BANGOR CITY 3 (Garside 39, Reed 40, Edwards 65)
RHYL 1 (M Williams pen 82)
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE - FEBRUARY 7, 2010
A MISERABLE afternoon for Rhyl was made complete when Phil Doran was sent off in the 90th minute for a bad challenge on Chris Roberts.
Bangor City were worthy winners in front of a crowd of almost 900 at Farrar Road.
The hosts had already hit the post before in the 39th minute ex-Lilywhite Craig Garside headed in an Eddie Jebb cross.
Moments later the Rhyl defence was left totally exposed as Jamie Reed was allowed to run clear and confidently chip over keeper Jack Cudworth.
Early in the second half Rob Turner headed against the bar for the Lilies, but the points were sealed on 65 minutes when Lee Hunt set up Sion Edwards to fire home.
Only tremendous saves by Cudworth from Garside and Hunt denied Bangor further goals before eight minutes from time Shaun Dowling won the visitors a penalty which Matthew Williams converted.
Andy Owens and Philip Ojapah made their debuts for Rhyl while other new faces Andrew Pearson and Russell Courtney were on the bench.
Overall, Rhyl were second best all over the park and on this performance third place looks an over-ambitious dream.
For a fuller report see tomorrow's DAILY POST.

Rhyl: Cudworth, Dowling, Owens, Ojapah, Strong, Leah, Owen, Connolly, Turner, Williams, Doran.

MATCH FACTS
Goals - Bangor 3 Rhyl 1
Attempts - Bangor 19 Rhyl 9
On Target - Bangor 10 Rhyl 5
Corners - Bangor 6 Rhyl 2
Yellow Cards - Bangor 0 Rhyl 1
Red Cards - Bangor 0 Rhyl 1
Attendance - 881
LO Man of the Match
Rhyl - Jack Cudworth
Bangor - Jamie Reed

BANGOR CITY v RHYL
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2.30pm
THE biggest derby in the Welsh Premier League will see Bangor out for revenge for a 5-1 defeat at Belle Vue last September.
Ironically, two of Rhyl's goals that night were scored by Lee Hunt, who on Sunday will line up in a City shirt having switched to Farrar Road in the transfer window.
Rhyl will still be without suspended Chris Williams, but striker Matthew Williams, keeper Jack Cudworth and Martyn Naylor are expected to have recovered from injuries.
Several new players could be in line to make their Rhyl debut including defenders Andy Owens, Andrew Pearson or Russell Courtney, winger Joe Dixon and utility player Philip Ojapah.
Bangor have injury doubts over defender Peter Hoy and winger Mark Smyth, but midfield man Nicky Ward returns after being cup-tied for last weekend's win over Aberaman Athletic. Former Lilywhites defender James Brewerton is suspended.
Several ex-Rhyl players will feature in the Bangor squad including keeper Paul Smith, assistant-manager Marc Limbert, striker Jamie Reed, defender Chris Roberts plus, of course, Hunt.
Rhyl have won eight of the last nine league clashes between the teams, but City still lead on Welsh Premier wins overall, 17-14. These great rivals have never shared a draw in 16 seasons.

HEAD-TO-HEAD - LEAGUE OF WALES/WELSH PREMIER

2009/10 - Rhyl 5 (Hunt 2, M Williams pen, C Williams, Connolly) Bangor City 1 (Sharp)

2008/09 - Rhyl 4 (Reed, Owen, N Roberts, Horan) Bangor City 1 (Limbert); Bangor City 0 Rhyl 2 (Reed, N Roberts)

2007/08 - Rhyl 1 (Hunt) Bangor 2 (Limbert pen, Seargeant); Bangor 1 (Walsh) Rhyl 2 (Lloyd Williams 2)

2006/07 - Rhyl 3 (Hunt, Connolly 2, 1 pen) Bangor 1 (Wynne); Bangor 1 (Stott) Rhyl 3 (Murtagh, Moran, Hunt).

2005/06 - Bangor 0 Rhyl 3 (Hunt, Moran, Horan); Rhyl 4 (Hunt, Stones, Moran 2) Bangor 1 (Hay).

