RHYL 1879 have endured a tough pre-season so far - but they will nevertheless take many a positive from their matches against higher league opponents.

On Tuesday July 5, Gareth Thomas took his depleted side ravaged by injuries to Llandudno FC hoping to secure a positive result following two pre-season defeats at the hands of two other tier two sides, namely Ruthin and Holyhead.

Unfortunately, it was an extremely challenging night for the Lilywhites who lost out 7-0 in the end.

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Saturday, July 9 then saw Rhyl return to Belle Vue to face Colwyn Bay, who are now managed by former Wales international Steve Evans.

It was a completely different game this time around with the Lilywhites starting the game on the front foot and looking like a force to be reckoned with, controlling much of the play in the early stages.

Gareth Thomas again had no choice but to shuffle his pack due to injuries and absences, that saw youngsters Leon Atkins and Tom Cain starting the match up top in the front attacking line.

Aaron White also returned to the fold following a holiday and it was White who became provider for the home side after a strong determined run through the middle of the pitch, who then calmly played the ball to Atkins who made no mistake finding the bottom left corner for the first goal.

Bay then pulled a goal back as Tom McCready found the net with a fantastic effort long-range effort making the game 1-1.

It was then Rhyl’s White who was again back in the thick of the action stroked home a lovely goal into the bottom right corner, making it 2-1 Rhyl.

But the visitors again found their way back into the game this time through confusion between the lilywhites trialist goalkeeper and defender Sam Kersh. The ball dropped to Bay’s Dylan Allshorn who neatly found the back of the net with a right footed strike the game was all square at 2-2 at the break.

It was the home side once again who looked like they may be able to secure the winner in front of 350 sunshine baked fans, but the bay defence held strong with the match finishing 2-2.

A great run out for both teams as they continue their preparations for the new season.

Rhyl coach Andy Wilmot added after the game, “Great performance from the lads today, a fantastic reaction to the disappointing performance from midweek.”

Next up for Rhyl 1879 is a home friendly game against an Altrincham XI on Saturday July 16 - 2:30pm kick off.