RHYL were unable to build on their derby day victory over Prestatyn Town as they were beaten 2-1 at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant.

The Lilywhites’ had nothing to show for their efforts despite dominating possession for large periods of the clash, but Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side have a good chance to put things right during a busy week of JD Cymru North action that begins with a home tie against Ruthin Town on Tuesday night, before making the trip to Llanfair United on Saturday.

A strong start to the contest from the visitors saw them carve out their first opening on 12 minutes when Tommy Creamer's goal-bound effort was superbly blocked by a Llan defender, with Ben Nash heading narrowly over from the resulting corner.

The game was then turned on it head on 22 minutes when Lilies’ skipper Max Peate put Rory Crowther under pressure, and the goalkeeper’s clearance was deflected into the path of Marc Griffiths who was tasked with the simplest of finishes to put the home side ahead.

Another lapse in concentration shortly after the restart proved costly for the away side, with a disappointing clearance from Peate wasting possession and from the following attack Griffiths pounced from close range on 25 minutes to double their advantage.

Credit to the Lilies, they responded well to the latest setback and got back into the tie in superb fashion on the half hour mark when a thumping 30-yard effort from Aaron Hassall that gave home custodian James Hayns no chance.

Steve Thomas’ powerful attempt on 31 minutes flashed inches wide, and after the interval saw Asa Hamilton spurn a good opportunity from inside the area after good approach play from Cai Owen.

The chances continued to flow throughout the second period with no luck for Maurice-Jones’ men as Hamilton, Owen, Leo Riley and Creamer all failed to make the most of their respective chances during a spell of extreme dominance.

Ben Burrows also failed to convert a golden chance late on with a free head that eventually dropped the wrong side of the post.