Mitsubishi Premier
Fri.13th December 2002
Rhyl v
LLANSANTFFRAID-TNS
Kick-Off: 7:30pm

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Saturday's Match Off
Due to the sudden death of Port Talbot Vice-Chairman Gerald McCreesh, the match at Belle Vue on Saturday has been postponed. Mr McCreesh's funeral will be held on Saturday morning. Rhyl FC send its condolences to his family.

Result: Cefn Druids 0 Rhyl 2 (Mitsubishi Welsh Premier)
DESPITE seeing his side lay their bogy at Plas Kynaston Lane, hard to please Rhyl boss John Hulse was still not happy with the performance in last Friday´s J.T.Hughes Mitsubishi Welsh Premier League match.

The Lilywhites had lost on their previous three visits to Druids´ ground, 4-0, 2-1 and 2-0, but the current team is proving much harder to beat and there was never any danger of the sequence continuing. "We didn´t play particularly well but although I was disappointed with that aspect, at least we won there for the first time", said Hulse. "We had four players missing - Dave Williams, Michael Jackson, Steve Walters and Nicky Brookman but 17 years old Mark Billingsley came into goal and looked very confident despite not having much to do and we had two other teenagers John Hughes and Stuart White on the bench".
Midfielder Martyn Chalk, who went off in the first half with a knee injury, is having treatment at his former club Wrexham and will hope to be fit for Saturday´s crucial clash with Port Talbot Town at Belle Vue.
The Ancients were dealt an early body blow when their goalkeeper Dave Blower was sent off after only eight minutes. Andy Moran raced into the box and was clearly pulled down by the keeper who could have no complaints about the red card shown by referee Kevin Jones of Anglesey.
Midfielder Dave Cunnah took over between the sticks but his first task was to pick the ball out of the net after Moran beat him from the penalty spot. It was just the start Rhyl wanted and although the home team toiled hard they could not find a way through the visitors´ defence while young Billingsley´s handling was impeccable.
Joe Desormeaux missed a couple of opportunities for Druids but Rhyl also went close to extending their lead as Chris McGinn fired a free-kick narrowly wide of the post. Steve Futcher came on for the injured Chalk in the 34th minute and the Lilywhites began to make the extra man count as the first half wore on.
Cunnah pulled off several fine saves but he had rely on Aled Rowlands to clear Moran´s lob off the line five minutes before the break. Billingsley was called upon to parry a free-kick from Craig Wilkinson after the interval but generally the action was at the other end where Karl Robinson and Stuart Graves went close.
The killer second goal came after 52 minutes when Gareth Wilson crossed for Moran to volley home his 14th goal in 14 matches and seal Rhyl´s fourth success in five away fixtures.
Rhyl:- Billingsley; M.Powell, Brewerton, Robinson, Edwards, Graves, Chalk ( Futcher 34), Wilson, G.Powell, McGinn, Moran (Hughes 90). Sub: White.

(report courtesy of the Rhyl Journal)

Cup News
Rhyl's Reserves made progress in the Cookson Cup on Saturday with a great 3-2 win at Conwy United. Stewart White did the damage with a hat-trick.

Rhyl have been drawn to play Aberystwyth Town home and away in the League Cup competition. Dates have not been finalised yet but it seems likely that they will fall in midweek.

Afan Lido's victory over Cwmbran Town means it will be them who join Rhyl in the hat for the Quarter Final stage. Should they beat Caersws in their last game it will also mean that they finish top of the group.

This is the table for Group A with one game left to play;

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Rhyl	6	3	2	1	13	8	11
Afan Lido	5	3	0	2	8	8	9
Cwmbran Town	6	2	0	4	9	12	6
Caersws	5	1	2	2	7	9	5

This is how the Group B table looks at present;

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Llansantffraid-TNS	6	4	1	1	16	3	13
Newport County	5	1	3	1	4	6	6
Bangor City	4	1	2	1	4	8	5
Connah's Quay Nomads	5	0	2	3	4	11	2

Friday night at PlasKynaston
Rhyl will make the relatively short trip to Cefn Mawr on Friday, hoping to erase the memory of two league defeats against the 'Ancients' last season. Steve Walters could be in line for a return if he passed a fitness test.

