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Bay's first team triumph ahead of first Welsh league game


August 17, 2019 - 1063 views

Three first goals, including two from summer signing Mitch Bryant,  secured a 3-1 home victory over Salford City U20s development squad in Bay's final run out before their opening league game against Flint Town United.

Colwyn Bay dominated much of the first half with Toby Jones and Bryant shooting narrowly wide and Daz Thornton glancing a header wide from a corner, before they opened the scoring on 13 minutes.

Julian Williams broke free of the last defender inside the area and although his shot was was well blocked by the keeper, Mitch Bryant was following up to score from the rebound.

Mitch then broke clear himself to add a second on 20 minutes  and Toby Jones and Thornton both went close before Sion Edwards added a third five minute before the break following great work by Alex Downes.

The Bay were not the same attacking threat in the second half, although Damien Ketley had a volley saved by the keeper and Alex Downes made one superb  run at pace  from his own area before eventually being fouled on the edge of Salford area as he was about to break clear on goal.

As Salford came more into the game, Matty Russell cleared off the line following a corner and Paddy Rutter, who had come on for Andy Coughlin at half-time, made a good diving save before Salford finally grabbed a late consolation goal in the last five minutes.

Manager Craig Hogg said later he was pleased.

"We thank Salford City and Warren Joyce for stepping in and accommodating us with a much needed fixture at short notice.

"It was a tough game against a good side which is exactly what we needed before our league opener against Flint next Friday.

"We did okay again at times and it was good to see some of the stuff we have worked on in training during the last few weeks come off in a live game situation.

"I've said it lot during pre-season, we are a new group still very much learning a great deal about each other.

"One thing I've learnt to accept is that the 'gelling process' does take some time, but there have been brief indications during the past three games that we are learning and making some progress.

"The hope is that we can now build on that during the opening games in our first season back in Welsh football..

"We will work hard this week and be as ready as we can be for Friday's game."