NEWTOWN became the first victims of a Rhyl side with the Principality Welsh Premier title in their sights.
Having parted company with striker Tommy Mutton on the eve of the new season the Robins were always set to struggle.
With only 12 minutes gone a sweet interchange between ex-Wrexham star Neil Roberts and Greg Stones saw the latter drill past Dave
Jones.
Roberts continued to dictate proceedings as Newtown were pegged back throughout the first-half.
Gareth Owen and Jamie Reed went close before Mark Connolly rocked the woodwork with a powerful free-kick.
Roberts doubled Rhyl’s lead after 32 minutes when he latched onto a long ball from Reed to slot an unstoppable shot beyond a despairing Dave Jones.
Rhyl continued to dominate and Newtown were granted a reprieve when Danny Williams hit the post with Jones again stranded.
Newtown muscled their way back into the game after the break and enjoyed longer spells of possession. One such spell almost yielded a goal when Neil Mitchell steered home Adam Worton’s left-wing cross only to be denied by the offside flag.
Rhyl completed their impressive opening day victory when another long ball from Connolly found Reed who comfortably chipped Jones with four minutes left.
The full article contains 213 words and appears in County Times Express newspaper.
