RHYL booked their place in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round with an impressive 2-0 success at Buckley Town.

The Lilywhites marked their return to competitive action in the best possible way to advance to the next stage of the competition, where they will take on Europa League heroes Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Educate Group Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).

Andy Morrison’s side are no stranger to the ground, having played both their home European ties against Kilmarnock and Partizan Belgrade at the Lilies’ venue.

The visitors made a positive start to the contest and almost broke the deadlock after just three minutes when Asa Hamilton was played in by Dave McIntyre, but he attempt was diverted by Town stopper Joe Makaruk.

They did not have to wait much longer for the opening goal of the tie, which came on eight minutes thanks to a header from Dan Sullivan from a Leo Riley corner.

Sullivan made his presence felt at the other end soon after with a fine block to deny the home side a leveller, with Cai Owen’s defensive prowess also on display as Town responded incredibly well to the initial setback.

Former Rhyl player Chris Roberts’ 30-yard effort for the hosts flew narrowly over, with Sam Molyneux going close on two occasions at the other end following more outstanding build-up play from McIntyre.

After the break saw Hamilton almost double the visitors’ tally when a header and shot failed to beat Makaruk, with the introduction of Aaron Hassall providing Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side with an injection of creativity in the final third of the field.

Another player that made a huge impact from the bench was Tommy Creamer, with the former Conwy Borough standout on hand to prod home from close range on 77 minutes to all-but seal their triumph.

Hamilton, Owen and James Murphy went close to putting the exclamation point on proceedings late on as the Lilies’ saw out the remainder of the game in comfortable fashion to progress.