Cymru North – Magnificent seven for Holywell puts them joint top, wins for Llandudno, Cefn Druids and Prestatyn
JD CYMRU NORTH REPORTS – OCTOBER 15
Holywell Town 2 Llanidloes Town 1
Johnny Haseldin’s Holywell went joint top of the Cymru North after a seventh straight league win, but they had to fight back from a goal down to edge a thriller at home to Llanidloes.
On a wet and blustery afternoon at the Achieve More Training Stadium, the Wellmen knew three points would put them level with leaders Colwyn Bay.
The in-form Dave Forbes fired inches wide for the hosts before Danny Sullivan and Zebb Edwards threatened the Daffs goal.
The visitors’ first chance saw Jamie Breese hit a shot which Keighan Jones saved well with his feet. Moments later, Llanidloes took the lead.
Breese released Andrew Evans, who beat his marker and slotted past Jones to to make it 1-0 on 31 minutes.
Town looked for a quick equaliser but the final ball let them down. Forbes chased a ball over the defence, but was unable to steer past the advancing keeper.
After the break, the Wellmen had the better of the opening exchanges but were unable to test the keeper.
That was before a fierce drive by Sullivan forced Luke Evans to pull off a great save at his near post.
Danny Andrews watched as his free kick was tipped over by Evans, then a great run by Haci Ozlu saw him get to the byline and send in a low cross which Morgan Murray blasted off target.
Holywell were piling on the pressure, a Sullivan header being blocked on the line by the unfortunate Forbes who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Time was moving on and the hosts needed a response. It came on 73 minutes.
A great ball in by Ozlu enabled the ever-dangerous Forbes to find the net.
A few minutes later, Sullivan’s header made it 2-1, much to the delight of the Wellmen supporters.
Luke Wiltshire watched as his shot smashed against the bar, then moments later, a goalmouth scramble saw chances fall to Andrews and Forbes but somehow the ball failed to hit the net.
Holywell had turned the tables through sheer persistence and the final whistle blew on a well-deserved victory.
Gresford Athletic 1 Llandudno 4
After a couple of recent defeats Llandudno needed a tonic and they got it at Clappers Lane.
Danny Brookwell gave the visitors an early lead and Telor Williams added a second goal midway through the first half.
Bottom side Gresford’s problems worsened when Nathan Williams was red-carded on 57 minutes.
Marc Williams all but seailed the points for Tudno by making it 3-0 in the 71st minute.
Dominic Deacon pulled one back, but Brookwell added his second and Llandudno’s fourth in the 80th minute.
The game was switched to Gresford at a late stage after an issue arose with the pitch at the OPS Wind Arena.
A club statement said: “The pitch has been inspected by UEFA and the FAW and we have been informed that there is a slight health and safety issue in one area of the pitch.
“We’ve all agreed that this weekend’s fixture will be moved to Gresford.
“Everyone involved at the football club along with the FAW are working tirelessly to get the underlying issues resolved.”
Cefn Druids 3 Buckley Town 1
Druids made it four wins on the bounce thanks to a Josh Lock double and a goal from Adam Stephens.
Jake Roberts bagged Buckley’s consolation.
Prestatyn Town 2 Mold Alexandra 0
A third home win in a row – all achieved with clean sheets – lifted Prestatyn up to fifth in the table.
Town broke through in just the second minute when Liam Van Gelder’s cross enabled Tom Hilditch to find the net.
The second goal arrived in the 58th minute, Hilditch the provider this time for Dixie Davies to apply the finish.
Both keepers performed well, Josh Cooke for the hosts and Elliot Quinlan for the away side.
Hilditch was outstanding for the hosts and could easily have had a hat-trick.