Welsh National League Premier: Mighty start by champions Queen’s Park

Returning hero Barry Torrence plundered a hat-trick as Premier Division champions Queen’s Park began their title defence with a mighty 5-0 whipping of a weakened Plas Madoc.

Straight from the off The Park set off at pace and James Gregory found himself one-on-one, only for the keeper to save well. The ball spilled to Torrence, who with a great touch went around the sprawling keeper only to be brought down.

Torrence dusted himself down and struck the ball from the spot well to put The Park 1-0 up inside two minutes.

The move of the half found Tristan Wagner inside the box. Wagner chested well before unleashing a quality half volley past the Madoc keeper.

The remainder of the half was a scrappy affair with the champions being guilty of too many long balls. Sean Dodd had a firm grip of the midfield and every time Plas tried to counter he was there to break it up.

Torrence and his silky touches were causing havoc and although he missed several clear chances he still came away with the match ball after adding two more goals.

A number of subs were made and the tempo of the game was lost until The Park found their feet. Josh Betterley found himself in the action and after what seemed like three easier chances he found space to head home at the back post.

Park manager Dave Evans said: “A clean sheet and five goals to the good was all in all a good day for us and we wish Plas Madoc all the best and know that when they have their players back they will be more than a match for anyone in this league.”

Brymbo proved they mean business this season as they kicked off with a 7-1 away tanning of promoted Castell Alun AC.

Andy Noonan (3), Ben Kearney (2), Jordan Deer and Steve Connor shared the goals.

Scott Reeves and Ieuan Jones struck in Rhos Aelwyd’s 2-1 victory at Llanuwchllyn and Rhostyllen enjoyed a 3-1 triumph at Saltney Town, Aaron Edwards, Adam Williams and Tom Douglas on target for the visitors, who could also afford the luxury of Steven Jones missing a penalty.

Brickfield Rangers v Cefn Albion was abandoned after 14 minutes after Albion player Jamie Foulkes suffered an accidental head injury with the score at 0-0.

Last night’s scores: Chirk AAA 0 Penycae 1; Mold Alex 2 Llay Welfare 1.