RHUDDLAN Town fell to 10 men as they battled for bragging rights against CPD Y Rhyl 1879 in the North Wales Coast East Premier League on Saturday.

The derby proved to be an entertaining fixture with both teams brightening up a damp and wet Saturday afternoon with eight goals.

It was the home side that took an early lead, almost from the kick off, with a magnificent goal on two minutes when Matthew Rees lobbed the Rhyl goalkeeper Ryan Roberts.

Both teams locked horns as the visitors looked to respond, and it took 30 minutes for the Lilywhites to bring the game level against a spirited and confident Town. The goal was worth waiting for as Elliot Evans slotted the ball home from around 30 yards passed the diving Rhuddlan keeper Paul James.

Evans scored again on the stroke of half time for the lilywhites as they overcame that conceded early goal to go into half time 2-1 up.

Just like the rain in the second half, 1879 attack was relentless and a huge moment led to a penalty and red card for Rhuddlan centre back and former 1879 coach Matty Roberts. Evans took the ball in his hands to calmly place it down on the penalty spot and confidently slotted it home for his hat-trick and Rhyl’s third.

Rhuddlan refused to let up and showed impressive spirit and energy with ten men, and a wonderful solo goal - the best on the day - by Town’s Josh Brown.

But 1879 ran out 6-2 winners with goals from Zac Tyler-Holland, Mike Walsh and Ryan Hassett in front of their loyal away support.

The win leaves 1879 in fifth in the league with three games in hand behind leaders Prestatyn Sports and Rhuddlan Town in ninth place.