WHAT a start to life in tier three it's been for Rhyl 1879.

Gareth Thomas' charges welcomed Rhostyllen to Belle Vue for the opening match of the Ardal North West League season on August 6.

After a tentative start, it was Rhostyllen who nearly claimed the lead when Tomos Williams' shot was saved by debutant 1879 keeper Luke Wilmot.

An unusual goal had the Lilywhites in front after a quarter-of-an-hour.

Defender Jack Davies, out on the left, floated a delightful ball into the box that caught keeper Adam Hughes off guard and it sailed straight over him and into the goal.

Rhostyllen battled back to level things up on 23 minutes via Tomos Williams.

READ MORE:

Date finally set for rearranged cup final between Rhyl and Bangor 1876

Then, six minutes shy of the break, the visitors went in front.

Lee McBurney found himself in acres of space to make it 2-1.

Rhyl responded in fine fashion in the second period, with Keiron Ellis heading down for Alex Jones to fire in an equaliser.

It was Jones at the double soon afterwards.

Tom Cain's effort was saved, but there was Jones to pick up the pieces and slot in from close range.

Rhyl put the game to bed in the closing stages.

Good work from Alex Jones and Keiron Ellis set up Leon Atkins for the home side's fourth goal.

Manager Thomas told the club's website: “Three points (in the) first game of the season is all you can ask for.”

When asked about the contribution of two-goal Alex Jones, the boss added: “He is an experienced player, him and his brother were 28 this week the pair of them.

"We didn’t have James (Jones) last week against Abergele and Alex came off the bench, we got them both today.

"They make a massive difference, they talk, they are experienced, and they know how to win a game of football.”

There's a tough trip to Llanrwst United in store for the Lilywhites on Sunday (August 14).

Llanrwst began their season with a notable 2-0 triumph at Denbigh Town.

Kick-off at Gwydir Park will be 2.30pm.