Rhyl 5, Bala Town 2
RHYL warmed up for their highly-anticipated Welsh Cup tie at Prestatyn with a five-star showing against Bala last night (Wednesday).
The Belle Vue crowd of 371 saw the Lilywhites keep their title aspirations alive by racing into a 5-0 lead after just 36 minutes.
A tremendous goal from defender Andrew Pearson after 10 minutes lit the touchpaper, with Chris Williams doubling the advantage four minutes later.
Mark Connolly, less than a month after making an 11th hour decision to stay at Belle Vue after appearing destined for Colwyn Bay, proved his continued worth to the cause by an excellent finish with a sweetly struck shot after 19 minutes and then he seized on Rob Turner’s through ball to make it 4-0 after 32 minutes.
Four minutes later Rhyl found themselves five ahead agauinst a side who have enjoyed a successful debut season in the Welsh Premier League, with Turner this time the man on target.
Bala hit back immediately through John Toner, who was on target again after 64 minutes.
But the goals proved no more than consolations, and Rhyl’s night was made sweeter by the news that The New Saints had been held to goalless draw by Airbus UK Broughton. The results leave the Lilywhites just three points behind leaders Llanelli and The New Saints, although both clubs have played fewer games.
The previous night saw Prestatyn earn a 1-1 draw at Neath, after taking the lead through an early Ian Griffiths goal.
Prestatyn lie seventh in the Welsh Premier after 23 games, having leapfrogged Bala this week.