Keeper Coughlin stands out on his return from injury for Colwyn Bay

An impressive performance on his return from injury by goalkeeper Andy Coughlin was a major positive for Colwyn Bay in their victory in a friendly at the weekend.

Former Wrexham and England C international stopper Coughlin had been out of action since fracturing the ulna in his left forearm during a 2-2 draw at Leek back in April.

But the 26-year-old Bootle-born glovesman stood out as the Seagulls scored five second half goals to beat Wrexham Under 18s 5-2 in a hurriedly arranged friendly following the postponement of their scheduled opening FA Championship North fixture against Bangor City next week.

Both sides hit the bar in a goalless first half and Coughlin made a couple of brave blocking saves in his first game since breaking his arm at the end of last season.

Alex Downes, who had another excellent game, opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with a shot that went in off the post, and although Wrexham equalised with a deflected shot from Jake Bickerstaffe, Tom McCready restored Bay’s lead from the penalty spot after Downes had been brought down.

Julian Williams quickly added a third with a shot into the top corner from outside the area, and although Wrexham pulled another goal back through Sam Williams’ header from a corner, Colwyn secured victory with late goals from Joe Chaplin, via a header from McCready’s free kick into the area, and Damien Ketley.

Bay manager Craig Hogg said: “It was a useful exercise and it was good to see us take our chances when we had them.

“Another big positive was to also see Andy Coughlin back between the sticks in his first game back for us since his injury against Leek last season.
“Andy has worked hard with his rehabilitation and I’m delighted he’s got that 90 minutes under his belt.”

Colwyn Bay team: Andy Coughlin, Alex Downes, Kian Owen, Daz Thornton, Will Bell, Mike Williams, Matty Russell, Tom McCready (c), Damien Ketley, Joe Chaplin, Morgan Owen. Subs: Sion Edwards, Jordan Carrington, Julian Williams, Ashley Seddon and Alun Roberts.

Colwyn Bay now have a fortnight’s break before playing Flint Town United in their first league game on August 23.