Flint Town United vs Rhyl

The decisive moment arrived after the interval when Flint struck their third goal to regain the lead at 3-2. Rhyl pushed for a second equaliser but could not find a way through as Flint's defence held firm in the closing stages.

Josh Jones (Rhyl) — The forward scored Rhyl's first goal with a well-placed header from a dead-ball situation and was a constant threat throughout.

Dan Cockerline (Rhyl) — Added Rhyl's second goal, proving clinical in front of goal in the Lilywhites' first competitive minutes of pre-season.

Flint Town United's No. 9 — Scored with a header from a free kick according to match reports, contributing to Flint's three-goal tally.

Player of the Match: Josh Jones (Rhyl) — for his goal and overall influence in a losing cause.

The match finished 3-2, with both teams scoring and the game level at half-time. The high-scoring friendly featured five goals, an encouraging attacking output for both sides in their first pre-season outing. The match was played at Essity Stadium (Cae-y-Castell), Flint Town United's home ground situated on the banks of the Dee Estuary near Flint Castle.

This was the first pre-season friendly of 2026/27 for both North Wales clubs. Flint Town United compete in the JD Cymru Premier (top tier) after surviving relegation in 2025/26 — finishing 11th of 12 teams in the Play-Off Conference — and will face a 16-team expanded league in the new season. CPD Y Rhyl 1879 play in the JD Cymru North (second tier), having been confirmed in that division for 2026/27. Both sides will use this run-out to build fitness and sharpen combinations ahead of their competitive campaigns.

A lively, back-and-forth pre-season contest that gave both managers plenty to work with. Flint's ability to score three times in their first friendly is a positive sign, while Rhyl showed character to lead at one stage away from home. The scoreline reflected an open game typical of early pre-season — fitness ahead of fine margins.