RHYL director of football Eddie Maurice-Jones praised his side as they fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to a strong Nottingham Forest outfit.

The Sky Bet Championship side brought a wealth of experience to the Belle Vue Stadium, with the likes of Zac Clough, Jamie Ward, Apostdos Vellious and former Chelsea youth product Michael Mancienne all named in the squad for the friendly fixture.

The Lilies continue their preparations ahead of their expected Huws Gray Alliance title tilt this Tuesday when they host Wigan Athletic, before closing out their friendly fixtures at home to Connah’s Quay Nomads and at Prescot Cables.

Maurice-Jones, said: The lads have done brilliant throughout pre-season against some high-profile teams, and they have taken the challenge and been great.

“We were under a lot of pressure for the first 20-25 minutes and normal teams might have collapsed, but they pulled together and are making some good relationships on-and-off the pitch which is credit to them all.

“We got the chance to express ourselves late on and they gave us a great deal of respect, and we are going to make mistakes and the goal came from one but overall it was pleasing.

“Our plan is to get the ball down and play, although at times we will need to mix it up. The mistakes have come from this, but they are allowed to make them as it is something new they are working on and I brought in players who can play and we can coach the right way.”

The home rearguard was tested severely by an experience Forest attack in the opening period, but they held firm throughout thanks to some outstanding defensive work from the likes of Max Peate, Reece Fairhurst and goalkeeper Rory Crowther.

After the break saw the away side finally break the deadlock when substitute Will Swann slotted home from close range after a mistake by Peate, and despite some encouraging spells of possession late on it was not enough for the hosts to claim a share of the spoils.