JOHN Hulse paid tribute to his Rhyl side’s determination in grinding out a vital win which ensured they ended 2006 on top of the Welsh Premier. At a sodden Belle Vue on Saturday, the Lilywhites were made to battle all the way for the points by a spirited young Cwmbran side. “I thought we showed tremendous fitness today,” said Hulse. “On a heavy pitch we kept going right till the end. “Overall, I felt we just shaded it. We hit the bar, had a goal disallowed and missed a couple of sitters before they (Cwmbran) had a couple of late chances. “Over the past couple of seasons this was the sort of game we might have taken only one point from instead of three. It’s good to go into the new year top of the league.” Cash-strapped Cwmbran sent an inexperienced side to North Wales, but Hulse was full of admiration for their efforts. “I can’t praise Cwmbran enough. Their financial problems are well known, but they came here and played their hearts out and produced some very nice football at times. “Sean Wharton is a young manager full of passion and his young side did him proud today.” The Crows defended doggedly in the first half and it was not until the latter stages that Rhyl were able to create some clear cut chances. Lee Hunt was denied by a fine Gareth Wesson save and headed against the underside of the bar while Connall Murtagh hit a screamer just over. Early in the second half the hosts had to readjust when midfielder Gareth Wilson was carried off injured, but replacement Chris Roberts did his usual solid job. The only goal arrived on 53 minutes when defender Josh Collins headed into his own net from a Mark Connolly corner. To many in the ground it appeared Hunt had scored, but TV replays later confirmed Collins got the final touch. The Lilywhites then had opportunities to put the game to bed but failed to take them and it was only the conditions underfoot that denied Cwmbran a late equaliser. Lightning could certainly have struck twice as last season the Crows were 1-0 down at Belle Vue only to turn the tables with two late goals. This time there was to be no repeat as a Rhyl defence missing the towering presence of the suspended George Horan managed to hold on. Having lost the leadership following TNS’ 7-0 victory over Airbus on Friday night, the Lilies were back at the summit less than 24 hours later. It promises to be a dour struggle for the title in 2007 with perhaps Rhyl and TNS now the two main favourites to battle it out. RHYL: John Gann, Mark Powell, Stuart Graves (c), Mark Connolly, James Brewerton, Adie Moody, Alex Hay, Dave Cameron, Lee Hunt (Andy Moran 73), Connall Murtagh, Gareth Wilson (Chris Roberts 49). Delight: Rhyl players Mark Powell, Lee Hunt and Dave Cameron celebrate after Josh Collins’ own goal.Picture: TONY MOTTRAM | 
