tap into an empty net, amazingly the referee failed to produce a red card and low and behold the home custodian stood firm to save the spot kick from the usually deadly Ian Andrews. Unbelievably from the resulting corner Kev Scott levelled the game with an arrow like near post corner(pictured). Many though Rhos would then go on to win the game with the young looking home side looking down and out but it was not to be the case as they held firm to dent our title hopes. In summary very disaponted to drop 2 points but hopefully the point gained after being two down with only half an hour remaining could prove vital come the end of the season.
7th Apr	Brymbo	WNL	4-0	This evening paired Rhos against a Brymbo side who since appointing a new manager just before the turn of the year have been one of the in form teams after suffering a disasterous start to the season. The match began with Rhos taking control of the game and almost took the lead after 2minutes when a strike from long range from Dave MacIntyre brought an excellent save from the visiting keeper. Rhos kept the pressure up and were awarded after 15minutes when Steve Powell rose highest to place a firm header in the top corner following a cross from Nefyn Davies. Powell then added a second which was his 4th goal in his last two games when he raced clear to round the keeper and slot home from an acute angle. The game then dropped into a scrappy midfield battle for the remainder of the half with a number of crunching tackles being put in by both sets of players. In the final minute of the half Brymbo almost reduced the arears when the visiting striker found space in the area only to blaze over from 8 yards out. HT 2-0 The second half was played with Rhos in complete control and looking more than comfortable at the back which was excellently marshalled by Aled Rowlands, Ian Andrews and Kevin Scott (Combined age of 100years so we are told). Further goals were added from Matty Holmes with a great finish from the edge of the area and a rare headed goal from wide man Ben Jones. For the record Brymbo had a player dismissed on the hour mark for kicking out at top scorer Tony Cann. In summary an excellent professional performance from each and every individual member of the squad and increases our lead at the top to 5 points again after Chirks victory last night had temporeraly reduced it to just 2. This level of performance and professionalism is what is now desired and expected for the remaining seven fixtures of what potentially could be one of the clubs most sucessful ever.
3rd Apr	Borras Park Albion	WNL	8-1	Todays match saw top of the table Rhos come up against a Borras Park side who have been bottom of the table for the majority of the season, but many will remember that this is the same Borras Park who sent us packing in the Preliminary Round of this years Welsh Cup back in August. The match began with Rhos well on top and took the lead in the 3rd minute when Matty Holmes scored from close range after some good wing play by strike partner Tony Cann. Rhos kept up the tempo in there play and were awarded a penalty in the 7th minute when the linesman stopped an infringement in the visitors penalty area after a shot from insside his own half from Kevin Scott caused all sorts of confusion, up stepped the ever reliable Ian Andrews to convert with ease to notch his 6th goal in 4 games. Rhos further extended there lead on 20mins when Matty Holmes again converted with a far post header, and only five minute later saw Holmes complete his hat trick with a neat finish. On the half hour mark with Rhos looking like scoring with every attack saw the best goal of the afternoon when top scorer Tony Cann was fed through to score with a delightful chip from an acute angle which incidentally completed the scoring for the remainder of the half. HT 5-0 The second half started in almost identical fashion to the 1st with Rhos extending there lead early on when Steve Powell drilled home against his former club, and Powell was on hand 10 minutes later to add to his seasons tally when he powered home a header from a Jamie Jones corner. Rhos with such a commanding lead then toook there foot off the pedal and this allowed the visitor in to sneak a consolation goal with half an hour remaining. The remainder of the game was completed with a rather dull pace, which must of been down to the contest being far from over for a while but this did not prevent Rhos from adding a further goal when substitute and club Captain Tomas Davies powering home from another pin point Jamie Jones corner. In summary another step towards our quest for league title honours and the goal difference may prove vital come the end of the season. Now we move onto a vital match at home again on Wednesday nigh to the ever improving Brymbo.
30th Mar	Coedpoeth United	WNL	7-1	The game started with MATTY HOLMES scoring after two minutes with a tremendous finish to open his account since his return to the Club. Following that Rhos fell in to disarray and Coedpoeth had numerous chances but only managed to convert one. The half was all Coedpoeth and Rhos needed the half time break to take stock. The second half saw a more patient and determined Rhos and they were rewarded with a penalty which saw the visitors reduced to ten men, IAN ANDREWS converted to make it 2-1, Rhos went 3-1 up when ace marksman TONY CANN scored, the game from then on became a case of how many Rhos would score against the totally demoralised Coedpoeth side who were without a few of their regulars. BEN JONES smashed home a fourth from close range, TONY CANN grabbed his second and IAN ANDREWS went on to complete a hat trick. Overall a good result in the end which puts us 5 points clear at the top. One of the highlights of the game was Kevin Scotts dribble through the Coedpoeth defence when he beat FIVE men only to be foiled at the last hurdle before a clear chance on goal. (didn't see whether he was able to get back in defence following that). Aled Rowalnds making his home debut was solid and Jamie Jones was the pick of the bunch with his tireless performance. *Match Report Compiled by Mr John Hughes.
27th Mar	Corwen	WNL	2-2	Our 5th away match in a row saw Rhos come up against fellow promotion rivals Corwen. Rhos were pleased to welcome recent signing Aled Rowlands into the squad after his transfer from league of Wales outfit Elements Cefn Druids. The match began with Rhos falling behind as early as the second minute when a long punt upfield by the home keeper was misjudged and the home striker struck a sweet volley past Andrews in the Rhos goal. This early setback spurred Rhos into playing some decent flowing football which minutes later resulted in Matty Holmes racing clear through only to be denied by a blatent foul on the edge of the penalty area, surprisingly though the referee failed to produce even a yellow card when many thought a red was a cert. The possession Rhos were building up soon yielded a leveller when Ian Andrews broke the offside trap to round the keeper and convert from the tightest of angles (Pictured). Rhos almost took the lead minutes later when Ben Jones found space in the six yard box only to blaze wide when really he should have added to his seasons tally. With Rhos looking the most likely in the spell the home side broke away and grabbed the lead again against the run of play with many people thinking was this going to be one of those days. On the stroke of half time Rhos drew level in unusual circumstances when the home defender (who incidentally was the same who could have been sent off earlier) rolled the ball back to his keeper and the ball bobbled over his foot and trickled into the empty net. HT 2-2 The second half was a disapoiningly a rather dull affair with the home side sitting deep looking to hang on to what they had, when Rhos did manage to create something they were thwarted by some excellent goalkeeping by the home custodian, with a stoppage time save from a Matty Holmes strike looking 'World Class'. In summary the lads were disapointed not to get the victory they deserved but Corwen are not an easy side to play against and overall a point away could prove to be vital come the end of the season.