Resurgent Llanelli thwart Rhyl!
Result: Rhyl 1 Llanelli 1 (Mitsubishi Welsh Premier)
A formula of uncompromising aggression and hard work earned Llanelli a point at Belle Vue and left the Lilywhites ruing missed chances once again.
Missing Michael Jackson through a family bereavement and the creativity of Steve Walters, Rhyl never really recreated the type of football that has impressed this season and lacked the penetration to break down the tough Llanelli rearguard.
Rhyl survived an early scare when a clearance from keeper Dave Williams cannoned off the back of James Brewerton for Carl Mainwaring to set up Paul Hughes but Williams made amends with a brave save at the striker´s feet.
Nicky Palmer was causing problems down the right for Rhyl´s defence with his power and crosses but the next chance fell to Rhyl following a good four man move found Andy Moran on the right. He wriggled through a couple of challenges on the bye line before squeezing in a shot from an almost impossible angle which hit the near post before spinning across the face of goal to safety.
Llanelli took the lead on 29 minutes when a move down the right set up Geoff McLean who fired home a low shot from 20 yards.
Rhyl came more into the game after the setback and Gary Powell set up namesake Mark but his header was tipped over by Llanelli keeper Alex Davies.
Tim Edwards then had a header cleared off the line by McLean as Rhyl finished the half the stronger.
It took just seconds after the start of the second half for Rhyl to level after Chris McGinn was held back in the penalty area and Moran stepped up to fire home the resulting penalty kick to set up a storming second period.
Rhyl piled forward in search of the winner and some crude Llanelli defending, helped by inept performances by the referee and his assistant frustrated Rhyl´s efforts.
Moran was just wide with a shot before Martyn Chalk had a fierce volley blocked by Adam Bishop.
Rhyl ran out of steam as the game came to an end but a meagre return of five goals in five home league games points to the reason why. (courtesy of the Rhyl Journal).

Rhyl: Williams, M Powell, Brewerton, Brookman (Graves 39), Edwards, Futcher, Chalk, Wilson (booked 30), G Powell, McGinn (booked 60,Robinson 80), Moran (booked 58). Sub not used: Billingsley.

Top spot in doubt but qualification assured!
Result: Rhyl 1 Caersws 1 (FAW Premier Cup)
Rhyl dominated the early exchanges with Caersws, and it was no surprise when Gary Powell put them ahead in the 24th minute sliding home a cross from six yards. They should have added before the break as Caersws struggled to even pass to each other.
The second half was different as the visitors missed chances themselves before Graham Jones was upended in the box with just two minutes left. Graham Evans did the needful with the spot kick, but it was not enough, and Rhyl held out for a decisive point. Caersws can still join Rhyl in the quarter finals, but must rely on Afan Lido failing to pick up points against Cwmbran, and Caersws beating them by a healthy margin. 

Rhyl: Dave Williams, Mark Powell, James Brewerton, Michael Jackson, Tim Edwards (capt.), Steve Futcher, Martyn Chalk, Gareth Wilson, Gary Powell (Andy Moran), Karl Robinson (Chris McGinn), Nicky Brookman.

Trip to Cardiff is the reward!
Result: Rhyl 2 Penrhyncoch 1 (Welsh Cup - Round Three)
Rhyl went through more comfortably than the score indicates, with two first-half Andy Moran goals doing the trick. Penrhyncoch pulled one back straight after the restart but could have fallen even further behind when Moran fluffed a penalty late on which could have earned him a hat-trick.

Rhyl now face a trip to UWIC of Cardiff in the Fourth Round, the tie will be played next February. 

