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DATE	OPPONENT	COMP	F-A	REPORT & PICS
30th Mar	Flint Town United	HGA	2-2	*Match Report To Follow
25th Mar	Llandudno Town	HGA	0-3	With Llandudno not having lost at home all season this was going to be a tough one, how right it turned out to be. The game started evenly enough until a speculative cross into the box saw what many though a push on the keeper which made him fumble the ball and allow the home team to score. Llandudno found their form following this goal and played some good football which Rhos didn't seem to get a grip with, however, with Mike Burke about to shoot on goal he was fouled on the edge of the box, to our astonishment the Referee only gave the player a yellow card when obviously he denied Mike a clear goal scoring opportunity, yet again a lack of consistency by Referees. The home side came out in the second half and dominated it from start to finish and secured the win with another two goals although one looked clearly offside. A below par performance by the team but a very creditable one by the home team who where excellent in midfield, but credit must go to our keeper who made some vital saves especially from ex player Cann who missed a sitter from three yards and Andy and Skid who worked their socks off. *Match Report compiled by Mr John Hughes
19th Mar	Buckley Town	HGA	2-0	This afternoon saw Rhos play at home for the 1st time in 9 games and only the second home league game since the turn of the year against a Buckley Town outfit who we resently beat away only a few weeks ago 3-2 and also draw to face in the upcoming NEWFA Cup semi final. The match away from home was played at a frantic pace from start to finish but this the complete opposite with both teams struggling to get a foothold in the game, at times the match resembled a pre season friendly though a very important three points were at stake. With no chances of any note to report in the 1st half we went in at stalemate. HT 0-0 The second half was played with Rhos under strict instructions to raise the tempo and that is exactly what they did with the Majority of the game being played in the buckley half but the visiting defence looked in control with attempts on goal limited to shots from distance which failed to trouble the visiting keeper. The deadlock was finally broken on 65mins when a break down the right saw Jon Rush react quickest to stoop to nod home the opening goal of the game. The visitors were now forced to be more attack minded to get level and this was immediatly evident with gaps being left at the back which enabled Rhos to extent there lead on 70 minutes when top scorer Burke raced clear to slot under the advancing keeper to notch his 20th league goal of the campaign to cement the victory and complete the league double over a decent Buckley team. In summary an excellent result and another three points, with the league double secured over Buckley now surely this can give confidence to our lads for the upcoming NEWFA cup semi final.
15th Mar	Caersws	HGA	2-3	* Match report to Follow
12th Mar	Coedpoeth United	NEWQF	3-1	Today saw Rhos come up against Welsh National League outfit Coedpoeth United who earlier in the season managed to defeat after extra time in the Welsh Cup second round by the odd goal in three. The match began with Rhos looking to get use to the bobbly surface and that is exactly what they did, numerous deliveries into the box in the early stages looked like giving Rhos the lead and that is exactly what they did after ten minutes when a ball was headed out of the six yard box by the defender but fell to Josh Russell on the edge of the area to smash home on the half volley. This goal give Rhos a huge boost and they managed to extent their lead only two minutes later when Matty Holmes ghosted in at the far post to convert with a neat finish. Many though this would now become a stroll in the park with the home side looking like they had the stuffing well and truely knocked out of them but as the game went on the Rhos players seemed to take there foot off the gas and the home side sensed this as they pushed forward in search if a route back into the game. That route back in looked a distinct possibility on 40 minutes when the Rhos defence failed to deal with a long ball pumped forward and the home striker pounced to hammer the ball home past Williams in the Rhos goal. HT 2-1 The second half began at a frantic place with the home side desperate to get back level but the Rhos defence stood firm. Midway through the half the game looked rather streched with the ball going from one side to another in a matter of seconds but any ideas the home side had of getting through to the semi finals was taken away from them with 15 minutes remaining when the evergreen Wayne Phillips hammered in an unstopable shot from the edge of the area to seal the tie. In summary a rather Jeckel & hide perormance from Rhos who at times looked excellent but also at times looked rather ordinary but the fact that we are now in the draw for the semi final where we will play fellow Cymru Alliance side Buckley is what counts.
5th Mar	Penrhyncoch	HGA	2-2	This afternoon saw Rhos take the long trip to Penrhyncoch in what was our third long trip to mid Wales in the last 7 days. With the bus trip down getting caught in traffic in Newtown on route meaning the lads had limited preperation many would have expected a slightly laboured start but that was not to be the case with Rhos flying out of the blocks and pinning the home side in their own 18 yard box. This pressure soon paid off when a delightful flick on the edge of the area from youngster Josh Russell found Matty Holmes who blasted a volley into the back of the net with only three minutes gone. Rhos still pressed forward and were awarded further with a second goal after only 5 minutes when captain Maike Parry nodded home from a Russell corner. The home side looked totally shell shocked and deceded to get as many men behind the ball as possible to stop the rot. The game then settled down with the home side still struggling to really get at the Rhos defence. A long ball into the Rhos (17mins) box was harshly adjudged to have been handled my Parry in the box though the ball had clearly struck him in the face, the resulting spot kick was smashed home giving Williams in the Rhos goal no chance at all. The home side then looked lifted to be given a possible route back into the game and that belief was further amplified when Rhos defender was dismissed after 20minutes for a second bookable offence. Many thought it would be backs against the wall from then on but it was not really the case though the home side looked to have levelled the play on the half hour mark when a scramble on the goal line was unbelievable cleared by the Rhos defence when a goal looked certain. Rhos had the opportunity to extend there lead further on 44 minutes with a similar scramble after Parry headed against the bar, somehow the Penrhyn defenders and keeper managed to block 4 seperate attempts at goal on the line from the Rhos forwards to deny Rhos. In the last minute of the half though the home side were gifted the opportunity to level the game when they were awarded another penalty after Ben Jones had clearly won the ball from the lively winger. The 1st penalty as said earlier was harsh but this was in the eyes of many even worse with the home bench even laughing at the decision, again stepped up the Penrhyn player to slot home. HT 2-2 The second half was played with very few clear cut chances from either side with Rhos now playing up the hill and down to ten meant they were wise to keep the game as tight as possible, the defence stood firm which limited the home side to long range shots which never troubled Williams in the Rhos goal, though they did manage on one occasion late on to break through with Williams more than upto the task and pulled off an excellent save to preserve a hard earned point considering. In summary a well earned point against a team whos local support can be very hostile to say the least, but the manner of the way the lads stood firm after the events of this afternoon can only be a plus. The last three goals we have conceded now have come from what many have described as harshly awarded penalties, maybe Siddy in the Rhos goal needs too put more spot kick stopping practice for the future?
