COLWYN BAY hit five goals before half-time as new manager Steve Evans celebrated his first league game in charge with a 6-1 away victory at Llanidloes Town.

That is Bay’s biggest winning margin in the league since returning to Welsh football – a perfect start for the new boss.

James Kirby scored twice to take his season’s tally into double figures, while highlight of the second half was a first senior goal for Under-19s striker Macsen Rhys-Williams.

The Bay got off to a flying start and were 3-0 up inside 12 minutes.  Sam Jones opened the scoring from a good run and cross by Kirby on four minutes and then Kirby headed a second from a Robbie Parry cross before Tom McCready fired a shot into the bottom corner for Bay’s third (his 30th for the club).

Danny Edwards scored a fourth from a Joe Williams cross and after debutant Kieran Evans and Kirby had put efforts over the bar, Kirby got his second right on half-time.

Llanidloes had a George Clarke goal ruled out for offside, but were much better in the second half and and after forcing a couple of good saves from Andy Coughlin they pulled a goal back with a Connor Bird penalty.

Kristian Platt headed over from a McCready free kick, before Colwyn Bay had the last word with teenage substitute Rhys-Williams getting their sixth in the closing minutes, getting on the end of Sam Jones’ run and cross.

After the game Bay manager Steve Evans spoke with Radio Aber.

“I thought we started the game really well and we didn’t let up – and that’s what I want,” Steve said.

“It’s a good start but that’s all it is – a start. I can’t praise the lads highly enough. They took on board what I’ve been trying to do, say and implement and, like I say, it’s a first class start.

“From start to finish every one of the players performed today and it was extra special for Macsen to get on the scoresheet. The way he celebrated was perfect.”

Radio Aber interview in full with Steve Evans – https://pod.co/radio-aber-sport/22-01-22-post-match-steve-evans-cb-llanidloes-v-colwyn-bay

COLWYN BAY: Andy Coughlin, Joe Williams, Cai Owen, Lewis Sirrell, Sam Jones, Tom McCready (c), Robbie Parry (Ash Woods 58mins), Kieran Evans, Danny Edwards (Macsen Rhys-Williams 77mins), Kristian Platt (Jordan Carrington 90mins), James Kirby. Unused subs: Michael Price (G).

Attendance: 317.