POSITIVE changes from Greg Strong ensured Rhyl continued their 100% start to the season, claiming a hard-earned 2-0 victory in their Friday night derby match with Llandudno Town.
Continuing with the 4-5-1 that has given Rhyl a dream start this season, both sides played out an uneventful first half, with few chances for either side.
At half time, Strong brought forward John Toner into the action, a decision which turned the match in Rhyl’s favour.
Toner thought he had broken the deadlock on 52 minutes, but was adjudged to have handled the ball into the net, and was subsequently booked. His luck proved to be in twenty minutes from time, however, as he netted his first goal for the Lilywhites, turning in after a goalmouth scramble.
With the match still in the balance, Anthony Costa continued his excellent start to the season with an athletic double save to deny Llandudno an equiliser.
His contribution proved vital, making another outstanding save ten from time before distributing the ball to Greg Strong, who started an incisive passing move which ended in substitute Michael Pritchard sealing the win with his first goal for Rhyl.
The game was marred however by a sickening clash of heads which saw former Rhyl winger Alec Williams taken to hospital with a quadruple cheekbone fracture, with the Llandudno player now reported to be in high spirits and looking forward to returning to action.
Rhyl also received a blow in losing Chris Williams five minutes before half time with a reoccurrence of an old injury.