2004/05 - Bangor 2 (P Roberts, Gray) Rhyl 1 (Graves); Rhyl 2 (Moran, Limbert) Bangor 3 (P Roberts 2, Blackmore).

2003/04 - Bangor 2 (Hunt, Blackmore) Rhyl 3 (G Powell 2, Moran); Rhyl 2 (Edwards 2) Bangor 0.

2002/03 - Rhyl 0 Bangor 1 (Hunt); Bangor 1 (S Davies pen) Rhyl 0.

2001/02 - Rhyl 0 Bangor 3 (Lloyd Williams 2, Goodall); Bangor 3 (Lloyd Williams 3, 1 pen) Rhyl 0.

2000/01 - Rhyl 6 (Trundle 2, McCosh 2, Sharratt, Barton) Bangor 1 (P Roberts); Bangor 0 Rhyl 3 (O'Callaghan, Stannard, Graves).

1999/00 - Rhyl 1 (Barton) Bangor 0; Bangor 3 (P Roberts, Hazelden, Sc Williams) Rhyl 2 (Fuller pen, A Thomas).

1998/99 - Bangor 4 (Sharratt 2, Shepherd, Filson) Rhyl 1 (Abercrombie); Rhyl 1 (Hader) Bangor 2 (Twynham 2).

1997/98 - Bangor 2 (McKenna, Highdale) Rhyl 0; Rhyl 2 (Williams og, Steel) Bangor 1 (McKenna).

1996/97 - Bangor 3 (Griffiths, Alun Evans 2) Rhyl 0; Rhyl 1 (Steel) Bangor 2 (Alun Evans 2).

1995/96 - Rhyl 0 Bangor 3 (Mottram, Langley 2); Bangor 3 (Buxton, Parry, Davies) Rhyl 1 (A Jones).

1994/95 - Bangor 2 (Noble, Buxton) Rhyl 0; Rhyl 0 Bangor 1 (Lloyd Williams).

PLAYED: 31

WINS: Bangor 17 Rhyl 14, DRAWS: 0.

GOALS - Bangor 50 Rhyl 53.

LEADING SCORERS IN THE SERIES:
9 - Lee Hunt (7 Rhyl; 2 Bangor)
8 - Marc Lloyd Williams (6 Bangor; 2 Rhyl)
6 - Andy Moran (6 Rhyl)
5 - Paul Roberts (5 Bangor)
4 - Alun Evans (4 Bangor)

RHYL 2 (Walker 2, 52)
PRESTATYN TOWN 6 (Gibson 16, G Davies 24, 44 & 55, Hannen 66, A Williams 84)
RESERVES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

DESPITE an early howler from new Prestatyn keeper Simon Williams, on loan from TNS, which gifted Seb Walker the opening goal inside two minutes, a strong Prestatyn outfit coasted to victory at Belle Vue.
Ex-Rhyl first team striker Gareth Davies netted a hat-trick for the visitors, with Neil Gibson, Ross Hannen - from the halfway line - and Alec Williams grabbing the rest, Walker adding his second for the hosts.
On this showing John Wright's side have plenty of promise and will more than match most teams in this division.

TONIGHT Rhyl take on Prestatyn Town in the Reserves League Premier Division at Belle Vue (7.30pm).
Prestatyn are top of the table, unbeaten in 10 matches with nine wins and a draw and have 28 points out of a possible 30.
Rhyl, managed by John Wright, lie fifth with five wins, a draw and three defeats on their record. They are a promising, developing young side who will hope to give Prestatyn a decent test.
However, the Seasiders are expected to put out a strong side with players with first team experience possibly featuring.

STRIKER Lee Ebden, signed by Rhyl from Durham City in the transfer window, has been released by the Lilywhites by mutual consent.

RHYL now have a 19-man squad to see them through to the end of the season.

JACK CUDWORTH (Goalkeeper)
Born: Sep 11, 1990
Despite interest from Morecambe, Cudworth opted to sign for Rhyl from Welshpool in January. He has already produced some fantastic saves for the Lilywhites, including a match-winner against Airbus.
PAUL PRITCHARD (Goalkeeper)
Born: May 26, 1984
Looks set to be number two choice again but has never let Rhyl down on the occasions he has played this season.

