PORTHMADOG 0 RHYL 3 WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE THE hidden gem in Rhyl’s impressive 18-man squad is due to return to training this week and could soon be in competitive action for his new club. Striker Matthew Williams joined the Lilywhites in July armed with a glowing CV which includes a six-year stint at Manchester United plus spells at Notts County, Tamworth and Burton Albion as well as Wales Under-21 caps. Williams, 25, who hails from Denbigh, has not been seen since featuring briefly in Rhyl’s pre-season friendly against Oldham Athletic at Belle Vue. A foot injury has kept him on the sidelines and Williams has become the forgotten man of a squad which has roared to the top of the Welsh Premier. But senior coach Allan Bickerstaff told the Visitor the talented front man is now on the comeback trail. “He’s due to start training again on Thursday which is great news for Matthew and the club,” said Bickerstaff. “It will probably be three to four weeks before he’s available to play, but it will be great to have the full squad fit for the first time.” Leaders Rhyl made it four straight wins in the WPL on Friday with a 3-0 result at Y Traeth. Returning to a ground where they lost 1-0 on the final day of 2007/08, the Lilies bounced back from last Tuesday’s shock 2-1 League Cup loss to Welshpool with a convincing performance. In a lively start Mark Connolly forced Richard Harvey to turn his low shot around the post, then the Port keeper did well to deny Gareth Owen. However, after avoiding conceding the expected early goal, Port grew in confidence and on the half hour John Rowley was brought down on the edge of the box and ex-Rhyl striker Marc Lloyd Williams’ low free-kick was blocked on the line by Josh Johnson. Ironically, another break by Rowley led to Rhyl’s first goal. When the move broke down a quick thrust gave Danny Williams, having his best game for the Lilies so far, the opportunity to chip a perfectly weighted ball over the defence putting Jamie Reed clear and the striker fired low past Harvey. Port started the second period in determined fashion. Lloyd Williams shot narrowly wide from 25 yards before keeper Lee Kendall’s punch denied the WPL’s record marksman. Rhyl rode the storm and gradually got on top. With 74 minutes gone Gareth Owen’s corner was worked across to the right and Neil Roberts rose at the back post to head George Horan’s cross in from close range, making it five goals this season for the ex-Wrexham striker. In the final minute substitute Craig Jones was typically in the right place to add a third for Bickerstaff’s side. “The main thing is we keep another clean sheet and picked up three points – done and dusted,” said the senior coach. When asked if it was a fitting response to the Welshpool defeat Bickerstaff replied: “The two games featured two different teams; I’m not saying we fielded a lesser side against Welshpool, but many of the players involved against Porthmadog didn’t play against Welshpool so had nothing to respond to. “We did keep the ball a little better at Port than we did against Welshpool, but we’re never going to be able to play like we did against Llanelli with any consistency. That was a special performance and there are going to be ups and downs over the season.” Bickerstaff was asked how difficult it is keeping a top class 18-man squad happy with competition for places fierce. “They are all very good players – we wouldn’t have them here if they weren’t – but from Lee Kendall in goal to Neil Roberts up front, the players know if they play well they keep the shirt and if they don’t there are very good players waiting for an opportunity.” And will there be any more signings before the transfer deadline? “You can never say no,” Bickerstaff added. “If someone become available I believe would improve the squad then I’m sure the club will back me up, but I’m very pleased with the squad I’ve got.” dave.jones | 
