Superb result leaves hopes of top 3 finish

LLANRUG United visit Mynydd Llandegai tonight, aiming to further boost their hopes of a top-three finish in Welsh Alliance Division One.

Mark Jat’s side did their chances no harm at all with a superb 3-1 win at home to Llandudno Albion last Saturday.

United achieved the impressive result despite being reduced to 10 men.

Early on, home keeper Dylan Roberts was shown a yellow card for bringing down Conor Davies outside the box.

Allan Davies was unlucky to see his free kick rattle the crossbar and Llanrug cleared.

A few minutes later, play was some considerable distance from the home goalkeeper but the linesman flagged the referee over and Roberts was shown a second yellow for apparently handling outside the box.

Aaron Hughes went between the sticks and Llanrug changed into a 4-4-1 formation.

Undeterred by their misfortune, the hosts took a 27th minute lead when Joni Sadler’s driven corner was prodded in by Llion Jones.

Llanrug doubled their total soon after with a well-worked goal.

Dylan Owen played in James Phillips and the right back produced a pinpoint cross which Marvin Pritchard headed home from the edge of the box.

And United were to add a magnificent third before the interval. Llion Jones was brought down and, from at least 35 yards, Owen’s stunning free kick went in off the bar.

Llanrug started the second half well and showed a lot of defensive discipline to keep out the visitors.

Luke Phillips could have made it four in the 60th minute but his shot went wide.

The visitors got one back soon after, Conor Davies with a cracker from 25 yards beating Hughes in goal.

Llandudno took the game to the hosts and tried their best to find the second but stand-in keeper Hughes played well, with a great defensive effort keeping the visitors at bay.

United nearly added another towards the end when Gavin Jones fired against the post.

Llanrug’s potential late title charge went off the rails last Thursday after a 1-1 home draw with Llanberis. Cal McDonald edged the Darans in front before Dylan Owen levelled.