MARTYN NAYLOR (Defender)
Born: Aug 2, 1977.
Joined Rhyl in the summer and has not always featured regularly this season, partly due to illness and injuries, but he has been a classy addition at right-back.
GREG STRONG (Defender)
Born: Sep 5, 1975
Took over as player-boss in the summer. Enjoyed a great start to the season but has dropped himself to the bench for the last three matches.
PHIL DORAN (Defender)
Born: Nov 30, 1988.
Has given his all in a Rhyl shirt since making his debut in September. His marauding runs and tough tackling down the left have continually caught the eye.
SHAUN DOWLING (Defender)
Born: Sep 9, 1990
Coming on in leaps and bounds. Was not a regular initially, but in recent games has been outstanding. Earned a well deserved contract in November.
ANDY OWENS (Defender)
Born: Oct 18, 1989
This 6ft3 defender joined Rhyl from Altrincham on transfer deadline day. Started out as youngster at Liverpool before moving to Stoke City. Signed for Stafford Rangers in August 2009 from Glenn Hoddle Soccer School in Spain. Can play centre-half or left-back.
ANDREW PEARSON (Defender)
Born: Dec 21, 1989
Another recruit from Altrincham on February 1. A Manchester-born centre-half, he was released by Wigan Athletic and joined Alti in August 2009. Was a mainstay of Wigan's youth team for two seasons and also made regular reserve appearances for Latics. Can also play midfield or up front.
RUSSELL COURTNEY (Defender)
Born: Oct 11, 1988
Arrives at Belle Vue from Unibond League Division One North club Salford City. Played an heroic role for the Manchester club in an FA Cup win over higher division Marine. Comes highly recommended, can also operate in attack.

JOHN LEAH (Midfield)
Born: Aug 3, 1978.
Midfield playmaker Leah looked set to reluctantly leave Rhyl in the window until funds were found to keep him on board. Getting better all the time in a Lilywhites shirt having netted six goals in his last eight matches, including a hat-trick in the Welsh Cup.
GARETH OWEN (Midfield)
Born: October 21, 1971
Remains a vital cog in the midfield although he has struggled to maintain last season's form. That would be a tall order, though, considering he was named Welsh Premier League player of the season for 2008/09 in Rhyl's title-winning campaign.
SAM HEENAN (Midfield)
Born: April 21, 1991.
Promising young talent who recently signed on until the end of the season. First team appearances have been limited.
TYRONE KIRK (Midfield)
Born: Jan 2, 1986.
His electric pace down the flanks has made him an instant hit with Rhyl fans. Signed initially on loan from Macclesfield but deal is now permanent. Great at taking players on.
JOE DIXON (Midfield)
Born: Oct 2, 1985
Winger who signed from Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League side Chorltonians on deadline day.
CHRIS WILLIAMS (Midfield)
Born: Feb 2, 1985.
Pacy winger made an instant impact at Belle Vue. Similar to Kirk in that he has great speed and is good at taking defenders on.

MARK CONNOLLY (Utility)
Born: July 2, 1984.
Is having the season of his life for Rhyl with 21 goals scored, which included breaking a modern-day club record of netting in eight consecutive competitive games. Was set to join Colwyn Bay in the window until funding was found to retain him.
PHILIP OJAPAH (Utility)
Born: Dec 31, 1989
Rhyl signed former non-league star Ojapah from Oldham Athletic on loan for the rest of the season in January. Latics boss Dave Penney snapped him up on a 12-month contract from AFC Liverpool in August 2009.

MATTHEW WILLIAMS (Striker)
Born: Nov 5, 1982
Telford showed an interest in signing him in the window but he decided to stay with the champions. Close to passing last season's goals total of 14. Wales Under-21 international, ex-Manchester United pro, great fans' favourite because he never gives in.
ROB TURNER (Striker)
Born: Sep 29, 1989
Only 20, this robust front man has already impressed with three goals in his first four games. Excellent in the air, Greg Strong sees him as "a striker in the Neil Roberts mould, only bigger". Formerly with Sligo Rovers, Preston North End and Burnley.

