Ardal North West: Opening night wins for both Prestatyn Town and Trearddur Bay

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH WEST – REPORTS, JULY 30

Prestatyn Town 3 Mynydd Isa 1

Report: Mason Houldsworth

Prestatyn staged a thrilling second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over promoted Mynydd Isa in an entertaining clash at Bastion Gardens.

The hosts started sluggishly, and Isa capitalised in the opening stages when Sam Wainwright pounced on a misplaced pass at the back, firing home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Prestatyn responded by dominating possession but struggled to carve out clear chances, with their attack lacking the final spark.

As the first half drew to a close, Mynydd nearly doubled their lead, but Prestatyn goalkeeper Adam Reid produced a stunning save, diving high to his right to keep his side in the game.

Moments later, Reid was called into action again, recovering brilliantly to deny a near-lob, ensuring the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The game’s momentum shifted dramatically after half time with the introduction of Rob Hughes, who replaced the booked Kai Wallis.

Hughes injected pace and directness, instantly troubling Mynydd Isa’s defence.

Prestatyn’s first big chance came when Jake Walker met a Rob Parry corner with a towering header, but it drifted just wide. Debutant James Williams then went close, latching onto a through ball but curling narrowly off target.

The equaliser arrived in spectacular fashion when Casey Faulkner unleashed a long-range rocket that caught everyone off guard, levelling the score at 1-1.

Less than two minutes later, Prestatyn completed the turnaround. Hughes won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Rob Parry stepped up to curl a sublime effort into the top corner, igniting the crowd

Now in full control, Prestatyn pushed for a third, and it duly arrived. Rob Hughes capped his influential performance by cutting in from the left and slotting a precise strike into the bottom corner, giving Town a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Despite further chances, with James Williams particularly unfortunate not to mark his debut with a goal, Prestatyn couldn’t add to their tally.

Man of the Match: Rob Hughes – His half time introduction turned the game, bringing energy, creativity, and a crucial goal to secure the victory.

Official attendance: 217

Trearddur Bay 4 CPD Y Felinheli 1

New signing Tom Hilditch struck twice on his Bay debut to seal a hard-fought opening night win for the Anglesey side at Bangor City Stadium.

The 24-year-old Hilditch, who netted 26 times for Porthmadog last season and 24 in his previous spell with Prestatyn Town to make it 50 goals in 72 North Wales football appearances, made a flying start for his latest club on Wednesday night.

An Aled Hughes own goal gave the islanders a 24th minute lead, but Felinheli levelled on 31 through 17-year-old debutant Byron Davis.

Bay were back in front on 42 minutes through a truly superb Toby Jones strike from 20 yards, Christoph Aziamale setting him up for the shot.

It was 3-1 after 65 minutes when a move down the right resulted in a low byline cross from Ryan Pryce which Hilditch finished off with ease.

In the 79th minute, Morgan Rowlands crossed from the left and Hilditch was on hand to head home from close range.

The game was closer than the scoreline suggests, with Felin creating a few chances and forcing a couple of top class stops from Paul Pritchard.

Trearddur Bay

Paul Pritchard, Joseph Williams, Sion Edwards, Michael Pearson, Harri Jones, Ryan Pryce (c), Josh Stanley, Tom Hilditch, Christoph Azimale, Toby Jones, Anthony Marshall.

Subs used: Morgan Rowlands, Casey gregg, Jacob Davies, Thomas Lennon. Other sub: Thomas Taylor.

Y Felinheli

Dylan Roberts, Jack Cain, Ryan Cain, Aled Hughes, Dylan Jones, Dan Pyrs. Iwan Owen, Rhodri Dafydd, Byron Davis, Aled Griffith, Cal Macdonald.

Subs used: Iwan Edwards, Gruffudd Williams, Gruff John.