Welsh National League Premier: New signing Challoner nets twice for Park

New signing Niall Challoner scored twice as Guy Walmsley Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division champions Queen’s Park made it three wins on the bounce with a 4-2 success at promoted Rhydymwyn.

The Park were missing key men Matty Williams, Mikey Latham, Aled Powell and Tristan Wagner, but the quality of the squad showed its strength.

Challoner looked to have won a penalty when he appeared to be felled by the keeper, only for the referee to wave play on.

A lot of possession was needlessly turned over and then for the first time in more than 10 competitive games The Park conceded a goal, although in fairness it was to a great strike from Kai Oldfield.

James Gregory looked to have levelled only for his ‘goal’ to be disallowed for offside, but close to half time, Challoner managed to flick a Tony Jones free kick into the top corner for 1-1.

A few tactical adjustments were made at half time and The Park played constantly on the front foot. Josh Betteley clicked and continued to find himself in space and running at the full back.

However, the goals were not coming, but just as it looked like it was going to be one of them days up popped Andrew Elms to strike a wonder goal in with his left foot. 

This allowed The Park to play with more freedom and chances started to come. A great interchange between Barry Torrence and Challoner ended with Gregory finishing well.

Challoner cut inside and drilled into the bottom corner before Rhyd nabbed a late consolation through Charlie Bradley.

There was a real stormer at The Crick, where Cefn Albion recorded a 6-4 victory at Brymbo.

The Steelmen raced into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes via Andy Noonan, Ben Kearney and Ryan Clarke, but Albion scored three times in the closing minutes of the first half to make it all-square at the break, Alex Williams, Callum Mannion and Danny Holland with the goals.

Jordan Jones, Mannion and Williams then put the visitors 6-3 ahead before Brymbo, who had been reduced to 10 men, hit back through Clarke.

Llay Welfare delivered themselves a nice boost on Friday night by defeating Castell AC 2-0 at The Ring, Rhys Lloyd and Mikey Wright on target.

Saltney Town came away from Brickfield Rangers with an unexpectedly emphatic 6-1 success, Jack Roberts (2), Paul Johnson, Rabih Jumaa, Jake Johnson and Ben Evans sharing the Bordermen’s goals, Danny Davies replying.

Two goals from Ryan Jones and a Conner Kendrick strike ensured Penycae outscored Rhos Aelwyd 3-1, James Haynes responding, while Rhostyllen pipped Chirk AAA 2-1 thanks to net-finders Olie Allman and Drew Wickens, Joe Roberts replying.

Plas Madoc got past Llanuwchllyn 3-2, goals from Richard Lawrence, Nicky Williams and Josh Foulkes sealing the points.