NIALL MCGUINNESS saluted the character of his Flint Town United players as they secured a crucial 1-0 win at Rhyl.

A second minute goal from Callum Bratley gave Flint the start they craved, but Chris Li saw red for two cautions and the Silkmen were forced to play an hour with 10-men.

Flint rolled their sleeves up and ground out an important three points, which were made even sweeter as leaders Prestatyn were held at Guilsfield.

“It was a huge win and it’s testament to the lads,” said boss McGuinness. “To a man the lads showed they type of characters they are.

“We managed to get ourselves in-front, but then we’ve had Chris sent off and it was about getting to half time with two banks of four.

“Rhyl missed a good chance which might have changed things, but we went with a shape in the second-half that worked.

“The lads showed big hearts to do the amount of work they did for 90 minutes.

“We pride ourselves on stopping teams scoring against us and it’s now back-to-back clean sheets.

“We worked really hard to stifle them and we even had the best chance in the second-half. I just felt that if they were going to score it would be from a mistake.”

Victory completed a perfect November for Flint, who recorded five successive league wins, including a hat-trick of away victories at Guilsfield, Gresford and Rhyl, who opted to change into their away kit for the second-half of Friday’s game.

“It was vitally important that we did our bit by winning,” said McGuinness, who celebrated with a trip to Dublin.

“We don’t look at the table too much, but we know we’ve got to keep winning.

“Prestatyn had two tough away games like we did and if they’d have taken six points then obviously you couldn’t have faulted them.

“We just want to keep doing our job each week and I’m made up to have taken another three points against a tough Rhyl team.”

Returning Flint skipper Richie Foulkes was equally delighted t have beaten Rhyl, who had Cai Owen sent-off late on.

Foulkes tweeted: “Unbelievable character from the lads last night to pick up 3 points!! I’m proud to captain this group every single week, Seeing the passion on the fans faces as we’re walking off at the end will live with me for a long time!”

Flint are now just two points off top spot after Prestatyn were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Guilsfield.

Danny Davies gave Prestatyn the lead, but Guilsfield were level within two minutes through Jolyon Harries and neither side could find a winner.

Colwyn Bay were unable to make up any ground on the top two as they drew 1-1 at home to Bangor City.

Mitch Bryant gave Colwyn Bay the lead midway through the first-half, but Nicholas Delvecchio levelled before the break.

Corwen’s scheduled home clash with Llandudno was postponed due to a waterlogged War Memorial Park playing surface.