December 2008 Archives

THE end of December freeze has put tomorrow's derby match at Prestatyn in doubt.
Prestatyn Town media officer Mark Jones reported from Bastion Road at about 3pm this afternoon.
"The pitch is white and rock hard from the frost," he said. "At the moment the game is looking very doubtful. We're expecting temperatures to slump to -3 tonight and with a maximum 2C expected tomorrow it's not looking too promising.
"However, there will be a pitch inspection at 11.30am tomorrow so we're hoping for the best.
"It would be a great shame if the match was postponed as whatever time of the season we reschedule it for, it's doubtful we'll attract the crowd we would have got on New Year's Day.
"If tomorrow's game is called off I'll have to console myself with mead and plum pies while reliving the greatest hits of Nine Below Zero."
Lilywhites Online will bring you the up-to-date news in the morning and Mark said anyone wishing to contact him about the latest situation is welcome to call him on 07753 966805.
* Tomorrow's Bangor City v Caernarfon Town match has already been called off due to a frozen pitch at Farrar Road.

RHYL goalkeeper Lee Kendall has received a three-match ban after being found guilty of crowd incitement during the Welsh Premier League game against bitter rivals Bangor City on November 11.
Kendall is expected to be suspended for the matches against Llanelli on January 10, Porthmadog on January 17 and Haverfordwest on January 24.
However, the Lilies keeper is also facing two other misconduct charges which could lead to a much lengthier ban.
With key matches coming up it is likely Rhyl will look to sign a top quality goalkeeper when the transfer window reopens this week as cover during Kendall's enforced absence.

RHYL supporters planning to attend the New Year's Day Welsh Premier League game at Prestatyn are being advised to arrive early to avoid congestion.
Only the one main turnstile will be open at entrance to the ground. There will be no other entry permitted from Bastion Road or the cricket club side.
Visitors are also reminded NO parking is permitted on Bastion Gardens, the main thoroughfare to the ground's entrance.
Car parks in the town centre or on the promenade should be used.
To accommodate the expected large attendance Prestatyn will provide five extra toilets on site plus a mobile catering van.
Concern has been expressed over the recent cold snap possibly causing Thursday's match to be postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Despite a freezing Monday night, on Tuesday morning the Bastion Road field was in tip-top condition with only a few areas of hardness along the touchlines.
It is hoped the weather will be kind so this much awaited return match between the Denbighshire coast rivals can go ahead.
Saturday's first clash at Belle Vue finished 7-2 to Rhyl but Prestatyn produced a much improved second half performance after trailing 5-0 at the break.
At present, it appears Town goalkeeper Jon Dunt, who was red carded on Saturday, will be suspended for Thursday as it is believed referee Mark Petch is standing by his decision to send the player off after viewing footage from the game.
This would likely mean a promotion for Prestatyn's reserve keeper Ben Rowley, hero of Town's shock 2-0 victory over Rhyl in the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup in February 2007.

TODAY'S crowd of 2,126 at Belle Vue for the Rhyl v Prestatyn derby is believed to be the third highest attendance in Welsh Premier history.
The top turnout of all-time remains the 2,746 which was at the Barry Town v Caernarfon Town match on December 20, 1997.
Second highest was the 2,741 which packed into Belle Vue for the Rhyl v TNS title decider on April 11, 2004 when Andy Moran's late goal sealed a 1-0 Lilywhites victory.
Nothing had come anywhere near that figure until this afternoon's Denbighshire derby pulled in 2,126 - more than double the previous highest crowd of 2008/09.
Rhyl now top the average attendance table for 2008/09 with 712. Bangor City are second on 583 and Prestatyn Town an impressive third with 361.
Town are virtually certain to set their highest attendance when Rhyl visit Bastion Road on New Year's Day.

