RHUDDLAN Town marked their competitive return to Pengwern College with an eye-catching 6-3 win over Meliden.

The Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division title hopefuls produced a polished display on home soil at the expense of the Miners, who opted for demotion from Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two after various issues last term.

Town manager Wayne Hughes, said: “It was a fantastic result for us.

“The football we played from start to finish was simply brilliant. It was a great way to start the season with all three points and well done to all the lads involved.

“Even though we were behind I couldn’t really say much at half time because we played the better football and we were the better team but missed so many chances and some fine saves by the Meliden keeper.”

Despite the eventual result, it was the visitors who started the brighter and went ahead early on when Chris Marsden found the net, but this was met by a quick response in the form of a leveller from the outstanding Jay Whitehouse soon after.

This swung momentum in the home side’s favour but they were unable to convert any of the chances that came their way and found themselves two-behind at the break when Marsden and Joe Newall hit the target in quick succession to put the visitors in the ascendancy.

After the break saw Town spurn a golden chance to get themselves back into the game when they missed an attempt from the penalty spot, but Whitehouse was on hand once again to sterr a chance into the net shortly following the setback to half the deficit.

They got back on level terms when Matty Rees finished well, and Whitehouse capped off an exceptional individual display with an overhead kick to seal his hat-trick and put Town ahead for the first time.

There was still time for further goalmouth action that arrived late on when Rees despatched his second and Josh Parry marked his birthday with a superb strike to round off the scoring.