ALEX DOWNES came off the bench to hit the match winner with his 12th goal of the season in a 2-1 success at Chirk AAA as the Seagulls extended their winning league run to 18 games.
It wasn’t pretty at times against a side battling to retain their JD Cymru North status, but in the end it was another three points in Bay’s chase for the title.
They got a great start with a goal after only five minutes when Craig Lindfield got on the end of a Jamie Cumming cross, but much of the rest of the first half was pretty even and Chirk equalised on 35 minutes with a good finish by Rhys Edwards.
Downes came on for the second half and got the winner just after the hour.
Home keeper Mark Richards made a great save from a Lindfield header, but from the corner Downes scored from close range at the far post.
Stef Edwards put a good chance over the bar, but chances were few and far between and in the end the Bay were happy to hold on for a narrow win, with Sam Hart outstanding.
A late injury which forced Alex Downes to be substituted will have been a concern, but he said afterwards it was only a tweak.
New signing Jack Crichton made his debut in goal and Lewis Sirrell played his 50th game for the Bay.
Manager Steve Evans commented: “We said last week it would be a battle and it was one hell of a battle on a difficult pitch.
“They probably outbattled us first half, but we had a word at half-time and second half we matched them. It weren’t pretty football, but we ground it out and I think on the majority of the play we just about deserved it.”
See full interview on Manager Interview – Chirk AAA vs CPD Bae Colwyn – 28th January 2023 – YouTube
COLWYN BAY: Jack Crichton, Lewis Sirrell, Sam Downey, Ryan Edwards, Tom McCready (C), Jamie Cumming (Cai Owen 55), Matty Hill (Alex Downes 45, Joe Williams 80), Dylan Allshorn (Stefan Edwards 60), Craig Lindfield, Guto Williams, Sam Hart. Subs not used: Cameron Darling (G), Joel Giblin, Tom Creamer.
Attendance: 350
