Welsh National League: Holywell’s Mark Connolly is surely the signing of season so far

Holywell Town 6 (Sam Jones 2, Dylan Allshorn, Jake Cooke, Mark Connolly 2)
Rhos Aelwyd 0

Magic Mark Connolly made it 20 goals in 13 appearances this season for a Holywell side which moved up to third in the Welsh National League Premier Division with a 6-0 hammering of Rhos Aelwyd at Halkyn Road.

Summer capture Connolly is looking like North Wales football’s signing of the season, such has been his impact on a Wellmen outfit who are just four points behind leaders Cefn Albion with four games in hand, and remain unbeaten after 11 league matches.

The 35-year-old Connolly has scored 100 Welsh Premier goals in a career which saw him wear the colours of Bangor City, Rhyl, Bala Town and Llandudno in the top-flight before he retired at the end of last term.

However, Holywell manager Johnny Haseldin managed to persuade the Merseysider to put his boots back on and grace the third-tier with his talents.

Conno has been unstoppable ever since, his latest two-goal contribution putting the seal on a stunning Town display against outgunned Aelwyd.

After a strong start, the Wellmen delivered the opening goal on 27 minutes.

Dylan Allshorn burst forward and beat his marker, laying the ball off past the advancing goalkeeper to Sam Jones, who was left to tap into an empty net.

A few minutes later Jones returned the favour, setting up Allshorn for number two.

It was soon three when Allshorn whipped in a great cross from the byline over the keeper and Jake Cooke headed home via the crossbar.

The second half was five minutes old when Town increased their lead.

Sam Jones got to the byline, and his low cross found Connolly who tapped in.

Connolly had a spectacular overhead kick palmed away for a corner before delivering his second of the afternoon and 20th of the season on 70 minutes.

Four minutes later Sam Jones robbed a defender on the edge of the box and completed his brace.

Rest of the Premier

Brymbo and leaders Rhostyllen played out a 3-3 thriller at The Crick.

The Steelmen went 3-2 up in the 91st minute through Luc Bonfrer, only for Rhostyllen to level through a penalty on 93 from Tom Douglas, who completed his hat-trick.

Ben Kearney and Jamie Cumming also netted for the hosts.

Brickfield Rangers climbed off the bottom with a 2-1 win at Castell Alun Colts. No goalscorers were provided.

Shaun Valentine, Nicky Williams and Jordan Powell were on target for Plas Madoc in a 3-1 victory at Chirk AAA, Joe Roberts replying.

Llay Welfare celebrated a rare win over FC Queen’s Park, goals from Ryan Goodband and Matt Worrall clinching a 2-1 triumph, Luke Hughes responding for the Park, who had Josh Phillips sent off for a second yellow card at the start of the second half.

Cefn Albion hit top spot after a 5-0 verdict at Penycae, Alex Williams (3), Jimmy Jones and Kyle Thomas sharing the goals.

Joe Evans and Oli Crimp earned Llanuwchllyn a 2-1 decision at Rhydymwyn, while Saltney Town versus Mold Alexandra ended 1-1. Steve Watkin put Mold ahead before Elliot Bond equalised.

Division One

Coedpoeth United overcame title hopefuls Cefn Mawr Rangers 3-0, Nathan Jones, Alistair Gibson and Matty Thomas with the all-important goals.

Mynydd Isa Spartans also upset the form book with a 3-1 success at Llangollen Town. Kal Pierce and Kiz Jones (2) provided the away goals, an Aide Jones own goal Llangollen’s consolation.