By Robert Stock
April 11 2004

A late Andy Moran goal gave Rhyl a dramatic win over title rivals TNS in today's televised game at Belle Vue. TNS keeper Richard Acton fell from hero hero to villain within minutes, spilling Timmy Edwards' shot into the path of Moran who made no mistakes from 2 yards. Another impressive crowd of 2735 witnessed a scrappy encounter with both teams looking nervous in front of the live BBC cameras. Before the game Rhyl were just 7 goals better off than TNS, and both teams knew victory for either side would virtually guarantee them the Welsh Premier title and a place in next season's Champions League.

Despite looking tired after a gruelling week which has saw the Lilywhites reach both the Welsh and Premier Cups, the home defence never looked like conceding, with the defensive duo of Evans and Edwards looking every bit as impressive as they did in Wednesday's shock win over Swansea City, when they kept ex-Rhyl star Lee Trundle quiet for 90 minutes.

Despite TNS having more of the ball, it was Rhyl who created the better chances and Andy Moran wasted two glorious chances in the 2nd half, first firing a tame shot at Acton and later amazingly heading over after Acton had produced a world-class save. However with just 3 minutes left, Acton and Moran traded hero and villain roles, when Acton inexscusably let go of Edwards' week shot on the turn, with Moran pouncing to save his blushes and virtually hand his team the Welsh Premier title.

However, both managers refused to accept the championship had been decided, with 4 important games left for both teams. It seems unlikely that Rhyl will slip up, and the Lilywhites look well on course for their first Welsh Premier title.

Match stats soon...