Football: Buckley miss chance to throw title race wide open with late lapse against Rhyl

A LATE lapse in concentration from Buckley Town saw them throw away a great opportunity throw the title race wide open as two late goals handed Rhyl a 2-1 victory.

A win on Monday would have thrown Gareth Thomas’ Bucks into the heart of the Huws Gray Alliance title picture and they did everything right when, in the 18th minute at Belle Vue, Matty Hughes provided the cross and Andy Moran applied the finish to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead.

Phil Palethorpe had little to do between the sticks for Buckley in the first half despite Rhyl dominating possession and the visitors looked in good shape.

After the break Anthony Williams had a shot cleared off the line but Rhyl continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession.

But as the clock ticked down Buckley never looked like being breached until, 10 minutes from time, they failed to clear a corner, allowing Ryan Williams to equalise.

It set up a nailbiting final few minutes and two minutes before time Russell Courtney struck Rhyl’s second to cruelly deny Buckley the reward they fought so hard for.

Thomas was disappointed with the result: “We went there and knew we'd have to perform for 90 minutes but we switched off late in game and paid the price.

“In the second half we didn't use the ball well at all and kept giving possession away. You can’t defend for 90 minutes and expect to get a result.”

GAP CONNAH’S QUAY could return to the summit of the table for at least a week tomorrow night as they entertain mid-table Llandudno Town. Rhyl do not play this weekend giving Nomads the opportunity to put themselves back on top.

On Saturday FLINT TOWN UNITED will attempt to get back in touch with the promotion race as Paul Davis’ eighth-placed team has slipped down the table of late.

They go to Caersws, who have established themselves in the top six recently.

Buckley Town will also get another opportunity to close the gap between the top two and the chasing pack as they host lowly Penycae.

Buckley are looking for a new vice chairman following the departure of Matt Torgersen.

Torgersen was forced to step down due to work commitments and the club is actively looking for a replacement.

Anyone interested can contact chairman@buckleytownfc.com for more details.

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