20th Mar	Coedpoeth United	WNL	3-0	After the recent run of poor for the team has been experiencing of late and a number of people quoting 'The Wheels Have Come off Rhos's Season'. The lads had an opportunity to silence the doubters with an away fixture at 4th placed Coedpoeth United. From the 1st minute each and every player looked up for the fight with every Rhos player seemingly frst to every ball. The high tempo play was at times a joy to watch and the pressure paid off after 10 minutes when Jamie Jones who was making his 1st start of the season for the 1st team after a spell coaching in America struck a peach of a shot into the far top cornerto give Rhos a deserved early lead. Rhos continued to dominate the play and managed to keep there discipline in a half when more than a few strong challenges were dished out. On the half hour mark Rhos doubled there advantage when Jones was fouled in the area and Ian Andrews stood up to the task to score his 1st goal for the club from the penalty spot. With Rhos looking very dangerous going forward they were reminded of the importance of keeping there concentration at the back in the final minute of the half when the home winger was allowed to get in on goal only to be denied by an excellent save from the ever alert Kevin Andrews in the Rhos goal. HT 2-0 The second half started with Rhos under instructions to continue to take the game to the home side and managed to extend there lead when Dave MacIntyre weaved his way through the home defence and scored from 12 yards out. With Coedpoeth now throwing caution to the wind they almost grabbed a goal back only to be denied by another save from Andrews in the Rhos goal, with MacIntyre on hand to unbelievably clear the rebounded shot off the line twice in quick sucession. In summary an excellent win against a very physical but fair Coedpoeth side. This victory hopefully showed a lot of snipers out there that our players are up for the fight when the going gets tough. Very difficult to pick out any individual as each and every one of the lads played there part today, but would like to pass special mention to top scorer Tony Cann who was deployed in the centre of defence today and hardly put a foot wrong.
17th Mar	Venture	WNL	2-4	Tonights match under the dim floodlights at the Queensway sports complex saw Rhos come up against Venture Community who like ourselfs were looking to bounce back after there disapointment of being knocked out of the prestigeous FAW Welsh Trophy last Saturday. Due to player unavailability Rhos had to field outfield player Kevin Scott in goal. Venture looked the most hungry early on and this pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty on 20mins which was converted with ease. Rhos looking rather nervous after the previous few results went further behind ten minute later when the home striker reacted quickest after Scott had pulled off a decent save from the initial attack. Rhos almost reduced the defecit when Top scorer Tony Cann pulled a high ball down expertly but was denied by a smart save from the home keeper. HT 2-0 The second half started disapointingly in similar fashion to the first as the home side extended there lead after onlly 5 mins of the half when the home striker converted at the far post. With Rhos now forced to commit players forward in an attempt to get back into the game they were caught yet again by the lively Venture forwards who gave the home side a four goal lead on the hour mark. As a rout looked on the cards the Aelwyd players finally seemed to wake up and pulled a goal back with 25 minutes to go when an Aled Dodd volley was deflected into the net. Rhos then added a second minutes later through Dan Nash and for a short period with the home defence all over the place looked like they could pull off a remarkable comeback but it was not to be the case with the home defence regrouping to record a victory that was our 3rd on the trot, but our 1st in the league. In summary another bad day at the office. The lads need to regain there confidence and start Saturdays game at Coedpoeth in a similar manner to the way they played the last 20mins of this match.
13th Mar	Chirk A.A.A.	NEWQF	0-3	Todays match saw Rhos play their 3rd Quarter final match in four weeks, and having lost the previous two and were hoping to change that sequence against title rivals Chirk A.A.A. The match began with the Rhos management team looking for a reaction from the players after last weeks disapointment, but the play began in sloppy style with both teams struggling to get a foothold in the match. To make matters worse for Rhos they lost Dale Hill who was making his first start for the club to a knee injury after only five minutes. Chirk were the first to up the tempo in the game and almost took the lead on the 15min mark only for the home striker to blaze over from five yards out. Chirk then went on to dominate the remainder of the half and this pressure finally counted five minutes from the interval when another needless free kick was given away on the edge of the area and the ball in was unfortunatly headed into his own goal whilst under pressure by Rhos defender Dan Nash. Rhos almost drew level immediatly when the keeper failed to deal with a crossed ball only for in to fall to Dave MacIntyre on the edge of the area who saw the keeper ammend his error with an excellent save. HT 1-0 The second half started with everyone expecting Rhos to take the game to the young looking Chirk side but that was not to be the case with a distinct and unusual lack of tempo in the Aelwyd play which was a major disapointment, the Chirk defence easily mopped up anything Rhos threw at them and they doubled their lead on the hour mark when a quick ball up field following a Rhos attack was neatly tucked away. Rhos were still unable to to get any sort of tempo into there play and due to this were made to pay further when the home striker broke the offside trap to slot home in the final minute to complete the scoring. A real disapointment yet again with the club now being elimentated from three cup competitions in only four weeks. It is now time for the lads to stand up and be counted as though it is really disapointing to lose these cup games, the fact that they were not in the league which is the priority, and by claiming the championship could hopefully come the end of the season be a blessing in disguise. The shout from the Chirk keeper of "Your not celebrating now are you?" (refering to our league victory earlier in the season) after the third goal went in should spur the lads on enough to make sure this does not happen again.
