Football: Rhyl FC rampant in Welsh Cup tie

Oct 8 2008 by Dave Jones, Denbigh Visitor

RHYL 8 CASTELL ALUN COLTS

WELSH CUP SECOND ROUND

ALTHOUGH denied a record Welsh Cup victory by an heroic goalkeeper named Robbie Williams, Rhyl’s senior coach Allan Bickerstaff was still delighted with the final scoreline at Belle Vue on Saturday.

“To score eight goals in a cup tie against any opposition is a feat in itself,” said Bickerstaff, whose Welsh Premier high flyers finished three short of equalling the club’s highest ever cup win of 11-0 achieved against Caernarfon Town in 1947/48.

“I thought it was a decent performance; we played nice, neat football throughout.”

Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) minnows Castell Alun only managed one shot on target in the 90 minutes, but Williams will certainly not forget his big day at Belle Vue as he produced several magnificent saves.

“Fair play to them (Castell Alun), they kept going right to the end and but for their keeper we’d have scored a lot more,” added Bickerstaff.

Although keen to focus on the team’s performance rather than individuals, the senior coach did single out Greg Stones for special praise.

“I thought he was exceptional today and man of the match by a mile,” he said. “Greg showed just what a versatile player he is and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come from him.”

Next up for Rhyl is another home tie with fellow Welsh Premier side Haverfordwest County in the third round on November 1.

Saturday’s clash not surprisingly saw Rhyl on top from the start and Williams did well to beat away a Jamie Reed shot before stupendously tipping Greg Strong’s header over.

Strong also nodded against the bar before the Lilies struck first in the 14th minute, Stones’ run and pass and Reed’s dummy enabling Craig Jones to round Williams and score.

It was 2-0 on 23 minutes when this time Strong made no mistake with a free header from a Josh Johnson corner. Stones hit the woodwork, then Williams pulled off a double stop from Carl Owen and Reed before on 34 minutes Johnson fired through a crowded six-yard box to make it 3-0.

Jones clipped the bar, then Williams again performed marvels to keep out Owen’s volley, but the fourth and fifth arrived prior to the interval.

First, Paul O’Neill tapped in from Johnson’s corner, then Owen’s shot was deflected home.

Playing into the wind in the second period, Rhyl were slightly less effective and Williams continued to impress, denying Gareth Wilson and substitute Matthew Williams with great stops.

Rhyl’s sixth came on the hour when Matthew Williams headed on a through ball from namesake Danny and slotted into an empty net.

Castell had their best chance when Michael Pritchard robbed Strong, but Lee Kendall saved at his feet.

Owen’s second – and sixth of the season – made it 7-0 with the help of a deflection and Stones put Matthew Williams clear to bang in the eighth two minutes from time.

Rhyl: Kendall, Stones, C Roberts, O’Neill, Strong, D Williams, Wilson, Johnson (Kelly 84), Reed (M Williams 46), C Owen, Jones. Unused sub: G Owen. Attendance: 396.