RHYL'S DISAPPOINTMENT IS PORT'S DELIGHT

By Dave Jones on Apr 19, 08 08:59 PM

PORTHMADOG 1 (R Hughes 58)
RHYL 0
THERE were wild celebrations at Y Traeth after Porthmadog's victory over the Lilywhites kept them in the Welsh Premier League.
It was a disappointing end to the league campaign for Rhyl, but John Hulse's men had long secured third place and qualification for Europe for a fifth successive season.

With Rhyl and Porthmadog fans enjoying an excellent relationship perhaps even Lilies followers will not have been too heartbroken about today's outcome.
Port's win ensured Caersws and Llangefni Town, both losers today, finish in the relegation places, although the Bluebirds might yet be saved depending on who comes up from the feeder leagues.
In a windswept encounter at Y Traeth, Rhyl went close in the first half when a Mark Connolly free-kick was pushed behind for a corner by Richard Harvey.
At the other end, Carl Owen had a chance from a corner but blazed high over the bar.
Gareth Wilson's through pass released Lee Hunt, but although the Lilywhites' top scorer reached the ball ahead of the advancing Harvey, the keeper did enough to ensure the striker could not get his effort on target.
The all-important goal came on 58 minutes after substitute Michael White committed a needless foul on Marcus Orlik on the right.
The subsequent free-kick led to a scramble in the six-yard box, but after the ball ballooned up off Craig Jones, Richard Hughes climbed highest to head Port in front and earn himself a place in club folklore.
Rhyl could have snatched a late equaliser when Hunt released Chris Sharp, but he was robbed by a last gasp tackle from the heroic Harvey.
RHYL: Gann, Holt (Brewerton 74), Graves (White 38), Connolly, Horan, O'Neill, Jones (Lloyd Williams 70), Wilson, Hunt, Sharp, Roberts.