6th Mar	F.C. Cefn	LC	3-4	This afternoon saw Rhos come up against local rivals F.C. Cefn in the quarter final of the League Cup we are currently holders of. A mix up in communication saw Rhos have a rushed warm up and this showed in the early stages of the match with the home side dominating the match and almost took the lead in the first minute only to be denied by a combination of a point blank save from Kev Andrews and a last ditch tackle from Dan Nash preventing a certain goal, that warning never seemed to wake up the Rhos defence as minutes later the home striker saw himself through one on one only to be denied again by Andrews in the Rhos goal, the early pressure finally paid off for Cefn when a Cefn palyer found space in the are from a dead ball delivery to volley home from the underside of the bar. This goal seemed to finally wake the visiting Rhos side up and saw a distinct improvement in the performance without really creating any goal scoring opportunities. On the half hour mark Rhos managed to get back on level terms when Phil Dodd bundled the ball home from a Dan Nash corner. Only two minutes later saw Cefn not learn from the previous corner when Dodd found space again in the area to give Rhos the lead, Rhos almost added daylight to the score when Tony Cann found himself clean through only to be denied by a great save from the home custodian. HT 2-1 The second half started with Rhos looking to defend there undeserved 1st half lead and seemed to start the half better with some decent passages of play. Only five minutes into the half saw Rhos conced one of many free kicks on the edge of there area which keeper Kev Andrews failed to hold and the home player reacted quickest to force the ball home to level the game. Rhos almost took the lead again with a smart move saw Darren Wright through only to strike the ball over the bar. In the 70th minute of the game Cefn were awarded another free kick on the edge of the area which saw Andrews in the Rhos gaol make another save but again it was the Cefn players who reacted first to take the lead again. Rhos then force into increasing the tempo to get back into the game and that increased tempo paid off when top scorer Tony Cann headed home what looked to be the goal that would take the tie into extra time with only five minutes remaining. But in the final minute yet another free kick was awarded on the edge of the area which was scored from directly to give the home side a deserved semi final spot which we wish them the best of luck. In summary a very bad day at the office with indiscipline costing us at the end of the day. The match failed to flow for any real time with free kicks being awarded for both sides at a ridiculous rate which prevented Rhos from getting going. Now the lads need to get this result out of there system and concentrate on the next fixture.
27th Feb	Corwen	WNL	2-1	Today saw Rhos come up against fellow promotion chasers Corwen with the knowledge that a point would see us regain pole position in the league table after being displaced last weekend by Chirk A.A.A.whilst in N.E.W.F.A. Cup action. The match began with a good tempo to Rhos's play and that paid off with a goal in the second minute when top scorer Tony Cann was ideally placed at the far post to tap home after some excellent wing play between both Kev Scott and Nefyn Davies. Rhos were under instructions to keep up the high tempo and continue taking the game to the visitors and that was exactly what they did with Corwen looking at times shell shocked. Rhos doubled their lead on the 15 minute mark when a free kick was awarded at least 30 yards out from goal, up stepped Ian Andrews who unleased a rocket of a shot that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and was nodded home by Nefyn Davies who was quickest to react. The remainder of the half saw Rhos continue to dominate posession and almost added another through Steve Powell only to be denied by a smart save by the visiting keeper. HT 2-0 The second half began with Rhos looking to add to their tally but also aware of the danger the visitors posed up top with there two lively looking strikers. The majority of the half was played in the middle of the park with numerous tasty looking tackles being put in by both sets of players. Rhos almost added to there tally with ten minutes remaining when Ben Jones found space at the far post only to be denied by the Corwen keeper, almost immidiatly after Corwen broke down the right and a harmless looking ball into the area was adjudged by the referee to have been handled by Kevin Scott and a penalty was awarded which was dispatched with ease. The remainder of the match was rather tense to say the least with Corwen undeservidly back in with a shout of a point, though numerous balls into the box were comfortably dealt with by the solid looking Rhos defence to preserve the lead until the final whistle was heard. In summary a great result against what looked like the best outfit we have faced so far this season, individually and collectivly an excellent display with every single member of the squad having a part to play throughout the match.
20th Feb	Castell Alun	NEW3	3-0	Today saw Rhos play in the last 16 of the N.E.W.F.A. Cup against Castell Alun with a place in the quarter finals at stake against title rivals Chirk A.A.A. in mid March. The match started with Rhos looking to recover from last weeks disapointment in the Welsh Trophy and looked the most likely early on with plenty of possesion but without really testing the visiting keeper. Rhos eventually took the lead on the half hour mark when the referee awarded Rhos a penalty when the visiting defender handled in the area. Up stepped top scorer Tony Cann who had his penalty saved only for the rebound to fall nicely for Cann to tap into an empty net. HT 1-0 The second half was played with Rhos under instructions to raise the tempo and that is exactly what they did and looked like scoring on numerous occasions until eventually Steve Powell converted with a header from a Kevin Scott long throw on the hour mark. The third goal come from substitute Eryl Roberts who raced clear and rounded the keeper to slot home. In summary a decent performance from the lads and a great way to get over the disapointment of last weekend and we now look forward to a quarter final tie away at Chirk. Special mention for the performance of Ian Andrews who marshalled the home defence faultlessly, whilst being watched by our new suporter Mrs Sonia Andrews.