1st Mar	Welshpool Town	HGA	2-1	Rhos took to their task straight away in this by taking the game to the home side, however they failed to create many chances. It was an even first half with both sides working hard for possession, but no goals to show for it. The second half saw an entertaining encounter with both sides striving for the breakthrough, it came when MIKE BURKE slotted the ball under the home keeper to put the Aelwyd ahead, Welshpool began to threw everything at us but the defence were magnificent all through the game and held firm until a scramble in the box saw a Welshpool player hit the deck to gain a penalty, Simon Williams in goal got a hand to it only to see it deflect off the post and trickle in to level the score. Welshpool were still on the attack throughout the second half but it was Rhos who got the third and last goal of the game when an excellent corner from Ricky Wright saw DAVE MacINTYRE out jump the defence to score with a powerful header with 18 mins to go. Welshpool couldn't find a way past our defence and failed to get the three points they were desperate for. An excellent team performance saw Rhos rewarded with a great win, with so many good performance it's hard to pick out any players but Aled Rowlands and Mike Burke along with Dan Gibbon were outstanding. * Match report compiled by Mr John Hughes
26th Feb	Rhayader Town	HGA	5-2	Today saw Rhos take the long journey to lowly Rhayader Town who like ourselves were promoted to this level last season. Quite often these long trips result in a sloppy start from the teams concerned which is something we have noticed in a number of games we have had at home this season when teams have had a journey but that was certainly not the case for us today with Rhos coming out of the traps flying. Rhos almost took the lead in the first minute when Burke raced down the right only to fire narrowly over, a similar run again from Burke on 5 minutes saw him this time hit the crossbar. Burke was not to be denied though only two minutes later when he again got clear and slotted the ball under the advancing keeper to give Rhos a more than deserved lead. One thing this level has taught us this season is that you need to take your chances when they come as quite often if you dont then you are made to pay and that was almost the case with the home side then having a spell of play that if it was not for some excellent last ditch defending could have seen the home side unbelievably get level in the game. With the home side still pushing to get level they were caught on the counter attack when Burke again converted (30mins) to knock the stuffing out of the home side. That goal saw Rhayader lose their discipline also which resulted in there wide man being given his marching orders. Rhos then extended there lead further on 40 minutes when the prolific Steve Powell powered through to roll the ball into the net. HT 3-0 The second half continued in the same pattern as the 1st with the majority of play taking place in the Rhayader half, Rhos almost extended there advantage on 53 minutes when a the home keeper dropped the ball at the feet of Holmes who reacted quickly anly to see the keeper recover and somehow stop it from crossing the line. Rhos did manage to add to there tally on the hour mark when a top corner bound curling shot from Wayne Phillips was tipped round the post by an excellent one handed save from the home keeper but from the resulting short corner the ball was rolled across to Phillips who hammered the ball into the same top corner from all of 25 yards this time giving the keeper no chance at all. The game at this point was getting really easy for the visitors but as stated earlier you cannot let the level of play drop at all, and that is what happened again but this time the home side were not to be denied when the lively central midfielder found space in the area to convert. Rhos then with 5 minutes remaining restored their 4 goal advantage with wide man Ben Jones converting. The home side managed to scramble home a consolation goal in added time to take a slight shine off hwat was an excellent disply again from the lads. In summary another good three point away from home. We need to continue this form for the weeks ahead with the games coming thick and fast starting with Tuesday night trip to the recently improved Welshpool.
22nd Feb	Buckley Town	HGA	3-2	This evening saw us up against a Buckley side whos form has picked up recently which has also seen them turn over title hopefulls Rhyl in their own back yard, therefore a very difficult test was obviously on the cards. The match began at a frantic pace with the home side looking the most dangerous in the early period, and that early pressure paid off after 10 minutes when the striker raced clear and was brought down when attempting to round Williams in the Rhos goal which resulted in a penalty being awarded but luckily the referee deemed the striker to be going so wide that only a yellow card was produced, up stepped the home striker to convert the resulting kick with ease. This setback seemed to galvinise the Rhos players determination to succeed and they managed to level the play after 20 minutes when top scorer Mike Burke found space in the box to convert with a neat finish. The home side then regained the lead minutes later when a long throw in the box was headed goalwards only for Williams to save on the line but the Buckley polayer was quickest to react and hammered the loose ball into the roof of the net. Again the Rhos lads raised their game and drew level with 5mns remaining in the half with the best move of the game which saw some excellent triangular passing which eventually found Dave MacIntyre out wide and his low cross found Matty Holmes in the area who converted past the advancing keeper. HT 2-2 The second half started with both teams looking to win the contest and the home side come close on the hour mark when the centre half blased over when he took the ball off the strikers foot when it looked easier to score. That let off gave Rhos the opportunity to gain the lead in the match for the first time on 80 minutes when Burke out foxed the home defenders and smashed a strike into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out giving the homekeeper no chance whatsoever. The home side then threw caution to the wind in search of the leveller and numerous long punts into the box were dealt with excellently by the new defensive partnership of Andy Torrance and Aled Rowlands, as well as the commanding figure of Williams in the Rhos goal, which held on to give Rhos an excellent three points. In summary an excellent win away from home against a very good Buckley side, each and every player in the squad deserves credit for tonights performance as the grit and determination the lads showed is exactly what the managerial team is looking for.
