BOHEMIAN WILL BE TOUGH FOR RHYL

RHYL are in for a tough time when they take on Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division leaders Bohemian in next month's Inter-Toto Cup first round ties if tonight's performance from the Dublin club is anything to go by.
Pat Fenlon's side went top of the table after a hard-fought 1-0 win at St Patrick's Athletic, who themselves were at the summit before start of play.
After a dour first half in which defences were on top and play was largely confined to a congested midfield, Bohs took a 47th minute lead.
The club's record goalscorer in the League of Ireland, former Wolves player Glen Crowe, was left clear down the right and his low cross to the back post by converted by Killian Brennan.
St Pat's rallied strongly and enjoyed plenty of possession, but came up against a watertight and uncompromising Bohs defence in Owen Heary, Liam Burns, Ken Oman and Mark Rossiter.
Not once did visiting keeper Brian Murphy have a serious save to make and Bohemian should have made it 2-0 near the end when ex-Tottenham forward Neale Fenn missed a couple of great opportunities.
Bohemian looked a strong side in all departments, especially at the back where the central pairing of Burns and Oman took no prisoners. Skipper and right-back Heary was man of the match while one-time Sunderland full-back Rossiter looked a class act.
On the left, goalscorer Brennan poses a real danger. His cultured left foot will be a massive threat at set pieces if he plays against Rhyl.
Jason Byrne, the ex-Cardiff City and Republic of Ireland international, showed his versatility by excelling on the wide right although he is usually a forward.
Fenn looked creative and penetrative with the ball while Crowe is a real hardnut battler up front.
On tonight's performance the Lilywhites could find a Bohemian side well into their domestic season and in fine form a very tough hurdle to overcome.
Most of the side either has international or Football League experience, some have been involved with Premiership clubs, and they are both physical and well-drilled as a unit.
Tonight's match was shown live on Setanta Ireland and whoever is in charge of Rhyl for the Inter-Toto ties can find out all he needs to know from watching footage of this game.