Unbeaten run comes to an end!
Report: Cwmbran Town 3 Rhyl 2 (FAW Premier Cup)
With Rhyl losing for the first time in Group A, Cwmbran Town just about kept alive their chances of qualifying for the quarter finals stages of the competition, with a 3-2 win in difficult conditions at the Cwmbran Stadium.
The pitch played very well despite the torrential rain, and the home team lead at the interval by the odd goal of three. Michael Pattimore gave them the lead from the penalty spot after 34 mins and Jodie Jenkins increased the lead just 3 mins later with a chip over the advancing Rhyl 'keeper, before Martyn Chalk responded from a free kick with a fine swerving effort, all in the space of five hectic minutes. There was some doubt as to whether Martyn Ellacott was deceived by the flight but Chalk's effort was a good one.
The second half was end to end with both teams having chances but in the last minute, first Sean Mainwaring scored to seemingly make the game safe for the home team, but straight from the kick off Stewart White reduced the arrears for the visitors.

Rhyl: Mark Billingsley, Nicky Brookman, James Brewerton, Michael Jackson, Timmy Edwards, Steve Futcher, Martyn Chalk, Gareth Wilson, Gary Powell, Karl Robinson (Chris McGinn (80 mins), Andy Moran (S White 80mins).

GROUP 'A' Table

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Rhyl	5	3	1	1	12	7	10
Afan Lido	4	2	0	2	7	8	6
Cwmbran Town	5	2	0	3	9	11	6
Caersws	4	1	1	2	6	8	4

At last - league victory at Latham Park!
Report: Newtown 0 Rhyl 2 (Mitsubishi Premier)
There was to be no repeat of last season's let-off this time around, as dominant Rhyl deservedly broke their league duck at Latham Park with a two goal success. After some early pressure from Newtown which was dealt with well by Dave Williams, it was left for Rhyl to grasp the initiative and dominate matters with their intricate play. Steve Futcher registered the opening goal from close range after a free kick, and James Brewerton added a second half effort to secure the win.

Rhyl: Williams, M.Powell, Brewerton, Brookman, Edwards, Futcher, Chalk, Wilson, G.Powell, McGinn (Robinson 72'), Moran (White 58'). Sub not used: Billingsley.

Attendance:295

Black'n'white Dynamite!!
Report: Afan Lido 1 Rhyl 3 (FAW Premier Cup)
Rhyl's second half display left hosts Afan Lido stunned,  putting Rhyl's foot firmly in the door of the quarter finals and a home tie with Cardiff, Wrexham, Swansea or Barry Town. Rhyl started at speed, and took an early lead through Chris McGinn, who calmly slotted the ball into the right corner when through on Brian Thomas. Clear-cut chances were few and far between afterwards, although Rhyl did force a number of corners and free kicks around the box. Afan Lido's equaliser came from a Sean O'Leary corner, and despite the attempts of the back line to clear the ball, the linesman ruled that the whole ball had crossed the line.

Rhyl grasped the initiative after the break, ripping apart the home defence time after time. Good work from Mark Powell, who played pinball with two Lido defenders before eventually putting in a peach of a cross into the path of McGinn, only to see a lame attempt at goal and the danger cleared. Within minutes another right-sided attack saw centre-back Edwards left with an open goal to toe-poke home, but his effort went agonisingly wide of the post. Then came the goal, and what a beautiful build-up it was! Rhyl's superb link play found McGinn on the left, and he cut inside, laying off a lovely ball to Gary Powell who rolled it forward for Moran to execute with the sweetest of touches. Classic football which had Lido on the back-foot and delighted the sizeable number who travelled from the Coast. Rhyl continued to press, and had their just rewards when Chalk, who had evaded one clumsy challenge, was floored on the inside edge of the box for a penalty. Andy Moran coolly slotted past Thomas to make 3-1. Rhyl kept attacking, and came close to adding another when Michael Jackson header came close to snapping the crossbar. Lido, as they did at Belle Vue rallied in the closing stages, but this was Rhyl's night and there was no further scoring.

Rhyl: David Williams, Mark Powell, James Brewerton, Michael Jackson, Timmy Edwards (capt.), Stuart Graves, Martyn Chalk, Nicky Brookman, Gary Powell, Chris McGinn, Andy Moran

FAW Premier Cup Group A Table

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Rhyl	4	3	1	0	10	4	10
Caersws	3	1	1	1	4	5	4
Afan Lido	3	1	0	2	4	6	3
Cwmbran	4	1	0	3	6	9	3

Double hat-trick seals cup success
Result: Rhyl Reserves 6 Penmaenmawr 0 (Barritt Cup)!
A rare brace of hat-tricks from Stewart White and Steve Bowen saw Rhyl Reserves progress in the Barritt Cup. Two late penalties allowed both players to accomplish the feat.

