A HAT-TRICK from James Kirby, who is now averaging almost a goal a game (14 in 15 appearances), helped the Seagulls to complete a league double over Penrhyncoch with a 5-1 home victory.
That moved them into the top four of the JD Cymru North and within four points of third-placed Guilsfield, who lost for the second week running.
With the strong wind at their backs in the first half, Colwyn Bay, who gave debuts to new sigings Ryan Edwards and keeper Ryan Neild, were 2-0 up inside 12 minutes when Craig Lindfield scored his first goal for the club and Kieran Evans also got his first goal with a half-volley from Lindfield’s assist.
James Kirby then scored twice before half-time, the second following excellent build-up play by the impressive Lewis Sirrell and Ryan Edwards.
Penrhyncoch pulled a goal back through Tomos Evans early in the second half and also hit the bar, but Kirby completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes, moments after hitting the post, to make it 5-1 with a neat turn and finish from Ryan Edwards’ pass.
Kirby had another shot saved by visitors keeper Leigh Jenkins, who also denied Kieran Evans in a one-on-one, while substitute Sam Jones also went close as the Bay ran out comfortable winners.
COLWYN BAY: Ryan Neild, Joe Williams, Stefan Edwards (James Ellison 82), Cai Owen, Lewis Sirrell, Tom McCready (Dan Parry-Jones 58), Kieran Evans, Craig Lindfield (Sam Jones 71), Kristian Platt, Ryan Edwards (Danny Edwards 82), James Kirby (Ash Woods 71).
Attendance: 447.
That is three games unbeaten since Steve Evans took over as manager and he was quick to praise the players after the game.
“The players have taken on board what we are trying to do. It has been hard work for them, but that is what football is all about.
“I thought we dominated the game today, scored some great goals, and overall the lads were fantastic.
“It was great for James Kirby to get his hat-trick. He gives us something extra up front, looks after the ball and scores goals, but everyone in the squad has contributed, in training and in games – and that is what we want.
“The match squad probably won’t be the same next week or the week after so everybody is playing for their places and that is healthy competition.
“We’ll take one game at a time, enjoy tonight, work hard in training on Wednesday and prepare for Buckley next Friday, which will be another challenge.
“It will be a tough game, but we’ll be ready, work hard and play with a smile on our faces.”
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