COLWYN BAY produced a fine performance to open the 2023/24 season by sweeping into the last 16 of the Nathaniel MG Cup with a 5-0 home win over Airbus UK Broughton.
Three summer signings (Sam Turner, Nick Rushton and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes) got on the scoresheet, with Matty Hill and Ryan Edwards netting the other goals.
Airbus went close early on when Jake Eyre hit the bar from 25 yards, but they rarely threatened after that, and after their new keeper Keighan Jones had saved well from Tom Creamer, the Bay took the lead on 13 minutes when good play by Sam Turner set up Matty Hill for the opening goal.
Sam Turner then scored a second on 28 minutes from Dylan Allshorn’s assist.
Nick Rushton had a shot saved, after a good link-up between Dylan Allshorn and Tom Creamer, and dragged another chance wide after being fed by Matty Hill.
New Bay keeper Joe Smith (ex-Chester) made a good save from George Peers just before half-time.
The Seagulls made a great start to the second half when Nick Rushton scored from the edge of the box on 47 minutes and the Bay continued to dominate possession with Keighan Jones saving from Matty Hill and Bay twice hitting the bar in the space of a minute – Matty Hill first and then by substitute Stef Edwards.
In the last 10 minutes Airbus had Ryan McManus red carded for bringing down Lloyd Marsh-Hughes when he was through on goal and Bay capitalised with two more goals.
Ryan Edwards made it 4-0 from Sam Turner’s cross, and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes got number five with his first goal for the club after running clear to shoot through the keeper’s legs.
It could have been six, but for Keighan Jones saving with his feet from Matty Hill in the closing moments.
“Today’s been a good day at the office,” manager Steve Evans said following the game.
“I thought we started really well. I asked the players to start on the front foot, and we did.
“The first goal I’d like to watch it back because it could be contender for goal of the season.
“There was probably about 10, 12 passes and then finished off with a back flip by Matty.
“But I thought from start to finish we were top notch today. Going forward we had bodies but also had that control. I felt we were in control for the full 90 minutes.”
Manager’s thoughts on Manager Interview – CPD Bae Colwyn vs Airbus UK Broughton – YouTube
COLWYN BAY: Joe Smith, Alex Downes, Danny Holmes, Lewis Sirrell (Guto Williams 70), Dan Jones (Stefan Edwards 64), Ryan Edwards, Nick Rushton, Tommy Creamer (Sam Downey 64), Matty Hill, Sam Turner, Dylan Allshorn (Lloyd Marsh-Hughes 64). Subs not used: Sion Davies (G) Joel Giblin.
Attendance: 512
Match Sponsor: 4 Crosses Construction Ltd Matchball Sponsor: Adam Jones Carpets