GREG STRONG believes Rhyl are on the verge of a new dawn.
The Lilywhites player-boss is full of optimism ahead of Sunday's Welsh Premier League visit to Bangor City.
With five key players departing but eight new signings made in the transfer window there is a wind of change in the air at Belle Vue.
But Strong insists that air is positive and there is a massive sense of anticipation and excitement in the champions' camp.
"It's the start of a new dawn," said the player-manager. "There are a lot of new players here who have been like a breath of fresh air. Everyone around the place has been given a lift, there's a real buzz around."
Strong's early months in management have been far from easy - indeed the phrase baptism of fire could have been invented for him.
In his first season in the hot seat, the former Premiership defender has had to overcome hurdles which would have caused lesser men to throw in the towel months ago.
But the word negative does not enter Strong's vocabulary. Despite such a difficult first season in charge at Belle Vue, the Lilywhites boss is only looking to the future with optimism.
"I'm a great believer in the phrase what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," said the 34-year-old former Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Motherwell centre-back.
"Yes, the past few months have been difficult, it's all been new to me, but if we can all work through this together and remain positive we can all be better and wiser for it over the other side."
When Strong arrived at Belle Vue as a player at the start of the 2008/09 season Rhyl became the 17th club of his much-travelled career.
His debut campaign could hardly have gone better. With then president Peter Parry ploughing considerable resources into the club that summer, the Lilywhites assembled a star-studded squad which went on to lift the Welsh Premier League title in record-breaking fashion.
Strong himself was an outstanding success playing alongside George Horan in central defence and the Bolton-born stopper's leadership qualities on the field did not go unnoticed.
The somewhat bizarre departure last July of championship-winning coach Allan Bickerstaff led to Strong unexpectedly being appointed player-manager.
But the new man at the helm was not about to enjoy the luxuries of his predecessor with Strong being told he would have to operate on a considerably reduced budget - and he ended up losing 13 members of the previous season's successful squad.
The new chief faced a race against time to even get a team on the field for the opening fixture of the 2009/10 campaign against Carmarthen Town, but Strong refused to panic, bringing on board quality ex-pros such as Tyrone Kirk and Chris Williams to play alongside remaining stars of the calibre of Mark Connolly, George Horan and Matthew Williams.
And the season could not have started better, Rhyl going 13 matches unbeaten and by early October they held a five-point lead at the Welsh Premier summit.
But off the field there were problems. Difficulties in securing an advance on Champions League prize money led to talk of a cash-crisis and much unsettling speculation, then in December came the bombshell that main backer Parry was standing down as president and leaving the club.
Coupled with this, results suffered. After thrashing Bala 4-0 on October 9, Rhyl went on to win just two of their next 11 league matches.
The turn of the year has brought major upheaval with established giants Lee Hunt, Horan and Greg Stones leaving Belle Vue in the window due to the club's financial difficulties, along with winger Luke Holden, who had been on loan at Charlton Athletic, switching to Wrexham.
But Strong has refused to buckle, bringing in promising new young talent in a bid to turn the club's fortunes as well as managing to keep midfield general John Leah, top scorer Connolly and striker Matthew Williams on the books despite interest from elsewhere.
And the past fortnight has brought three successive victories, over Gap Connah's Quay and Airbus in the league, and against Pontardawe Town to qualify for the Welsh Cup quarter-finals.
Now the transfer window has closed, Strong sees the weeks ahead as a chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to make progress.
"There have been so many negative things said and written about the club lately - it's time now to look forward," said Rhyl's player-boss.
"I don't want to get into what's been going on off the field, my job is to run the football side of things. We can't do anything about the players who have left, so let's concentrate on who we've got here now and progress together."
Rhyl was the most active Welsh Premier club in the window with goalkeeper Jack Cudworth, strikers Rob Turner and Lee Ebden, winger Joe Dixon and defenders Andrew Pearson, Andy Owens and Russell Courtney joining, as well as ex-Oldham Athletic utility man Phil Ojapah coming in on loan.
None of the above, with the exception of Cudworth and Turner, are known quantities and certainly have plenty to prove, but Strong is full of belief that they can benefit the Lilies.
"Rob Turner is only 20 and once he gets fully match-fit he'll be a great asset to us. Andy Pearson and Andy Owens join us from Altrincham; they are full of promise and full of hunger and are very keen to develop successful football careers so I hope we can help them on their way.
"Russell Courtney has been at Unibond League side Salford City and comes highly recommended, while Phil Ojapah is also only 20 and was considered good enough to be given a professional contract by Oldham last year.
"These are all hungry young players who are coming to Rhyl to make an impression which is what we need.
"I'd also like to thank all the players who have chosen to stay with us. They've shown great loyalty and I'm grateful to them."
Rhyl are fortunate in that Strong made many contacts in the game during his long professional career and has been able to tap into many Football League clubs as a result.
"We're third in the league, are in the League Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup. There's plenty to smile about and be optimistic about," added the boss.
"I can assure the fans the players will be doing everything they can to make the rest of the season a success."

