KINMEL Bay reserves returned to action with their first friendly in an high scoring back-and-forth thriller against Rhyl Dragons.

Both teams started brightly however it was the Dragons who struck first with a great free kick, cleared off the line by Dean Davies but only as far as their striker who laced ball into the bottom corner.

Bays’ heads stayed high and five minutes later the side won a free kick around 25 yards out. Barry Roach stepped up to knuckle the ball into the bottom corner. Dragons’ keeper did well to get his fingers to it but couldn’t stop the power.

The game was very to and fro with both sides having chances to take the lead, committing lots of fouls and a yellow for the Dragons’ number three.

It was the reds that took the lead again with another set piece corner. Bay missed the ball and failed to provide a headed clearance as the score went to 2-1.

The blues carried on trying to play the ball on the ground and it paid off with a lovely pass for Ste Flanagan, who tucked it away to return the balance at 2-2.

Bay went close again with two shots hitting the crossbar but it was the Dragons who capitalised after a free kick was awarded about 20 yards out. A brilliant free kick from them to make it 3-2, but Flanagan went straight up the other end and notched his brace to make it 3-3 with 10 minutes remaining.

Bay pushed for the winner and hit the crossbar, taking paint off the woodwork for the third time in the game.

But it was a last minute goal for the Dragons that sealed Bay’s fate with a 20-yard shot othat was spilled by the Bay keeper. He tried to claw the ball back but the referee adjudged the Bay keeper had fouled the player either though he got to the ball penalty to the Dragons. They made no mistake and the ball was in the net.

Final score: Kinmel Bay reserves 3 – 4 Rhyl Dragons