RHYL ended their pre-season fixture obligations with a 3-0 loss at home to a strong Everton U23 side.

The prestigious annual fixture drew a large crowd to the Educate Group Stadium and was another very worthwhile experience for the ambitious Lilies’ squad, who get their campaign underway this Saturday with a trip to Buckley Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round (2.30pm).

The young Toffees, who clinched the Premier League 2 championship last term, enjoyed long spells of possession during the opening exchanges but were finding it hard to break through the resolute home rear-guard, with Asa Hamilton’s header forcing a smart stop from Nico Hansen at the other end.

Anthony Davies was proving to be a stern proposition to contact from a visitors’ perspective, with the forward and Ellis Simms both spurning good efforts towards the end of the first period.

After the break saw the away side almost notch the opener shortly following the restart when Rhys Hughes fired wide, and the impressive Evans produced a fine piece of skill before seeing his effort diverted by Rory Crowther.

They did not have to wait much longer for the opening goal of the contest, and inevitably it was Evans who caused the damage when he latched on to a through ball and slotted past Crowther on 58 minutes.

Eddie Maurice-Jones made a number of changes following the setback and it almost paid dividends when Raphael Glauser was brought down, but the referee adjudged the incident to have taken place just outside the box and the danger was averted.

The visitors managed to double their tally soon after when Evans capitalised on a defensive mix-up to present Kieran Phillips with an opportunity on 70 minutes, and he made no mistake to increase their cushion.

Things were wrapped up on 78 minutes when Nathangelo Markeio latched on to a poor clearance and steer home the final goal of the friendly, just moments after Evans rattled the crossbar for the Toffees.