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WALES manager Tony Pennock is delighted Rhyl will be the venue for the three Welsh matches in this year's Semi-professional Four Nations Tournament.
Belle Vue will host the games against Scotland, Gibraltar and England later this month.
"When I was told we'd be playing in North Wales I asked for our three games to be at Rhyl as having played there I know what a good ground it is and they get big crowds so I'm hoping we get good attendances," said Pennock.
The former Wigan Athletic, Stockport County and Hereford United keeper, who is now at Newport after a brief spell in charge of Port Talbot, has chosen two Rhyl players in his squad.
Goalkeeper Lee Kendall is recalled after missing last year's tournament while Craig Jones, who played in the past season's two Wales Under-23 internationals in Italy and England, also gets his chance.
Pennock, 37, was also in charge for the 2007 Four-Nations which saw the Welsh finish second behind England, to whom they lost 3-0 in the deciding game.
"We beat Scotland, drew with Ireland and although we lost to England we were far from well beaten as we hit the bar twice at 0-0," said Pennock, himself an ex-Welsh non-league international.
"I'm aiming to go one better this time."
The Wales squad in full is:
Lee Kendall (Rhyl, 2 caps), Ashley Morris (Merthyr Tydfil, 1), Kyle Critchell (Weymouth, 0), Gethin Jones (Bath City, 9), Paul Keddle (Carmarthen, 6), Danny Parslow (York City, 3), Lee Surman (Port Talbot, 0), Kris Thomas (Carmarthen Town, 2), Michael Byrne (Northwich Victoria, 2), Adie Harris (Bath City, 7), Chris Holloway (Llanelli, 7), Craig Jones (Llanelli, 0), Craig Jones (Rhyl, 0), Chris Venables (Welshpool Town, 2), Chad Bond (CF Balaguer, 0), Les Davies (Bangor City, 3), Graham Evans (Caersws, 19), Rhys Griffiths (Llanelli, 3).
Players on stand-by: Lee Idzi (Haverfordwest County), Lee Bevan (Neath Athletic), Sion Edwards (Bangor City), Paul Fowler (Carmarthen Town), Lee Hudgell (Haverfordwest County) and Marc Pritchard (Llanelli).
The teams participating in the tournament include Wales, England and Scotland and for the first time the involvement of a representative side from Gibraltar.
The matches will be shared around three grounds - Llanelian Road (Colwyn Bay) Belle Vue (Rhyl) & Park Hall, Oswestry (TNS).
The full match schedule is as follows:
Tuesday 20th May 2008.
Wales v Scotland - Rhyl - Kick Off: 7pm
England v Gibraltar - Colwyn Bay - Kick Off: 7pm

Thursday 22nd May 2008.
Wales v Gibraltar - Rhyl - Kick Off: 7pm
Scotland v England - Colwyn Bay - Kick Off: 7pm

Saturday 24th May 2008.
England v Wales - Rhyl - Kick Off: 2pm
Gibraltar v Scotland - Oswestry - Kick Off: 2pm

RHYL goalkeeper Lee Kendall and defender and skipper George Horan have made the Welsh Premier's 2007/08 "dream team", chosen by the league's 18 managers.
Kendall and Horan are selected for the third year running while wide-man Craig Jones is among the substitutes.
Kendall and Jones have also been named in Tony Pennock's Welsh semi-professional squad which will take on England, Scotland and Gibraltar in the Four-Nations Tournament later this month. Wales' three matches will be staged at Belle Vue, Rhyl.
WELSH PREMIER "DREAM TEAM" 2007/08
Lee Kendall (Rhyl)
Stuart Jones (Llanelli)
Chris King (TNS)
George Horan (Rhyl)
Wyn Thomas (Llanelli)
Craig Jones (Llanelli)
Chris Venables (Welshpool)
John Leah (TNS)
Sion Edwards (Bangor City)
Ashley Stott (Bangor City)
Rhys Griffiths (Llanelli)
SUBS: Neil Thomas (Carmarthen Town), defenders Kyle Jacobs (Welshpool) and Michael Johnston (Bangor City), midfielders Craig Jones (Rhyl) and Andrew Mumford (Llanelli) and striker Mike Wilde (TNS).

