LLANDUDNO opened their pre-season schedule with a narrow 1-0 home loss to Whitchurch Alport.

Iwan Williams’ new-look squad showcased their skills at the Giant Hospitality Stadium for the first time, and there were plenty of positives to take from the runout as the club gears up for the upcoming JD Welsh Premier League campaign.

The home side began the game well and almost went ahead on seven minutes when player-assistant Matty Williams fired narrowly wide with a 25-yard free-kick.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Tudno failed to create any chances of note until 25 minutes when Williams despatched another dead ball wide of the target, with Alun Webb forcing the keeper into a comfortable save on the half hour mark.

An audacious effort from Williams on 37 minutes was unfortunate not to find the net, and the final chance of the first period fell to Steve Thomas, who blazed his free-kick over the bar.

After the interval saw Tudno make wholesale changes to their line-up, with former Rhyl man Mark Connolly failing to convert an opportunity on 58 minutes after good work from Joe Carey.

Defender Kai Edwards’ impressive strike from long-range forced a stunning stop from the visiting custodian, and they were made to pay for their lack of conviction in front of goal when a looping header evaded Tudno stopper Tom Lewney to give the visitors the lead after 76 minutes.

Toby Jones almost levelled matters for the hosts in the closing stages when he linked up well with a trialist, but his effort lacked the pace to trouble the keeper to ensure they began their friendly fixtures with a defeat.

Tudno will welcome 1874 Northwich for their second pre-season outing on Saturday (2.30pm).