13th Feb	Glan Conwy	WTQF	0-0 (aet) 2p4	This afternoons match saw Rhos come up against Welsh Alliance outfit Glan Conwy in the quarter final of the prestigious F.A.W. Trophy, which was won by the Aelwyd in 2008. Rhos were forced into a few changes from last weeks squad with Darren Wright susspended, Ian Andrews Cup tied and Dave MacIntyre attending a family wedding, but were able to recall Dyfan Williams, Ben Jones & Matty Holmes to the starting line up. On what can only be described as a a pitch resembling a ploughed farmers field either side struggled to get the ball down and play any form of football. The first chance in the match in the 20th minute fell to Rhos with Ben Jones latching onto a square ball but was unable to get a decent contact on the ball and the visiting keeper saved easily. The remainder of the half can only be described as scrappy with both defences standing firm. HT 0-0 The second half was played in a very similar manner to the first with either team unable to create any chances of any note until the last five minutes of the allocated 90 when Ben Jones found space in the visitors area but blazed his shot over the bar to the relief of the visiting players. FT 0-0 Extra time began with Rhos pushing desperatly to get the crucial winner with a number of corners and long throws being put into the Glan Conwy area, but the ball just did not seem to drop right as the visiting defence stood firm. The visitors almost snatched victory in the last minute of extra time when their striker raced through in the box only to be denied by a last ditch tackle from substitute Dan Nash. The penalty shootout was tense to say the least with Jamie Jones having Rhos's third penalty saved only for Kev Andrews to save the next Glan Conwy penalty, unfortunatly this seasons penalty taker and top scorer Tony Cann missed the next penalty and the visiting defender stepped up to send the visitors through into the last four. In summary a very disapointing day at the office to say the least. We need to pick ourselves up now, dust ourselves off and go on another 13 match winning run.
7th Feb	Castell Alun	WNL	3-1	Finally after a ten week break due to the terrible weather we have had a match finally got the go ahead with Rhos travelling to title rivals Castell Alun, who at the start of play were sitting in third place and only 3 points off us at the summit. Today also saw new signings Matty Holmes (returning From Llangollen) and Ian Andrews who was recently captured from neighbours Penycae make their debuts. The match began with the Aelwyd under strict instruction to keep it tight due to the long lay off, though that enforced break was not evident early on with Rhos taking the lead in the second minute when Darren Wright capitalized on a defensive mistake from a Kevin Scott long throw to fifle home at the second attempt after and initial world class save from the home keeper. The match then went through long periods of scrappy play with buth sides struggling to play any sort of flowing football on the muddy surface. The home levelled the game on the half hour mark when a free kick from the edge on the box was floated in to a free header at the far post which left keeper Andrews helpless. Minutes before half time Rhos could have and probably should have been awarded a penalty when Ian Andrews saw his goalbound strike clearly handled by the home defender but the appeals were just waved away by the referee. HT 1-1 The second half began with Rhos looking like they wanted the three points more, and re took the lead when top scorer Tony Cann raced clear to dispatch over the advancing keeper. Rhos then two minutes later put the game beyond doubt when Steve Powell broke through with a powerful run to slot home with a great finish. If not for the second half performance of the home goalkeeper Rhos could have scored a second half hatful with at least 3 excellent saves preventing the score from being a bigger one. In summary a great three points considering the circumstances of the ten week lay off and particlarly the playing surface which meant today was always going to be a battle. That was our 13th consecutive victory, long may it continue!
28th Nov	Chirk A.A.A.	WNL	4-3	Today's match saw the eagerly awaited match up of the top two teams in the league so far this season with Rhos looking to extend their unbeaten start to the league season to 12 games and incidentally a victory today would be our 12th on the bounce in all competitions. The match began in disastrous fashion with a heavy challenge on goalkeeper Steven Williams seeing him unable to continue, and with no replacement keeper on the bench had to rely on outfield player Kevin Scott to don the gloves for the remainder of the contest. This did not seem to deter Rhos from going for the win and the almost took the lead immediately after only for Tony Cann to be denied by a great save from the home goalkeeper. Rhos did manage to take the lead on the 25minute mark when an in swinging corner called all sorts of problems in the home defence and saw the ball bounce off the home defended and into the net. Within a minute the home side drew level after Ben Jones was adjudged to have brought down the attacker in the area and the resulting spot kick sent stand-in keeper Scott the wrong way. The home side were minutes later awarded another spot kick which also saw Rhos defender Dyfan Williams given a red card when he handled the ball on the line. Again the same player stepped up to give the home side the lead. This set back clearly had Rhos rattled and the call from the management was to keep the discipline and that is exactly what Rhos done and grabbed an equaliser in the last minute of the half when top scorer Tony Cann flicked the ball home from a Darren Wright cross. HT 2-2. The second half began with the 10 men of Rhos looking to get their noses in front again but it was the home side who restored their lead five minutes into the half when the defence failed to clear the ball on a number of occasions allowing the home striker to hammer the ball home from the edge of the area. With Rhos taking more and more chances committing players forward to get back into the game they almost paid the ultimate price when Chirk broke away and almost added to their tally only to see the ball strike an upright and cleared to safety. Rhos finally managed to break through the resilient looking home defence in the 84th minute when substitute Dale Hill who was also making his debut turned the home defender inside-out and a quick turn of pace allowed him the space to fire home the levelling goal. With many thinking this game was going to end in stalemate Rhos struck again on 88minutes with Ben Jones hammering the ball home after some good work in the visiting area from both Captain Tomas Davies and the ever influential Richard Williams-Cook. Rhos almost put the game beyond doubt in injury time when Nefyn Davies was denied by the home keeper when clean through. In summary an excellent display of character and determination from each and every one of the squad to get a result away from home with ten men for over an hour and 85minutes without a recognised goal keeper. Special mention to a tireless display from top scorer Tony Cann up front and especially Kevin Scott for his cameo performance between the sticks. Today when the chips were down the lads more than delivered.
21st Nov	Penmaenmawr	WT4	5-3	This afternoon in a rain soaked Ponciau banks saw Clwyd League outfit Penmaenmawr Phoenix visit in the last 16 of the prestigious F.A.W. Trophy. Though the visitors are this season plying their trade in a league structured below ours they are actually top of there league and have already accounted for local rivals Penycae in an earlier round of this seasons competition, so a difficult tie was expected. The game began with Rhos looking rampant and took an early lead when captain Tomas Davies reacted quickest in the box to nod home. Rhos soon doubled there advantage when the excellent Tony Cann converted when through on goal. Rhos then scored again to kill the contest when Darren Wright rose above the visiting defence to nod home. With Rhos looking in complete control the managed to score there 4th goal of the 1st half for the second week running when Nefyn Davies cnverted from close range after some good work from Ben Jones. Similarly to last week once Rhos scored the 4th goal hey seemed to take there foot off the gas and the visitors managed to capitalise on that by pulling a goal back in the last minute of the half. HT 4-1 The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Rhos looking at scoring with almost every attack and managed to add the there tally on the hour mark with Tony Cann scoring his second of the game. Rhos should have scored on numerous occasions during the half but it was not to be the case and the visitors grabbed what looked a consolation goal with 2 minutes remaining. Finally in injury time the visitors managed to notch another goal in controversial fashion when it looked like the visiting striker had impeded keeper Kevin Andrews. This goal made the game look a lot closer than it actually was but the fact we are in the hat for the quarter finals is the important thing, and we await the draw with interest.
