MATCH OF THE DAY: Prestatyn Town’s new boss Aden Shannon wins first league game in charge

LOCK STOCK ARDAL NORTH WEST – JANUARY 17, 2026

Prestatyn Town 1 (Walker 36) Llangefni Town 0

Report: Mason Houldsworth

Prestatyn Town got off to the perfect start in the Ardal North West under newly appointed manager Aden Shannon, edging out Llangefni in a hard-fought victory at Bastion Gardens.
With three new signings thrown straight into the starting XI, there was a clear intent from the Seasiders to begin life under their new chief with a statement performance.
That intent was evident from the opening exchanges, as Prestatyn started brightly and looked to impose themselves early on.
New signing Dominic McHugh began with purpose, spearheading several early attacks as the hosts pushed for an opening goal. Llangefni, however, showed they would not be overawed, posing a threat on the counter during an entertaining opening 20 minutes.

The flow of the game was disrupted when a series of injuries halted momentum for both sides. Llangefni were forced into a couple of stoppages, while Prestatyn suffered what looks like a major blow as Lloyd Ellams picked a potential serious injury, cutting his debut short. Jason Akiotu was introduced in his place.
Just minutes later, Prestatyn’s pressure paid off. Casey Faulkner’s relentless running was finally rewarded as he met an Alex Jones switch of play before delivering an excellent ball into the box. Andy Brown, making his debut, showed sharp instincts to flick the ball on, allowing Jake Walker to fire home and give the Seasiders a deserved lead.
Llangefni responded well, determined not to head into the break behind. They came close to testing Adam Reid, only for James Jones to produce a perfectly timed sliding tackle at a crucial moment.
Half-time: Prestatyn Town 1–0 Llangefni
Prestatyn began the second half on the front foot once again, with Faulkner continuing to cause problems. He was again the provider, picking out Brown in the area, but this time the forward’s effort drifted just wide.

The match became increasingly stop-start as knocks and fouls disrupted any rhythm. At one stage, Prestatyn were temporarily reduced to nine men after both Faulkner and Simpson went down injured simultaneously. On another occasion, Akiotu was fouled on the edge of the box, and although Walker struck the resulting free kick well, it was comfortably saved.
As the minutes ticked by, the game grew scrappier. the islanders threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, while Prestatyn showed real determination to see the game out. The Seasiders’ defensive unit was near perfect, dealing with wave after wave of pressure.
Late drama followed when two slips at the back almost proved costly, allowing Cefni a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time. But goalkeeper Reid, who had suffered the loss of his father earlier in the week, produced a huge save when it mattered most, preserving Prestatyn’s lead.

There was still time for one final chance as Alex Jones picked out Joe Holt in the box, but his strike was comfortably saved.
After an extended period of added time, the referee’s whistle finally brought proceedings to a close, sealing an important three points for Aden Shannon and his Prestatyn Town side – a gritty, hard-earned victory and a promising start to the new era on home turf.

PRESTATYN TOWN

Adam Reid, Casey Faulkner, Mackenzie Stark, James Jones, Andy Brown, Aaron Simpson, Joe Holt, Alex Jones (c), Jake Walker, Lloyd Ellams, Dom McHugh. Subs used: Jason Akiotu, Sam Henry.

LLANGEFNI TOWN

Oliver Rhys Jones, Sion Jones, Alun Roberts (c), Caio Inch, Osian Jones, Harry Hughes, Ifan Mansoor, Aron Hughes-Jones, Dion Jones, Dafydd Jones, Jamie Thomas. Subs used: Aled Williams, Gethin Thomas, Mohammed El-Arab, Dan Thomas, Cameron Jones.