Second half showing bags the points!
Report: Caernarfon 0 Rhyl 2 (Mitsubishi Premier)
Rhyl stepped up a gear after a goalless first half, and could have romped home if all the chances had been taken afterwards. A Gary Powell header cleared off the line was the only excitement before the break, but Martyn Chalk livened up the proceedings in the second with a delightful effort from outside the box to give Rhyl the lead. Chris McGinn was in the right place to fire home Rhyl's second after Timmy Edwards had flicked on a free kick.

Rhyl:Williams, M.Powell, Brewerton, Jackson, Edwards, Graves (White 84'), Chalk (Brookman 90'), Wilson, G.Powell, McGinn (Futcher 87'), Moran.

Attendance: 229

Rhyl give Barry a fright!
Report: Rhyl 0 Barry Town 1 (Mitsubishi Premier)

RHYL lost their 14 match unbeaten run - but gave the Welsh Premier champions Barry a fright or two along the way. The softest of goals separated the two sides and there must have been red faces in the home dressing room after the gaffe that presented the vital points.Three minutes before half time Gary Lloyd swung in a routine cross that normally would have been dealt with by the impressive Rhyl defence but they all stood like statues allowing Lawrence Davies to flick the ball over the head of keeper Dave Williams into the net.

It was rough justice on Rhyl who had matched the full-timers of Barry up until then but the signs had been there as Rhyl defended deeper and deeper as the first half wore on. Barry could have taken the lead as early as the first minute when James Brewerton made a hash of a clearance and, somehow, Richard Kennedy shot wide from six yards. Michael Jackson was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the line by Barry´s Jamie Jenkins on six minutes but Rhyl´s best chance fell to Andy Moran after 10 minutes when he blazed high over the bar after neat footwork engineered an opening.
Stuart Graves saw his volley saved by Barry keeper Andrew Granger before Tim Edwards hooked in a shot that flew straight at the keeper.
Mark Powell laid on a chance for Martyn Chalk but he too fired straight at Granger from 20 yards.
Barry then took the initiative and Dave Williams pulled off a smart save from Jon French before the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside when Jamie Moralee was adjudged to have strayed ahead of the Rhyl defence before heading home.
Then came the goal that decided the game and try as hard as they could Rhyl couldn´t find the important touch after the break.
In the second half it was Rhyl who did virtually all the attacking with substitute Steve Futcher firing in a 25 yard rocket that brought a tremendous save out of Granger.
The Barry keeper then pulled off another matchsaving stop to deny Jackson as he drove the ball through a ruck of players.
It was all Rhyl at this stage and Gary Powell had his celebrations cut short when he was mysteriously penalised for a foul on Granger as he headed home a Chalk cross on 74 minutes.
Chalk had a chance to square things in the dying seconds but somehow missed the target from six yards.
All in all a disappointing end to a thrilling game but Rhyl have signalled to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
Rhyl: Williams,M Powell, Brewerton (Brookman 10), Jackson, Edwards, Graves (Futcher 55). Chalk (booked 82), Wilson, G Powell, McGinn, Moran. Sub not used: White.

Reserves bag late equaliser
Result: Rhydymwyn 1 Rhyl Res 1 (Ty'n Lon Welsh Alliance)
A Dave Hays goal, nine minutes from time secured a deserved draw for the Reserves at Rhydymwyn. The Reserves are in action at Belle Vue next weekend, facing Penmaenmawr in the first round of the Barritt Cup. The game will kick-off at the earlier time of 1:45pm to allow for extra time and penalties.

