Niall McGuiness “It was a fantastic feeling to win the North Wales Derby”
Rhyl started off the season with one draw and two defeats, picking up one point from a possible nine. In the two defeats, they conceded a total of thirteen goals, one being a notable 10-0 defeat to this seasons runaway leaders The New Saints.
“The TNS score was difficult to take, however I was honest when I took the job and stated we would compete with every side with TNS being the exception. So I knew if we stuck to our principles this result wouldn’t affect us”.
Many questioned the predictability of the league and Rhyl’s place in the Premier League, staying up due to Caernarfon’s failure to produce the correct licence for promotion. Remarkably, the young manager has managed to turn it around, with an unbeaten run stretching six games after the crushing defeat, scoring fifteen goals, conceding six in the process.
On Tuesday, a full fixture schedule in the Welsh Premier League was played, Rhyl met Bangor City in the ‘El Gogico’ in which they were the victors, winning by one goal to nil. McGuiness reflected on the win and commented on the highest crowd of the season so far in the league.
“It was a fantastic feeling for myself, the staff and all the players, it’s always a joy to win the North Wales Derby. It was unbelievable to see such an excellent crowd with the fans enjoying the football we’re playing.”
McGuiness put the emphasis on how local based North Wales players are pulling on the white and black for the Lilywhites and that’s why crowds are big, because they want to support friends and family members. The starting line-up for Rhyl on Tuesday consisted of ten Welsh born players.
“I feel as we have more local based North Wales players now, more people are coming to watch their friends.”
Rhyl’s next game is away at gap Connah’s Quay at Deeside Stadium, a tricky fixture considering The Nomads have yet to lose this season. Both unbeaten records will be at stake on the weekend, both teams could continue their unbeaten run by playing out to draw but both sides will be chomping at the bit to gain victory in this match.
“We look to mantain the record by keeping the same mentality and belief that we have gone into every game with, making sure standards and performances are at the highest level.”
IMAGE OFF OF DAILYPOSTWALES
