RHYL assistant coach Richard Williams-Cooke highlighted the importance of “fine margins” after his side suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at Airbus Broughton.

The Lilywhites gave the long-time Huws Gray Alliance leaders plenty to think about throughout an evenly matched affair, and they could have emerged with something to show for their efforts had James Murphy converted a golden opportunity late on.

Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side now lie in fifth position ahead of their derby clash at the Educate Resource Stadium against Holywell Town on Friday (7.30pm).

Williams-Cooke, said: “We are coming away frustrated as it was two very good teams playing in the right way and there was not a lot between us.

“I don’t think we worked their goalkeeper enough but the lads worked their socks off against a quality Airbus team, so it is disappointing.

“I thought they got on top during the first 20 of the second half, moved it well and got their goal, but this raised us a bit and Spud (Murphy) has got to score really and he knows that. The good things is that he is still getting in those good areas and if this continues then the goals will come for him.

“Holywell is a bit of a local derby and they are having a bit of a tough time at the minute. We cannot fault the lads for their effort but they need to make better decisions in the final third as it is a case of fine margins with teams in this league and especially in games like this you need to take your chances.

“The lads don’t shy away from anything which is why we brought them here, so we will keep going.”

A cagey first period saw both sides miss good opportunities, but the Wingmakers’ came out with a renewed sense of purpose after the break and took the lead on 61 minutes when a long-range effort from Nathan Woolfe took a wicked deflection past Rory Crowther.

Asa Hamilton’s close-range header almost doubled their advantage soon after, and the Lilies’ best chance fell to Murphy, who fired over after good work from Barry Torrence.