RHYL FC - TEN GREATEST MOMENTS OF 2007

1 RHYL 3 FC HAKA 1
(UEFA Cup first qualifying round, first leg - July 19, 2007)
AFTER going a goal down to the Finnish full-timers it looked grim for the Lilywhites, but Rhyl recovered superbly to lead 2-1 at half-time, then added a third goal in the second period.
Andy Moran, Lee Hunt and Craig Garside were on target in what must rank as the Lilies' finest European display.
The crowd of 1,787 enjoyed a feast of top class fayre as Rhyl combined their battling qualities with plenty of quality football.
The only disappointment about the whole thing was two weeks later the Lilywhites lost 2-0 in Finland and went out on away goals.
2 CAERSWS 2 RHYL 7
(Welsh Premier League - November 18, 2007)
EIGHT days after a dismal home performance against Aberystwyth in a 0-0 bore draw, Rhyl really produced the goods on a gloomy, freezing afternoon at the Recreation Ground.
The much-touted Michael White made a superb full debut and the Lilywhites scored some cracking goals.
Stars of the show, however, were the Rhyl fans who turned the grim home stand into a carnival scene.
3 RHYL 4 CAERSWS 0
(Welsh Premier League - April 21, 2007)
THIS was Lee Hunt's day. Rhyl's all-action front man proved he was the best striker in the WPL with a fantastic hat-trick, the third goal being a sublime chip on the run over the stranded keeper.
4 RHYL 2 LLANELLI 2
(Welsh Premier League - April 24, 2007)
ALTHOUGH in competition with a Champions League semi final on the box, the crowd of 333 inside Belle Vue made plenty of noise as Rhyl clinched the point which secured second place in the Welsh Premier and once again, a split of the two full-time clubs. A fantastic achievement whatever anyone tries to say to the contrary.
5 CRAIG JONES
OF all of John Hulse's impressive pre-season signings, Jones has turned out to be the best.
The young speed merchant has become a massive favourite among the fans and his assists and occasional goals have made him a player to be respected and feared.
His selection for the Wales Under-23 semi-pro squad was just reward for a great season so far.
6 MICHAEL WHITE
IN pre-season friendlies his amazing goals were like a breath of fresh air and he was the talk of the terraces at Belle Vue.
Unfortunately, he delayed his decision to sign for Rhyl and this seems to have held back his progress, his relationship with John Hulse initially not being the best.
However, the touches of brilliance he has displayed so far for the first team suggests his best days could be yet to come.
7 LEE KENDALL
RHYL were in need of a top class goalkeeper and the arrival of Kendall certainly delivered one.
His saves have already earned the Lilywhites countless points and from being the man the fans loved to hate when he taunted and teased at Haverfordwest, Kendall is now a big hit with the Belle Vue faithful.
8 RHYL 10 MONTGOMERY TOWN 0
(Welsh Cup round two - October 6, 2007)
YES, the opposition was weak, but it was still nice to see Rhyl hit double figures in the sun.
In all reality, they should have broken all club records on this baking hot afternoon, but this was still one for the memory bank.
9 RHYL 2 CARMARTHEN TOWN 1
(Welsh Premier League - Aug 18, 2007)
THIS one should have ended up 10-1. Still high after their European adventures, Rhyl played some fantastic football which everyone present was hoping would prove a hint of things to come in the season ahead.
Unfortunately, this has not quite proved to be the case. In fact, this remains Rhyl's only league victory over a top six side this season.
10 RHYL 1 BANGOR CITY 1
(League Challenge Cup - Oct 9, 2007)
HARDLY a good performance from Rhyl, in fact they were poor. The only highlight came in the 93rd minute when the Lilywhites were 1-0 down. Lee Kendall came up for a last gasp corner and wheeled away claiming the equaliser.
Whether the eccentric keeper got the final touch or not will probably never be ascertained, but the euphoria which greeted that goal was like something from a pop concert with Kendall taking centre stage and lapping up every second.
This was the ultimate last gasp copy changer for the ultra-keen sports reporter.
11 THE ARRIVAL OF LILYWHITES ONLINE....
Only joking! Delighted with the response so far, though, and the 7,000 plus hits a month prove it has been a success. Thanks to everyone for their support in 2007 :-)
AND THE LOW POINTS.....
RHYL 0 ABERYSTWYTH 0: Described by many as the worst game ever seen at Belle Vue.
PRESTATYN TOWN 2 RHYL 0: Unglorious exit from the North Wales Challenge Cup with a full strength side at the hands of Cymru Alliance neighbours.
RHYL 1 LLANELLI 2: Almost two-year unbeaten home league record shattered.
INJURIES: Jimmy Kelly, James Brewerton, Craig Garside and Carl Ruffer have been on the treatment table too often.
RHYL 0 CAERNARFON 0: Lilywhites booed off after dire draw against bottom side.
LLANELLI 2 RHYL 1: Robbed in South Wales - what's new!
LEAGUE CUP FINAL: Lost on penalties to Caersws in a wind-ruined final at Aberystwyth - total farce.