Last-gasp drama as substitute Evans wins game for Prestatyn Town from the final kick

ARDAL NORTH WEST – NOVEMBER 7

Prestatyn Town 1 (Evans 90+5)
Connah’s Quay Town 0

Report: Mason Houldsworth

Substitute Lewis Evans grabbed a dramatic 95th minute winner with the final kick of the game to keep undefeated Prestatyn’s pot bubbling in the title race.
Goals weren’t aplenty at Bastion Gardens this afternoon, but drama certainly was, as Town secured an incredible three points from the very last play of the game, despite playing over an hour with 10 men.
The Seasiders started with attacking intent, Calyn Spencer firing an early opportunity wide as the hosts looked to take control. Prestatyn dominated possession in the opening stages and created a number of openings, although none seriously troubled Elliott Jones in the visitors’ goal.
Connah’s Quay Town defended resolutely, dealing well with a significant number of aerial deliveries, while also looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
However, the game took a major turn following a Prestatyn corner. The visitors broke quickly and, after a mix-up at the back, Leon Bennett found himself in a one-on-one situation with a Connah’s Quay attacker. A challenge followed, and Bennett was shown a red card, leaving the Seasiders with a huge challenge ahead as they faced playing the remaining hour a man short.
Despite the setback, Prestatyn continued to push forward, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

Half-Time: 0-0

There were no changes at half-time, although Aden Shannon made tactical adjustments as Prestatyn looked to remain on the front foot despite their numerical disadvantage.
After an hour, young defender Lewis Evans and experienced midfielder Ryan Kershaw were introduced as the hosts looked to maintain their dominance and continue creating opportunities.
Connah’s Quay continued to battle and looked to exploit the extra man on the counter, but Prestatyn never looked like a side playing with 10.
The hosts were handed a golden opportunity when a miscommunication between the visitors’ goalkeeper and defence resulted in an indirect free-kick just outside the six-yard box. Kershaw stepped up, but his powerful effort was cleared off the line.
The game began to open up, with both sides going close. Connah’s Quay struck the inside of the post with 15 minutes remaining before Spencer saw an effort blocked at the other end.
Determined to find a winner despite being a man down, Shannon made a brave attacking change, introducing Rob Hughes in place of Zebb Edwards. It proved an inspired substitution, with Hughes winning several dangerous set-pieces as Prestatyn piled on the pressure.
Macauley Taylor was also introduced as the Seasiders threw numbers forward in search of a late breakthrough.

Tom Kemp, who had been outstanding throughout the second half and provided a constant outlet down the right, found space before delivering a superb ball towards the far post. Alex Jones attacked it brilliantly and got a touch, but his effort drifted wide. Heads were in hands around Bastion Gardens, and it looked as though the opportunity might have been the one.
Prestatyn continued to threaten from set-pieces as the game entered stoppage time, but the visitors managed to deal with each delivery.
Then came one final opportunity.
With virtually the last kick of the game, the Seasiders won another corner. Rob Hughes stood over the delivery as bodies flooded into the penalty area. His ball was high and central, sailing over almost everyone before Aaron Simpson reacted brilliantly at the back post to head it back across goal.
And there was 20-year-old Lewis Evans. The young defender met Simpson’s header and bundled the ball over the line to send Bastion Gardens into absolute pandemonium.
Elation. Players piled on top of one another, supporters erupted, and a remarkable afternoon had its unforgettable ending.
The full-time whistle followed shortly afterwards, confirming a quite incredible victory for the Seasiders.