TOP 10 GAMES FROM RHYL'S SEASON

By Dave Jones on May 9, 08 01:38 AM

THIRD place in the Welsh Premier, Europe for a fifth year on the bounce, League Cup finalists and semi-finalists in the Welsh Cup - all in all not a bad season for Rhyl FC.
Here are Lilywhites Online's top 10 performances from 2007/08:
1 RHYL 3 FC HAKA 1 (July 19, 2007 - UEFA Cup first qualifying round)
This had to rank as not only the best performance of the season but also arguably Rhyl's finest hour under John Hulse.
Finnish international Toni Lehtinen handed the visitors an early lead, but the Lilywhites hit back with goals from Andy Moran and Lee Hunt before the break.
And when Craig Garside made it 3-1 early in the second half the Lilies were in dreamland. John Gann produced a couple of fantastic late saves to ensure the hosts kept their two-goal advantage.
Sadly the Finns' away goal was to prove crucial as they won the return in Valkeaskoski 2-0 and progressed to the next round.
2 RHYL 5 PORT TALBOT 0 (Apr 12, 2008 - Welsh Premier League)
The Belle Vue faithful had been forced to endure some ordinary home performances over the season but this was a day when everything clicked.
Chris Sharp and Marc Lloyd Williams netted two apiece and Garside found the target for the first time since the Haka match nine months earlier. Rhyl also hit the woodwork four times and had four key men missing for this final home match of the campaign.
3 CAERSWS 2 RHYL 7 (Nov 18, 2007 - Welsh Premier League)
Eight days after putting their fans through a dire 0-0 draw with Aberystwtyth at Belle Vue, Rhyl responded with a seven-goal blitz at a wet and icy Recreation Ground.
This was a game where Michael White came to the fore as he scored and put in a man of the match display. Lee Hunt and Mark Connolly bagged a brace each, Andy Moran and Craig Jones also making the scoresheet.
4 RHYL 2 CARMARTHEN TOWN 1 (Aug 18, 2007 - Welsh Premier League)
On the back of the wonder display against Haka, the Rhyl supporters were raving again after this outstanding footballing performance in the season's opener where Carmarthen were the visitors.
Jimmy Kelly broke the deadlock from a free-kick and Lee Hunt added another early in the second half. It should have been a lot more for Rhyl before the Old Golds grabbed a late consolation.
Kelly had a fantastic game but sadly this was to be one of his few appearances in a season where injury ruled him out.
5 RHYL 6 CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS 1 (Sep 25, 2007 - League Cup)
The opposition was weak but Rhyl were ruthless as it rained goals at Belle Vue in this midweek cup tie. Hunt and Dave Cameron both scored twice, Moran and Matthew Holt once.
6 RHYL 1 NEWI CEFN DRUIDS 0 (Mar 7, 2008 - Welsh Premier League)
Although Lee Hunt's second half goal was all Rhyl had to show for their efforts this was one of the most attractive displays from the Lilywhites footballwise over the season.
7 PORT TALBOT 1 RHYL 2 (Dec 1, 2007 - Welsh Premier League)
Having lost on their previous three visits to the Remax Stadium, the Lilies started slight underdogs in this rain-soaked encounter, but early goals from Craig Jones and Mark Connolly (a superb free-kick) set up victory. An inspired, battling display.
8 BANGOR CITY 0 RHYL 2 (Feb 12, 2008 - League Cup semi-final second leg)
After getting a 1-1 first leg draw at Belle Vue, Bangor were pretty confident of completing the job, but two errors from City keeper Paul Smith enabled Michael White to strike at the double to send Rhyl into a fifth League Cup final in six years. Rhyl were too strong on the night.
9 NEWI CEFN DRUIDS 1 RHYL 4 (Oct 27, 2007 - Welsh Premier League)
Following disappointing performances against TNS and Welshpool the Lilywhites delivered the sort of result which was badly needed at Plaskynaston Lane.
Mark Connolly set the ball rolling with a sublime long range free-kick and further goals were to follow from Paul O'Neill, Chris Sharp and Andy Moran.
10 HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY 1 RHYL 2 (Feb 2, 2008 - Welsh Cup round four)
A very tough cup away day for Rhyl but they ground out a fine win on a pitch where they had struggled in recent seasons.
Chris Sharp plundered a late winner after Lee Hunt had given the Lilywhites a first half lead.

TICKETS have gone on sale for Rhyl's home Inter-Toto Cup first round clash with Bohemian of Dublin on June 28.
They are now available from the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, on 01745 330000 and will be for sale at Belle Vue from Tuesday, May 6.
Prices: £15 adults, £7.50 senior citizens, £5 children.
The first leg takes place at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on Saturday, June 21.