Ty' Lon Volvo Welsh Alliance Table at 26th October

Injury crisis looms ahead of big clash!
Rhyl are struggling for numbers ahead of Saturday's home game with Barry Town. With Steve Walters out of contention after picking up an injury at Oswestry, and Gareth Wilson and now Stuart Graves joining him, it will be down to the bare bones for John Hulse's tilt at the league champions. Rhyl recorded a memorable 3-1 home win against the full timers last season.

Fair Play Day Mascots

Rhyl were pleased to participate in the FIFA fair play day for the match between Rhyl and Haverfordwest.  Here are the local children who were Rhyl's "Fair Play" mascots for the day.

Moran double seals Premier points!
Result: Rhyl 2 Afan Lido 1 (FAW Premier Cup)
Rhyl are sitting proudly on top of group A, having kept their unbeaten record in the BBC sponsored competition intact with this valuable victory over a resilient Lido side. It came at a cost however, with an already weakened Rhyl team seeing Stuart Graves leave the field of play at half time with a serious looking injury. Rhyl's goals were both scored by Andy Moran in the first half. The opener, on eight minutes came when Lido failed to clear Nicky Brookman's effort on goal, and the second, on the half-hour mark when Moran turned to convert Stuart Graves' cross. Lido rarely troubled Rhyl until a few minutes before the end when Paul Evans pulled one back with a free header from a corner. Lido piled forward in the hope of clawing an equaliser but Rhyl held on for a fully deserved victory.

RHYL: Dave Williams, Mark Powell, James Brewerton, Michael Jackson, Tim Edwards, Stuart Graves (Steve Futcher 45"), Martyn Chalk, Andy Moran, Gary Powell, Chris McGinn, Nicky Brookman.

Cross Border Raiders!
Result: Oswestry Town 2 Rhyl 3 (Mitsubishi Premier)
Rhyl were made to work very hard by an O's team struggling at the foot of the table, but did enough to take all three points thanks to a late Andy Moran effort. Rhyl opened strongly, and went two goals up on 9" and 12" through Gary Powell. Oswestry came back into the game, pulling a goal back through Rogers, who fired home from 30 yards after latching on to Dave Williams' goal kick.

Rhyl dominated proceedings after the break, but had to re-organise when an injury on 53" led to midfield powerhouse Steve Walters being substituted by Andy Moran. Worse was to come for Rhyl when Michael Jackson was sent-off for a second bookable offence shortly afterwards. Oswestry took full advantage with Rogers bagging the equaliser on 69 mins. Rhyl never gave up however, and with ten minutes on the clock, Andy Moran was in the right place at the right time to knock home the winning goal.

Rhyl: Williams, M.Powell, Brewerton, Jackson, Edwards, Graves, Chalk, Wilson (Brookman 56'), G.Powell, McGinn, Walters (Moran 53'). Sub not used: White

Unbeaten run comes to an end!
Result: Rhyl Reserves 2 Bethesda 3 (Ty'n Lon Volvo Alliance)
Second-half goals from Dean Jones and Steve Bowen were not enough for Rhyl to rescue this game against Championship chasers Bethesda. Ritchie Owens bagged a hat-trick for 'pesda in an enthralling match. The Reserves travel to Rhydymwyn this weekend.

Deadlock at the 'Rec'
Result: Caersws 1 Rhyl 1 (Premier Cup)
The opening opportunity fell to the home team when Sean Jehu sent a 25-yard free kick narrowly over the cross bar. Rhyl replied within 2 minutes when the home keeper, Andy Mulliner, saved a low 15-yard shot from Gary Powell. The Bluebirds' Jamie Davies had a 20-yard effort go wide and this was followed by Gareth Wilson effort from the same distance for the Lilywhites, but this was superbly pushed over by Mulliner, who had an excellent game in the Bluebirds goal. From the resulting left wing corner Rhyl defender Timmy Edwards saw his header go just over the bar. The opening goal came after 34 minutes when Chris McGinn converted a cross from the right for Rhyl. The Bluebirds response came within a minute, Graham Evans breaking from the midfield after receiving the ball from Andy Marfell, and after a fine run put the ball in the back of the net from the corner of the box to level the score. On 37 minutes Andy Mulliner pulled off another excellent save to deny Rhyl's Mark Powell. Five minutes from the interval Rhyl keeper David Williams saved a 20-yard shot by Graham Evans, and then denied Evans again with another good save in the penultimate minute of the half. In the second half Rhyl, who were on a high after defeating Cwmbran 4-1 in their previous cup game, had the better of the play but were let down by the quality of their finishing. Andy Mulliner once again came to the rescue of the home team, saving a Jamie Brewerton close range shot on 52 minutes, and then denying Steve Walters 2 minutes later, pushing his shot away for a corner. Rhyl's Michael Jackson had a shot go wide on the hour, with the Blues responding within a minute, Graham Evans setting up Andy Davies, whose goal bound shot was blocked by defender Timmy Edwards at the expense of a corner. Steve Walters then shot wide for the visitors from 20 yards and 2 minutes from the final whistle the home team played the ball along the floor, which resulted in a typical Andy Davies mazey run that finished with his shot being blocked by a Rhyl defender.
(Report courtesy of John Baker)

