RHYL FC got their pre-season campaign off to the best possible start with a 1-0 win at St Asaph City.

The Lilywhites opened their friendly fixtures with a worthwhile experience against the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side, which is sure to stand both sides in good stead for the remainder of their preparations.

The visitors began the game on the front foot and got off to a flyer when new signing Asa Hamilton, who joined the club from Huws Gray Alliance champions Airbus Broughton, took advantage of a defensive lapse to calmly slot past Luke Wilmott and open the scoring after five minutes.

Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side enjoyed large spells of possession following the strike, but the Saints’ worked incredibly hard to keep them at bay and restrict them to few chances thanks in no small part to the outstanding performance of former Lilies’ star James Brewerton.

Another summer signings also caught the eye in the first period, with Leo Riley showing glimpses of what he will be able to bring to the squad for the upcoming FAW Tier 2 North League season, with Cai Owen and Ben Lockley also posing a significant threat from wide areas.

Multiple changes from both sides at the break saw the tempo slow briefly before Hamilton pounced for another opportunity which found the net but was ruled out for offside.

One of the best passing moves of the friendly contest presented a chance to Hamilton, but Wilmott was equal to his effort following good approach play from Raphael Glauser and Sam Molyneux.

This same pattern pf play continued throughout the remainder of the game, with Dave McIntyre controlling things in midfielder as the Lilies’ failed to make their chances pay to increase their tally.