19th Feb	Guilsfield	HGA	4-4	Today saw Rhos play what is only there second league game since the turn of the year against a Guilsfield side who had knocked us out of the league cup with two injury time goals only 4 weeks ago. the match started with Rhos looking by far the better team and the early pressure paid off when Matty Holmes headed Rhos ahead after 15 minutes when he converted a pin point Dav MacIntyre cross, Holmes almost doubled Rhos's advantages minutes later only to see his header fly narrowly wide, that miss seemed to spur the home side on and they levelled with there first attack of the afternoon when a great left footed volley gave Williams in the Rhos goal no chance. This goal though did not seem to effect Rhos's good start to the match as they continued to dominate and regained the lead on the half hour mark when captain Mike Parry nodded home from a corner which was awarded when a home defender had clearly handled in the area to prevent Rhos taking the lead moment earlier. Rhos continued to attack and again it paid off when Ben Jones got onto a Mike Burke cross to smash home from close range on 41mins. HT 1-3 The second half began with Rhos warned that the Home side would never give up as we learnt in last months league cup defeat and that fighting spirit was evident virtually immidiatly with a goal being pulled back when the striker raced through to convert with a neat finish. With Rhos looking shell shocked the tempo of play was being dictated but the Rhos back line stood firm unitil a long punt upfield acught them out and the striker converted to level the match. This disapointment was evedent on the Rhos players faces though they immediatly rose to the occasion when Mike Burke converted when through one on one with the keeper to regain the advantage less than a minute after the restart. The home side would not give up though and again levelled the game with three minutes remaining when the defence again failed to deal with a long punt upfield. The home side almost grabbed a late winner but Williams in the Rhos goal produced a smart save with a point blank block. In summary to score four gaols away from home and not win has to be addressed and is really disapointing, but also any point away from home is usually a good point. If we can start to get difficult to score against like the early season then with the games in hand we have it will only be a matter of time till we climb the table.
12th Feb	Penyffordd	NEW3	4-2	This afternoon saw Rhos start the quest to lift the NEWFA Cuo for the 1st time with a 3rd round tie away to WNL First division leaders Penyffordd. The match began with Rhos fully aware that this was going to be a real battle with the playing surface a real levveler but began the match on the front foot and took the lead after 8minutes when Penyffordd lad Matty Holmes converted on the stretch after some good wide play from Dave MacIntyre. Rhos could have doubled there advantage minutes later when top scorer Mike Burke raced clear only for the ball to get stuck under his feet and when he eventually got his shot away was denied by a smart save from the home custodian. The home side then managed to draw level with there 1st attack of the afternoon when the striker smashed the ball home from close range. Rhos were not pegged back for long though and regained the lead when Holmes scored again with a neat finish. HT 1-2 The second half began with Rhos pressing early on and they managed to extend there lead when Burke twisted and turned in the box and fired home in the near post. Rhos then added another when Holmes completed his hat trick when he rounded the keeper to slot into an empty net. Rhos then seemed to take their foot off the pedal and the home side pushed forward and grabbed a consolation late on. In summary a pleasing day at the office result wise without really playing really well, but cup games are all about results and we are pleased to have got this potential banana skid fixture out of the way. Special mention to the performance of midfielder Kevin Fitsimmons who put in a tireless display.
5th Feb	Prestatyn Town	WC4	1-6	Today saw Rhos come up against Welsh Premier League outfit Prestatyn Town who themselves are having a great season that looks certain to see them pay the second half of the season in the top half of the new split system that has been introduced this season. Rhos started the match with a high tempo that the visitors initially struggled to cope with and this pressure almost paid off within 2minutes when Mike Burke was denied by an excellent close range save from the visiting keeper, Rhos though were not to be denied and took the lead after ten minutes when a Ricky Wright corner eluded everyone and creeped in at the far post despite the best efforts from the keeper to smother the ball. Many thought this early goal would rattle the visitors but it was not to be the case and the seasiders drew level on 20minutes when a wicked cross in from the left was unfortunatly turned into his own net by captain Craig Hughes, the visitors soon took the lead (36 mins) when the broke through the Rhos defence and the wide man slotted home with ease. The visitors were prevented from extending there lead on at least two occasions when they were denied by a coulpe of smart stops from debutant keeper Rob Parry in the Rhos goal. HT 1-2 The second half began in sinilar fashion to the first with Rhos attacking early on and they almost levelled straight from the kick off when Mike Burke beat two defenders out wide on the right and drilled the ball goalwards from the angle only to see a wicked deflection strike the upright with the defence uncertain what was going on. With Rhos still looking to push the visitors for a leveller they were caught on the counter attack on the hour mark when the visiting striker slotted home from close range after good work down the right by the wide man. This goal seemed to really knock the wind out of the home teams sails and gave the visitors a hugh lift which saw them add further goals in the remaining time on 70, 75 and 83minutes to put a slightly unfair look on the scoreboard. In summmary a very disapointing result after the bright start but one thing we have learnt is that this is the level we must aspire to get our players to, Prestatyn are without question an excellent outfit who proved that they are capable of adjusting there game to suit any conditions, we wish them well in the quarter finals at Llanelli.
15th Jan	Guilsfield	HGAC	2-3	* Match Report to follow
3rd Jan	Ruthin Town	HGA	2-1	* Match Report to follow
11th Dec	GAP Connahs Quay	HGA	1-7	This was always going to be one of the toughest games of the season at the Quay who are riding high in the league. Rhos got off to a dreadful start and couldn't cope with the excellent off the ball running of their forward Hayes who punished us severely. Rhos were 4 down in the first 25 mins and it was only then that they started playing a bit of football which gave them confidence going into the second half. After the break a more determined Rhos got their reward when WAYNE PHILIPS slotted home a penalty, Connahs Quay were on the back foot at this stage but always looked dangerous. With twenty minutes to go a lunging tackle by Mike Parry gave the home side a penalty from which they scored. From there on a tired and dejected Rhos conceded a further two goals to make it a drubbing, however, Rhos did play well for a spell but when you come up against a good side you have to be at your best for all the game and unfortunately Rhos weren't.