Rhyl too 'hot' for Holyhead!
Result: Rhyl 5 Holyhead Hotspur 0 (Welsh Cup Round Two)
THERE was no hint of a Welsh Cup upset at Belle Vue as Rhyl carved out enough chances to have reached double figures in this second round tie.
The Harbourmen had pulled off a shock 2-1 home when the clubs met in the North Wales Challenge Cup two seasons ago but the Lilywhites stamped their class on the game from the kick-off. Gareth Wilson, who had a storming match in midfield, fired the opening salvo from 20 yards in the sixth minute but the ball flashed narrowly wide and four minutes later Andy Moran hooked over the bar from Steve Walters´ cross.
Holyhead keeper Michael Innes made the first of several fine saves in the 14th minute as he palmed Stuart Graves´ shot away and two minutes later Michael Jackson headed wide. Moran was denied by Innes and then Wilson directed a header past the post when it seemed easier to score, but the intense pressure paid off in the 25th minute.
Walters fired a 25 yard free-kick against the post and Jackson was virtually on the goal-line to turn the rebound into the net for his third goal of the season. Four minutes later Wilson fed Moran in the area and he pulled the ball back from the by-line to Graves who steered it home from six yards.
Moran got in on the scoring act in the 36th minute when he coolly sidefooted the ball inside the post from Gary Powell´s squared pass after the substitute had robbed Martin Bohana in the box.
It was now only a matter of how many more goals Rhyl would net and they should really have doubled their tally before the break. Walters was put clear by Wilson but Innes blocked his drive, Mark Powell´s effort struck the keeper´s legs, skipper Timmy Edwards´ header was tipped over by Innes, Gary Powell headed over from Moran´s cross, and Powell again chipped wide.
There was no respite for the Cymru Alliance side after the interval as Rhyl maintained their relentless surge forward. Moran saw his volley brilliantly parried by Innes but the keeper was relieved when a similar effort by the industrious Graves struck a post.
The inevitable fourth goal came on the hour when Graves powered his way into the box to cross for Gary Powell who headed into an empty net with Innes stranded. James Brewerton nearly got his name on the scoresheet with a header that was cleared off the line and a fierce drive from Walters was superbly tipped away by the busy keeper.
Holyhead´s one and only attempt on goal came in the 65th minute when a long range shot from Jason Joyce was easily held by Dave Williams who could have joined the fans behind his goal for all the action he saw.
Moran wrapped it up in the 68th minute, hammering in a rebound after Graves´ shot was blocked, to take his tally to four in three games, and in the closing stages substitute Stuart White volleyed over the bar and another Graves shot was palmed to safety by the outstanding Innes.
Rhyl will be looking for three points at bottom of the table Oswestry Town on Saturday to maintain their climb up the J.T. Hughes Mitsubishi Welsh Premier League.
Rhyl:- Williams; M.Powell (Brookman 56), Brewerton, Jackson, Edwards, Graves, Chalk, Wilson, Moran, McGinn (G.Powell 30), Walters (White 70).
(Report courtesy of the Rhyl Journal)

