RHYL bowed out of the JD Welsh Cup at the fourth-round stage following a 4-1 loss at Newtown.

The Lilywhites’ were unable to advance despite pushing the JD Cymru Premier side extremely close until a flurry of second half goals decided the tie.

Assistant manager Richard Williams-Cooke was pleased with the commitment shown from a side that were at full strength for the first time in a number of months, and he now challenged his squad to go on a winning run as they prepare for a trip to Penrhyncoch on February 8.

Williams-Cooke, said: “The boys did really well and I cannot fault them really. We came up against a very good Newtown side who were clinical.

“We knew they would have lots of possession, but we kept our shape really well in the first half. They took their chances at the end at that is the difference when you come up against JD Cymru Premier teams, they kill you off when they get opportunities.

“If the chance right on half time goes in they have to chase it a little bit more after the break, but Arek (Piskorski) was a bit rusty as he’s had a bit of time off through injury and its gone just wide which was a big turning point.

“This is where we and every team in our league is trying to get to. I think we have been really unlucky with injuries this season but we have got all the lads fit now and with the U19s pushing them hard in training the challenge is to finish as high as possible and win as many games as we can.”

A nightmare start for the Lilies’ saw them go behind on two minutes when Nick Rushton took advantage of a defensive error, but they bounced back on the quarter hour mark when midfielder Tommy Creamer continued his fine run of form in front of goal with another well-taken effort to level matters.

The visitors had a golden chance to into the break with a slender advantage when Piskorski was sent through on goal, but the Polish forward’s lob sailed agonisingly wide.

After the break saw the home side regain the initiative on 65 minutes through an Ian Sheridan header, and Chris Hughes’ side doubled their tally thanks to a superb run and finish from Craig Williams.

The home side secured a passage to the quarter finals on 78 minutes when George Harry’s composed finish past Rory Crowther rounded off the scoring.