RHYL 1879 are well set for the second half of the season after pushing Cymru North title favourites Airbus UK Broughton close.

The Lilywhites actually took the lead against Steve O'Shaughnessy's side, but in the end it was the Wingmakers who edged to a 2-1 success.

Rhyl really held their own despite having five first-teamers missing through illness and injury.

The first half began with the visitors controlling much of the play, ensuring the Lilywhites had to remain positive in a strong defensive shape.

Home number one Ryan Roberts was certainly the busier of the two keepers, producing a string of fine saves to deny the Airbus forward line.

Rhyl manager Gareth Thomas opted to rotate his squad at the break, making three changes by introducing Ryan Hassett, Casey Faulkner and Jordan Worthington.

Worthington took just one minute to make an impact with a 25-yard screamer that looped over the head of the visiting goalkeeper, leaving the Lilywhites faithful delirious.

Airbus continued to be on the front foot during the second half and following a defensive error, forward Jake Eyre slotted home from just inside the box.

Eyre was then given the opportunity to double his tally following a Ryan Hassett foul just inside the box, making no mistake from the penalty spot to fire into the top right corner.

The match proved to be a great workout for both teams, with both 1879 and Airbus looking to continue with their fantastic league form in the weeks ahead.

Gareth Thomas said: “I thought we were excellent for the 90 minutes, unfortunately we got punished for two defensive errors.

"(On) the whole I’m really happy with the workout for the lads. Really looking forward to getting back to league action against Llandudno Junction next week.”