20th Nov	Rhydymwyn	HGA	6-1	Rhos today found themselves making the short journey to fellow league newboys Rhydymwyn who had gained promotion last season by winning the Welsh Alliance league and looking to build on the two previous excellent results. The match began with Rhos firmly on the front foot and took the lead inside the first minute when the ever dangerous Mike Burke took control of the ball on the edge of the box and out muscled the defender then placed the ball excellently in the bottom corner (Pictured). With the home side looking shell shocked at going behind so early this enabled the visitors to get a real foothold in the game and managed to get the ball into the home sides area on numerous occasions but without managing to work the home keeper. The home side on a rare counter attack almost struck level on 20minutes when the striker barged his way through only to smack the ball against the crossbar with only McGee to beat in the Rhos goal. Rhos though continuted to press and actually doubled their advantage on 35 minutes when Burke picked the ball up out wide on the right and attacked the Rhyd back line and unleashed a great strike with the outside of his right boot which sailed into the top corner. HT 0-2 The second half saw Rhos continue in the same vain to attack and were rewarded on the hour mark when fullback Dave MacIntyre raced down the right and cut in to smash a drive home from all of 30 yards to extend the lead further. Rhos then added another when the ever excellent Steve Powell reacted quickest in the area to slot home with ease. With the home side now seemingly arguing amongst eachother constantly they never looked like troubling McGee in the Rhos goal until the 70th minute when a rare punt in the area was handled by substitute Kev Fitsimmons and the home striker give McGee in the Rhos goal no chance from the resulting spot kick. This minor setback seemed to galvinise the Rhos lineup and the went on to add further goals through Karl Murry with his first for the club and finally Burke grabbed his hatrick with 5 minutes remaining after some great wide work from Murry out wide. In summary another excellent display by the lads who have now well and truly got over the sliht slump in for we suffered last month with this victory lifting us up to 5th in the table. Again the most pleasing side of todays performance for the management was the fact that every single player contributed with very good performances but the Man of The Match honours have to go to Hatrick hero Mike Burke whos goals edged it just ahead of another all energy performance from Steve Powell in the middle of the park.
13th Nov	Penrhyncoch	HGA	5-3	Today saw the visit of one of the leagues form sides Penrhyncoch visit Ponciau banks fresh after their manager being awarded the manager of the month award for October. The match began with Rhos looking in complete control from the first minute and were denied withing 2minutes by an excellent save by the home custodian who denied Steve Powell at his near post. Only minutes later the keeper come to the visitors rescue again when he somehow deflected the ball over the bar from close range to deny Mike Burke from scoring. Rhos though were not to be denied and took the lead on 10minutes when debutant Darren Hignett hurled a long throw into the area to finf Steve Powell who powered a header into the net. Rhos continued to dominate with the visitors struggling to contain the tempo of the home teams play and fell further behind when Mike Burke robbed the visiting keeper on the edge of the area to square the ball to strike partner Jon Rush who slotted home with ease. Rhos continued to press for further goals but were denied until the last minute of the half when Wayne Phippips swung in a delightful free kick into the area which drew out the visiting keeper but Rush got to the ball first to flick the ball into the empty net with his head. HT 3-0 The second half saw Rhos again start brightly and they managed to increase their lead further with the best goal of the afternoon when wide man Dave MacIntyre picked the ball up 40yards out wide and weaved his way across the pitch and unleashed a left foot strike which found the net coming off the inside of the visitors post. With the home side looking home and dry we gifted them an unlikely route back into the game when Hignett headed into his own net when trying to guide the ball back to McGee in the Rhos goal, this buoyed the visitors who threw men forward. With the visitors new found belief and overcommiting now this now meant Rhois were able to catch them on the counter attack which was done superbly on the hour mark which saw the home side regain their four goal advantage when Josh Russell struck home from the edge of the area. In fairness to the visitors many sides would have crumbled after that disapointment but thatt was not to be the case as the continued to push and were awarded with a further two goals to make the afternoon took a lot closer than it actually was. In summary an excellent result and out first league win for what seems ages but the mannor of the performance from each and every individual again was very pleasing for the management. Apart from the own goal scored by Hignett he deserves special mention for an other than that incident an ecxellent debut performance. *Apologies for the delay in publishing this report due to Technical Difficulties.
6th Nov	Guilsfield	WC3	2-1	This afternoon saw Rhos come up against fellow Huws Gray Alliance side Guilsfield in the last 32 of the Welsh Cup, wh.ith this Rhos team having the chance to make history today as a victory would mean the club has gone further in this competition than it has ever done so before. The match began with both teams really struggling to get any sort of rhythm together in the early stages with both defences firmly on top, the home side were forced after ten minutes to make an early substitute when there lively looking striker picked up an injury. This substitution had an immidiate effect when the oncoming player reacted quickest in the box to open the scoring with a half volley from 12 yards out. This early setback spurred the Rhos lads on with debutant Carl Murry looking sharp leading the Rhos attack. Rhos levelled the match when a corner was delivered into the box and after a number of attempt to clear defender Craig Hughes was on hand to smash the ball home from close range. Rhos then less than five minutes later took the lead for the first time when Mike Burke crossed to the lively looking Jon Rush in the box who headed across goal to the oncoming Josh Russell to slot home from a tight angle. Rhos almost extended their lead soon after when Murry rounded the keeper only to be denied by a last ditch tackle on the line. HT 1-2 The second half started with Rhos expecting the home side to push on in search for a leveller but that was never the case with Rhos in complete control. Rhos had numerous opportunities to extend their lead most notibly a weaving run by the ever excellent Steve Powell who was denied a goal at the end by an excellent fingertip save from the Home keeper. With many chance seeming to come and go Rhos almost paid the penalty iin the final minute when the home side pushed numerous players forward and pierced the visiting defence only to be denied by McGee in the Rhos goal who smothered the ball at the feet of the striker as he was about to tap home. In summary an excellent result at a ground where many have struggled to get anything, every single member of the squad participated to todays result but defender Mike Parry just shaded the man of the Match award in the eyes of the management. In the next round we have been drawn at home to Welsh Premier outfit Prestatyn Town to be played in late January 2011 *Apologies for the delay in publishing this report due to Technical Difficulties.
