RHYL coach Richard Williams-Cooke lauded his side’s resolve after they came from behind to secure a superb 2-1 win at Flint Town United.

The Lilywhites laid down an early JD Cymru North title marker against their expected title rivals in a frantic opening day fixture between the two sides, and they will be aiming for more of the same when Rhyl welcome newly promoted Llangefni Town to the Educate Group Stadium on Friday evening (7.45pm).

Williams-Cooke, said: “I am absolutely made up for the boys. They worked so hard and wanted it more.

“We couldn’t have got off to a worse start really conceding from a set-piece which we spoke about at length before the game so that was disappointing, but we were brilliant from then on and that is a game we’d have probably lost last year so it’s a great sign.

“Thommo’s (Steven Thompson) fitness levels and desire are incredible, he has raised levels in training, and I have tried to get him for a few years now. His goal got us back in it and we rose from then, were too physical for them and I thought we really deserved it.

“The game opened up in the second half as we thought it would but in Aaron (Hassall) and James (Murphy) we had two players that we thought could make an impact when they came on, but all 14 players involved today did a brilliant job.

“Gone are the days when you have easy games in this league given how high and professional the standards are now, but Friday’s game against Llangefni will probably be a different one and we will be looking to play a bit more.

“The mood in the camp is exceptional and this win sets us up nicely.”

Former Rhyl forward Mark Cadwallader was on hand to put the Silkmen ahead early on when he headed home from close range following a long throw, but the visitors restored parity to the score-line on 32 minutes when a Dave McIntyre cross was diverted into the path of Thomas, who unleashed a ferocious half-volley past Aaron Jones.

Sam Molyneux and another ex-Lilywhite Alex Titchiner traded good opportunities after the break without converting, and substitute Tommy Creamer came within inches of putting the away side ahead when his goal-bound effort was hacked off the line.

The introduction of Hassall had an instant impact on proceedings, with the lively winger’s free kick from 30 yards evading everyone and ending up in the net for the winner.