Colwyn Bay vs Rhyl

Peate's 74th-minute header. With Rhyl having just drawn level through Al Haj and momentum shifting towards the visitors, Peate's goal swung the game back in Colwyn Bay's favour inside four minutes. The quick response denied Rhyl the chance to build on their equaliser and settle for a draw.

• Nathan Peate (Colwyn Bay) — Scored the match-winning header and showed aerial prowess at a crucial moment. Makes a strong case for a starting spot in the season opener against Trefelin.
• Adam Davies (Colwyn Bay) — Scored for the second consecutive pre-season game, demonstrating an eye for goal from midfield. His 40th-minute strike proved vital in establishing the half-time lead.
• Dan Cockerline (Rhyl) — Produced an excellent finish to equalise inside seven minutes, showing quality in front of goal that Rhyl will hope carries into the competitive season.
• Arafat Al Haj (Rhyl) — Dragged Rhyl level at 2-2 with 20 minutes left, but his effort was ultimately undone by Peate's quick reply.

Player of the Match: Nathan Peate (Colwyn Bay)

The provider payload recorded five goals from limited chances, with both teams converting at least one chance in each half. Colwyn Bay's 2-1 half-time lead reflected their first-half dominance, though the second-half substitutions disrupted their rhythm — Rhyl exploited the flux to equalise before Peate's intervention. The match featured no cards, typical of a pre-season friendly where both sets of management prioritised fitness and squad rotation over intensity.

Colwyn Bay have now won both of their pre-season friendlies to date, building momentum ahead of the JD Cymru Premier season opener against newly promoted Trefelin BGC at the Blue Turtle Arena on Friday, 31 July. The Seagulls finished fifth in the 2025/26 Cymru Premier table and reached the European play-offs, where they lost to Penybont on penalties.

For Rhyl, this was their third pre-season fixture of the summer. The Lilywhites, who operate in the Cymru North (tier 2), continue their preparations under manager Paul Moore as they build towards the 2026/27 campaign.

A thoroughly entertaining local derby that delivered five goals and genuine intensity for a pre-season fixture. Colwyn Bay's ability to respond twice after being pegged back — particularly Peate's quick winner after Al Haj's equaliser — was the standout takeaway. The Seagulls look in good shape ahead of their Cymru Premier opener, though the defensive lapses that allowed Rhyl back into the game will need tightening before competitive action begins.