Friendly Round-Up

Wed Aug 1st: Rhyl 3 Stockport County 5
A brilliant first half performance saw Rhyl 3-1 up at the interval, but a collapse in the second half saw the Nationwide League visitors gain victory. Gareth Wilson put Rhyl ahead on 25 mins, only for Neil Ross to equalise somewhat against the run of play four minutes later. Mattew Cross then scored a quick brace on 40 and 43 mins. The first came from a sweeping three-man move and a second from some persistance after an initial shot had struck  the bar.

Stockport took control after the break, pulling a goal back after only 49 mins through Ian Lawson, then equalising through Ross and gaining a two goal final advantage thanks to efforts from Neil Hardy and John Daley.

Rhyl: Lee Williams, D Parry (McMahon), M Cross (Sharratt), M Jackson, R Williams, G Wilson, Andy Jones (A Sheen), Paul Simpson, Allan Jones, John Durnin, Dave O'Gorman (Mike Jones).

Fri Aug 3rd: Rhyl 1 Preston North End 4
Rhyl were no match for impressive Preston,  falling behind to an early goal after four minutes and never really troubling their opponents until Danny Barton notched a late consolation after 83 minutes. Preston took a 4-0 half-time lead thanks to efforts from Mark Wright , Brian Murphy (2) and an own goal after some further good work by Murphy. Preston eased off after the break but it was still a useful workout for Rhyl.

Rhyl: L Williams, Mike Jones (Sharratt), M Cross, M Jackson, M Simpson (A Sheen), Steve Evans (D Parry), Andy Jones (John Stannard), G Wilson, D O'Gorman (W Kinney), John Durnin (D Barton), R Williams (Allan Jones).

Sat Aug 4th: Rhyl 1 Blackpool 1
This unofficial battle of the seaside resorts ended in a stalemate with Rhyl putting on their best show of the pre-season yet. With Blackpool fielding a very strong side, they took the lead on 18 mins when Clarkson robbed Steve Evans and side-stepped Lee Williams. O'Gorman squandered several chances to equalise before Matthew Cross fired wide on the stroke of half-time.   Rhyl pressed hard after the break, and when Wes Kinney fed Barton from a stray pass, Barton fired home from fully 25-yards. Blackpool tried to recover the situation but when Collins seemed to have done so, Lee Williams pulled off a superb diving save to deny him.

Rhyl: L Williams, Mike Jones, M Cross, M Jackson, M Simpson (D Parry), Steve Evans), John Stannard (Sheen), G Wilson, Allan Jones (Andy Jones), D O'Gorman (Kinney), Barton.

Tue Aug 7th: Marine 1 Rhyl 2
- details to follow

Friday Soccer Tournament Score: Manchester City 3 Wrexham 0

Thursday Soccer Tournament Score: Manchester City 4 Juventus 0

Man City U-21 gave a polished performance to beat a young Juventus side in last night's tournament opener at Belle Vue. A goal from Terry Dunfield gave City a 1-0 interval lead, and after the break they ran up another three goals through Chris Killen (2) and Mike.

Wednesday saw Aston Villa beat co-hosts Wrexham 6-2 at the Racecourse.

Villa too Strong for Juve!

ASTON VILLA 5 JUVENTUS 1

Aston Villa scored three late goals to secure this tournament victory and set themselves up for a deciding match against second-placed Manchester City tomorrow night at 7.15pm.

Villa took a two goal lead into the interval thanks to Danny Haynes on 35" and Stephen Cooke on 37". Pederzoli pulled one back for Juve from the penaly spot on 76" but Peter Hynes with a brace on 78" and 83", and Stephen Moore right on the final whistle made sure of things at the end.

Villa: W Henderson, S Dillon, D Jackman, J Brewers, D Haynes, L Ridgewell, J Smith, M Standing, S Moore, S Cooke, T Hitzlesperger SUBS G Meldavenm, B Mayhill, D Berks,  L Foulds, P Hynes.

Juve: A Maric, G D'Angelo, M Borla, S Dewindt, M Schinco, M Chiumente, G Olemente, A Pederzoli, E Canape, S RonDos, J  Elliott SUBS M Rizzo, G Romano, F Cessorio, I Sorrento.

Neville Southall Signs for Rhyl!

Rhyl are pleased to announce the signing of former Everton and Wales International goalkeeper Neville Southall on League of Wales forms. Southall played one game for Rhyl in 1977 before embarking on a successful domestic and international career in the game. Rhyl officials are delighted to capture his signature, and look forward to him playing an important role in Rhyl's forthcoming season.

Tournament Round-up

The inaugural tournament was won by Manchester City after a thrilling 2-1 success against runners-up Aston Villa on Sunday. Goals from Leon Mike and Terry Dunfield gave City a 2-0 interval lead, and although Jay Smith pulled one back for Villa near the end, City held on to their advantage.

In the game played earlier in the day, Wrexham beat wooden spoonists Juventus 3-0 at the Racecourse. Goals from Gareth Williams (2, 1 penalty) and Matthew Dabbs secured the win.

The captains, mascots and officials line-up prior to the tournament decider.


Dave Hodgson does well to catch the ball from a Villa corner


Leon Mike celebrates City's opener against Villa


Mathew Dabbs puts Wrexham 2-0 up against Juventus

Will Lido keep the DO'G out?

Rhyl open the season proper at Afan Lido on Saturday, hoping to overturn their record of never having won the opening game since joining the League of Wales back in 1994. With a crop of new signings looking to make their league debuts, Rhyl will also rely on the nucleus of the side that did so well last season. With Neville Southall expected to play in goal, new signings Martin Filson, Mathew Cross, Michael Jackson and Dave O'Gorman should feature. James Brewerton and John Stannard will be out. Kick Off at the Lido is 2:30pm.

NOTE: Holiday time for the web team means that these pages will not now be updated until the end of August.

More Tournament Pictures

from Wrexham v Man City at Rhyl, Friday.

 

Three games: two defeats and a draw!

Rhyl's almost traditional poor start to the season continues this year with early League of Wales points being dropped against Afan Lido and Bangor City. There were signs of improvement in last night's 1-1 draw at Bangor in the League Cup, but Lee Williams will be keen to get his side performing as he expects in time for the next League Cup test against Caernarfon on Tuesday.