RHYL assistant coach Richard Williams-Cooke lauded returning forward Mike Pritchard as his side secured a 3-1 home victory over Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant.

The Lilywhites secured their 11th win in 12 games with a clinical second half display against their resolute Huws Gray Alliance opponents, with Pritchard turning in a virtuoso display throughout to lead his side to glory.

They go into next Friday’s trip to Penrhyncoch (8pm) in fifth position in the Huws Gray Alliance standings, just two points behind second placed Porthmadog and 12 behind leaders Airbus Broughton.

Williams-Cooke, said: “They were exactly what we thought they would be. I know their two managers well and they were organised and had a plan, but to be fair I thought we played really well in spells.

“We moved the ball really well but they defended brilliantly and nicked a goal which meant it became a bit of a test for us.

“Mike (Pritchard) is great to have in the side. He has bundles of energy and we really missed him over the Christmas fixtures, and every game he plays is an eight or nine out of ten performance.

“It’s not just what he does on the ball it is his work off it too, and he spurs on the other lads around him so he is extremely important to us.

“The top five are all flying at the moment. At half time today we thought we might be able to nick some ground with a couple drawing, but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves as Penrhyncoch will be another difficult fixture.

“There is no easy game in the league anymore as everyone is so well drilled, but we are looking forward to these games coming up which lead us into the Welsh Cup.”

A frustrating start for the Lilies’ saw James Murphy fire a penalty wide, and Llan took the lead on 28 minutes through a free header from Tom Bailey.

The home side got back on level terms soon after when Barry Torrence beat the keeper to the ball to head in on the half hour mark, and Pritchard fired them ahead from a Gareth Partridge cross with 49 gone.

Murphy atoned for his earlier penalty miss two minutes from time with a fine individual effort after good work from Aaron Hassall to complete the scoring.