Rhyl 4 Caersws 0
HAT-TRICK hero Lee Hunt helped earn Rhyl an emphatic revenge victory to secure the elated Lilywhites a cherished place in Europe for a fourth successive season.
John Hulse’s side now need just a point from their remaining two games, starting with visitors Llanelli tomorrow night to seal the runners-up spot and Uefa Cup qualification.
“I felt we were a little nervous for the first 15 or 20 minutes, but once we got our first goal we relaxed into it and totally dominated,” said a triumphant Hulse.
“It’s a tremendous feat to qualify for Europe four seasons in a row.
“But there’s still some hard work to do to finish second. It’s in our hands now.”
Seeking to avenge last month’s Loosemores Challenge Cup final defeat to the Bluebirds in a 3-1 penalty shoot-out at Aberystwyth, the Lilywhites were frustrated early on.
But when Connal Murtagh rattled the bar from 20 yards, it sparked the hosts into action.
On 37 minutes the deadlock was broken when Dave Cameron’s header freed Alex Hay, whose low cross was finished off from six yards by Hunt.
Two minutes later a brilliant Gareth Wilson cross found Cameron and his tantalising ball across the six-yard box enabled Hunt to strike again.
In the 58th minute the points were sealed and victory assured when a Ross Stephens header released Hunt.
His fabulous chip over Andy Mulliner brought him a 24th goal of the season.
The Bluebirds were punished again two minutes from time when their defence failed to clear Mark Connolly’s long throw and substitute Paul Roberts volleyed in his first goal for the Lilywhites from eight yards.