RHYL 7 (Reed 10 & 82; M Williams 26 pen, Johnson 27, G Owen 39 & 45; O'Neill 85)
PRESTATYN TOWN 2 (Griffiths 83, Harris 90)
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE - DEC 27, 2008
LEADING 5-0 at half time against 10 men, Rhyl really should have gone on to register a record Welsh Premier victory but to Prestatyn's credit they showed enough after the interval to suggest the return on New Year's Day will not be a foregone conclusion.
The 24th minute sending off of Town keeper Jon Dunt may not have exactly altered the course of a match the Lilywhites were already in control of, but it did ensure the final scoreline was far more emphatic than it probably would have been.
With Neil Roberts out with a thigh strain and Craig Jones missing due to a foot injury, Rhyl gave a rare start to striker Carl Owen while Josh Johnson came in on the wing.
The Lilywhites looked a class apart in the early stages with the visitors struggling to get any sort of foothold in the game.
The hosts took a 10th minute lead when the pacy Johnson left Jack Lewis in his wake down the right, Russ Jones failed to clear the Trinidad international's cross, and Jamie Reed scored with a cracking curler from about 15 yards.
Prestatyn were just beginning to put things together when disaster struck.
Johnson chipped a ball over the defence and Carl Owen raced clear on goal ahead of Dave Hayes. Owen attempted to round Dunt but was brought down and on an assistant's flag referee Mark Petch pointed to the spot.
To make matters worse for the Seasiders, Dunt was harshly sent off and stand-in Neil Gibson had no chance of stopping Matthew Williams' penalty.
A minute later a dreadful error from Bevan Humphreys gifted Johnson a path to goal and the wide man fired coolly past Gibson.
The hard working Ian Griffiths lashed over for Town before on 39 minutes a crossfield ball from Danny Williams picked out Matthew Williams whose quick inside pass found an offside-looking Gareth Owen who skilfully lobbed Gibson to make it 4-0.
Right on the stroke of half time Reed's low cross from the left missed everyone except Gareth Owen who rammed in his second.
Half time: 5-0.
After the break Rhyl went off the boil somewhat but they still missed some good chances.
A poor clearance by makeshift keeper Gibson fell to Johnson whose chip sailed just wide of a gaping goal.
A quick free-kick from Gareth Owen put Johnson through one-on-one but this time Gibson blocked well with his legs.
Home skipper George Horan had a golden opportunity from an Owen corner but headed over from six yards with no-one near him.
Gibson decided to change things again, bringing on Andy Davies for a stint between the posts while the player boss returned to outfield duties and sacrificed Adie Hoyle.
The outstanding Owen quickly robbed the Town manager 20 yards out but his low drive narrowly missed the target.
Rhyl were losing their fluency, though, and the visitors went close when Jones headed just wide from a Steve Harris corner.
The visitors had a decent penalty shout when substitute Jon Fisher-Cooke showed great determination outside the box and his powerful shot appeared to be stopped by Paul O'Neill's elbow.
Finally, on 82 minutes the Lilywhites opened their second half account from a great move.
Chris Roberts drilled the ball from the left into Gareth Owen who picked out Johnson and his cross was headed beyond the diving Davies by Reed.
Within a minute, however, Prestatyn were on the scoreboard.
Griffiths played a lovely one-two with Fisher-Cooke and Griffiths' 20-yard shot slipped under the body of Lee Kendall.
Reed looked set to complete his hat-trick, but Davies produced a great diving save to thwart him, then came Rhyl's seventh goal.
Substitute Mark Connolly crossed low from the left and O'Neill bundled the ball home via his chest.
Prestatyn had the final word, though. Two minutes into injury time a brilliant run by young substitute Karl Murray was checked by an O'Neill foul just outside the box.
Griffiths' resultant free-kick was well saved by Kendall, but Harris was there to convert the rebound and end the afternoon on a high note for the Seasiders.

RHYL: Kendall, Stones, C Roberts, Horan, Strong, D Williams, G Owen, Reed, C Owen (Connolly 66), M Williams (O`Neill 66), Johnson (Heenan 86).

