Match Report

TWO goals from skipper Tom McCready helped Colwyn Bay to victory in a five goal thriller against Prestatyn Town in front a another big home crowd of over 700.

In the first half Mitch Bryant and James Kirkby, making his home debut, both had efforts saved by visiting keeper Stephen Hollyoak, before McCready opened the scoring direct from a free kick on 26 minutes after he had been brought down.

But right on half-time Prestatyn equalised through experienced striker Jamie Reed after the Bay failed to clear a long ball.

Andy Coughlin made an fine save to deny Reed early in the second half, while McCready’s twisting run ended with a shot that was well saved by Hollyoak, before the skipper struck again with a penalty on 64 minutes.

Sam Jones was brought down as he burst into the box and McCready smashed home the spot kick to put his side back in front.

He appeared unlucky not to complete a hat-trick when another free kick looked to have crossed the line before being cleared, but the referee waved away the goal appeals.

Hollyoak denied Sam Jones in a one-on-one before a frenetic finish saw both sides score in the space of a minute.

Bay substitute Robbie Parry put Bay 3-1 up from Sam Jones’ run and pass on 89 minutes before Ryan Kehoe got a second for Prestatyn on 90.

Deep into added time Hollyoak again denied Sam Jones a goal, but Bay took the three points.

Manager Craig Hogg said afterwards: “More than anything three points was the important thing. Prestatyn  are a really good team and it was a real game of football tonight.

“There were some things that we weren’t happy with in terms of our performance, but on the whole we’ve got to be happy with  three points against a very good side.”

Craig had particular praise for two goal skipper Tom McCready.

“I’ve lost count of the times he has done that for the football club. He is a leader that leads by example in terms of getting on the ball and trying to make us play,” he said.

“In big moments in matches he steps up – the free kick came at an important stage for us and the penalty he scored, under pressure, was excellent as well.

“We are fortunate to have him at the club and for me he’s the best midfielder in Tier 2.

“He was unlucky not to have a hat-trick with the second free kick. Sam Downey was close to it and thought it was over the line and two substitutes who were warming up at that end, were convinced it was well over – but the assistant referee on the far side had the best view and didn’t give it.

“Sam Jones, who has really matured since he has been with us, could also have had a hat-trick with the chances he had, and Robbie Parry and Tom Creamer both made a difference when they came on.

“The timing of the goals we conceded, right on half-time and right at the end, however, were disappointing. The first one changes our half-time team talk, and it is something we have to address.”