Rhyl Snatch Second Welsh Premier League Crown

The record books of the Welsh Premier League will have welcomed the admirable exploits of Rhyl FC after their season of domineering the nation’s state of play ended in ecstasy by attaining the championship.

Never before has such a feast of goalscoring riches, superior points mark and comfortable haul of victories been witnessed in the division as Rhyl FC won the title for only their second occasion in their history with an everlasting 3-1 success over former champions The New Saints. The championship was bound Northwards of Wales as early as Friday evening where closest-challengers and reigning victors Llanelli could only draw 1-1 against Aberystwyth.

The New Saints opened the lead through Alex Darlington on 13 minutes but Rhyl, catalysed by their season-long confidence and new-found status, verified that their achievement was not simply the act of a stroke of luck by staging a memorable comeback against an opposition who were domestic idols themselves not so long ago. Within the short matter of 34 minutes of match play, Rhyl were presented with all three points after Marc Connelly took complete advantage of a defensive lapse, with Neil Roberts grabbing the equaliser shortly beforehand.

Rhyl managing director Dave Milner told UEFA.com 'We have invested in better players and this is the result. Allan [Bickerstaff, the club manager] has changed our training methods and as a result fitness levels have improved and we have suffered few injuries. It's the culmination of a great year's effort by everyone at the club and it is great we have done it in such style and by such a convincing margin."

Unbeaten since 12th December, overwhelmed only twice in 33 league encounters and fuelled with the impressive firepower which has seen them net almost three goals per game, Rhyl have truly deserved their sensational success and their doorway into Europe’s elite for only their second stint in the UEFA Champions League.

In the league standings, Rhyl’s latest win secured the trophy on 87 points while Llanelli are further behind lying in second with 77 points and The New Saints complete the podium-roster with 68. Caersws were convicted to relegation after falling to defeat to Newi Cefn Druids, guaranteeing Porthmadog’s survival in the top-tier for another season.

The Joys Of Statistics: Welsh Premier League

Soccer City FC analyses the race to be crowned Champions of Wales through the means of statistics. Llanelli, TNS and Rhyl sit within two points of each other at the pinnacle of the table and once again the much-fancied trio appear to be the major contenders to contest the title, but with the season only 13 matches old there will undoubtedly be many unexpected tribulations and twists to unravel over the coming months.

Goal Frenzy
Reigning champions Llanelli lead the goalscoring charts having netted a total of 43 after only 13 matches. That is an incredible 3.31 per game and twelve more than nearest rivals, Rhyl and TNS, and are en route to reach the 100-milestone that they narrowly failed to achieve during the 2007/2008 season. It is no wonder Llanelli are frontrunners to be crowned title holders of Wales for the second occasion in there 102 year-long history.

Clean Sheets Galore
Rhyl have showcased their championship ambitions through vigorous and sturdy defensive displays and whilst their rivals might claim to have more potent attackers, it is the rearguard of Rhyl who have held their own in the division. 8 clean sheets and conceding in only five of their league matches has been the foundation of their title aspirations and is the essence to maintaining their position at the pinnacle of the table. TNS are next in line for the best defensive record having let in 10 goals with Bangor City running behind in third place. For all of their poaching upfront, Llanelli have conceded almost three times as many as Rhyl.

Newi Cefn Druids have suffered from their imperfections and frailties at the back, which have resulted in the status as the team who have conceded the most goals. 34 goals in 13 matches has seen them struggle at the foot of the table and are staring precautiously one place above the relegation zone.

Home Comfort at Park Hall
TNS have taken complete advantage of their home ties by prevailing victorious in their matches at Park Hall to date. A 100% winning streak has helped the four-time champions to 21 points. Llanelli, Prestatyn Town and Haverfordwest County join them in an unbeaten home record this season.

Away Day Blues Banished?
While Bangor City’s home form is proving detrimental to their season, their away form is extremely contrasting with the division’s second best and is salvaging some hope that they can still challenge from their current position of fourth.

And The Rest…
The highest scoring match was the encounter between Port Talbot Town and Llanelli, where the latter ran out 6-4 victors. 49% of the fixtures have ended as home wins, 32% as away victories and 19% in stalemate draws.