MATCH FACTS
GOALS - Rhyl 7 Prestatyn 2
ATTEMPTS - Rhyl 22 Prestatyn 9
ON TARGET - Rhyl 11 Prestatyn 4
CORNERS - Rhyl 8 Prestatyn 3
YELLOW CARDS - Rhyl 0 Prestatyn 0
RED CARDS - Rhyl 0 Prestatyn 1
ATTENDANCE - 2,126
LILYWHITES ONLINE MAN OF THE MATCH
Jamie Reed (Rhyl)
Two good goals, one of his best games for Rhyl.

RHYL FC RESULTS 2008/09
Aug 16, 2008 - Newtown (h-lge) 3-0 (Stones, N Roberts, Reed)
Aug 19, 2008 - Airbus UK Broughton (h-LC) 6-1 (C Owen 2, Jones 2, N Roberts, D Williams)
Aug 23, 2008 - Caernarfon Town (a-lge) 1-0 (Horan)
Aug 30, 2008 - Llanelli (h-lge) 5-1 (Strong, Reed, N Roberts 2, Johnson)
Sep 02, 2008 - Welshpool Town (h-LC) 1-2 (Jones)
Sep 05, 2008 - Porthmadog (a-lge) 3-0 (Reed, N Roberts, Jones)
Sep 13, 2008 - Haverfordwest County (h-lge) 2-0 (Reed 2)
Sep 21, 2008 - Neath Athletic (a-lge) 2-2 (Reed, Stones)
Sep 23, 2008 - Airbus UK Broughton (a-LC) 4-0 (C Owen 2, C Roberts, Johnson)
Sep 27, 2008 - Aberystwyth Town (h-lge) 0-0
Oct 04, 2008 - Castell Alun Colts (h-WC R2) 8-0 (Jones, Strong, Johnson, O'Neill, C Owen 2, M Williams 2)
Oct 07, 2008 - Welshpool Town (a-LC) 2-0 (C Roberts, C Owen)
Oct 10, 2008 - Connah's Quay Nomads (h-lge) 2-0 (Horan, O'Neill)
Oct 18, 2008 - Carmarthen Town (h-lge) 3-0 (G Owen, N Roberts 2)
Oct 28, 2008 - Bangor City (a-LC) 1-3 (aet) (Strong)
Nov 1, 2008 - Haverfordwest County (h-WC) 4-0 (Horan, M Williams, N Roberts 2)
Nov 8, 2008 - Caersws (h-lge) 3-1 (Wilson, Williams og, Johnson)
Nov 11, 2008 - Bangor City (a-lge) 2-0 (Reed, N Roberts)
Nov 15, 2008 - Port Talbot Town (h-lge) 2-3 (M Williams, G Owen)
Nov 21, 2008 - Airbus UK Broughton (a-lge) 3-1 (N Roberts, Strong, Jones)
Nov 29, 2008 - Technogroup Welshpool (h-lge) 7-1 (G Owen, M Williams 3, 1 pen, Stones, Wilson, Johnson)
Dec 6, 2008 - The New Saints (a-lge) 3-0 (N Roberts, Horan, Stones)
Dec 12, 2008 - NEWI Cefn Druids (h-lge) 3-4 (Stones, N Roberts, Horan)
Dec 20, 2008 - Newtown (a-lge) 2-1 (M Williams 2)
Dec 27, 2008 - Prestatyn Town (h-lge) 7-2 (Reed 2, M Williams pen, Johnson, G Owen 2, O'Neill)
GOALS (79): 13 - Neil Roberts; 10 - Matthew Williams; 9 - Jamie Reed; 7 - Carl Owen; 6 -Craig Jones, Josh Johnson; 5 - Gareth Owen, George Horan, Greg Stones; 4 - Greg Strong; 3 - Paul O'Neill; 2 - Gareth Wilson, Chris Roberts; 1 - Danny Williams, 1 own goal.

