MELIDEN 2
DENBIGH TOWN 1
A DIFFERENCE of two divisions didn’t prove too much of a handicap in the Welsh Trophy.
Welsh Alliance Division One outfit Denbigh Town succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at a determined Meliden in the first round of the national competition, writes Peter Glynn at Dawson Drive.
To be fair it was nothing more than the Clwyd League Premier Division club deserved - certainly on chances created and goals from open play.
Town had an early doors opportunity on six minutes.
Darren Cassidy was fed through by Jon Slater but the shot inched past the right post.
The same man next linked up with Anthony Marshall and the full back delivered a cross shot that fizzed across goal, just begging for a final touch.
At the other end Meliden were creating from the flanks.
A great ball in from the right was pounced on by James Gurney and Ianto Davies had to tip the effort round a post.
Another was poked wide on 25 minutes and then a moment later Meliden found themselves ahead.
Another fine cross was met at the far post by Gurney and the striker nodded home in glee.
Denbigh bounced back well and an excellent build-up involving man of the match Osian Jones released Craig Wilkinson in the box.
A wayward leg was offered and the little man fell over it, with Huw Price stroking home the spot kick to draw Town level.
Second-stanza action was unimaginative on a tough playing surface.
Outstanding goalkeeping from Shaun Williams twice kept his side in it, while in the Denbigh nets Ianto Davies was at his best to turn over a stinging shot that had goal written all over it.
With time running out big Gaz Walsh was thrown into the mix by a confident looking home side.
He did well to control a difficult ball, bullied his way past the last man and fired through Davies to earn Meliden a great result over Welsh Alliance opposition.