PENRHYNCOCH opened their pre-season campaign in perfect manner with a 1-0 win over Port Talbot as their preparations gather pace for next month’s return to the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance.

It proved an encouraging workout in a first pre-season outing at Cae Baker against a club that was relegated from the Welsh Premier League last season.The only goal came late on when substitute Harri Horwood launched a terrific run, and his good cross was pushed out in the path of striker Dean Evans, who smashed home the winner.

Player-boss Gari Lewis was heartened by what he saw, and impressed by the displays of several players, including that of 16-year-old winger Harri Horwood.

“It was a really good, quality game in front of a good crowd, with nothing between the sides. We can take a lot from it,” commented the Penrhyn boss."I don’t want to go overboard, but we had five players missing, so to turn in that kind of performance was very pleasing. I can see that I’m going to have a lot of selection headaches during the season.

“Everyone had game time, the combinations worked well, and all the subs played their part. All round it was a good day, and Port Talbot were very complimentary about the club and facilities.”

Youngsters Harri Horwood and Dafydd Carruthers made their bows, along with midfielder Gareth Mansell, who has joined the club from Knighton Town.

“Harry came on for his debut in the second half, and showed what a talent he is for 16, while Dafydd and Gareth also made a good impression,” added Lewis.

Penrhyn enjoyed some joy out wide in the first half, and a Josh Shaw cross went just too far for Dean Evans to head home. Nathan Warren also went close to the opener when he smashed his shot against the bar after weaving through the defence.

The Steelmen came more into the game, with Lee Jenkins making a couple of smart saves in the home goal, but for most part their attacking intentions were kept at bay by the Roosters’ defence.

Both sides rang the changes for the second half, with new signing Gareth Mansell having a shot saved for the hosts, while youngster Horwood produced several incisive runs down the left side.

Carruthers headed wide from one Horwood cross, but the breakthrough finally came when Talbot keeper Conah McFenton could only turn a Horwood cross into the path of Dean Evans, who fired home.

Penrhyn look to maintain their good work in their next friendly on Saturday when they welcome Haverfordwest County, another side relegated from the Welsh Premier League this summer.

They host Llanidloes Town the following Friday night, before staging a Legends game on the Saturday (23 July).