Llandudno 2–0 Y Rhyl 1879: Seasiders Claim North Wales Derby Bragging Rights

Llandudno earned a convincing 2–0 victory over local rivals Y Rhyl 1879 in an international club friendly played at Maesdu Park on 15 July 2026. The match, a pre-season encounter between two Cymru North sides, saw the hosts dominate from start to finish.

Match Overview

The derby atmosphere was lively, with both sets of fans creating noise throughout. Llandudno took control early and never looked back. Their first goal came in the 17th minute when striker Tommy Mears headed home a corner kick. The second arrived midway through the second half as winger Sam Turner cut inside from the right and curled a shot beyond the Rhyl goalkeeper.

Key Moments

• 17' – Llandudno 1-0 – Mears’ powerful header from a corner gave the hosts the lead.
• 63' – Llandudno 2-0 – Turner’s brilliant solo effort sealed the win.
• 72' – Rhyl miss penalty – Y Rhyl 1879 had a chance to get back into the game, but the spot-kick was saved by Llandudno keeper Jake Williams.

Tactical Story

Llandudno lined up in a 4-3-3 formation and pressed high, forcing Rhyl into mistakes. Their midfield trio of Hughes, Jones, and Davies controlled the tempo, while the full-backs pushed forward to provide width. Y Rhyl 1879 struggled to create clear chances, managing only three shots on target across the 90 minutes.

Standout Performers

• Tommy Mears (Llandudno) – A constant aerial threat and scored the opener.
• Jake Williams (Llandudno) – Made several important saves, including the penalty stop.

Friendly Context

This derby friendly is an annual tradition between the two clubs, and Llandudno continued their recent dominance. The result will give their supporters optimism ahead of the new Cymru North season, while Y Rhyl 1879 will look to improve their defensive organisation before competitive fixtures begin.