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DATE	OPPONENT	COMP	F-A	REPORT & PICS
15th Jan	Castell Alun Colts	HWC	1-0	Rhos Aelwyd began their quest for Cup glory this season with a tricky tie away at Castell Alun. Fielding a very strong side Castell Alun were dangerous from the off but early attempts on the Rhos goal were easily dealt with by keeper Jeff Owen, coming out to claim many crosses and weak efforts. Rhos couldn't really get up to the pace of the game and were struggling to get the ball down on the deck and settle into their usual passing game. The game was a scrappy affair with lots of stoppages in play mainly down to the referee putting his stamp onto the game, with niggling tackles and peculiar offsides stopping any quality football from breaking out. Chances were few and far between with Rhos beginning to push on late in the half and their strikers were feeding off scraps but not really putting any pressure on the Castell Alun goal. The second half began in the same way that much of the first half went with stoppages in play stopping either side get any territorial advantage in the match. The first real incident in the half came after a 50/50 collision in the middle of the park resulted in Rhos centre midfielder Tom Davies given his marching orders which could have easily been a Yellow card. Rhos were undeterred by the hindrance of playing with 10 men though and after a slightly attacking tweak in the formation by the manager they continued to push on to try and win the tie within normal time. Eryl Roberts came close to putting the Rhos side in front when his glancing near post header whistled over the bar. He wasn't fazed by the miss and when he was slipped through the middle of the Castell Alun defence he showed his usual composure in front of goal and slotted the ball past the keeper and into the bottom left hand corner of the net sending the Rhos Aelwyd bench into raptures, with Manager and fans jumping around on the sidelines including Eryls son Tom running onto the pitch in excitement. Rhos had to hold on the their lead late on but the strong defensive performance saw the team through and it ended in a very hard fought 1-0 victory.
6th Nov	Ruthin Town	WNLR	4-2	Rhos Aelwyd were facing a tough tie against title challengers Ruthin who had the chance to claw back some points on Rhos at the top of the table with a win. Rhos were creating chances early on, making the Ruthin keeper work hard to keep them out.Ruthin were looking like a side that could really trouble Rhos and were putting in full blooded tackles right from the off showing they weren't here to be rolled over. Chances for both teams were being squandered and the lack of composure in front of goal for both teams was apparent. Rhos had a succession of corners midway into the first half all falling to centre midfielder Ben Powell, two headers were blocked away, the third corner eventually fell to the feet of Powell who swivelled in the box before applying a powerful finish through the crowd of defenders and into the net. The lead seemed to give Rhos a confidence boost and they finally settled into their passing game, splitting open the Ruthin defence on numerous occasions but once again failing to find the finish. Ruthin were causing problems of their own from corners but the Rhos defence was standing firm. After a quick interplay of passes down the left side the ball found its way into Khoz's feet in the six yard box and he slotted away on his second attempt to give Rhos a two goal lead and cushion. Rhos continued to create chances and should have put the game out of reach from Ruthin but couldn't quite find another goal, Ruthin then broke away on the counter and did manage to take their chance in front of goal. The lead was down to one and half time came. Second Half began with Ruthin having the possession of the ball and really taking the game to Rhos. The Rhos back line were having to work hard to keep Ruthin at bay. Rhos always threatened to grab a goal to further extend their lead but couldn't quite find one. Ruthin then got gifted a chance in front of goal after their pressure paid off, and their striker was on hand to slip the ball into the net and to level the game back up. Rhos had been punished for not taking their chances but their was still plenty of time to turn their performance around, Eryl Roberts' appearance from off the bench was a welcome change and his energy was a threat from the second he came on. After hassling the defender and being brought down by the keeper for a penalty Eryl stepped up to take it and gave the keeper no chance guiding the ball into the corner of the net. Rhos were showing a real character and steel to turn the game back around and Eryl Roberts grabbed another goal before the end of the match to restore the earlier two goal lead the Rhos bench burst into Joy and to give Rhos a very hard fought victory against a very challenging match against a good side.