14th Nov	F.C. Cefn	WNL	6-3	On a day when almost every match in the area would be in doubt due to the heavy downpours of rain we have had over the past week, Rhos managed to get the go ahead from the officials for todays match against F.C. Cefn, who are one of only three clubs to have taken points from us after a hard fought 3-3 stalemate earlier in the season. The match began with Rhos taking the game to the visitors from the first minute and in the 5th minute managed to take the lead when defender Dave MacIntyre rifling the ball into the top corner after the visiting defence had failed to deal with an inswinging corner. Rhos doubled there advantage two minutes later when Darren Wright broke the offside trap to round the advancing keeper and tap into an empty net. Rhos then managed in the 15th minute to increase there advantage further with the best goal of the game with a series of excellent passes ending up with a deadly finish from Nefyn Davies. Rhos then managed to get there 4th goal of the opening 20minutes when Ben Jones capitalized on a defensive mistake to convert with a neat finish. With Rhos four goals to the good so early on many thought the remainder of the match we be a case of how many Rhos will actually win by, but that was not to be the case with the visitors firing home a goal of there own on the half hour mark which seemed to put a doubt in the Rhos players minds, with this doubt evident in there play and the visitors looked to take advantage and pull themselves from the dead and added a second goal from the penalty spot in the 35th minute. With there tails up the visitors almost pulled another goal back moments later only to be denied by an excellent save from Rhos goalkeeper Kevin Andrews. HT 4-2 The second half started with Rhos under strict instructions to wake back up and get the performance level back up to what was shown in the first half hours play, and that was exactly what they did. The half was played with the home side never looking like losing the game, and increased there lead on the hour mark with an excellent angled drive from full back Kevin Scott. Rhos then went on to increase there lead further when Phil Coffin scored with a neat finish with 5 minutes remaining. Cefn did manage what was only a consolation goal in injury time to complete to goalscoring for the afternoon. In summary another 3 poinst on the board which took us back to the top of the table. We now move on to next weeks vital Welsh Trophy tie with Penmaenmawr Phoenix, with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs.
7th Nov	Johnstown Youth	NEW1	8-1	Todays match saw Rhos come up against local rivals Johnstown Youth in the 1st round of the N.E.W.F.A. Cup, with Johnstown sitting pretty at the top of there division with only one loss to there name all season. The match began with Johnstown playing at a very high tempo with a couple of long balls over the top almost catching the Rhos defence cold. Rhos soon managed to get a foothold in the game and took the lead when Kevin Scott and Darren Wright working a short corner which saw Wright blasting an unstoppable strike into the visitors top corner. Rhos soon doubled there advantage when top scorer Tony Cann out muscled the visiting defence to convert with a neat finish. This quick two goal burst seemed to give Rhos the confidence to start playing some excellent flowing football and were unlucky on numerous occasions not to extend there lead with the visiting keeper pulling off some excellent saves. Johnstown looking shell shocked managed against the run of play to peg Rhos back when they sprung the offside trap and the visiting striker squared the ball accross the six yard box to his colleague to tap in from close range. HT 2-1 The second half began with Rhos looking annoyed with themselves for conceding in the dying minutes of the first half and it showed with what could only be described as a rampant performance in the second half with Tony Cann scoring in the 1st minute of the half, Darren Wright soon after managed to get his second goal of the game to put the tie beyond doubt. Rhos then went on and looked like scoring on every occasion they attacked and added further goals through Ben Jones and Phil Coffin and a double from Dave MacIntyre with his second the pic of the days goals coming from over 40 yards out. In summary an excellent performance from Rhos on what could have proved to be a difficult tie with the way Johnstown have been going in their division. A special mention to Andrew Bevan who donned the gloves for todays match against his old club in the absence of both senior keepers and never put a foot (or Hand) wrong.
31st Oct	Brickfield Rangers	WNL	6-2	This afternoons match saw top of the table Rhos travel to face a Brickfield side who raced into a 2-0 half time lead earlier in the season in the reverse fixture so the players knew they had to be on there metal from the 1st minute. That was exactly the case with Rhos playing some delightful pleasing on the eye football. Rhos took the lead in the 8th minute through the excellent Tony Cann after numerous passes on the edge of the home sides area. Rhos were almost instantly pegged back when the home striker raced through to score after the most bizaar bobble off the pitch allowed the ball to loop over the Rhos defender when a clearance looked odds on. That setback did not effect the flowing football that Rhos were playing and they soon re-took the lead when Cann struck his second of the game to put the visitors back into the lead, soon after Cann managed to to grab his hat-trick goal and put Rhos 2 goals ahead when he pounced after a header from Dave MacIntyre had struck the underside of the bar. Rhos looking like scoring with every attack added a 4th just before the break when MacIntyre himself reacted quickly in the area to tap home a loose ball. HT 4-1 The second half began with a similar pattern with Rhos continuously peppering the home sides goal and soon added to there tally through a header from Nefyn Davies giving the home keeper no chance (pictured). Rhos on a number of occasions could have added to the tally only to be thwarted by numerous excellent saves from the home custodian with Kevin Scott in particular considering himself unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Finally Rhos did manage to bag their 6th goal on the game when Tony Cann rose above the home defence to nod into the top corner. Rhos then seemed to take there foot off the pedal a little and finally paid the price for that in the dying minutes when the home striker struck an unstopable shot into the top corner. In summary an excellent performance from the squad, in particular the first hours play being possibly the best period of play we have put together this season. Special mention to an excellent man of the match performance from 4 goal hero Tony Cann and also a dominant shift put in by debutant Richard Williams-Cook whos presence alone seemed to give the squad a huge lift.
