Cymru North – Bay win and make it 14 unbeaten, victory for Gresford lifts them out of bottom two

JD CYMRU NORTH REPORTS – DECEMBER 11

Holyhead Hotspur 0
Colwyn Bay 4 (Creamer 31, Downes 43, Hill 68, McCready 71)

The departure of star striker James Kirby to take up a job in Sweden this week may have left Bay fans worrying whether the goals may dry up – but based on today’s display at Holyhead Hotspur they need have no such concerns.

The Seagulls hit the 50 league goal mark for the season at the New Stadium, as well as making it 14 games unbeaten to restore a three-point lead at the top.

Kirby netted 35 goals in just 40 matches for Steve Evans’ side since signing from the City of Liverpool FC in September 2021, but his career has now taken him abroad.

While his input will obviously be missed, Bay still look well on course to secure the tier 2 league title.

After a few close calls at Holyhead, Colwyn took a 31st minute lead when Alex Downes sprinted down the right and found Tommy Creamer, whose deflected shot found the net.

Tom McCready hit the bar from a free kick for the visitors before Hotspur went close from an effort of their own.

In the 43rd minute it was 2-0 when some head tennis in the box led to Downes volleying in from 10 yards.

Cameron Darling was forced into his first save of the game on the hour, getting down low at his near post to keep the ball out.

However, in the 68th minute Bay added a third when Matty Hill clipped in McCready’s corner at the near stick.

McCready added a fourth with a fine finish – a goal his fine display truly deserved.

Gresford Athletic 2 (Turner 42, Hibbert 45)
Llanidloes Town 0

Three welcome points for Gresford lifted them out of the bottom two.

Both home goals came in a three-minute spell before half time via Ellis Turner and Chris Hibbert.

Turner broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when he converted from a Charlie Mann cross.

In the 45th minute Hibbert tapped the ball home following a scramble in the box.

In the second half, Turner found the net again but his goal was ruled out for offside.