Ardal North West – promoted Bangor 1876, Rhyl 1879 and Bodedern all start with wins

Bangor 1876 8 Rhydymwyn 1

Corrig McGonigle made it two four-goal hauls to start the season as 1876 began life in tier 3 with a memorable demolition of Rhydymwyn.

McGonigle rose his tally since joining the Treborth club to a phenomenal 42 goals in 17 appearances. He also hit four in 1876’s 9-2 Welsh Cup pasting of Llanberis.

Tom Clarke broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a downward header following a cross by Jamie Petrie.

A minute later, McGonigle doubled 1876’s advantage from close range and he added a third home goal in as many minutes with a sharp finish.

Six minutes before the break, McGonigle completed his hat-trick.

Although his first effort was well saved, the Anglesey-based striker found the net after the ball was played back to him by Jamie Petrie.

Half-time: 4-0

In the 52nd minute, 1876 scored a fifth when visiting central defender Connor Whelan turned the ball into his own net attempting to clear a shot from Liam Morris.

Only the heroics of keeper Lewys Thomson-Williams denied the hosts before in the 70th minute Morris fired a low left-footed shot into the net for 6-0.

Three minutes later the visitors got a goal back when a floated free-kick into the box by Iwan Rogers eluded keeper Cian Thomas and crossed the line before Clarke could clear.

More close calls came 1876’s way before, in the 88th minute, Harry Galeotti played the ball to Gethin Thomas on the right side of the penalty area. The substitute found the net with a powerful right-footed shot.

McGonigle completed the scoring with a header.

Brickfield Rangers 1 Bodedern Athletic 2

Last season’s North Wales Coast West Premier champions Bodedern started off the new campaign in tier 3 with a well-earned win at Clywedog Park.

Marc Evans, top-scorer with 68 goals last term, opened his account for 2022-23 by breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute.

Ry Lees doubled the away lead on 64 minutes and Boded were comfortable before Jordan Taylor was shown a second yellow in the 86th minute.

Harley Steel pulled one back for Bricky in added time, but the islanders took the points.

Hawarden Rangers 2 Y Felinheli 3

Three points to start the season for Euron Davies’ Felinheli outfit at newly-promoted Hawarden.

Ellis Jones’ 21st minute penalty for the hosts was kept out by impressive stand-in keeper Aled Hughes, but Aaron North converted the rebound.

Gruff John equalised from the spot before half time.

Rangers went 2-1 up on 72 minutes as Jones made up for his earlier penalty miss.

Llion Wyn Jones made it all-square, then Rhys Parry nodded in a late decider.

Llangefni Town 2 Flint Mountain 1

All the goals came in the second half at Cae Bob Parry.

Cai Powell Roberts edged Cefni ahead in the 46th minute, Calyn Spencer levelled on 71, but Matty Jones bagged the winner almost immediately.

The match was called off in the 90th minute due to an injury, but the final score is expected to stand.

Nantlle Vale 1 Llay Welfare 3

Vale took a fourth-minute lead through Alwyn Roberts, but Llay turned the tables to win via a Tom Wells double (43 & 79) and Matthew Worrall (78).

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 4 Rhostyllen 2

Two goals early in the second half from Alex Jones turned this game in favour of a Rhyl side who trailed 2-1 at the break.

There was an early scare for the hosts when Rhostyllen striker Tomos Williams saw his shot saved by debutant 1879 keeper Luke Wilmot.

Gareth Thomas’ men took the lead on 15 minutes when defender Jack Davies out on the left floated a delightful ball into the box that caught keeper Adam Hughes unaware, sailed straight over him and into the goal.

In the 23rd minute the visitors were back level. Following a brilliant counter-attack, Tomos Williams controlled the ball and fired across goal into the top corner.

Rhostyllen made it 2-1 on 39 minutes through Lee Burney.

The second half began with 1879 taking the game to the visitors and on 47 minutes Tom Cain’s free kick found Keiron Ellis, who headed the ball down for Alex Jones to slot between the keeper and post for 2-2.

Less than five minutes later Alex Jones would score his second, netting after a Cain strike came back off the keeper.

Jones could have made it a hat-trick before, in the dying moments, Ellis nodded into the path of Leon Atkins, who took the ball in his stride and fired home to end the match.

Saltney Town 1 Llandudno Albion 0

James Rutter’s 88th minute close range finish clinched three points for Saltney, who were good value for their win.