 | WELSH CUP FINAL |
An extra-time goal from Marc Limbert secured the Welsh Cup for the Lilywhites at Newtown's Latham Park. Poor finishing dominated a tense 90 minutes, neither team able to finish their numerous chances.
But in the first minute of extra time Chris McGinn battled well on the edge of the box before squaring to Limbert.
He struck a sweet left footer which looked to be missing the far corner, but TNS defender Chris Taylor's attempted interception deflected the ball in.
It was Rhyl's third trophy of a memorable season, with the FAW Premier Cup final against Wrexham to come on Wednesday night. The Lilywhites had the first chance of the game, but TNS's former Wales international Simon Davies got back to deny Steve Walters.
|  The character of the side showed through today, they were magnificent |
TNS dominated the early exchanges from midfield, and John Toner blew a great chance on the volley after 14 minutes. Toner was then denied by Rhyl goalkeeper Paul Smith after the Lilywhites defence were caught playing the offside trap.
Rhyl gradually worked their way into the game, Limbert finding space down the right and creating chances for Gary Powell and Mark Powell before the break.
Two minutes into the second half, Gary Powell had a goal-bound effort deflected wide by Chris Taylor.
Michael Wilde's pace then took him clear of the Rhyl defence, but he shot tamely at Smith.
Mark Powell rattled the crossbar with a header, while Steve Evans forced a good save from Smith.
The better chances of the second half then fell to the Lilywhites, Gary Powell and Stuart Graves going close but failing to trouble the scorer as the final drifted towards extra time.
Penalties seemed to be in the offing, but after just 47 seconds of extra time Limbert struck the killer blow.
TNS substitute Justin Perry had a chance to level it four minutes later, his header beating Smith but rattling back off the post.
| Rhyl looked more experienced and relaxed and were the better team on the day |
As the Llansantfraid side chased the game they left gaps at the back, though. Rhyl substitute Michael Jackson was put clear on TNS goalkeeper Richard Acton, but his shot hit the post.
The Lilywhites' leading scorer Andy Moran was then given a one-on-one with the keeper, but Acton kept out his cheeky chip.
TNS had a final chance a minute from time after a goal-mouth scramble, but Smith saved well to snuff out the threat.
"The character of the side showed through today, they were magnificent," said Rhyl manager John Hulse.
"After 90 minutes I just told them to keep their discipline and shape and carry on doing what they're good at."
A disappointmented TNS manager Ken McKenna said: "The game was far too open for me and we lost our discipline.
"There were chances at both ends but we couldn't take ours.
"The goal was a massive blow, but our defending was sloppy. Rhyl looked more experienced and relaxed and were the better team on the day."
Rhyl: Paul Smith, James Brewerton, Mark Powell, Lee Atherton, Tim Edwards, Steve Walters, Gareth Wilson, Marc Limbert, Andy Moran, Gary Powell, Stuart Graves.
TNS: Richard Acton, Gerard Doherty, Martyn Naylor, Barry Hogan, Tommy Holmes, Steve Evans, Chris Taylor, Scott Ruscoe, Michael Wilde, John Toner, Jamie Wood, Simon Davies.
Referee: John Collins (Swansea)
MMIX
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