RHYL got one over on former manager Niall McGuinness thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Flint Town United.

The Lilywhites put in a disciplined performance to come away with three points against their Huws Gray Alliance rivals, with McGuinness making his first return to the Corbett Sports Stadium after departing the club earlier this season.

Matthew Jones’ side are now in fifth spot in the standings having played more games than the majority of teams around them, and next up for the Lilies is a home tie with struggling Caersws on Saturday (2.30pm).

A cagey opening to proceedings saw the Silkmen go close early on when they had an effort superbly cleared off the line by Danny Holland, while at the other end Aaron Pomeyie forced a stunning stop from Niki Lee Bulmer.

James Murphy was next to be denied by the United stopper after some neat approach play, and Andy Brown should have done better with a good chance for the away side when he failed to make a clean connection from a Sean Beck delivery which was saved by Rory Crowther.

After the break saw Holland rattle the crossbar with a fierce header on 49 minutes, but the hosts finally managed to break the deadlock on 52 minutes when Pomeyie was sent through on goal and the pacey forward despatched the chance past Bulmer.

This provoked a strong response from the visitors, who struck back on the hour mark when former Lilywhite Mark Cadwallader returned to haunt his old club with a deft finish which looped over Crowther to level matters.

United had their chances to take the lead after getting back into the contest, but crucially they were unable to convert any of them and were made to pay on 71 minutes when Phil Marsh fired home from close range after outstanding build-up play from Pomeyie.

McGuinness’ side put the Lilies under significant pressure in the closing stages, but the home rearguard managed to hold firm and claim their 11th success in 24 league contests.