30th Oct	Gresford Athletic	WNLRC	4-0	Rhos Aelwyd were hoping to carry their impressive league form into the cup against Gresford and also looking to bounce back from their defeat in the final last year. As in previous weeks Rhos started well and got the ball moving around the pitch early making the home side work hard to regain possession. After a slightly lucky one-two between James Jones and Nathan Spencer inside the penalty area ended up with James Jones sliding the ball past the keeper from inside the 6 yard box. Rhos had plenty of chances to increase their lead with superb delivery from both wings not being converted. Eryl Roberts managed to get himself on the score sheet once again this week after a dipping ball over the top of the Gresford defence found the head of Eryl who beat the keeper to the ball and the ball bounced into an unguarded net. The second half went much the same way as the first, Rhos controlling possession and starting their attacks from the defence. Rhos' defence were looking comfortable stamping out any Gresford attacks and Jeff Owens looked like keeping his second consecutive clean sheet. Rhos then increased their lead when a James Jones corner found the head of Shaun Barlow who headed the ball at goal only for it to be blocked back out to him before he hammered the ball back into the net leaving the keeper with no chance of saving it. Ben Powell then went on a solo run through the defence after some quality footwork only for the Gresford goalkeeper to pull out a great save to keep out the shot. Rhos continued to pile the pressure on and were playing some neat one touch footwork, Shaun Barlow had a rasping left foot half volley fly past the post. A clever one-two between Nathan Spencer and Ben Powell had the Gresford keeper at his best again as he got a good hand onto a Nathan Spencer shot but it found the feet of substitute Jamie Richards who controlled and hammered the ball from a yard out into the empty net, making him the happiest player on the pitch. The final chance of the game came from a cross from Phil Gidley and Nathan Spencer towered above all Gresford Defenders only to see his header go wide. An all round professional performance from Rhos who kept another clean sheet leaving manager Gav Garrigan very happy.
23rd Oct	Coedpoeth United	WNLR	6-0	Top of the League Rhos Aelwyd were looking to maintain there undefeated record this season with a home tie against Coedpoeth. Rhos got into their passing game early, playing the ball around and making their opponents work hard. Darren Hignett and Daniel Brown starting many free flowing moves from the back. Rhos were dominant down both flanks and were playing to their strengths with Phil Gidley and James Jones terrorising the Coedpoeth full backs, and it wasn't long before the first goal of the game came for Rhos with good work from both wingers, Gidley beat his man and floated a cross to the back post that was met by James Jones with a header into the path of poacher Eryl Roberts who guided the ball past the keeper with an accurate header. Once in the lead Rhos really came into their own and the confidence of the players was showing, none more so than Steve Brooke when he picked up the ball from 25 yards before letting fly with a ferocious shot that flew straight past the keeper and into the top corner of the goal. Rhos dominated for the rest of the first half and Eryl Roberts grabbed his second goal of the game when James Jones linked up with Nefyn Davies down the left side before beating his full back and dinking the ball back inside for the striker to slot home. Rhos went in with a lead at the break after a faultless first half. The second half continued largely like the first, with Rhos having the lions share of possession and carving out the best chances. Coedpoeth were not short of creating good chances themselves though, unfortunately a lack of composure from their attacking players and a strong performance from the Rhos back line and Keeper meant that Rhos were looking in good shape to pick up their first clean sheet of the Season. James Jones then capped his fine performance with a goal when latching onto a cross at the back post and dispatching the ball under the keeper. Rhos had the game under control and Ben Powell and Steve Brooke were dominating the centre of the field spraying the ball about and creating chances, Erly Roberts got his hat trick after some good football and a clinical finish put the game to bed. Ben Powell then floated a ball over the Coedpoeth back line to find Shaun Barlow who blasted a left foot strike inside the box beyond the Coedpoeth stopper wrapping up the scoring for Rhos and an all round top performance from the league leaders which was capped off with the first clean sheet of the season.
16th Oct	Borras Park Albion	WNLR	4-1
9th Oct	Chirk A.A.A.	WNLR	1-1	Rhos faced a tricky tie against Chirk at home trying to extend their undefeated start to the season. Rhos started on top, creating lots of chances with Shaun Barlow hitting the crossbar from distance and Nefyn Davies striking a superb half volley that the goalkeeper tipped over the bar spectacularly. Rhos took the lead when Steven Brooke charged through the Chirk defence before hammering a left foot strike from the edge of the area into the roof of the net leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal seemed to spur Chirk on and they had chamces themselves before half-time with good chances being fluffed from inside the box. The second half began with Chirk looking the more likely of the two sides to score, they were dominating for possession and creating better chances than the home side. A Chirk corner headed in at the near post seen the game draw level. Rhos weren't looking like the side they have been in recent weeks and couldn't break down a stubborn Chirk back line. Darren Hignetts monster throw-ins towards the end of the match were causing havoc in the box but Rhos couldn't capitalise and the game ended 1-1.