RESERVES FINISH THIRD

By Dave Jones on May 3, 08 04:56 PM

GOOD news for Rhyl Reserves - they have finished third in the Welsh Alliance League.
Jon Stazicker's side could have been passed by Llanrwst United and Conwy United today but results meant that did not happen.
Llanrwst were surprisingly beaten 3-1 at bottom of the table Amlwch Town and Conwy were whipped 3-0 at Nefyn United.
That means in his first season in charge, Stazicker has led the reserves to third place in the league and reached the Cookson Cup semi-finals.
Not a bad performance considering Staz and then joint boss James Ainsworth took over the side at the 11th hour at the start of the season and then had a difficult struggle with injuries and player availability at various stages of the campaign.
Well done Staz - here's to next season.

GREAT NEWS FOR PRESTATYN TOWN

By Dave Jones on May 1, 08 08:34 PM

PRESTATYN Town are set to join Rhyl in the Welsh Premier League next season.
The Seasiders had their Bastion Road ground inspected today by WPL secretary John Deakin and fellow officials and the feedback was 100% positive.
This sets up the mouthwatering prospect of a cracking pair of Denbighshire coast derbies next term.
Last week Denbighshire's planning committee voted in favour of Prestatyn putting up floodlights - the key aspect of the club meeting WPL criteria.
There was then a big race against time to get the lights up and prepare the rest of the ground for the visit of WPL officials.
A dedicated task force have moved mountains to make sure the club achieves its dream - congratulations to them.
John Deakin will be recommending Prestatyn are promoted at a Welsh Premier board meeting on May 15. This makes the club's elevation to the top level of Welsh football 99% certain.
The following notice appeared on Prestatyn Town's website this evening:
"John Deakin of the Welsh Premier has inspected Bastion Road, found it to be up to scratch and will be recommending to their board that our place in the WPL for 2008/9 be approved. Fantastic news and a testimony to everybody`s hard work. The board meet on May 15th and our position will then be confirmed formally."

RIPPER FOR RUFFER

By Dave Jones on Apr 30, 08 02:44 PM

Dave Walker presents Rhyl player of the year Carl Ruffer with his award.jpg
CONGRATULATIONS to Carl Ruffer who has been named the Rhyl Fans Association's Player of the Season.
The no-nonsense defender received his award from RFA supremo Dave Walker before Sunday's League Cup final against Llanelli.
A vastly experienced defender, Carl started out as an Everton junior and signed pro forms at Goodison Park before spending several seasons with Runcorn.
He then joined Chester City and was part of the Blues side that won the Conference in 2003/4.
Carl signed for Morecambe the following season, moving to Droylsden in November 2005, where he captained the side to the Conference North title in 2006/7. He was voted the Bloods' fans Player of the Year and Conference North Player of the Year, then joined Rhyl in June 2007.
Carl has been an outstanding success at Belle Vue, playing a major role in making Rhyl's defence the meanest in the Welsh Premier.

