RHYL bounced back from their midweek defeat and claimed derby day bragging rights with a superb 2-1 triumph over Prestatyn Town.

A large crowd of more than 500 descended on the Educate Group Stadium to witness the clash between the coastal rivals, with the Lilywhites emerging victorious and ending the Seasiders’ perfect start to the JD Cymru North campaign.

Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side will look to take this positive momentum into their next outing at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant on Saturday, with Town aiming to get back to winning ways at home to fellow title hopefuls Colwyn Bay.

A lively start from the home side saw them go ahead on ten minutes when a sensational half volley from James Murphy flew past visiting custodian Ryan Woods to get the Lilies’ off to the best possible start to the clash.

This was met by a strong response from the title favourites, with Danny Davies’ effort from a Rob Hughes delivery hitting the side-netting and a Dave Hayes header forcing keeper Rory Crowther into a smart stop.

Hughes was looking the most likely to make something happen for the visitors, with the midfielder unleashing a long-range effort midway through the half that was diverted from danger by Crowther.

The former Connah’s Quay Nomads star would not be denied on 35 minutes when he found a gap in the Lilies’ rear-guard, and this time he made no mistake with the finish to level proceedings.

Their joy proved to be fleeting as the home side got their noses in front immediately following the restart thanks to a fine strike from full-back Steve Thomas, who latched on to a Murphy through ball and stroke home the opportunity.

After the interval saw both sides trade good chances through Aaron Hassall and Jack Kenny, with the latter denied a certain leveller by a superb block from defender Danny Sullivan.

The hosts had two golden opportunities to extend their cushion midway through the second period when Leo Riley and Ben Nash both came within inches of a third in quick succession, with Asa Hamilton also spurning an opening after being sent through on goal.

Town mounted to significant pressure in the dying moments as they looked to rescue something from the clash, but a free-kick from Hughes that sailed wide was as close as they came to an equaliser.