RHYL 0 NEATH 1
RHYL need to get their European ambitions back on track with a victory over bottom side Elements Cefn Druids at Belle Vue on Saturday.
Vital points were lost in Saturday’s disappointing home defeat to Neath.
The Lilywhites need three points in their quest to qualify for Europe but will be mindful that Druids have been somewhat of a bogey side in recent seasons.
Full-timers Neath pulled off the perfect smash-and-grab raid last Saturday and became only the second team to win at Belle Vue in the Welsh Premier this term.
Rhyl had an early scare when Chris Jones found space but his firm strike from 10 yards was well saved by Jack Cudworth.
Neath looked far the sharper in the early stages, but as the half wore on Rhyl began to find their feet although they were unable to test visiting keeper Anthony Williams before the break.
Four minutes into the second period Neath went ahead when Jones' pinpoint cross from the right was poked home by ex-Wrexham player Chris Llewelyn.
Soon after Neath's Stephen Pockett was given his marching orders by referee Huw Jones for making an obscene gesture to the crowd and after that the Eagles were content to put everyone behind the ball and defend for their lives.
Just past the hour Rhyl striker Matthew Williams found some rare space in the box but blasted wide of the target.
Andrew Pearson created a good opportunity in the box, but Williams went down superbly at his near post to keep the ball out.
Rhyl were piling on the pressure, but Neath were generally defending well and denying the hosts clear openings.
It could have been 1-1 with four minutes remaining, though, when Rob Turner turned smartly in the box but Williams was equal to his low drive.
The result damaged Rhyl's hopes of qualifying for Europe for a seventh successive season with the Lilies dropping to fourth following Aberystwyth's win at Newtown.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 2.30pm.