Hunt's winner keeps Rhyl top

RHYL shaded the game against title rivals Connah's Quay with Lee Hunt's 79th-minute winner keeping the Lillies on top of the league.

But the Nomads fulfilled home manager John Hulse's prediction by proving difficult opponents, despite falling behind as early as the 10th-minute.

Dave Cameron laid the ball off for defender Mark Powell, whose 18-yarder took a wicked deflection to defeat former Rhyl keeper Paul Smith.

Home keeper John Gann spilled a free kick from another ex-Lily, Marc Limbert, and was fortunate that Craig Hutchinson was unable to apply sufficient power to profit from the rebound. But Quay drew level eight minutes before the break when Chris Sergeant fired a free-kick into the top corner.

Keeper Smith made a superb save to tip Marc Connolly's 20-yard free-kick over the bar as Rhyl looked to regain the lead, but they enjoyed another slice of luck when Gann again failed to hold a shot, this time from Tommy Mutton, but there were no Nomads in sight to follow-up.

Sub Andy Moran had a great chance to restore the lead when Hunt headed on an Adrian Moody set-piece but could only send a weak effort into Smith's arms. However, moments later Stuart Graves fed Moran down the left and his pinpoint cross was headed in by Hunt at the back post.

Nomads almost snatched a share of the spoils in the final minute, but Dave Swanick's effort was deflected wide as Rhyl held on.

Report and stats courtesy of welsh-premier.com