Despite overnight frost Belle Vue passed a midday pitch inspection so today's Rhyl v Prestatyn Town match is ON. Kick-off 2.30pm.

THE big day is nearly here, the day of the first ever Welsh Premier League derby between Rhyl and Prestatyn Town.
Belle Vue will be the venue for tomorrow's hotly anticipated clash which will be the main game on S4C's Sgorio Cymru programme in the evening.
League leaders Rhyl will be the favourites, but this is a local derby, an occasion where the form book so often counts for nothing.
The Lilywhites have been formidable at home this season but not unbeatable.
Port Talbot and NEWI Cefn Druids played a positive game at Belle Vue and went home with maximum reward.
Prestatyn will be positive tomorrow, they do not know any other way to play, but there is a slight problem. In eight attempts so far this season, the Seasiders have not picked up a single away victory.
Belle Vue would be a pretty good place to end that dismal run, but to do that one would imagine Prestatyn would need to score at least two or three goals with Rhyl more than capable of racking up a bagful against anyone. But Port Talbot scored three and Cefn Druids four, so why not Prestatyn?
One thing is for certain - Town will be fired up. Why? Well so many of the current squad are ex-Rhyl players who were considered not good enough for the Lilywhites first team.
They joined Prestatyn and have played a major part in the greatest period in the club's history, a period where they rose from the Welsh Alliance to the Welsh Premier in just three years.
The Seasiders will be determined to prove they now belong on the same pitch as Rhyl, that they can compete with them.
Rhyl will be determined to win too, but for different reasons. They want three points to maintain their advantage at the top of the Welsh Premier. The local pride issue will not matter so much to the Lilywhites as the majority of their players are not local.
That will not mean Allan Bickerstaff's side will be any less determined than their opponents, just that their mindset approaching the game will be a bit different.
Prestatyn will aim to win the local bragging rights while Rhyl will be wanting another three points towards their title challenge.
Bickerstaff has adopted a low-key approach to the game, saying: "The players were talking about the game on the way home from Newtown and they're mad for it.
"It will be a tremendous occasion but I'm making no predictions, we'll do our talking on the pitch."
Both sides could have key players missing tomorrow.
Rhyl have doubts over the fitness of keeper Lee Kendall and wide man Craig Jones, while Prestatyn player boss Neil Gibson could miss out after a bout of flu over the Christmas period and midfielders Ross Hannen and Steve Hoult are expected to be out till the new year. Striker Jon Fisher-Cooke could return against his old club.
But whatever the line ups, there will be enough talent on show to provide what will hopefully be a game to remember.
Lilywhites Online will carry a report on the match tomorrow evening....

A VERY Merry Christmas to all readers of Lilywhites Online.
Saturday's Rhyl v Prestatyn Town derby promises to be a real Christmas cracker.
Here is a look at the two squads....
RHYL
Lee Kendall: Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Welsh Premier but struggling with injury and is a doubt for Saturday.
Paul Pritchard: Performances have been mainly restricted to the League Cup this term but he has plenty of WPL experience.
Mark Connolly: Big attacking threat down the right, Conno will be a danger from set pieces.
Greg Stones: Having the season of his life, very potent down the left and the goals have flowed.
George Horan: One of the WPL's most consistent defenders, big danger in the opposition box.
Greg Strong: Virtually unbeatable in the air, has formed formidable partnership at the back with Horan.
Danny Williams: Classic holding player in the midfield who is worth his weight in gold.
Gareth Owen: Big influence in the centre. Despite his advancing years he still offers an abundance of midfield energy and delivers a mean corner and free-kick.
Matthew Williams: Injury dogged the start of his season but he's really coming into his own now with nine goals to his credit.
Neil Roberts: Already established as one of the finest players to wear a Rhyl shirt. Scores goals and provides numerous assists.
Jamie Reed: Form has been up and down but a big threat with the ball at his feet.
Craig Jones: Tremendous pace makes him a nightmare for defenders. Another who is battling against injury.
Gareth Wilson: Wholehearted midfielder who never lets the team down. Beware his long range shots if he comes on as sub!
Paul O'Neill: Unluckiest player at the club. Hasn't had a regular start but his ability to operate anywhere across the defence makes him a real asset.
Josh Johnson: Flair player who can score spectacular goals but struggles for consistency.
Carl Owen: Good target man, effective in the air and possesses decent shooting ability.
Chris Roberts: Excellent attacking left-back who has impressed whenever he has played this season.

