Aber and Rhyl Fans Go Head to Head

By Brad Green
September 24 2004

Fans of rival WP clubs, Rhyl and Aberystwyth, recently went head to head in a supporters' football match. Rhyl fans emulated the fighting spirit of their all-conquering team last season, twice coming from behind to win 3-2.

Rhyl Fans twice came from behind to triumph over Aberystwyth Fans in a thrilling
encounter at Park Avenue.

Dave Howard went close in the opening minute but it was Aber made the early running. Rhyl keeper Glyn Lloyd produced a string of fine saves to keep the scores tied. However, Aber’s dominance eventually told when they took the lead through Tom Davies on 8 minutes after Rhyl’s defence had been caught upfield.

In an end to end game chances flowed Glyn Lloyd rescued Rhyl again whilst at the other end Dave Howard forced the Aber keeper Declan Lennon into another save whilst Chris Simmons and Mark Jones went close and Glyn Turner fired over. Rhyl levelled matters on the stroke of half time when Anthony Jones fired in from an acute angle.

Rhyl started the second half brighter. Sam Kewley saw his shot saved and Chris Simmons had a goal disallowed but were rocked when a defensive mix-up let in Aber’s Joe Kelly for a second six minutes into the second half after a simple ball played square by Sherbourne.

The goal seemed to spur Rhyl on and they found themselves on level terms within three minutes. Chris Simmons’ ball forward was well won by Glyn Turner, who teed up Gareth Hughes to slot in a low left-footed drive.

Rhyl began to dominate defensively with Jeff Jones pulling the strings and Jamie Howard slotting in well. It was Howard’s interception that led to Rhyl’s winner. Mike Jones' lofted ball forward wrong footed Aber’s Geraint Holmes and dropped nicely for Glyn Turner to smash home an unstoppable left-footed volley.

Aber upped the tempo in search of a last gasp equaliser. Glyn Lloyd made another good stop but Aber couldn’t breach the Rhyl back-line as they held on for a memorable victory.

Rhyl Fans: Glyn Lloyd, Jeff Jones, Jamie Howard, Mike Jones, Mark Jones, Chris Simmons, Gareth Hughes, Peter Kewley, Anthony Jones, Sam Kewley, Glyn Turner, Dave Howard

Aber Fans: Declan Lennon, Jonathan Hughes, John Acton, Brad Green, Joe Kelly, Robert Evans, Geraint Holmes, Ben Sherbourne, Tom Davies.

If your club has a supporters team, or would like to get one together to play fans from rival clubs, let yourself be known on the messageboard of this site. There is interest in the possibility of staging a Welsh Premier Supporters' Tournament in aid of charity, either throughout the season or during the summer. Please get in touch if you would be interested in taking part.