30th Oct	Rhyl	HGA	2-5	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY BAKER SCAFFOLDING This afternoon saw Rhos come up against pre season title favorites Rhyl at Ponciau banks in front of a near 300 crowd. The match began in disasterous fashion for the home side with the visitors racing into a three goal lead inside 15minutes after some what can only be described as uncharacteristic schoolboy errors by the home defence, in truth the visitors were unlucky not to have added further goals in the half with the pacey forwards springing the offside trap at will only to be denied by McGee in the Rhos who was being overworked. HT 0-3 After some strong words from manager Walters at the half time break the home side come out and looked a completely different side and reduced the defecit on 50 minutes when Jon Rush outjumped the visiting defence and floated his header into the empty net, this goal give the home side a huge lift and only minutes later a long ball into the Rhyl area caused all sorts of confusion and top scorer Mike Burke reacted quickest to loop a great header into the top corner giving the visiting keeper no chance. The visitors looked shell shocked and the home side really looked like getting back into the game but that belief was short lived within 60 seconds when the visitors regained their two goal lead when a long free kick was thrown into the box and a free header at the far post looped back over to the near post and tapped home by the visiting striker. This goal looked to have knocked the stuffing out of the home side though they almost immediatly got that goal back only minue later when substitute Matty Holmes got clear only to be denied by an excellent save from the visiting keeper. Rhos continued to throw players forward in search of reducing the defecit and were caught on the counter attack with five minutes remaining when the central midfielder smashed home a volley from the edge of the area giving McGee no chance in the rhos goal. In summary another disapointing day at the office. To defend against any team in the manner we started the game today will give us a mountain to climb against any team at any level, but to do it against on of the so called best teams in the league is nothing short of criminal. We now need to regroup again and return to basics for our crucial Welsh Cup tie away to fellow Huws Gray Alliance club Guilsfield next Saturday.
23rd Oct	Porthmadog	HGA	1-2	Today saw Rhos travel to a Porthmadog side who have strung together a great run of results recently after an indifferent start to there campaign. The match began with both sides probing eachother in the early periods with a large chunk of play being played in the midfield area, the home side created the first chance to note after 10 minuutes only to find the ever reliable McGee in the Rhos goal in fine for to pull off an excellent double save. Rhos then seemed comportably deal with anything the home side could muster up and looked very dangerous on the break ourselves. Rhos then took the lead on 25 minutes when a short corner caught the home side napping and a great cross by caretaker manager Wayne Phillips found Craig Hughes unmarked in the six yard box to head the ball home. Rhos almost doubled there advantage only minutes later when Steve Powell found space in the area only to be denied by the home keepers feet. The home side then managed to strike the equaliser when a deep cross from the right wind was acrobatically headed back across the goal and into the net giving McGee no chance at all. This disapointment was not to knock Rhos out of there stride and thought they should have been awarded a penalty when a home defender seemed to deny Rhos captain from scoring with his hand on the line but it was missed by the officials. HT 1-1 The second half began with both teams feeling they could win the match and the home side almost took the lead when they raced down the right flank and managed to find the spare man on the far post but he delayed the shot anf the defence managed to clear. The game went then into a period of end to end play. In the 64th minute a very generous free kick was awarded to the home side on the edge of the area and some quick thinking from the home side caught every Rhos player out and the deliveded ball into the box was unfortunatly diverted into his own net by Steve Powell. Rhos with a belief that there was still something in the game then committed more and more players forwards and after a neat move found substitute Matty Holmes in space in the penalty area but he was unable to get the ball from under his feet and the defenders got back to crowd him out. Rhos were now smelling blood and pinned the home side back and almost grabbed a deserved leveller in the last minute when another substitute Jon Rush outjumped everyone and flicked a header that struck the inside of the post and saw the spin on the ball see it roll across the line and cleared. Soon after the finalwhistle was blow to the relief of the home supporters with the equaliser only looking to be a matter of time. In summary another disapointing result but it must be mentioned that the performance from the entire squad deserved much better than we actually got especially after the difficult week the club has endured. The lads need now to regroup again and if they continue to perform at this level then we should certainly pick up many more points throughout the season hopefully starting next week at home to big spenders Rhyl.
16th Oct	Llandudno	HGA	2-2	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY WISHY WASHY This afternoon saw Rhos come up against Llandudno Town who have been plying there trade at this level of football for a number of years. the match began with Rhos firmly in control with the visitors struggling to come to terms with the pace of the home sides play. The pressure finally told on 20minutes when Mike Burke reacted quickest to a defensive error to smash the ball home from the edge of the area. Rhos almost added to there tally minutes later when Dave MacIntyre forced an excellent save from the visiting keeper with a drive from all of 30yards. Rhos were not to be denied though and doubled their advantage on the half hour mark when Josh Russell raced down the right flank and his cross come shot eluded everyone and sailed into the top corner. At this point Rhos were well on top with the visitors looking toatlly shell shocked but with 3minutes of play left on the clock the visitors on a rare attack were awarded a penalty by the referee when the much closer linesman had clearly stated in view of everyone that it should not have been. Up stepped ex-Rhos striker Tony Cann to give Rhos keeper McGee no chance. HT 2-1 The second half started with the visitors adopting a different system and had there tails up by the fact that they were somehow still in the game and this belief in their play was evident for long periods. They eventually drew level on 70 minutes when they broke clear with a man over and after some neat passes found the spare man on the far post who slotted home with ease. With both side now believing they could take all three points the remainder of the game resembled a tennis match with one attack by one side being quickly followed by one by the other but without really testing either goalkeeper until injury time when McGee in the Rhos goal pulled off a great save to prevent the visitors from taking the spoils. In summary to lose a two goal lead especially at home was not pleasing to see. The most disapointing aspect of todays action was the accusations on the visitors official website to exactly quote 'a bruising and intimidating afternoon' when any viewers of the game could clearly see that there was only one bad tackle all afternoon which was actually on Rhos player Craig Hughes in the 1st period, and apart from the penalty incident the referee had a relativly easy afternoon. Also for the visitors to have a public rant regarding the facilities at our home ground could easily be looked upon as 'sour grapes' as they clearly stated, but the fact that they actually took a point where others have failed possibly indicates how much of a high opinion they have of themselves.
