SATURDAY saw the CPD Y Rhyl 1879 make the 63-mile trip to Nefyn United in the NWCFA Intermediate Challenge Cup.

Gareth Thomas’s Lilywhites looked to continue the great form that has seen them win in their previous nine competitive matches at a blustery Cae’r Delyn on the Llyn Peninsula.

Battling against the wind in the first half, Rhyl started on the front foot with leading goal scorer Carl Lamb and new signing Kieran Ellis utilising their strength and power in the final third of the pitch.

Nefyn United v CPD Y Rhyl 1879 at Caer Delyn on Saturday, December 4.

Nefyn United v CPD Y Rhyl 1879 at Cae'r Delyn on Saturday, December 4.

It was the away side that broke the deadlock on 13 minutes after Ellis found the bottom left-hand corner with a powerful drive from Lamb's lay-off.

Just five minutes later referee Robin Williams controversially pointed to spot for Nefyn, giving them the opportunity to make the game level at after just 18 minutes. Up stepped Gwilym Jones who made no mistake finding the top left corner from the spot.

Both teams went into the break with the game all square at 1-1 in a feisty physical encounter.

The away side started the second half on the front foot again and took the lead early, when in the 48th minute veteran front-man Lamb found the bottom right-hand corner with a first-time effort following some great work by central midfielder Elliot Evans, putting the score at 2-1.

The second half played out relative evenly with very few chances to note, but the game took an unsavoury turn with a red card for both teams as Daniel Roberts and Warren Adam clashed, leaving referee Robin Williams with little option.

It was not a stellar Rhyl performance but manager Gareth Thomas said was pleased to see his side progress to the next round.

“I’m really happy with the performance in challenging conditions," he said. "A special mention for Elliot Evans who has spent the last few weeks on the side lines recovering from illness who came back into the side and did very well."