24th Oct	Castell Alun	WNL	3-1	Todays match saw second placed Rhos come up against early pace setters Castell Alun Colts on a wind swept Ponciau Banks. The match began with no tempo whatsoever from either side and seemed to resemble a pre season friendly in the early stages. Rhos then under instructions to raise the tempo of the game took the match to the visitors and took the lead in the 10th minute when wide man Ben Jones struck a 20yard shot into the top corner giving the visiting keeper no chance whatsoever. They say goals change games and that was without a doubt the case here with Rhos seemingly creating chances at will against the Colts. They doubled there lead on 18 minutes when Ben Jones smashed home after a goalmouth scramble fell kindly. Five minutes later Jones completed his hat trick with a neat finish past the advancing keeper after some good work by Tony Cann. Rhos almost added a fourth thorough Cann himself but his header past the advancing keeper went agonisingly wide. HT 3-0 The second half started with Rhos expecting the visitors to come at them like a steam train with them having the wind behind them but that was not really the case with the Rhos defence expertly mashaled by Dan Nash & Rob Salisbury preventing any real opportunitys of note in the early stages. Mid way through the half the visitors created there first chance of the match with the visiting striker forcing a decent save from Steve Williams with defender Dyfan Williams smashing the ball clear before the other striker could pounce. The visitors did manage what was only ever going to be a consolation goal with 15 minutes through ex-Aelwyd player Richard Driffield who smashed a 20 shot into the top corner giving Williams no chance in the Rhos goal. In summary a decent day at the office with a Great attacking performance in the 1st half and a truely professional performance in the second. * The players, management and commitee would like to dedicate todays vicory which saw the club climb to the top of the table to the memory of Owain Davies, son of club photographer Paul and brother of players Steffan & Nefyn who sadly passed away this week.
17th Oct	Llanrhaedr	WT3	3-2	Today saw Rhos travel to Spar mid Wales league outfit Llanrhaedr Ym Mochnant in what was a tiny bobble pitch. The match began in the worst possible fashion with the home side scoring inside the first 40seconds when the defence failed to deal with a long ball and the home striker give Steve Williams in the Rhos goal no chance whatsoever. Rhos looking wounded struggled to get any sort of rhythm into there play with the lack of space on the pitch but almost levelled on a couple of occasions with Tony Cann heading against the bar and Eryl Roberts nodding wide when set up with a pin point cross from Steve Powell. The remainder of the half was played in the Llanrhaedr half but the condensed play saw Rhos fail to make any real opportunities of note with the home side still looking dangerous on the counter attack. HT 0-1 The second half started with a change of formation for Rhos in there attempt to get back into the game and this paid off within five minutes when Phil Coffin out muscled the young fullback to lift the ball over the advancing keeper into an empty net to make the game level. This goal give Rhos the lift they needed and only one minute later took the lead in the match for the first time when Steve Powell powerful run into the box was squared to top scorer Tony Cann who expertly converted. Cann then added his second of the game on the hour mark after some good work from Gethin Williams saw him score with a neat finish with the outside of his right foot. The remainder of the match saw Rhos in control of the match but a late goal from the home side saw a last few nervy minutes, but Rhos held firm to get themselves into the hat for the last 16 of the Trophy they won 2 seasons ago. In summary an excellent ground out result on a pitch that had no space whatsoever. Special mention to an excellent solid performance from Chris Knowles who battled through the entire match whilst feeling under the weather and never put a foot wrong.
10th Oct	Venture	WNL	3-1	This afternoons match saw two of the form teams coming head to head with second place Rhos taking on third place Venture. The match began with Rhos seeing plenty of the ball around the defensivly solid looking Venture rearguard. Venture were saved on two seperate occasions with Rhos striking the woodwork through both Kevin Scott and Eryl Roberts but were unable to get the breakthrough in the first half. HT 0-0 The second half began in similar fashion with Rhos playing patiently and looking for the breakthrough which finally come on the hour mark when the visiting defender was adjudged to have handled in the area giving Eryl Roberts the opportunity to put Rhos finally ahead. Rhos continued to press to double their lead and come close on numerous occasions but eventually managed the second breakthrough with a neat finish from substitute Darren Greenway and soon after added the thirsd goal through a 30 yard half volley from the impressive Steve Powell which left the visiting keeper rooted to the spot. Rhos continued to miss chances against the tiring visitors and instead of extending the lead got pegged back in the final minute when the visiting striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to deny Rhos of the clean sheet they craved. In summary a decent performance, but what please the management and supporters most was the patience in the play when in the past frustration could have took over before the firat goal was netted, this patience will no doubt be needed on a number of occasions with more and more clubs seemingly adapting what looks like defensive formations against us.
3rd Oct	Brymbo	LC1	6-1	Todays matchg saw Rhos begin the defence of the League Cup they won with an emphatic victory in May with an equally emphatic result against a young looking Brymbo side. The game was virtually one way traffic from the first whistle with Rhos guilty of missing numerous chances before finally taking the lead through the ever reliable Dave MacIntyre who weaved his way through the home defence and smashed it home from 10 yards out. A similar trend to the half saw Rhos continue to miss goalscoring opportunities and almost paid the ultimate price when the home striker raced clear through and rounded keeper Andrews only to have the ball taken off his foot by MacIntyre when he looked odd on to roll into an empty net. Rhos finally doubled there advantage right on half time when Ben Jones got the ball out wide and delivered a pin point cross for Phil Coffin to give the home keeper no chance whatsoever. HT 2-0 The second half started in similar fashion with Rhos looking like scoring every time they went forward and added the 3rd in the 5th minute of the half when Kevin Scott struck home from an acute angle. Top scorer Tony Cann then got in on the act when he reacted first to a poor headed backpass to fire home on he half volley. The home side then grabbed what was only ever a consolation goal when slotting past Andrews after a scramble in the penalty area saw the ball fall kindly to the home striker. Rhos then grabbed another two goals through substitute Eryl Roberts who lived up to his 'fox in the box' reputation with two neat finishes. Rhos could and should have added further goals but the important thing is we are now in the hat for the quarter finals. In summary a decent performance from the lads on an afternoon in wind swept Brymbo. We look forward to the draw for the next round. Special mention to an excellent performance again from recent signing Steve Powell who seemed to cover every blade of grass on the pitch.
