PENRHYNCOCH manager Gari Lewis praised his side’s gutsy showing, despite an opening day 2-1 loss to one of the Cymru Alliance title favourites Caernarfon Town.

Ex-Aberystwyth winger Darren Thomas and former Llanidloes forward Jamie Breese were on the mark the Canaries, before the impressive Steffan Davies replied with his first league goal for the Roosters.

With Jonathan Evans unable to gain international clearance in time for the match, after a successful spell playing in America for New Orleans Jesters, Penrhyn were forced into making late changes.

“Caernarfon dominated the first half, were very slick going forward and have some class acts in their side,” said Lewis.

“My money is on them and Airbus to win the league. But we had a real good go at them in the last 30 minutes, and can take a lot of pride from the performance.

“Steff Davies was strong up front and was a real handful for them, while Liam Lewis and Rob Murfet also did well. But the whole team can take a lot of credit.

“We had a lot of support from the local community, which was great, and that really helped the boys in their performance.

“We’ve now got Guilsfield away on Saturday, which will be another tough one, but we can go there with confidence.”

Caernarfon, showing real pace, were soon in their stride with Thomas and Danny Brookwell both going close early on.

The lively Breese sounded another warning midway through the first period when he cut inside from the left side, before his shot struck the outside of the upright.

Rob Murfet and Elian Evans were working hard in midfield, but the visitors found a way through in the 28th minute when Thomas latched on to an excellent delivery from Breese and poked home.

Caernarfon continued to press, and Brookwell brought a save from Leigh Jenkins’ outstretched foot, and saw another powerful effort deflected over the bar.

Playing up the slope after the break, the Cofis doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when Breese met a Thomas cross to slot in from three yards.

Penrhyn, however, were coming more into the game, and enjoying their fair share of possession as their big front man Steffan Davies made his presence felt.

The hosts went close to reducing their deficit in the 65th minute when Matt Mousley’s downward header was superbly saved by Alex Ramsay, while at the other end Breese fired narrowly fired wide when he was put through by Thomas.

Davies gave the Roosters renewed hope on 67 minutes when he outmuscled the Town defence and slid the ball past keeper Ramsay to set up a tense finish, but the hosts’ late efforts ultimately fell short.

Penrhyncoch now head to Guilsfield this weekend looking for their first points, but they will still be without the unavailable Sion Meredith and Rhun Garner.

However, it is hoped to have international clearance for Jonathan Evans following his return from playing in America.

• Meanwhile, Gari Lewis has paid tribute to Mark Gornall, who has left Cae Baker to join Spar Mid Wales League division one side Bow Street for the new season.

“Mark’s been a fantastic servant for the club, he has created and scored some tremendous goals, and we all wish him well for the future,” said the Penrhyn manager.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Caernarfon Town 3-5-2): L Jenkins, E Edwards, S James, J Foligno; E Evans, M Mousley, A Corbisiero, O James, T Murfet; L Lewis (N Blake 80), S Davies. Subs, unused: C Jones, W Mills, G Lewis, A Thomas.