NEWQUAY AFC have confirmed the signing of Truro City Reserves striker Rhys Simmonds, who played in their pre-season friendly against Wadebridge Town on Saturday.

Manager Shaun Middleton told the club’s website: “I’ve had my eye on Rhys for a while now as he is a local lad and as I’ve always said I want the best local players playing for Newquay where people will embrace them.

“He’s fitted in straight away and we’ll do our best to develop him for his fantastic future ahead.”

Chairman Jack Hunter said: “We’re thrilled to confirm the signing of Rhys, a player who was a prime target for us and whose arrival is a major coup for the club.

“Rhys is one of the most talented young footballers in Cornwall and we believe Newquay provides the perfect environment for him to grow both as a player and as a young man.”

Newquay later announced the signing of Harry Richards.

Hunter said: “Harry is a young athletic midfielder who fits our profile. We are delighted to bring another talented young Newquay lad back to Mount Wise.

“Harry has huge potential and I’m looking forward to watching him grow here at Newquay.”

Manager Shaun Middleton added: “Harry is a fantastic footballer who reads the game. He has a great touch and an excellent weight of pass with an extremely bright future.”

The Peppermints, preparing for their first season in the Western League, drew 2-2 against the Bridgers in a lively first pre-season friendly at Mount Wise.

Wadebridge were the better side in the first half and led 2-1 at the break through goals by Lewis Webber and Haiden Chapman.

But Newquay dominated the second half and Callam McOnie, who had scored their first goal with a direct free-kick from 40 yards, equalised midway through the second stanza with another finish from outside of the box.