Cymru North: Gresford in seven heaven, Prestatyn push 15 points clear

Gresford Athletic were in seven heaven after making it four straight league wins in 2020 with a 7-1 thrashing of Porthmadog at Clappers Lane.

In an extraordinary encounter, Steve Halliwell’s side trailed 1-0 at the break only to then bang in seven second-half goals without reply with the gale force wind at their backs a major asset.

The visitors did not make the most of the elements in their favour until the 23rd minute when Cai Jones’ cross whipped in from the left touchline towards the far post proved a nightmare to defend and the returning Shaun Cavanagh was there to squeeze the ball home.

That was as good as it got for Craig Papirnyk’s side, who were then taken apart in the second period.

On 51 minutes Danny Holland found space on the edge of the box and fired a low shot just inside Paul Pritchard’s right hand post.

Minutes later Holland repeated the dose with a shot from 20 yards. Jake Eyre and Jack Jones added further goals to make it 4-1 by the hour.

Things got worse for Port when John Owen had to be helped off the pitch to be replaced by Jamie McDaid and Gareth Jones Evans received a straight red card for a tackle.

In between these incidents former Port forward Joe Chaplin turned a free kick into the net from close range for Gresford’s fifth.

Two further goals from sub Alex Buxton sealed a tremendous result for the Colliers.

Gresford: Jon Hill-Dunt, Martin Williams (Joe Culshaw 78), Nathan Williams, Jack Jones, Adam Hesp, Josh Griffiths (Alex Buxton 70). Harvey Ellis, Jack Chaloner, Joe Chaplin (Owen Roberts 81), Jake Eyre, Daniel Holland.

Leaders Prestatyn Town moved 15 points clear, a 4-1 result at Ruthin Town making it a magnificent seven straight league wins for Neil Gibson’s side.

Craig Wilkinson put the hosts in front, but goals either side of half time from Oliver Buckley and Danny Davies turned things the Seasiders’ way before a Myles Hart double totally clinched another success.

Prestatyn’s magnificent seven straight league wins
Feb 1: Ruthin Town (a – lge) 4-1 (Oliver Buckley, Danny Davies, Myles Hart 2)
Jan 18: Buckley Town (a – lge) 5-0 (Jordan Davies, Dan Roberts, Jack Kenny, Ian Griffiths 2)
Jan 11: Conwy Borough (h – lge) 1-0 (Danny Davies)
Jan 1: Colwyn Bay (a – lge) 2-1 (Michael Parker, Jack Higgins)
Dec 28: Rhyl (h – lge) 1-0 (Danny Davies)
Dec 21: Gresford (a – lge) 3-0 (Jordan Davies, Macauley Taylor, Robbie Hughes pen)
Dec 14: Corwen (h – lge) 4-1 (Robbie Hughes 4, 1 pen)

Alex Downes scored the only goal on 35 minutes as Colwyn Bay edged a 1-0 verdict at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, first-half goals from Ifan Burrell and Steffan Davies sealed Penrhyncoch a 2-0 verdict over Llangefni Town and Bangor City were held 1-1 at Corwen. Joe Williams’ 20th minute penalty handed the hosts a half time lead, but Santiago Chacon provided an equaliser on 54 minutes.

Bottom side Llanfair United gained a point from a 2-2 split with Llandudno. Cory Williams bagged his first two goals for Tudno, but the hosts hit back through Ryan McVeigh and Karl Seliaerts, who almost won it late on.