2nd Oct	Castell Alun Colts	WNLR	7-2	After dropping their first points of the season with a draw away at Airbus, Rhos were looking to get back to winning ways away against struggling Castell Alun. Rhos started the game with a sense of over confidence which proved costly, as missed chances and a lack of effort early on saw Castell Alun break away after a Rhos attack and take a surprise lead with a clever finish. Rhos struggled to break down the Castell Alun and missed many chances in front of goal before Brookie weaved his way into the penalty area before being bundled to the ground and awarded a penalty. Ben Powell stepped up with his usual confidence and coolly sent the ball into the bottom corner giving the opposing keeper no chance. After a stern team talk from manager Gav Garrigan at half time Rhos started the second half with much more purpose and the tempo of their play rose significantly. After a spell of dominance James Jones slipped through Nathan Spencer in the box who pulled it back to Eryl Roberts to slot into an unguarded net. Once in the lead Rhos never looked like letting it slip and when Phil Gridley dodged his way through the Castell Alun defence he found Shaun Barlow who hammered the ball past the keeper for his first goal of the game. Barlow was definitely the star of the show and went on to score again after more good work by Phil Gridley. The Striker really put Castell Alun to the sword and wasnt finished there, he went on to score an incredible Five goals before the end of the game. Ben Powell also missed a penalty before Castell Alun got a second goal. The Game ended 7-2 with Shaun Barlow taking the plaudits. Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer
11th Sep	Llay Welfare	WNLR	3-1	Rhos Aelwyd were looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season, but were up against a strong Llay Welfare side fielding some of their first team regulars. Rhos started the game well and carved out some good chances to take the lead, Jamie Rogers went close to opening the scoring in the first few minutes when he was slipped through one on one but his effort went just over the bar. The referee had his hands full most of the game and the first goal of the match came from a Rhos free kick, Phil Gridley whipping in a great ball that the goalkeeper couldn't handle and Sean Barlow reacted faster than anyone else in the box to poke the ball over the line. The second half began in the same way the first half ended with many rash challenges breaking up play. Rhos battled on and managed to extend their lead to two goals when Jamie Jones clipped in a measured ball from the left wing that found substitute Eryl Roberts who took the ball down well and calmly rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the net. Llay didn't look like a team that were going to let Rhos hammer the goals past them like in previous weeks and they did well to get themselves back into match with a goal after a cross come shot free kick just found the back post and the net. Llay pushed hard to get the equaliser but were caught on the break late on, Eryl Roberts slipping the ball through to in-form striker Jamie Rogers who lashed the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner and gave Rhos their two goal lead back. Rhos had a few more chances to score in the last minutes but it wasn't to be, the final whistle went and Rhos got themselves a very satisfying 3-1 win showing that they can grind out results against any opposition. *Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer
4th Sep	Corwen	WNLR	10-2	The Reserves continued their magnificent form and unbeaten record with a thrashing of Corwen. Rhos were on top right from the kick off and it didn't take long before Jamie Rogers found the back of the net and grabbed his first goal of the match. Corwen grabbed an equaliser soon after with a long range strike but straight from the resulting kick off Jamie Rogers was slipped through again and from the edge of the area he hammered an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net giving the Corwen keeper no chance. Rhos continued to press but couldn't find another goal before the break and went in 2-1 ahead at half time. Rhos began the second half playing some brilliant football and were carving Corwen open every time they went forward and the goals began to flood in. Ben Powell slotted away a penalty after some good Wing play by Phil Gridley. Jamie Rogers got himself a hat trick after Stuart Tunicliffe went on a charging run from defence and whipped in an inch perfect ball to which Jamie finished. Corwen then got themselves a penalty but the penalty was saved after Geoff out witted the striker with mind games and got down to make the save. Jamie Rogers then set up Shaun Barlow for a tap in at the far post and his first goal for the club. Some neat interplay and some clever footwork ended up with Phil Gridley hammering the ball past the keeper and putting Rhos well in command. Jamie Rogers powered through the middle of Corwens defence to get his fourth goal of the match and was soon subbed after, marking a superb performance from the striker. Corwen grabbed themselves a second goal but the game was already over. Eryl Roberts came off the bench to score a well placed finish, Ben Powell then scored his second penalty and nearly grabbed himself a hat trick when he thundered a strike off the crossbar which eventually dropped to an alert Eryl Roberts who headed the ball into the open net. Manager Gavin Garrigan was delighted with the second half display and Rhos more than deserved their win with the emphatic 10-2 victory. *Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer
