NORTH EAST WALES LEAGUE: Smart move sets up Queen’s Park for second-half reward

NORTH EAST WALES FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 – NOV 22

FC Queen’s Park 2 (Simpson 54, Kershaw 63)
Hawarden Rangers 1 (Hancock 77)

FC Queen’s Park rose to second in Division 1 after leapfrogging beaten opponents Hawarden Rangers.

Saturday’s game at Queensway Stadium saw the Park secure a well-earned 2–1 victory, producing a disciplined second-half display that demonstrated resilience, improved tempo and moments of real individual quality.

Despite a slow opening period, the hosts grew into the game, showed strong character, and ultimately delivered two outstanding goals to bank the points.

The Park began the match cautiously, struggling to find rhythm as the back four circulated the ball slowly under Hawarden’s well-organised high press.

Despite having space available, the right side was underused, allowing Rangers to dictate the early tempo.

Crucially, Park remained disciplined defensively. Hawarden were limited to a single, harmless effort on goal, unable to break through the organisation led by captain Rhys Hughes and experienced defender Tony Jones.

A late slip and knock to Ben White was the only major concern as the half drew to a close.

Even with the team not fully flowing, several individuals caused consistent problems for Hawarden – particularly Ethan Simpson, Sam Molyneux and White, influential in the home side’s more promising moments.

A decisive change at half-time saw Corey Smart introduced, immediately increasing speed of play and aggression in central areas.

Smart’s ability to break lines and find wide players early helped free up Ryan Kershaw, who became progressively influential as the half developed.

The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute. After twisting inside the box, Nicky Williams saw his deflected effort loop into the path of Simpson, who reacted sharply to head home.

It was a deserved goal for Simpson, who had threatened throughout and worked tirelessly for the team.

Park doubled their lead just nine minutes later. A precise ball from Nathan Gregory, now operating confidently at left-back, found Kershaw near the centre circle. With space opening ahead of him, Kershaw unleashed an extraordinary 45-yard strike into the roof of the net – a goal applauded by both sets of supporters, such was its quality.

At 2-0, the Park appeared in control, but fatigue began to creep in. In the 77th minute, Hawarden pulled one back when a routine shot from sub Joe Hancock was pushed into the net by goalkeeper Josh Edwards after an uncharacteristic handling error.

To his credit, Edwards responded well, maintaining composure and continuing to lead defensively for the remainder of the match.

In the closing stages, captain Rhys Hughes drove the team forward with several powerful overlapping runs from centre-back, while the combined defensive awareness of Hughes and Tony Jones ensured Park were not punished during transitional moments, despite some high-risk situations developing as legs tired.

The squad saw out the contest with grit and professionalism, securing a valuable win against tough opposition.