WHAT a start to the new football season it has been for Denbigh Town and Ruthin Town!

The competitive campaign opened for the Vale of Clwyd duo over the weekend with ties in the first round of this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup.

Denbigh claimed a 1-0 success from their trip to Chirk AAA, while Ruthin edged out Llandudno 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at Memorial Park Fields.

For Ardal North-West League champions Denbigh, the tie’s crucial moment arrived three minutes prior to the interval when a corner dropped to Mason Blackwell-Jones.

He rifled his effort into the back of the net to seal victory for Dewi Llion Jones’ charges.

Former Airbus player Nathan Brown had the first attempt that was saved by Ollie Farebrother and at the other end, Aaron Jones made a terrific stop to deny Dale Davies.

Brown was a threat for Denbigh and he saw a free kick clatter against the woodwork.

Iwan Hardy fired narrowly wide for Chirk when the second half got underway and Town struck the woodwork once more, this time through Danny Clarke.

Chirk threatened late on, with Max McLoughlin volleying narrowly off target and Denbigh keeper Jones made a tie-winning save right at the end.

Ruthin Town progressed with a thrilling 3-2 outcome at home to Llandudno.

An 82nd minute strike from Llyr Morris settled it for Phil Hudson’s outfit, who also had Jake Hughes Hampson and Ethan Davies on the scoresheet.

Danny Holland and Fabrizio Murtas kept Llandudno interested.