RHYL player-manager Greg Strong has made five signings in the transfer window - and resisted a late bid for one of his star strikers.
Strong has captured young defenders Andy Owens and Andy Pearson from Altrincham, as well as former Salford City player Russell Courtney, who can play at centre-half or centre-forward, Joe Dixon, a winger who joins from Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League side Chorltonians AFC and Philip Ojapah, a loan recruit from Oldham Athletic.
International clearance is still awaited on Courtney and Dixon.
The Lilywhites have also revealed Conference North club AFC Telford United made a determined effort to sign Matthew Williams, but the striker is staying put.
The good news following the decisions of John Leah and Mark Connolly to stay at the club.
On their way from Belle Vue are Lee Hunt, who joins Bangor City, Greg Stones, who has signed for Colwyn Bay and George Horan, on whom news is awaited.

STRIKER Lee Hunt signed for Bangor City today.
Bangor was the 28-year-old's first club when he came to the Welsh Premier in 2002/03.
Hunt moved to Belle Vue in December 2003 and has been top scorer for the Lilywhites in four of the five full seasons he has played for the club.
The fiery frontman comes straight into contention to play for Bangor against Airbus tomorrow night so is likely to turn out for City in Sunday's derby against Rhyl.

JOHN Leah has been appointed Rhyl first-team captain while Mark Connolly is the new vice-captain.
Both players looked set to leave Belle Vue in the current transfer window due to the club's current cash crisis, but funding has been found to keep both on board till the end of the season.
Leah, who was attracting interest from Newtown, has been outstanding for the Lilywhites this season, scoring six goals in his last eight games including a hat-trick against Pontardawe in Saturday's 7-0 Welsh Cup victory.
Conno, who netted twice against Pont to take his season's total to 21, announced he was leaving Rhyl at the back end of last week to join Colwyn Bay as he could not afford to take a gamble on the club's "No Europe, No Wages" offer for March and April.
The 25-year-old is due to become a dad in August and needed an assured regular income from football.
Saturday was set to be his last game, but a last-minute package has been put together to keep him at Belle Vue.
Unfortunately, skipper George Horan, striker Lee Hunt and utility player Greg Stones have left the club.
Horan is being chased by Droylsden and Altrincham and Hunt is believed to be a target for Aberystwyth Town. More news on where they are going is likely to emerge after today's transfer deadline.
Stones is joining Colwyn Bay, where his brother-in-law Gary Jones is assistant manager to ex-Rhyl number two Neil Young.
Stones is another who could not afford to gamble on the Lilywhites' offer not to pay the players for March or April, with the proviso that if the club qualified for Europe the squad would split the prize money.
"I'm expecting to be made redundant in March and I'm getting married soon, so I need regular money from football," said the Birkenhead-born utility man.
"I'd love to have stayed at Rhyl. When Allan (Bickerstaff) offered me a two-year deal last season I said I'd be happy to stay here until my legs went, but unfortunately the current situation has changed things.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club, I've enjoyed a great relationship with the fans and will continue to keep an interest in the club; it's just one of those unfortunate things (having to move on)."
A key member of last season's title-winning squad, Stones grabbed 11 goals in 124 Welsh Premier appearances for the Lilywhites.
Player-manager Strong has lined up replacements for his departures already.
Utility man Philip Ojapah is joining from Oldham Athletic on loan, while ex-Crewe Alexandra centre-back Russell Courtney and winger Joe Dixon, who has had trials with Oldham, are also set to sign for the Lilywhites.