28th Aug	Llangollen Town	WNLR	9-3	Rhos went into the game full of confidence having won their previous three games away from home and started the game brightly, creating several half-chances in the first few minutes. However, a lack of concentration at the back allowed the unmarked Llangollen striker to turn the ball in past Geoff in the Rhos goal after ten minutes. A few minutes later Rhos failed to close down the Llan back line from a quickly taken free kick which resulted in the ball being fired into the box striking Nathan Pugh on the arm resulting in a harsh penalty being rewarded, which was neatly converted. Despite going two nil down, Rhos didn't panic and soon settled into their passing game. Their patience paid off when some neat play on the right side released Khos to play a super ball into the box to enable Nefyn Davies to bundle the ball home. It only took a few minutes for Rhos to draw level with the home side after some good work by Khos who fired in a pinpoint cross for Nefyn to get his second of the game with a well placed header. From here, Rhos dominated the reminder of the half with goals from Khos and a well taken effort by Kev Fitzsimmons fired in at the near post. Rhos started the second half in the same fashion as they finished the first, and within minutes they were awarded a penalty after Jonathan Rush was bundled over in the box. The following protests resulted in a Llan player being sent off for dissent. The penalty was put away confidently by Khos. Rhos continued to dominate possession without creating any clear cut chances for long periods of play. However, after a corner was put in the Rhos box, Llan were awarded and inexplicable penalty on the hour mark which none of the Llan players even knew anything about , this was dispatched giving Geoff no chance. This seemed to spur Rhos on even more and Nathan Pugh flicked a super header on, in the middle for Khos to latch onto and fire the ball past the Llan keeper to make it six. It was one way traffic from there and Rhos were relentless in their onslaught of the Llan goal, with Jamie Rogers converting from close range, Rushie also opened his account after some good work by Jonno 'the Rock' Clarke when he latched onto his long ball to slot the ball past the advancing keeper. Khos finished the rout off when his speculative effort eluded everyone including the home keeper to go in at the back post. After a poor start and going behind against the run of play, Rhos showed their ability and produced some very entertaining football, and must continue this into their forthcoming fixtures. *Match Report composed by Gethin Williams
21st Aug	Hawarden Rangers	WNLR	3-1	The reserved were handed their third away game in a row to continue their fine form shown so far this season at Hawarden Rangers. The first half didn't bring many chances, with Hawardens youth and energy giving them the edge and control of the possesion early doors. Passes were being misplaced and Rhos couldn't quite find that spark of magic that they had in the previous games this season. After a stern talking too at half time Rhos came out with renewed hope and were unlucky to concede off a free kick that was smartly finished. The goal only seemed to spur Rhos on and they were rewarded with a penalty when Kevin Fitzsimmons weaved his way through the Hawarden Defence before being brought down. Neil Valentine stepped up confidently and calmly stroked the ball into the left hand side of the net leaving the opposing keeper flat footed. Rhos were beginning to push on and after some neat interplay the ball was slid across the 6 yard box by Robbie Smith and in came Kevin Fitzsommons to claim his second goal in two games and gave Rhos the lead. He wasn't finished there though, Kevin grabbed the third and final Rhos goal with a powerful header after getting up first and latching onto a Jamie Rogers corner. A very determined fightback and thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory for Rhos to keep up their winning streak this season. *Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer
18th Aug	Penycae	WNLR	3-2	The Reserves had a lot to live up to after a good win against Bala in their first game of the season, and faced Penycae in the first local derby of the season, which began in farcical circumstances with Penycae starting the match with only seven players on the pitch. It didn't take long before Rhos used there numerical advantage and put themselves in front, skipper Steven Rees was quickest to react to a well delivered corner and guided the ball into the net. When Penycae finally got eleven players onto the pitch the games tempo picked up, but it didn't stop Rhos from extending their lead. Steven Rees slid a measured pass through to Jamie Rogers who slotted the ball coolly past the oncoming keeper. Penycae had the chance to lower the deficit when they were granted a penalty, but a strong hand from keeper 'Squeak' guided the ball over the crossbar. The second half began with Penycae getting a goal back after a long ball over the top was latched onto and finished making it 2-1. The home side were then awarded their second penalty of the match when Nefyn Davies was dubbed to have handled the ball on the goal line and therefore was given his marching orders. The Rhos keeper couldn't perform heroics for a second time and Penycae were level with an extra man on the pitch. Losing a player only seemed to spurn Rhos on and in the dying minutes clever footwork by Michael Pugh set up a chance for Kevin Fitzsimmonds to fire the ball into the top corner of the Penycae net and send Rhos home with a valuable 3-2 victory. *Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer
13th Aug	Bala Town	WNLR	3-2	After a tough pre-season the Reserves were given the tough task of playing Bala Town away on a damp and cold Friday night. Spirits were high though, and when Eryl Roberts played in Michael Pugh after 5 minutes the striker gave the opposing keeper no chance as he slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner of the net. Bala had no plans to roll over though, and got themselves back into the game after a smart finish from their winger made it 1-1 shortly after. Rhos were dominating play and the pressure they were applying soon paid off as Michael Pugh netted a second after getting up off the ground after being brought down by the keeper to slot home a clever header that went in off the post. The second half began with Bala bringing the game to Rhos and they got themselves level once more when they broke down the wing and supplied a good cross to which their striker produced the finish. Rhos did not let the setback get their heads down and pushed forward themselves once more, Eryl Roberts weaved his way into the box before setting up Jamie Rogers on the back post for a tap-in that made it 3-2 . Bala had the final chance of the game in the shape of a free kick right before the final whistle, but Rhos' new Goalkeeper Gareth Parry showed great hands to stop a stinging drive that flew off the wet surface. That signalled full time and a very pleasing 3-2 win for Rhos. * Match Report composed by Nathan Spencer.