CONWY Borough marked their return to the Huws Gray Alliance with a narrow 2-1 home loss to Guilsfield.

The Tangerines were more than a match for their opponents before eventually falling to a narrow reverse, and the treble-winner will look to pick up their first points of the fledgling campaign when they travel to a formidable Airbus Broughton side on Saturday (2.30pm).

Things did not begin well for the home side, and they were behind after just five minutes when Robbie James headed the Guils’ in front following an excellent delivery into the danger zone by Adam Jenkins.

This provoked a strong response from Gareth Thomas’ side, who levelled matters with the final action of the first period courtesy of a superb strike from prolific striker Corrig McGonigle, who unleashed a ferocious half volley into the net after a prolonged spell of possession.

After the interval saw Boro’ miss a host of opportunities to take the lead for the first time, and they were paid to pay on 77 minutes when Andrew Ford was the beneficiary of another expert cross from Jenkins to give the visitors a slender advantage at a crucial stage of the contest.

Despite their best efforts, the hosts were unable to secure a share of the spoils from a spirited display, with recent signing from Llandudno Anthony Marshall receiving a red card in second half stoppage time.

Next up for Thomas’ men is the Wingmakers, who are expected to mount a serious championship challenge this term and began their season in fine style thanks to a 2-0 victory at recently relegated Prestatyn Town.

There was better news for the club in the lead-up to their first fixture, with talented youngster Marshall agreeing a deal at Y Morfa, and Connor Tierney also penned a deal with the second tier side after an impressive trial period.