second leg

RHYL 2

BOHEMIANS 4

(BOHEMIANS WIN 9-3 ON AGGREGATE)

RHYL’ S fifth European adventure is over.

But what could have been a disastrous Saturday at Belle Vue ended with the players leaving the pitch with their heads held high.

After last week’s 5-1 drubbing at Dalymount Park there were fears the Intertoto Cup return could turn into a rout. And it looked that way after the Irish side took a two goal lead.

In an incredible 14 minute spell six goals were scored – two from Rhyl who must have thought they could win at least win at Belle Vue even if they lost the tie. Then on 28 minutes the defensive frailties which let Rhyl down in Dublin resurfaced.

A ball from the left flank by Mark Rossiter found Stephen O'Donnell in far too much space and his chip over John Gann, replacing the unwell Lee Kendall, made it 1-0.

Two minutes later the Irish went two up from a penalty.

There was fears that Rhyl were in for a real hiding when Gann's lack of decisiveness on high balls saw Jason McGuinness outclimb everyone to head in a Byrne free-kick.

But to their great credit the Lilies fought right back.

A free-kick was won 35 yards out for a foul on Gary Powell and Connolly's swerving effort beat Bohs keeper Brian Murphy.

Then in the 41st minute a free-kick by Ruffer from deep in the Rhyl half saw Connolly get the better of a challenge with Murphy and put away the loose ball to make it 3-2.

Suddenly the Belle Vue faithful had a sniff of victory only for disaster to strike when ex-Leeds United midfielder Harpal Singh gave them a 4-2 half time lead.

RHYL: John Gann, Paul O'Neill, James Brewerton, Carl Ruffer, George Horan, Craig Jones, Gareth Wilson, Mark Connolly (Craig Garside 80), Chris Roberts (Jimmy Kelly 63), Marc Lloyd Williams, Gary Powell.