CPD y Rhyl 1879 champions of Ardal NW league
Manager Paul Moore made a couple of changes to the starting eleven with Callum Proctor coming in for Jonny Bravo and Lewis Hodson coming in for Jason Foulkes.
On the bench was Archie Jones after recovering from the ankle injury he sustained against Menai Bridge back in February.
A crowd of 649 applauded the league champions on to the pitch supported by a Llannefydd and Lilywhites boys guard of honour.
The CPD y Rhyl website reported the match:
"The game was started by referee Graham Hannah and within six minutes the home team had an excellent chance to take the lead when Chris Bennett who was playing in the front three had a shot saved by the excellent Llannefydd keeper Dylan Jones.
"Despite this and some early probing attacks namely by Lilywhites top goal scorer Dylan Proctor there wasn't much between the two teams. As time passed it was the away side, playing in their traditional all red kit who started playing themselves back in to the game with a combination of physicality and slick pass and moving play. Llannefydd will be more disappointed of the two teams as the first half ended as they were on top and should've been ahead after some great saves by Rhyl number one, the reliable Adam Reid (0-0).
"The second half was a much more one-sided affair when on 53 minutes as Llannedydd number eleven (Lewys Turner) was shown a straight red after a two footed challenge on Rhyl midfielder Sam Reynolds.
"This changed the game and the home team's pressure kept the team in red camped in their own half only offering the odd counter attack to try and relieve the pressure. Several lilywhites' changes were made on 60 minutes as manager Moore tried to make the deadlock, Jonny Bravo, James Hay and Jamie McDaid all came on for Calum Proctor, Chris Bennett and Lewis Hodson.
"The Lilywhites continued to pile on the pressure and wasn't until the final couple of minutes of the game that they got broke the deadlock when left back and impressive Billy Holmes delivered one of his quality cross from the left to find the diving Paul Flemming glance the ball seeing it sail into the top right-hand corner of the goal (1-0).
"The whole stadium erupted supported by the Rhyl faithful who through home and away have been vocal with their incredible support. Then the final changes were made by Moore as Raqib Khalid came on in goal for his debut replacing the outstanding Reid and Archie Jones came on for hard working Flemming for the last couple of minutes.
"Referee Hannah blew is whistle and brought to an end an incredible season that sees CPD Y Rhyl 1879 promoted to the Cymru North, tier 2 of Welsh football for the first time. It's been an incredible start for manager Paul Moore and assistant Ronnie Green which saw them come in towards the start of November and winning 19 of their 22 games in charge supported by Physio Matt Lewis and coaches James Hay and Mike Goldman. We also must mention the former management team who also played a key part in this season's success, manager Gareth Thomas, Assistant Andy Wilmott and coaches Steve Jones and Ryan Turner – all of them a real credit to what they have achieved in the years previous."
The league trophy was presented by Chas Rowlands and Simon Newport from the FAW and the celebrations began which ran into the early hours.
Look out for our future pre-season schedule across our social channels soon as we begin our plans for the 2025/26 season.
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