9th Oct	Cefn Druids	HGA	1-4	Today saw Rhos come up against local rivals Cefn Druids at their new purpose build stadium aptly named 'The Rock'. The match began with Rhos attacking from the first second with Josh Russell getting down the left side and his cross almost found the unmarked Aaron Edwards in the centre. The home side from that moment onwards started to dominate proceedings with theie style of play of utilising the strength of ex Rhos player Richard Williams-Cooke at every opportunity causing the Rhos back line numerous difficulties. This method of play took only 6 minutes to pay off when Williams-Cook took control of a high ball to release the left winger free and his threaded through ball found the home striker who struck home past the advancing Pierce on the Rhos goal. This early setback failed to get the Rhos lads going and looked to be second to every ball over the field and were fortunate not to go further behind when the offside trap was broken which saw the attacking player chip the ball narrowly over the crossbar. The home side managed to double there advantage on 37 minutes when a dubious free kick was awarded to the home side when many thought the kick should have been awarded the other way was delivered into the box and with the blazing sun in his eyes, Pierce in the Rhos goal was forced to tip over his crossbar, from the resulting corner a Druids defender rose unmarked to power home giving Pierce no chance. Rhos then realised that they needed to raise there game and that is what they done and managed to do and that pressure saw Rhos pull a goal back after some excellent work by Aaron Edwards found Mike Burke in the six yard box to head home. HT 1-2 The second half saw Rhos buoyed by the fact that they had managed to grab the late goal in the first half and spent the majority of the early period of the second half camped in the Druids half but without really testing the home custodian. The home side soaked up this early pressure and broke away to regain there two goal lead on the hour mark when the Rhos defence again failed to deal with the strength of WIlliams-Cooke who found his fellow strike partner who smashed the ball past Pierce via a slight deflection. This goal was a massive blow for Rhos and equally a huge shot in the arm for the until then nervous looking home side. Again ten minute late the home side sprung away after defending to complete the scoring when again WIlliams-Cooke raced clear and after rounding Pierce saw his goalbound attempt blocked on the line only to fall to his fellow strike partner who finished with ease. Rhos almost reduced the arrears with ten minutes remaining with what would have been the goal of the day when the tireless Mike Burke smashed a rasping drive from the edge of the area againt the home sides crossbar giving the keeper no chance. In summary a very dissapointing result against a very well organised and strong Druids team. The loss itself is hard to accept with it being our 1st of the season but the fact that it took 9 games to come has been an excellent achievement by the squad. We must now dust ourselves down and show the character that is required to get the right result next week against Llandudno town who like Druids have another ex Aelwyd player in their ranks with Tony Cann.
2nd Oct	Coedpoeth United	WC2	2-1aet	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY CAPPELL HAIR STUDIO This afternoon saw unbeaten Rhos come up against local Welsh National League club Coedpoeth United who themselves before today were previously unbeaten in the second round of the prestigeous Welsh Cup. From the 1st minute the home side struggled to get a grip of the game with the visitors the first to almost everything with their physical style of play causing Rhos numerous difficulties, though the half was played with very few chances to note, Coedpoeth did almost manage to take a deserved lead on the half hour mark when a drive from the edge of the area whizzed inches wide with home keeper Gavin Pierce well beaten. HT 0-0 The second half saw Rhos under strict instructions to be more competitive and match the visitors desire to win. With this now happening it had an adverse effect on the flow of the game with the game continuously being stopped by the match officials. Though chances were very few and far between the majority of play was played in the visitors half. A similar pattern of play was seen for the remainder of the half with the visitors starting to tire but Rhos were unable to work the visiting keeper. FT 0-0 Rhos started extra time very a very high tempo and pinned the visitors back and finally broke the deadlock on 95minutes when defender Ricky Wright smashed in a left footed free kick that took a wicked deflection and wrong footed the visiting keeper on its way to the back of the net. This goal seemed to spur Rhos on and the doubled there advantage four minutes later when the excellent Steve Powell went on a powerful run to convert from the edge of the area. The visitors now looked shell shocked as their chances of a cup shock looked to be over and Rhos almost extended their lead in the early minutes of the second period of extra time when Mike Burke smashed the ball againt the crossbar from 10 yards out, at that point it looked like Rhos were going to end up winning by a larger margin but with five minutes remaining the visitors broke away and scored with a drive from the edge of the area to give a tense finish to the extra period. The visitors did push numbers forward in search of the leveller but failed to really work Pierce in the Rhos goal. In summary the level of performance from the team was not what we have seen so far this term but cup games are all about getting into the hat for the next round which we managed to do. Special mention to an excellent energetic display from Steve Powell who seemed to single handedly pull the entire squad through the extra 30 minutes. We now look forward to the draw which is scheduled for Tuesday aftrenoon. * Highlights of todays match can be seen on S4C's Sgorio program on Monday night at 10pm
25th Sept	Caersws	HGA	1-0	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY MALCOLM RANDLES AEIRAL & SATELLITE SERVICES After the cup exploits of the previous two weeks Rhos were today pleased to welcome Caersws to Ponciau banks for what many called the Huws Gray Alliance fixture of the day. With the home side thus far unbeaten in all competitions and the visitors winning every game since losing on the opening game of the season at big spenders Rhyl. The match began with Rhos almost taking the lead in the 1st minute when a long punt up field from defender Ricky Wright was totally misjudged by the visiting keeper who allowed the ball to slip through his grasp and as he chased it back as it looked to be heading towards the net, unfortunatly for Rhos it drifted narrowly wide. Apart from that early chance the remainder of the half had no real opportunities to note with both sides failing to get a firm grip of the game and with numerous blood and thunder tackles coming in it seemed the officials were constantly stopping and starting play for one thing or another with the yellow card coming out on no fewer than 5 different occasions. HT 0-0 The second half started with the visitors creating a chance in the first minute when a ball whipped in from the left avaided the Rhos defence and fall the the Forward and an instinctive block from Rhos keeper Adam McGee kept the scores level. This early scare seemed to knock the Rhos lads into gear and finally started to play the high paced attacking football we have shown so far this season. With Rhos forwards Aaron Edwards and Mike Burke looking a real handfull both on the deck and in the air the visiting defence had there hands full and finally cracked in the 77th minute when Burke raced through to slot under the advancing keeper only to be denied a deserved goal by a late lineswomans flag, Burke though was not the be denied moments later when the same ball saw him out-muscle the visiting defender and smash the ball home to give Rhos a deserved lead. The visitors then had to push forward more in search of a leveller but the Rhos defence looked solid despite being reduced to 10 men with 5 minutes remaining with Dave MacIntyre being shown a red for 2 bookable offences. The visitors did almost snatched a leveller deep into injury time only to be denied by another excellent save from the ever reliable McGee in the Rhos goal who's fingerlip save ensured another victory for the Aelwyd. In summary another excellent victory which was based not only on a hard work ethic again from the lads but we are now showing that we have many dimensions to our game. We are the only club at this level now to be undefeated in all competitions so far but it is important that we keep our feet on the ground and don the old cliche of 'Taking every game as it comes' as everyone now will be trying that bit harder against us.