26th Sept	Penycae	WNL	4-1	This afternoons match saw Rhos come up against the old enemy Penycae for the second and last league meeting of the season after previously playing out a goalless draw on the opening week of the season at Ponciau banks. The match started with Rhos looking to take the game to the hosts and were rewarded in the 4th minute when captain Thomas Davies climbed higher than the home custodian to head into an empty net from to give the visitors the perfect start. The home side looked shocked from that early goal and quickly pressed forward looking for an immediate reply and almost drew level when the full back raced clear and struck a shot that looked destined for the top corner, only to be denied by a great save by the ever reliable Kevin Andrews in the Rhos goal, moments later the home side had an opportunity to level the scoring again when they were awarded a spot kick after a soft foul in the area only for the kick to be hammered over the bar from the spot. From that moment onwards there was only one team in the contest with the home team an absolute mile off the pace. Rhos doubled there lead on the half hour mark when the excellent Darren Wright stole the ball off the Penycae defence and swerved the ball home with a strike from the edge of the area. HT 2-0 The second half started in a similar manner to the first with Rhos seemingly first to every loose ball and winning the majority of 50/50's and they extended the lead further when Eryl Roberts out muscled the central defender and converted with a delightful chip. Rhos now looking rampant and looking like scoring with every attack should have been awarded another goal when Eryl Roberts struck the ball home only for the referee to adjudge the ball had not crossed the line when it was clearly over by a few yards. Penycae did manage a to pull a goal back when their substitute shown great skill in the area to drill home but any thoughts of a possible comeback were blown away almost immediatly when substitute Phil Coffin raced clear to convert with a neat finish and complete the scoring for the game. In summary a realy good performance from each and every one of the squad with striker Eryl Roberts the pick of the bunch with a tireless display against his former club.
19th Sept	Llay Welfare	WT1	3-0	An excellent win away at Llay in the trophy and at last Rhos showed some good form from the 1st minute to the last to fire them into the next round. Rhos scored after 5 mins when BEN JONES capitalised on a Llay mix up to slot home with ease. The home side then had a period of play but failed to cause the impressive Rhos back line any real trouble who dealt with numerous dead ball deliveries into the danger area. 1-0 H/T. A superb second goal from TONY CANN put the game well in Rhos' favour when he ran the from the Half Way line and slotted it past the keeper. It was TONT CANN who completed the scoring in the final minute when he converted a penalty when the excellent Steve Powell was fouled in the area. A good performance from the team, especially Dave Macintyre at centre half who outstanding and showed pure quality. We look forward to the draw for the next round, maybe an away day bus trip???
12th Sept	Brickfield Rangers	WNL	6-2	Todays match saw Rhos play our 1st home game in a while with the previous 3 being away and looking to get back to winning ways after the last 2 away draws. The visitors come out of the blocks much quicker and raced into a 2 goal lead and held that lead till the interval. The second half began with Rhos under strict instructions to raise their game and that is exactly what they done and reduced the defecit in the 1st minute of the half through Phil Coffin, this early goal was just the tonic the home side were craving and soon after levelled the scoring through Darren Wright. With the wind well in Rhos's sails they soon scored again with an excellent strike from Steve Powell, the remainder of the half was complete one way traffic with Substitute Eryl Roberts converting a hat-trick to complete the scoring. SIx goals in the second half period and a much improved performance and attitude shown byy the squad. In the eyes of the management the season started today from 46minutes onward.
5th Sept	F.C. Cefn	WNL	3-3	Todays match saw Rhos looking to get back to winning ways after last weeks dissapointing draw away at Hawarden. The game started in terrible fashion with the home side taking the lead when a shot from the edge of the area seemed to evade the usually excellent Kevin Andrews and creep over the line. This goal seemed to spur Rhos into life and soon leveled the scoring from the penalty spot after Phil Coffin had been fouled, up stepped the ever reliable Tony Cann to net. Rhos minutes later took the lead in the match for the first time when Phil Coffin showed great skill in the area and dispatched into the net from the most acute angle. Rhos then hoped that this goal would knock the wind out of the hosts but it was not to be the case with a deserved equaliser coming moments before half time. HT 2-2 Rhos began the game in the second half and dominated possession and almost scored on a number of occasions with the home goalkeeper coming to their rescue on a number of occasions. This pressure eventually took its toll when Rhos regained the lead when Tony Cann rose highest to nod home from a Kevin Scott corner. The remainder of the game from then onwards seemede to resemble a tennis match with chances aplenty for both teams and one of those chances was taken by the home side to level the scoring yet again late on. In summary a disapointing result again that could have easily been much better but could so easily have also been much worse given the nature of the play swinging from attack to attack.
29th Aug	Hawarden Rangers	WNL	1-1	The first half saw Rhos play some really good passing football and took a deserved lead through the excellent STEVE POWELL. The half also saw Hawarden go close on two occasions on the break. Within 5 minutes of the restart Hawarden were awarded a penalty, Tom Davies was adjudged to tug on a shirt, Steve Williams in goal was unlucky not to save the effort. Rhos began to pressurise the home team but couldn't find the quality passes the forwards needed. Hawarden always looked dangerous on the break and only a fantastic tackle by Kevin Scott saved the day. Tom Davies went close when his header was cleared off the line, even when Hawarden went down to ten men Rhos were to eager to get the ball forward to their own detriment, we must show composure and patience to produce the quality we have in the squad and stop trying to force the play. With the midweek games out of the way now we need to settle down and work on our game in training and I'm sure the results will come our way.
