Rhyl 2 AAFC 0 Sunday 5th August 2007

WHITE WONDER GOAL HELPS SINK ASHTON

Ashton warm up for Rhyl's Euro Hero's
THE 2007/08 season proper has not even started yet, but in this game alone Rhyl produced a goal and then a save which will be hard to beat in the campaign ahead.

Three days after their heartache in Haka, the Lilywhites returned to action on Sunday with an impressive pre-season warm-up win over North West Counties League side Ashton Athletic.

Rhyl manager, John Hulse rested a number of key players that had 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.
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 did well to push a Carl Ruffer header on to the post.

Rhyl dominated possession in the midfield but found it difficult to penetrate a stubborn defence, and on the break the visitors came forward with pace and the Rhyl defence had to be on their toes to blot out the threat.

Ashton look for the quick counter attack after aRhyl corner

After the break the Wigan based side shaped up even better in attack and a fierce volley from striker Paul McVeigh looked a goal all the way, but Paul Whitfield in the Rhyl goal produced a stupendous reflex stop.

Ashton were keeping the ball better and were exerting greater pressure on the home defence and in doing so started to create other openings. However the efforts on goal were largely off target or comfortable for keeper Whitfield Ashton's progress was then stopped in its tracks when the impressive New Zealand Under-20 international Michael White let fly in the 65th minute scoring a goal that lit up the Belle Vue Stadium.
Until then White had not produced anything special, restricted by a competitive Ashton Midfield, that is 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.

Rhyl introduced a few more recognised regulars for the last 20 minutes and in the closing stages could have extended the lead but resolute defending by Ashton and good goal keeping by replacement keeper Mike Woodruff held the Rhyl side, no more than the endeavours of the Lancastrian visitors deserved.

In fact a late substitute, Richard Sharpe almost made an instant impact just after his introduction and fizzed a powerful drive across the face of the Rhyl goal that beat Whitfield but ended up just the wrong side of the upright. Sharpe then combined well with PeteTarpey and McVeigh and had several maizy runs that had the Rhyl defence back peddling.

The friendly proved an excellent work out for Rhyl , whilst Ashton Manager David Powell was delighted with the efforts of the relatively youthful Ashton side and said "the game was a huge help to us as we continue to develop the players at our Club and we are delighted with the hospitality shown to us by Rhyl. I am sure that our players will benefit from the experience as as move towards the start of the new Vodkat NWCFL season next weekend".

Acknowledgements

Photos of second half courtesy of
Mark Chesterton
Website Editor
www.rhylfc.co.uk

Part of match courtesy of Dave Jones from www.thelilywhites.co.uk


Ashton recent signing Chris Lawton gets to grip with
Striker Dave Cameron assisted by another new signing, Adam Cree

Ashton keeper Mike Woodruff saves from close range and Lawton and
Craig Scrivens are on hand to mop up the danger













Rhyl corner flashes across the Ashton goal, with keeper
Woodruff dumped on his back side resulting in an Ashton free kick.