18th Sept	GAP Connahs Quay	LC1	3-2	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY MALCOLM RANDLES AEIRAL & SATELLITE SERVICES This visit by the current League leaders was eagerly awaited, and it proved how far we have come in just a short time. The game got off to flying start when Gap took the lead as early as the second minute, however, this did determine Rhos to "up their game", and this they did. The equaliser came after 20mins when AARON EDWARDS raced clear to clinically finish. The remainder of the half created no more chances with both teams settling down. The second half saw a more open game and the Rhos defence were tested, but held firm. Rhos took the lead keeper when the impressive JOSH RUSSELL raced clear to smash the ball into the far corner of the net. Connahs Quay then fell two goals behind when MIKE BURKE was unmarked in the box and coolly lobbed the advancing keeper after 15mins of the half. The Quay then through everything at Rhos, but shear determination, hard work and class defending reduced the visitors to a consolation goal to make it 3-2. A fantastic performance by the team against a very good side, I'm sure when we visit them soon we will have to be on our game once more.
11th Sept	Borras Park	WC1	8-0	With a completely changed side from previous weeks, Rhos proved they were two divisions above, against a very physical Borras side. Rhos started the game with an early goal from MATTY HOLMES following a superb cross from Ricky Wright. WAYNE PHILIPS scored the second from the penalty spot, Wayne added his second direct from a free kick. BEN JONES & JON RUSH made it 5-0 at Half Time, A good first half with some excellent football played by the Aelwyd. The second half was a bit scrappy with Rhos kicking against a strong headwind, having said that Borras made it difficult to play our passing game with some strong tackles which on another day would have seen more bookings. Rhos went on to score another three goals, MATTY HOLMES with a brace to complete his Hat-Trick and AARON EDWARDS. A very competent performance which once again gives Steve a selection problem because of the quality of the squad. The second round of the Welsh Cup has given us a very chance of progression with a home draw against Coedpoeth.
4th Sept	Ruthin Town	HGA	1-0	Today saw Rhos play their 1st away game of the season after seeing us collect two wins and one draw in our opening league fixtures which saw manager Steve Walters named Huws Gray Alliance Manager of the month for August, with the added pressure of this on the lads and teams now more than aware of the threats we may now cause many though todays match would give us more of an indication of how far we have really come in recent months. The match began with Rhos almost taking the lead within the first 30 seconds with Ricky Wright crossing for Ben Jones to fire over when shooting under extreme pressure. The game then settled down a little but unfortunatly Rhos were forced to make an early change when centre half Andy Torrance picked up a foot injury, with no recognised defenders on the bench the entire team had to be reshaped, this allowed the home side to get on top of play and forced McGee in the Rhos goal into a number of fine saves. Rhos then on 20 minutes suffered another blow with captain and another centre half Mike Parry pulling up with a hamstring injury and unable to continue, again a major reshuffle was required with many players now playing in positions that are normally alien to them. Again the home side pushed to take advantage of this but the Rhos defence was excellently marshalled by Craig Hughes who was the sole survivor of the initial back three that started the match and Rhos almost took the lead themselves when Barry Torrance found space in the area to head narrowly wide. HT 0-0 The second half began with Rhos making most of the interval as this allowed them to take stock of the injurys susstained in the 1st half and reset up with all players knowing what was expected of them, this was evedent from the 1st minute with the shape of the squad having a more solid look than the first half. The early periods of the second half had limited chances for both sides but as the half went on it was Rhos who looked the most likely and almost took the lead on the hour mark when Aaron Edwards turned his defender inside out only to hammer his shot into the side netting when a ball accros the area would have allowed Barry Torrance to tap into an empty net. Then against the run of play the home side almost broke the deadlock when the striker collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleased a great strike which smashed against the Rhos crossbar. With 15 minutes remaining Jamie Jones broke through down the left only to also hammer the side netting with the frustrated Torrance again looking in a better position to break the deadlock, but Rhos were not to be denied on 80mins with Mike Burke racing clear after an execllent through ball from debutant Jon Rush to slot home past the advancing keeper with what proved to be the winner. In summary an fantastic result considering all the tactical upheaval the management team had to deal with throughout the match which also included stand in centre half Mike Pugh having to play the final 15minutes up front due to suffering from blurred vision. Today on its own could have been enough to deserve another manager of the month award.
