RHYL bowed out of the Nathaniel MG Cup with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The Lilywhites turned in a spirited display against the Europa League heroes, who have been in competitive action for a number of weeks thanks to their superb exploits on the continent.

Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side now turn their attentions to their JD Cymru North opener at title rivals Flint Town United, who are managed by former Lilies’ boss Niall McGuinness and finished second in the Huws Gray Alliance last term.

The second-round clash saw the Nomads’ start brightly with Declan Poole and Michael Bakare both spurning good chances early on, with Lilies’ striker Asa Hamilton giving defender George Horan plenty to think about during the opening exchanges.

Andy Morrison’s squad managed to break the deadlock on 22 minutes when a Nathan Woolfe corner caused havoc in the home penalty area, which resulted in an attempted clearance from goalkeeper Keighan Jones was diverted into the net by Ryan Wignall.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts soon as a mistake from defender Danny Sullivan presented another chance to Wignall, and he demonstrated his trademark past to break through the Lilies’ rear-guard before firing past Jones to double their advantage with 24 on the clock.

Leo Riley had a good opportunity to get the home side back into the tie just before the break when he blazed his shot over, and they were dealt another blow shortly after the break when creative wide-man Aaron Hassall was forced off through injury.

Dave McIntyre, Steve Thomas and substitute Sam Molyneux increased the tempo for the Lilies’ throughout the second period and all missed chances to reduce the arrears, and Jones had to be at his best to deny Wignall and Callum Morris at the other end to keep them in the contest.

Rhyl’s final chance arrived on 87 minutes when Thomas’ sublime delivery fell into the path of Molyneux, but the former Gresford Athletic standout failed to find the target from a promising position.