RHYL first team coach Richard Williams-Cooke praised his side’s second half display as they secured a 3-1 JD Welsh Cup first round success against Caersws.

The Lilywhites secured their fifth straight victory in all competitions against a resolute Bluebirds’ outfit, and they now enjoy a weekend off before two crucial home fixtures against Guilsfield and fierce rivals Bangor City on November 24 and 30 respectively.

A cagey opening to proceedings saw both sides wasteful in possession, but the Lilies were given a golden chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty for handball on 43 minutes, and Kristian Pierce converted confidently from the spot to give them a slender cushion at the break.

After the interval saw the home side come out with a renewed sense of purpose and they doubled their advantage on 63 minutes when Liam Chambers played in Joe Sullivan, who produced a composed finish under pressure.

Things got even better for the hosts immediately following the restart when Reece Fairhurst added a third from close range, and despite a consolation from Rhydian Davies late on it was not enough to prevent a convincing cup success for Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side.

Williams-Cooke, said: “These games are always potential banana skins and we knew they would try and make things difficult, but I didn’t think we were at our best in the first half but there was a 20-minute spell in the second where I thought we were very good.

“Joe (Sullivan) played really well and looked very comfortable in both his midfield role and on the right when we asked him to do something different. He is going to be pushing the lads to try and get in the starting 11 on a regular basis.

“All the lads that came in did well but we did say at half-time that it wasn’t good enough, and we got a great reaction from them in the second which gives us a real selection headache for the Guilsfield game.

“The spirit in the camp is brilliant. We went through the bad patch and were questioning ourselves but the lads have come through it together and we have got the chance to push on even more in the league with two home games coming up.”