WITH his team now trailing leaders TNS by 12 points, Rhyl manager John Hulse admits winning the league title has become a “near impossible” task.
The Lilywhites led 1-0 at half time at Stebonheath Park on Saturday, but two goals from the league’s top marksman Rhys Griffiths after the break ensured second-placed Llanelli completed a double over Hulse’s hopefuls.
“We went in at half time a goal up and deservedly so,” said the Lilies boss. “Then right after the break Lee Hunt missed an absolute sitter which had he put it away would have meant game over. To lose from that position was very disappointing.
“It’s going to be near impossible now to win the title, but it’s up to us to go on a run and go for second or possibly third place and qualify for Europe for a fifth year in succession.
“We want to be in a challenging position if TNS or Llanelli have a blip.”
In a dour first period, Rhyl took a 34th minute lead when Stuart Graves broke down the left, found Chris Sharp in space in the box, and although his shot was beaten out by keeper Ryan, Lewis, Hunt was there to head home.
Hunt should have made it 2-0 from an Andy Moran cross, but the challenge of Craig Jones was enough to put him off.
The match turned on 65 minutes when Llanelli won a penalty after Graves handled.
Griffiths coolly dispatched the spot-kick, then five minutes later he stole in totally unmarked to head in Mark Pritchard’s cross.
Rhyl went close to a late equaliser when Dave Cameron’s header smacked the crossbar.