Fuller's last minute goal gains a point!
Result: Bodedarn 1 Rhyl 1 (Ty'n Lon Alliance)
Neither side can have any complaints about the scoreline, even though 'Bod' will feel aggrieved at the manner in which they succumbed to a last minute goal from Dave Fuller to forfeit two points. Rhyl just about shaded the first half, which sparked into life when some neat trickery down the left wing lead to a cross and an effort from Gethin Williams which cannoned off the crossbar. Rhyl struck back within minutes, with Denver Lindsay seeing his header cleared off the line by a Bodedarn defender. Gareth Davies and Peter Evans then saw their efforts at goal blocked and eventually cleared shortly before the break. Another 30-yard Rhyl effort skimmed the post, letting the homesters off the hook.

Bodedarn had more possession in the second half, even though Rhyl looked dangerous on the counter. It was a rather soft goal in the end that gave Bod the lead. Gethin Williams was left with acres of space in the penalty box and he was able to place the ball firmly to the left of goalkeeper Billingsley and into the net. Rhyl persevered, and gained a fully deserved equaliser right at the death. A corner from the right met the head of Dave Fuller and the home defence watched in disbelief as the ball landed into the back of the net. Another good performance from Robbie Evans' charges, and one which sees their impressive run of   "away form" continue.

Red hot Rhyl hit form!
Report: Rhyl 4 Cwmbran Town 1 (FAW Premier Cup)
Rhyl showed they were coming of age with this scintillating display against a strong Cwmbran Town team. With  Martyn Chalk and Steve Walters dominating the midfield, it took Rhyl until the half-hour mark to finally get their breakthrough. Mainwaring  pulled back Mark Powell in the box, and Andy Moran netted from the resulting spot-kick. Rhyl were on fire, and added another two goals in quick succession. Chris McGinn bagged the first after beating three defenders to fire home, then Chalk capped a fine performance by turning in Stuart Graves' through ball.

Cwmbran pulled a goal back after the break with a stunning Pattimore 30-yard free kick, but on-song Rhyl had the final say when centre-back Jackson netted goal number four after his initial effort rebounded off the bar. Rhyl are now top of the group on goal difference, but face a tough trip to Caersws in the next group match next Tuesday.

RHYL: Dave Williams, Mark Powell, James Brewerton, Michael Jackson, Tim Edwards, Stuart Graves, Martyn Chalk, Gareth Wilson, Andy Moran, Chris McGinn, Steve Walters:

Reserves make it three away wins on the bounce!
Conwy United 0 Rhyl Reserves 1 (Welsh Alliance)
A Karl Evans goal on 82 mins secured Rhyl Reserves' third consecutive awayday victory yesterday. Rhyl have now moved up to seventh in the table. They face a tough task on Saturday when they travel to unbeaten league leaders Bodedarn.

League Table @ 7/10/02

Last minute agony!
Rhyl 2 Afan Lido 2 (Mitsubishi Welsh Premier)
This game sparked into life on 35 minutes when Afan Lido took an unexpected lead against the run of play. Kevin Bartley knocking home from inside the six yard box after good work from Chris Pridham. Rhyl soon hit back, with Andy Moran making the most of a ball from Chalk to level matters. Rhyl dominated the midfield after the break, creating chance after chance for Wilson, Walters, Edwards, Chalk and Michael Jackson. Moran somehow contrived to miss goal from six yards but all this pressure eventually paid dividends when Chris McGinn latched on to a long free-kick from Mark Powell to fire home on 74 mins. Lido stepped up a gear after this, and equalised within two minutes through Pearson.. Rhyl made a last concerted effort to regain the game at the death, but had to watch in agony as a Timmy Edwards header cannoned off the crossbar after seemingly heading for goal.

Rhyl: Williams, M.Powell, Brewerton, Jackson, Edwards, Graves, Chalk, Wilson, Moran, McGinn, Walters.

Attendance: 301Rhyl

Cup draws

Cookson Cup Round Two
Conwy United v Rhyl Reserves
To be played Saturday 16th November

Barritt Cup Round 1
Rhyl Reserves v Penmaenmawr Pheonix
To be played Saturday 2nd November