CUP WOE FOR OFF-TARGET LILYWHITES

By Dave Jones on Apr 27, 08 11:38 PM
LLANELLI 2 (Mumford 15, Holloway 40) RHYL 0

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE CUP FINAL 2008

Rhyl's Craig Jones
IF Rhyl had worn their shooting boots for today's League Cup final at Newtown they would have beaten Llanelli by some distance.
But the fact they did not manage a single on-target shot until the 71st minute summed up their frustrating performance.
After establishing a 2-0 lead inside the first 40 minutes treble-chasing Llanelli were content to sit back and invite the Lilywhites to break them down.
Creating chances was not Rhyl's problem, it was taking them. Had it not been the final game of the season John Hulse would surely have called the players in for shooting practice on Tuesday.
Before the final Hulse had warned that the main difference between the sides was Llanelli's 50-goal plus hitman Rhys Griffiths. So when the pre-match news was delivered that Griffiths was unable to play due to hamstring trouble, it was the perfect tonic Rhyl needed.
The champions were also without key defender Wyn Thomas, the speedy Craig Jones, the suspended Jordan Follows and injured midfield playmaker Antonio Corbisiero - but still the Lilies could not take advantage.
Llanelli started the better and in the seventh minute a 25-yard rasper by Andrew Mumford flew just wide.
That was a warning that the ex-Swansea City midfielder cannot be allowed to shoot from distance, but Rhyl failed to heed it.
In the 15th minute the Lilies defence prepared for one of Andy Legg's missile long throw-ins into the box. But Legg saw Mumford unmarked about 22 yards out and wisely threw it in the direction of the midfield maestro who beat Lee Kendall all ends up with a crisp right foot drive.
Rhyl had a great chance to equalise from a Mark Connolly corner soon after but George Horan headed over from point blank range.
Then Llanelli upped the pace, Matthew Jones hitting a 25-yarder which Kendall was happy to bundle away for a corner.
In the 28th minute a cracking Legg cross from the left was met on the volley by Mark Pritchard, but this time Kendall produced a top drawer save.
The Reds made it 2-0 on 40 minutes when slack marking from a Gary Lloyd corner allowed Chris Holloway a free header to score with ease.
Steve Evans' overhead kick went just wide, but then moments before the break Rhyl had a fabulous chance when Paul O'Neill dispossessed Lloyd and put Chris Sharp clear on goal but he dragged his shot hopelessly wide - a real turning point of the final.
After the break it was all Rhyl. Great play up to the final third, but no end product from the Lilywhites.
Within a minute of the restart Sharp again skewed badly wide from eight yards, then Lee Hunt and Gareth Wilson blasted over from good positions.
Hunt did superbly to win the ball off Mumford down the left, send in a tantalising low cross, but Craig Jones was unable to connect and a grateful Duncan Roberts fell on the loose ball.
Rhyl were now getting frustrated. Within minutes Connolly missed the ball completely when involved in a promising attack on the right, put another pass into the stand when under no pressure and in an advanced position found only the trees when team-mates were screaming out for a good cross.
Llanelli were really not that good - it was just Rhyl were failing to punish them.
Finally, on 71 minutes, the Llanelli keeper was tested. Sharp let the ball drop over his head and connected with a fine volley which Roberts brilliantly finger-tipped past the post.
From the resulting corner Horan was unchallenged at the near stick but again he missed the target.
Sharp headed wide from another Connolly centre, then Hunt's effort looked destined for the far corner but Roberts flung himself to his left and managed to keep the ball out.
Try as they did there was not even a consolation goal for Rhyl and the Llanelli supporters, as they has done all match, sang loud and proud at the final whistle after seeing their team complete the second leg of what they hope will be a treble.
RHYL: Kendall, Ruffer, Graves, Connolly, Horan, O'Neill (Garside 55), Jones, Wilson, Hunt, Sharp, Roberts. Unused subs: White, Holt. Attendance: 510.


RESERVES END ON MISERABLE NOTE

By Dave Jones on Apr 27, 08 11:35 PM

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION 3 (T Roberts 18, 35; N Jones 32)
RHYL RESERVES 2 (Roose 33, Lloyd Williams 58)

BOTTOM side Llandudno Junction ensured Rhyl's miserable end to the season continued as they pinched the honours 3-2 at the Flyover Ground.
Three days after a dismal 2-0 loss at lowly Rhydymwyn, Jon Stazicker's side flopped again and while they remain third in the Welsh Alliance League, victories for Llanrwst and Conwy in their final games could plunder the Lilywhites as low as fifth in the final rankings.
Things began badly for the visitors when Tom Roberts edged the Junction in front, then Adam France conceded a penalty which gave the Railwaymen a chance to double their lead.
Jamie Jones saved Nathan Jones' kick, but the Junction man was first to reach the rebound and he made it 2-0.
Rhyl pulled one back when Jack Roberts put Mike Roose clear and he rounded the keeper to reduce the deficit, but before the interval Tom Roberts added a third for the hosts.
Early in the second half Rhyl's prolific hitman Marc Lloyd Williams, cup-tied for the first team and unable to feature in the League Cup final, struck the outside of the post.
Lloyd Williams had better luck just before the hour when he poked home from close range, then he slammed against the underside of the bar and the rebound was somehow missed.
Rhyl often threatened from corners after the break, but failed to take their chances. It was a backs to the wall effort for Junction at times, but they held on determinedly for the points.


SETBACK FOR LLANELLI

By Dave Jones on Apr 26, 08 11:47 AM

QUADRUPLE-CHASING Llanelli suffered a blow in their build up to this Sunday's League Cup final with Rhyl when they lost 2-1 to Neath Athletic in Tuesday's West Wales Cup final.
Fielding a weakened side, the Reds also had young prospect Jordan Follows sent off, meaning he is suspended for tomorrow's final at Newtown. Craig Jones also suffered an early injury and is a doubt.
Already crowned Welsh Premier champions, Llanelli will now have to content themselves with pursuing a treble as they also face Bangor City in the Welsh Cup final on May 4.

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Dave Jones

Dave Jones - For all the latest news from Rhyl Football Club, including match reports, news, views and features log on to Lilywhites On-Line hosted by Visitor sports editor Dave Jones.

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