CPD Y Rhyl 1879 trounced Llandudno Junction 8-1 on Saturday (March 5) to reach the semi-finals of the North Wales Coast Football Association (NWCFA) Intermediate Challenge Cup.

Manager Gareth Thomas rang the changes in his starting 11, making no fewer than five changes, ensuring minutes on the field for the entire squad in the last couple of weeks.

The first goal came for the Lilywhites; following great work by frontman Macauley Taylor on the right-hand side, the ball landing at the feet of experienced forward Carl Lamb, who slotted home calmly into the bottom left corner.

Next up, it was Taylor who found the net, following a goalkeeper parry, taking the game to 2-0 after 29 minutes.

The third goal, taking the visitors into an unassailable lead, was scored by forward Tom Cain, who found the bottom right-hand corner of the goal with a fantastic left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty area.

The first 15 minutes of the second half played out evenly, but it was the home side who were next to find the net with a long-range effort from Jack Williams, which bobbled in front of visiting Rhyl goalkeeper Ryan Roberts leaving him with no chance.

But only a minute later, it was Taylor who found the net again with a towering header following some great work from full-back Chris Bennett, who is finding his form after a long injury lay-off.

Lamb also struck again on 68 minutes with a ferocious right-footed drive into the top left corner, making it 5-1.

It then became the Kieran Ellis show, as he secured a 20-minute hat trick.

The first goal came courtesy of some fantastic work by youngster Frankie Davies on the right-hand side, who delivered the ball to Ellis, who made no mistake finding the net.

A pair of further goals for the energetic Ellis ensured the Lilywhites left the Flyover with a 8-1 victory and a place in the semi-final of the NWCFA Intermediate Challenge Cup.

After the game, Thomas said: “We were a bit sloppy in the first 10 minutes, but then we were at it; a great performance by the lads today.”

Thomas also heaped praise on midfielder Dan Sim, saying: “I thought Simo was great today, he’s been out for a couple of weeks, but did really well.”

Next up, the Lilywhites welcome Penmaenmawr Phoenix to Belle Vue in the Cookson Cup semi-final on Saturday, March 12, kicking off at 1.30pm.