MIDWEEK SPECIAL: FAW Amateur Trophy – Prestatyn Town 2 Rhos Aelwyd 0

DRAGON SIGNS FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND TWO

Prestatyn Town 2 (A Jones 6, R Hughes 90+1)
Rhos Aelwyd 0

Report: Mason Houldsworth

Prestatyn Town secured a place in Thursday’s FAW Trophy last 32 draw by seeing off the challenge of Ardal North East visitors Rhos Aelwyd at Bastion Gardens on Wednesday night.

Town enjoyed a confident 2-0 win over their Wrexham area opponents thanks to goals from Alex Jones and Rob Hughes in a performance that combined early attacking flair with disciplined defending.

The hosts made a flying start, taking the lead inside the opening stages. A well-worked move saw Zebb Edwards cushion a pass into the path of Alex Jones, who made no mistake with a brilliant volley that soared into the net to make it 1-0 to Town.

Prestatyn continued to dictate the tempo early on, but credit to Rhos Aelwyd who grew into the game and began testing the home side’s defensive resolve. Despite some pressure from the visitors, Town’s back line stood firm, with goalkeeper Adam Reid looking composed throughout.

The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair, but referee Craig Griffiths allowed the game to flow, avoiding unnecessary stoppages. Prestatyn took their one-goal advantage into the break.

Gareth Thomas made a change at half time, introducing new signing Kie Ellis -yet to be officially announced – who replaced Jordan Worthington. Ellis looked sharp from the outset and had an early effort on the half-volley, though it sailed over the bar.

Town kept pushing and nearly doubled their lead when Robbie Parry’s free-kick attempt went just over. At this stage, Prestatyn looked in control of proceedings.

With 20 minutes remaining, Kai Wallis and Rob Hughes entered the fray, replacing Parry and James Stevens, while Jake Walker later came on for Antonio Jacovelli.

Hughes made an instant impact, almost scoring with a thunderous strike from distance that narrowly missed the top corner.

As the game entered its closing stages, Rhos Aelwyd pushed for an equaliser, throwing bodies forward in search of a late goal. However, Prestatyn remained composed, with Reid commanding his area well and the defence soaking up the pressure.

The visitors’ desperation left them exposed, and Town capitalised in the dying moments.

Ellis broke forward on the counter and teed up Rob Hughes, who struck a sweet effort from the edge of the box to seal the result at 2-0.

There was still time for Adam Hold to come on for Ellis Blench as Prestatyn saw out the final moments with professionalism and poise.

Prestatyn Town: Adam Reid, James Stevens, Aaron Simpson, James Jones, Zebb Edwards, Jordan Worthington, Joe Holt, Alex Jones (c), Antonio Jacovelli, Rob Parry, Ellis Blench. Subs used: Adam Hold, Rob Hughes, Kai Wallis, Kie Ellis, Jake Walker.

Rhos Aelwyd: Dan Roberts, Declan Molyneux (c), Sam Baldam, Ryan Jenkins, Owen Jones, Adam Peters, Jack White, James Rumsey, Scott Reeves, Aled Parry, Evan Davies. Subs used: Osian Lee, Edward Neale, Miroslav Ivanov, Osian Phillips.

Attendance: 114