RHYL continued their preparations ahead of the new Huws Gray Alliance season with a 0-0 home draw against Runcorn Linnets.

The Lilywhites had a golden chance to take the lead early on when Oli Buckley was bundled over in the box, but Joe Culshaw’s spot kick was saved and Aaron Hassall’s rebound effort was disallowed for early encroachment.

Another impressive passage of play soon after saw midfielder Dave McIntyre fire over from 25 yards, while at the other end Mitchell Bryant’s close-range effort somehow failed to find the target after the forward latched on to an errant pass.

The home side almost broke the deadlock midway through the half when Barry Torrence’s effort on the stretch fell inches wide of the target, and tempers flared soon after a robust challenge from defender Danny Sullivan led to a scuffle involving both sets of players.

Eddie Maurice-Jones made a host of changes to his line-up at the interval, and they began the second period with a renewed sense of purpose as Kristian Pierce forced a smart stop from the visiting goalkeeper following a prolonged period of possession.

It was then the away side’s turn to be awarded a penalty after an infringement, but Lilies’ stopper Rory Crowther was at his brilliant best once again to divert the spot kick to safety.

The talented shot stopper kept his side in the contest again immediately following the penalty incident when he made another eye-catching save from a one-on-one opportunity, and neither side found the target despite a number of chances thereafter to ensure both sides had something to show from a worthwhile pre-season fixture.

The title hopefuls continue their high-profile friendlies this Saturday when they welcome Nottingham Forest to the Belle Vue Stadium (3pm).