PRESTATYN TOWN
Jon Dunt: Has proved the equal of anyone in the league in his position this season, producing a series of fantastic saves.
Andy Davies: Solid right-back who will let no-one down if he gets the opportunity.
Jack Lewis: Quality attacking left-back who at only 20 seems destined for bigger things.
Russ Jones: Versatile skipper whose crosses into the box have laid on many a goal this term.
Dave Hayes: Classy all-round defender who has played a major part in Prestatyn's rise to prominence.
Bevan Humphreys: Rejoined the club this season and is constantly improving.
Neil Gibson: Player manager whose form in the centre this term has been nothing short of inspirational.
Michael Parker: Industrious midfielder, box-to-box merchant who has scored numerous vital goals this term.
Dan Evans: Speedy wide man who leaves defenders standing.
Steve Harris: Unsung hero who is a big asset to the side with his pace and fitness.
Ian Griffiths: Non-stop workrate makes him a nuisance to any defence, top scorer this season with eight goals.
Gareth Davies: Ex-Rhyl player whose lack of height does not always serve him well in the Welsh Premier but is a deadly finisher with the ball at his feet.
Steve Bowes: Prolific goalscorer over past three seasons who is yet to hit top form in the WPL but his all-round game is much improved.
Karl Murray: Pacy young striker who made a stir when he scored on his debut three minutes after coming on against Bangor.
Adie Hoyle: Midfield general with great passing ability.
Jamie Duffy: Has let no-one down this season with some very impressive showings in central defence.
Glyn Lewis: Very capable right-sided player who benefited from a season at Bethesda.
Unavailable through injury: Steve Hoult, Jon Fisher-Cooke, Ross Hannen.

