CARETAKER BOSS Nick Jones couldn’t fault Corwen’s display at Rhyl - for 44 minutes.

Unfortunately for Jones, taking the reins after the departure of Danny Jellicoe and assistant Tommy Mutton, that was not enough to prevent Rhyl from winning 4-0.

With half-time approaching and their game plan to frustrate Rhyl working, disaster struck for Corwen as Sam Molyneux fired home for the hosts.

That changed the game as Corwen were forced to attack Rhyl, who picked the visitors off in the second period with Molyneux, James Murphy and Tom Creamer adding further goals.

Jones, who has been placed in charge for next week’s clash with Colwyn Bay, was left to wonder what might have been.

“We worked hard on a game plan and for 44 minutes we frustrated them,” said Jones. “They were arguing with each other - players and coaching staff - and our plan was working.

“Eddie (Maurice-Jones) and Cookie (Richard Williams-Cooke) said after the game that they thought ‘they’ve got us here’ because Rhyl couldn’t break us down.

“That’s exactly what I said I wanted to try and do - make life hard for the opposition and until they scored it worked.

“At 1-0 down the plan changes and we’ve got to come out and attack, and that’s when teams like Rhyl pick you off.

“The three behind Asa Hamilton - James Murphy, Tom Creamer and Sam Molyneux - were very good.

“Unfortunately we gifted Rhyl three goals and we can’t afford to do that with any team in this league.”

Colwyn Bay warmed up for their clash with Corwen by beating Guilsfield 4-1.

Mitch Bryant led the scoring with two, while Julian Williams and Sion Edwards also netted for Bay, with Adam Jenkins hitting back for the visitors.

Two second-half goals from Jay Gibbs secured a 2-0 success for Porthmadog over visiting Ruthin.