28th Aug	Rhayader Town	HGA	2-0	Today saw the Aelwyd complete the 3rd of our opening home league matches against fellow league newcomers Rhayader Town who were promoted to the league from the Spar Mid Wales league. Rhos unlike last week started the game really well and were unlucky not to take a first minute lead with the visiting keeper pulling off a world class fingertip save to deny Mike Pugh, Rhos continued to add the pressure and were again denied by the overworked keeper on five minutes when he blocked a Dave MacIntyre volley and managed to grab the loose ball before the advancing Rhos strikers were looking to convert. This high tempo of play continued and the home side must of won at least ten corners in tthe first 15minutes but failed to take the all important lead. The visitors after weathering the initial storm managed to get a foothold in the game and looked to build a few attacks themselves without really working McGee in the Rhos goal. HT 0-0 The second half began with the Rhos looking to repeat the high tempo play the 1st half brought but with the end product to improve. This is exactly what the lads did and took the lead on the 50minute mark when Mikey Burke capitalised of a goalkeeping error to pounce and slot the ball home. That goal saw Rhos grow in confidence and continued to put the pressure on which soon paid off again when Aaron Edwards raced through to convert with a neat finish from the edge of the area on 54 minutes. Though being two goals to the good Rhos still looked hungry and pressed the visiting defence back for long periods of play and also looked comfortable at the back. The visitors on a rare attack almost pulled a goal back with 10minutes remaining when the visiting striker found space in the six yard box only to head wide when he really should have scored. In summary an excellent performance by the lads who made the periods of play when we were well on top make the difference and a special mention to the performance of new signing Ricky Wrigh who never put a foot wrong all day. Seven points now from a possible nine puts us though early in the season sitting in 3rd place in the table, long may it continue starting next week with our 1st league away match against Ruthin Town.
21st Aug	Guilsfield	HGA	1-1	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY THE MORETON INN,JOHNSTOWN This afternoon saw Rhos play there second home match on the trot with the squad looking to build on last weeks impressive start with another victory against a Guilsfield side who have been unbeaten in the last ten league games and ended last season as the leagues form side. The match began with Rhos struggling to really get going with the previous weeks tempo and pace lacking. The visitors on the other hand looked at the races from the first minute. Rhos though still unable to really get into the game were awarded a penalty on 15minutes when Mike Pugh who was making his first start for the club was upended in the box. Up stepped Wayne Phillips to slot home. This goal seemed to spur the visitors on and a number of quality passages of play were finally awarded on the half hour mark when they broke with pace down the left for the winger to find the striker in acres of space who smashed the ball home to level the scoring. Within a minute the visitors had breached the defensive line again with the centre forward racing clear only to be denied by an outstanding save from McGee in the Rhos goal. HT 1-1 The second half started with the home side given strict instructions to raise the tempo and that is exactly what the did. Rhos looked a shadow of the team that played the first half with the visitors pinned back for long periods of play but without really working the visiting keeper. Wiith 15minutes remaining Rhos almost regained the lead when captain Mike Parry powered a header against the crossbar. Numerous chance were created in the remainder of the game with the visitors playing deeper and deeper. Rhos were then reduced to ten men with five minutes remaining when youngster Josh Russell was dismissed for arguing with the officials but though being a man down it was still the home side who pinned the Guils back and numerous balls punted into the box in the final minutes were unfortunatly not converted. In summary this match was definatly a 'game of two halfs' which could and probably should have been won given the chances we created in the second period. We now need to continue our second period performance from the 1st minute next week when we are again at home to fellow league newcomers Rhayader Town.
14th Aug	Flint Town United	HGA	2-1	TODAYS MATCH WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY WISHY WASHY Finally after 13 long years the club this afternoon played there 1st league match in the 2nd tier of Welsh football with the visit of the much fancied Flint Town United to Ponciau banks. Rhos began the match with no fewer than eight out of the starting eleven players making their league debuts and looked more hungry all over the park from the very 1st minute. Rhos deservidly took the lead after 5 minutes when Aaron Edwards stooped to head home from close range following an excellent corner delivered by youngster Josh Russell. Rhos could have doubled there lead soon after only for Mikey Burke to be denied by a neat save from the visiting custodian. With Rhos continuously pumping the ball into the Flint area seemingly at ease in search of the second goal they were caught on the counter attack but the ever alert Adam McGhee in the Rhos goal was mor ethan upto the task in hand when bravely collecting at the visiting strikers feet, this scare was an early warning that at this level you only need to switch off for one minute and you will more often than not get punished for it. The remainder of the half was played with the majority of play in the Flint half with numerous chances created but without really working the visiting keeper at all. HT 1-0 The second half started with the visitors obviously under strict instructions to raise there tempo in the game but the Rhos defensive line which was excellently mashalled by captain Mike Parry stood firm. Rhos almost doubled there lead on a number of occasions with the visitors now over committing players to get back into the game with both Jamie Jones and Mike Burke going close. With 15 minutes remaining a long punt up the field by the Flint defence paid off with the prolific Shaun Beck racing onto the ball to give home keeper McGhee no chance with a delightful chip, this setback could easily have knocked the hoem side for six but it was not the case as the players dusted themselves down rolled there sleeves up and regained the lead almost immediatly when Josh Russel raced down the left side and delivered an excellent ball into the Flint area which saw defender Simon Thelwell divert the ball into is own net as he attempted to prevent Aaron Edwards from a simple headed goal. With Flint now forced to throw caution to the wind the remainder of the game was virtually all played in Rhoses defensive third with a number of crosses being pumped in but were excellently dealt with by the solid looking McGhee and his defensive quartet, Flint almost grabbed an undeserved point in the last minute when a free kick from the edge of the area was deflected and just flew wide of the post. In summary an excellent display of quality, fitness andgrit from each and every member of the squad with it being virtually impossible to name a man of the match as every player played their part. To start the league season with a win and more importantly with the manner of the victory but no doubt we will need to take this level of performance and desire into every match for the entire season.