JOHN HULSE wants to make it ninth time lucky against Llanelli in tomorrow’s televised Welsh Cup semi-final at Aberystwyth (1.10pm ko).

The Lilywhites have endured six defeats and two draws in their last eight encounters against the full-timers.

Rhyl boss Hulse said: “This is the biggest cup we can win in the country we play in and we want to bring it back to Belle Vue. It carries a place in the Uefa Cup and we will be holding nothing back.”

Rhyl are targeting their third Welsh Cup triumph in five seasons with victories in 2004 and 2006 , and their fifth in all.

“Llanelli are top of the table and having a very good season but this is a neutral venue and all our matches against them have been really close,” said the Rhyl manager.

The tight results may not have dropped third-placed Rhyl’s way, but having already clinched European action for the fifth consecutive year, confidence is high.

Hulse said: “We’ve had a tremendous last few weeks with four wins and a draw, taking maximum points over Easter to claim a ticket into the Inter-Toto Cup and extend our outstanding record in qualifying for Europe.

“I must thank all my staff and players for what they have achieved, as well as the board and management and all our loyal supporters.

“It’s been a great team effort on and off the field – and we’re not finished yet.”

Hulse is also eyeing up the runners-up spot in the league following the second-placed New Saints’ recent blip in form.

“I had thought the gap was too wide to close but now there’s a glimmer of hope,” he said. “They still have to play both us and Llanelli so the door is back open if the results go the right way.”

Meanwhile, all attention is focused on tomorrow’s big test and Hulse is encouraged by having an enthusiastic full squad available.

“It’s come too soon for our long-term injured pair, Jimmy Kelly and James Brewerton, but everyone else is fit and keyed up to keep our run going,” he said.”

The manager added: “Llanelli and Rhyl have great mutual respect and after our excellent training preparation in midweek we are ready to go.”