STRIKER Ian Dunn netted twice against his old club as Rhyl completed a magnificent seven straight wins and moved up to third in the Welsh Alliance. Having romped to a 7-0 success at Pant Newydd last month, the Lilywhites went into Saturday’s return full of confidence but found Halkyn a tougher proposition this time. If anything, Rhyl performed as if they only had to turn up to win, but as is often the case in football, they discovered a wounded animal can sometimes bite back. Simon Sedgwick’s men took a 12th minute lead when Phil Gray fed the ball from midfield to Dunn who neatly sidestepped advancing keeper Luke Roberts before firing in from 15 yards. United went close on 21 minutes when Andy Moran – not the Rhyl first team striker – tested John Gann with a 35-yarder. The hosts were unlucky not to earn a penalty when Mike Roose was brought down in the area, but Rhyl doubled their advantage after 37 minutes. Roose’s effort from a Dylan Owen cross was kept out by Roberts, but the ball came to Simon Holloway who netted with a precision right-foot curler. On 56 minutes it was 3-0 when a long punt by Gann cleared the Halkyn defence and Roose squared to Dunn who notched his fifth goal in two matches. Mitchell Booth’s free-kick was well saved by Roberts before Gann had a produce a decent stop to deny Joe Brizzell. Dunn could have completed his hat-trick when he headed over a Sam Shorrocks cross and the ex-Halkyn and Prestatyn front man was also thwarted by Roberts. Halkyn’s closest call came on 78 minutes when Mike Wilson’s effort was cleared off the line by Holloway. Rhyl’s Sam Brewerton had two great opportunities late on. First, he was clean through but Roberts was able to save, then he had another attempt blocked on the line. With leaders Denbigh Town in Welsh Cup action on Saturday, Rhyl Reserves have their eye on top spot. They were due to host Conwy United last night (Tuesday) and then visit Llandudno Junction this Saturday. | 
