DENBIGHSHIRE-based football clubs impressed as the NWCFA Junior Challenge Cup kicked off on Saturday.

The historic competition returned having not had an official champion since Bro Goronwy won it in 2019 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Henllan FC progressed with an emphatic 8-2 win at home to Betws-Y-Coed.

Alex Ballard fired the home team in front after just four minutes but a Shawn Snape goal drew the visitors level six minutes later.

Henllan went back in front again moments later through Alex Thomas and the lead remained through to half time.

It rained goals in the second half - Sam Davies (x2), Ballard and Alex Lewis all scoring in the space of 10 minutes to give Henllan a 6-1 lead.

Steffan Jones made it 7 on 65mins before Luke Snape pulled one back for Betws 10 minutes later. The scoreline was complete when Thomas added a second.

Rhyl All Stars also impressed as they beat Holyhead Town 6-1.

James Ryan had put the Harbourmen ahead but Harrison Bellis scored five of the All Stars' goals on the day, with Joe Smith adding the other.

Llanelwy Athletic also advanced by the same scoreline at another Anglesey club, CPD Y Fali.

Steven Kirk and Joel Rowlands put the St Asaph side ahead before Morgan Rowlands pulled one back just before the break for Fali.

In a feisty affair which, Llanelwy's Tom Montgomery was the first to be sent off on 52mins - but that didn't stop them scoring two more goals soon after through Daniel Porter and Rowlands again.

Rowlands then completed his hat-trick on 66mins before Shane Thomas made it 6-1 on 72mins and Rowlands missed a penalty soon after.

Later on, Jack Halton and goalkeeper Wes Jones were sent off as Fali went down to 9-men.

Rhyl Dragons are also through after a defensively solid performance and a Kelvin Berks goal enabled them a 1-0 win over Cefni.