TRAGEDY OVERSHADOWS PROCEEDINGS AT Y TRAETH

PORTHMADOG 0
RHYL 2 (Strong 24, Connolly 49)
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE - FEB 20, 2010
FOOTBALL became of secondary importance after news emerged that Porthmadog defender Mike Foster's wife Bethan had passed away on Sunday.
Hopes and minds of Port supporters were far from the Traeth on Saturday and focused on a hospital intensive care ward in Liverpool where Bethan was on a support machine fighting for her life.
With great sadness the club reported on their website that Bethan died at 5.30pm on Sunday.
"We extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy to Mike, the children and the whole family in their most sad and sudden loss," said a statement.
"The club and the whole of the wider community have been deeply shocked at the way in which a happy, lovely person has been so suddenly and cruelly taken from a family who meant so much to her.
"Bethan was, not only the wife of a footballer, but a keen fan herself, and she and children Ffion and Carwyn were familiar figures both at the Traeth and at away grounds where Port were playing."
After collapsing at her home on February 12, Bethan was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd and then on to Walton, Liverpool.
Initially she showed signs of recovery which continued following an operation. But later in the week, her condition worsened suddenly and she was placed on a life support machine.
By Saturday the end became inevitable and the life support was turned off.
"The thoughts of supporters were far from the Traeth as the game they were witnessing became an irrelevance," added the Port website. "The club promises all possible support to Mike at this difficult time."
I know Rhyl fans will feel Mike Foster's loss deeply given the excellent relationship which exists between the clubs. I am sure everyone joins me in passing on our sincerest condolences to the Foster family at a time of great loss.
For the record Rhyl won Saturday's game at Y Traeth 2-0.
Player-manager Greg Strong, who came on after 12 minutes following an injury to John Leah, drove in the first goal with a left-footed strike which keeper Richard Morgan let squirm under his body.
Four minutes into the second half, Mark Connolly's superb free-kick brought him a 22nd goal of the season and made it 2-0.
Porthmadog, as always, put up a battle, but lacked the finishing power to turn neat approach play into goals.
Rhyl could have won by more but for some fine stops by Morgan and wayward finishing.
Rhyl: Jack Cudworth, Andy Pearson, Andy Owens, Philip Ojapah, Shaun Dowling, John Leah (Greg Strong 12, Russ Courtney 87), Gareth Owen, Mark Connolly, Matty Williams, Chris Williams, Tyrone Kirk. Subs not used: Sam Heenan, Paul Pritchard.