Lilywhites Online

John Hulse started with only two of the team which featured for Rhyl in Finland, but the players on show performed impressively enough to suggest competition for places is going to be keen at Belle Vue this term.
“It was nice to see players on the fringe of a regular first-team place prove they are more than capable,” said Hulse. “It’s quite frightening to look at the strength in depth of the squad now.”
Rhyl took a 19th minute lead when defender Matthew Holt showed great alertness to rob Dave Sherlock on the left and send over a superb cross which Phil Coffin headed in on the bounce.
The lively Coffin forced two fine saves during the half from Ashton keeper Andy Paxton who also pushed a Carl Ruffer header on to the post.
After the break the Greater Manchester side shaped up better in attack and a fierce volley from Paul McVeigh looked a goal all the way, but Paul Whitfield produced a stupendous stop.
On 65 minutes came the moment that lit up Belle Vue.
New Zealand Under-20 international Michael White had not produced anything special until he turned his marker on a sixpence then let fly from all of 35 yards with a stunning swerving missile which flew into the net like a cannonball.
White, 20, has yet to commit himself to Rhyl, but is current top scorer for the Lilywhites in pre-season with five goals.
The Lilies brought on a few more recognised regulars for the last 20 minutes and in the closing stages could have doubled their tally.
Mark Connolly combined well with Lee Hunt but was denied by Paxton, then Stuart Graves rounded off a mazy run with a goalbound shot, but Craig Scriven cleared off the line.
RHYL: Whitfield, Holt, Booth (Garside 68), White (M Powell 73), Horan (Graves 68), Ruffer (Hunt 78), Wilson, Graziolo (Connolly 68), Coffin (G Powell 68), Cameron, Jones.