CPD Y Rhyl 1879 progressed to the next round of the North Wales Coast League Cup with a hard fought and deserved 2-1 home win over Kinmel Bay.

It was a day for defenders as Casey Faulkner and captain Reece Fairhurst each found the net either side of an equaliser from Kinmel Bay’s Euan Taylor.

The Lilywhites had the first clear cut chance of the game when dynamic midfielder Dan Sim struck the base of the post with a low shot from the edge of the area after a quarter of an hour.

On 28 minutes, Rhyl took the lead when left-back Faulkner headed home a chipped cross from centre forward Macauley Taylor who was starting his first game in eight weeks after a fractured ankle.

 

 

 

Four minutes later, the provider almost turned scorer as Taylor rattled the post with a fierce shot after a well-worked move.

Faulkner was presented with an opportunity to double his tally just before half-time, but his close-range diving header went just wide, meaning the sides went in at half-time with the hosts 1-0 up.

The Lilywhites almost increased their lead a minute into the second half when centre back John Terry hit a shot on the swivel but for the third time that day, 1879 were denied by the post.

It was not until the 49th minute, when the Bay’s Euan Taylo equalised with a blistering counter-attack after Rhyl were caught sleeping at the back. Midfielder Euan Taylor drove the ball across the Rhyl goal and into the corner, defeating a defender and the Rhyl keeper Ryan Roberts.

 

 

 

The Lilywhites searched for a goal to restore their lead as Macauley Taylor was again denied, this time by a great save from the Kinmel Bay goalkeeper, Luke Wilmot.

Bay’s consistent scorer Matty Griff came off in the second half with an injury, allowing experienced young sub Connor Craig to display skill at high speed.

Despite determined efforts from the Bay, it was the Lilywhites who netted the winner via a free kick from the left on 77 minutes. Captain Fairhurst met Elliot Evans’ cross with a sweet low volley that arrowed into the bottom corner at the keepers near post.

The win secured CPD Y Rhyl 1879’s place in the hat for the next round of the North Wales Coast League Cup.

Kinmel Bay manager Frank Woods said: “We fought hard and fast but overall we have patchy results despite consistent effort. While the Bay are third in the table, we are some eight points behind leaders Llannefydd.

“Today’s Rhyl match was closely fought showing how little real difference there is between good teams but as always it’s winning what matters.”