25th Aug	Overton Recreation	WNL	3-1	This evenings match saw our second and unusually final midweek early season match against an always difficult to beat Overton side. The match started in disasterous fashion for Rhos with Overton taking the lead in the 1st minute with a neat finish from the home striker. The shock of conceding early goal was evident with Rhos for some reason not being able to play any sort of there usual passing football, though did create a number of chances from a series of long throws and corners which could and should have put us at least level at the break but it was not to be. HT 0-1 The second half started and was played in a similar fashion as the first with the majority of play being played in the Overton last 3rd, with the home side looking to play on the counter attack with their lively strikers. Rhos deservedly leveled the match on 50mins when the home defended handled the ball in the box and the resulting penalty was dispatched by the ever reliable Tony Cann. Two minutes later Rhos took the lead in the match for the first time when striker Phil Coffin converted at the near post following some excellent wing work from youngster Alun Williams. The remainder of the game Rhos looked to add to the scoring and the third goal finally come with 5 minutes remaining with a great 30 yard strike from recent signing Dave MacIntyre which somehow finding the net when it looked like the home custodian would deal with it. In summary not a great footballing performance with Rhos winning the game at a canter by overpowering the opposition, but any positive result is a good result in these midweek fixtures. And though the normal flowing 'easy on the eye' football was not played sometimes the old saying of 'horses for courses' gets the right result, and at the end of the day football is a results business!
22nd Aug	Gwersyllt Athletic	WNL	7-1	Todays match saw Rhos come up against newly promoted Gwersyllt Athletic on a Sun soaked Ponciau banks looking to get three points on the board after the hard fought point gained on Wednesday night. Rhos started the game well and almost took the lead within 20 seconds when Steve Powell broke through only to lift his shot over the bar. Rhos deservably took the lead on the 10min mark when a long throw in from Kevin Scott caused all sorts of confusion in the visitors box which ended in the central defended heading into his own goal. Rhos quickly doubled their lead when debutant Alun Williams played a one two with Gethin Williams on the edge of the area the found his composure and struck the ball home. Rhos then took a three goal lead on the half hour mark when full back Kevin Scott raced down the left flank and picked out Graig Goodwin who headed home with an excellent header from 12 yards out. Rhos completed first half scoring in the final minute of the half when striker Tony Cann headed home after some good work again from Steve Powell. HT 4-0 The second half started with the home side players playing as if the game was already over and allowed the visitors to get a foothold in the game and forced Steven Williams in the Rhos goal into a couple of smart saves, but eventually the pressure from the visitors paid dividens when their lively left winger slotted home after a mistake by the Rhos defence. This goal seemed to instantly wake up the Rhos players who immediatly went on the attack with Darren Wright racing down the right flank and pick out Aled Dodd whos goalbound header was punched clear by the visiting defender giving the referee no choice but to send off the player and award a penalty that was expertly dispatched by Tony Cann. Rhos from then looked like they would score from every attack and added further goals from Steve Powell and Tony Cann. In summary a really good performance from the lads, 7-1 is without a doubt an excellent scoreline, but in reflection that scoreline really flatters the visitors as it could and probably should have been double figure with the chances created.
19th Aug	Penycae	WNL	0-0	After the disapointment of Saturdays Welsh Cup defeat what better fixture could the club ask for to attempt to get the hunger and desire back into their play than a local derby against Penycae. The match started with Rhos under strict instructions to earn the right to play first, they did that with a number of crunching tackles in the early stages. With the tackles flying in from both sides flowing football was difficult to play and the first real passing move saw Rhos create the first chance of the match when debutant Phil Coffin put the other debutant Kevin Scott clear through in the box only to see the ex-Caersws man blaze over when he reall should have scored. Five minutes later the visitors almost snatched the lead when the Penycae forward cut out a weak headed backpass and looked to head over keeper Kevin Andrews who pulled off a great save to keep the scores level. HT 0-0 The second half started again with a similar pattern to the first with the majority of play in the midfield area. Mid way through the half Rhos had a spell in which the Penycae defence struggled to clear the ball which saw numerous corners and long throws being put into the area, one of these could and probably should have given Rhos the lead with the ball falling to Tony Cann who hooked it towards goal only to be denied by a world class save from the visiting keeper. Visitors Penycae then regrouped and had a spell of their own and almost grabbed the decisive goal when their striker raced through only to fire wide. In summary a draw was probable a fair result with both sides missing a one on one each and both goalkeepers producing an excellent save each, other than that no real goalscoring opportunities could be reported. Special mention to the performances of Steve Powell & Tomas Davies in the centre of the park who both put in excellent performances. The aim of the management team was to go back to basics tonight after Saturdays result and a strong performance tonight now gives us a platform to build on the quality of play for the remainder of the season.
15th Aug	Borras Park Alb	WC	1aet4	This has got to be one of the worst performances I have seen from a Rhos team in many years, there was no composure, no quality and certainly a lack of confidence in their own abilities. The game was hectic from end to end and it would be easy to blame the shocking pitch, but we only have ourselves to blame. The first goal of the game came from an own goal by Leon, but from there on I can't remember Borras having another chance in the 90mins. Having hit the crossbar three times in the 90 we finally got the equaliser when GRAIG GOODWIN scored with a header at the far post with 20 mins to go. Rhos were well on top at this stage and should have gone on to secure the victory, but the match drifted into stalemate at 90mins. Extra time saw the Rhos defence fall asleep and conceded two goals in a matter of minutes, still there was enough time to get back into it, however, we lost our discipline and the more we went on the Borras team got more determined to see the game out. Their fourth goal was contentious to say the least when we tried to take an early free kick and it bounced of their player about two yards away and went straight to their player who was on his own up front he rounded Kevin in goal to score. The only positive to take from the game is that we cannot play that bad again. * Match Report Compiled by Mr John Hughes