LAST MEETING
NORTH WALES COAST CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINALS - FEBRUARY 10, 2007
PRESTATYN TOWN 2 (Hayes 29, Bowes 58)
RHYL 0
RHYL and Prestatyn have met at first team level in a competitive game only once in recent memory.
That was in the North Wales Challenge Cup two years ago when the Cymru Alliance Seasiders sprang a sensation at Bastion Road.
While the visitors had top scorer Lee Hunt and key midfielder Mark Connolly missing through suspension, Prestatyn were also without ban-serving goalkeeper Jon Dunt and midfield general Dale Milne.
David versus Goliath cup ties like this often throw up unlikely heroes and Prestatyn's was undoubtedly young goalkeeper Ben Rowley.
The 18-year-old usually plays for the reserves, but Dunt's suspension meant he made the big step up to face one of Wales' top teams and he produced an heroic performance.
Rowley first showed his mettle in the 19th minute when he bravely clasped the ball at the feet of Lilywhites striker Alex Hay.
There was a handball claim on the goal-line against Town's Steve Hoult which was rejected but on 22 minutes Prestatyn created the clearest chance so far when Neil Gibson made a dynamic run before putting Jon Fisher-Cooke in on goal, but Paul Whitfield blocked magnificently.
Back came Rhyl, Chris Roberts lashing into the side netting before Dylan Owen was found in space but drove wide.
The visitors were unlucky on 25 minutes when Owen set up Dave Cameron whose eight-yard shot deflected off Rowley's thigh on to the bar and to safety.
Slightly against the run of play Prestatyn took the lead on 29 minutes. A Dave Hayes header was cleared off the line by Owen, but the ball was picked up on the right by Hoult.
A tantalising centre into the box by the ex-Crewe winger caught the Rhyl defence napping and Hayes pounced to stab in from close range.
Cameron went close to an equaliser before the break when he deflected a powerful Owen cross inches over.
The second half was mainly a procession of Rhyl attacks, but the Seasiders defended doggedly.
Ross Stephens laid the ball off to Owen who blasted just wide, then Owen tried to chip Rowley, but the diminutive keeper made a fine catch.
In the 57th minute Owen's cross from the right skidded off the turf, struck the post and the ball ended up in the grateful arms of Rowley.
Rhyl were on top, but on 58 minutes a potent counter by the Seasiders brought a stunning second goal.
Hoult brilliantly outfoxed Owen and James Brewerton on the left, crossed low into the box, Steve Bowes took a touch, leaving George Horan standing, and his trusty left foot secured his 39th goal of the campaign.
The Prestatyn supporters went wild and realising a big upset was on the cards, Rhyl piled forward.
Stuart Graves should have scored, but his lob over Rowley came back off the bar and from the rebound Hay gifted the ball to the keeper.
Rhyl manager John Hulse brought on strikers Andy Moran and Paul Roberts in a bid to turn the tables, but a fantastic rearguard action from the hosts kept them at bay.
Owen fired wide and Rowley scrambled away a Horan header, but the best chance of the latter stages fell to the Seasiders in the 86th minute.
Adie Hoyle and Bowes combined to put substitute Ian Griffiths clear, but he dragged wide with only Whitfield to beat.
Prestatyn's players rejoiced like never before at the final whistle and braveheart Rowley was chaired off the field.
TEAMS
■ PRESTATYN: Rowley, Hayes (Welburn 69), J Lewis, Fuller, Hoyle, Harris, Parker, Gibson, Fisher-Cooke (Griffiths 71), Hoult, Bowes.
■ RHYL: Whitfield, M Powell, Graves, Owen (Booth 78), Horan, Brewerton, Hay, Murtagh, Cameron (Moran 66), Stephens, C Roberts (P Roberts 66)
Attendance: 426.

RHYL FC have been cleared of charges relating to serious crowd disturbances during the Welsh Premier League game against Bangor City at Farrar Road on November 11.
But charges levelled against Bangor from the same match have been proven and the club now faces a hefty punishment.
Rhyl officials attended a tribunal at Welshpool on Monday to discuss the events of November 11 where up to 50 supporters from both clubs were involved in fighting.
The Lilywhites were represented by secretary Joe Furnival and evidence on behalf of the club was given by managing director Dave Milner and FAW secretary John Deakin.
The charge, in basic terms, was that on the night Rhyl failed to control its spectators in an acceptable manner and that the behaviour on show, caught on camera by S4C, was equally the responsibility of both clubs.
"After a five-hour hearing we are pleased to report that Rhyl FC were cleared," said Mr Furnival.
"Bangor City FC were found guilty, but we are not aware of their punishment."
The other message to emerge from the hearing for Rhyl, however, is that they are far from off the hook with other complaints about spectator behaviour being looked into.
At the conclusion of the case Mr Furnival was recalled and asked by FAW disciplinary chairman David Richards to make efforts to contact every spectator possible and request general crowd behaviour before, after and during matches is the best it can be.
"I am directed by our managing director David Milner to publish this (warning from the FAW) letter and insert it into this Saturday's programme (Prestatyn game)," added Mr Furnival.
"The ultimate sanction available to the FAW would be a reduction in points to this club if ever found guilty and the directors wish everyone to be mindful of the fact.
"The nature of the, unfortunately, regular spectator related complaints are always subject to the facts being seen in a different way by all concerned.
"It is, however, paramount that when the FAW receive complaints, they act, after taking legal advice and use whatever is evidence placed before them.
"We are now facing an investigation into issues after the recent Newtown game."
Mr Furnival concluded: "Rhyl FC have no issues on due process and will continue to take every step to protect its supporters."