PENRHYNCOCH rounded off their season in fine style as they made it nine games unbeaten in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance with a 5-1 beating of FC Queens Park at Stansty Park in midweek.

The manner of victory was all the remarkable as the Roosters made the trip with a depleted squad of just 12 players, that saw boss Gari Lewis play in goal, and Elwyn Roberts help from the sidelines.

Yet they rose to the challenge to produce a dominant display, spearheaded by a hat-trick from Jonathan Evans, including two penalties, with Liam Doherty and Rob Murfet also finding the home net.

The win meant that the Roosters have picked up a stunning 23 points from their last nine league games, which lifted them up into a creditable ninth place finish.

“It’s a fantastic achievement from everyone, it’s just a shame the season’s ending now,” said Lewis, who took over in goal, with Leigh Jenkins unavailable and Aneurin Thomas carrying a knock.

“I was a little nervous, even at 43, but the boys in front of me were tremendous, and their game management was fantastic. It was my first competitive game in goal, but I do coach goalkeeping, so I’d like to think I know what I’m doing.”

Lewis added: “It’s a great achievement to finish ninth in the table, and we only just missed out on eighth place on goal difference, just two goals from Gresford.

“We now need to keep the boys together for next season. If we can do that, and add one or two more, then I’m sure that we can look forward to another good season in this very challenging league.”

Queens Park, consigned to relegation some weeks ago, had been rocked by the shock death of manager Martin Ford earlier this month, with a minute’s silence held in his memory before kick-off.

Despite their midweek trek, the Roosters had made a bright start, as they enjoyed plenty of possession, with Doherty and Murfet forcing a couple of saves.

The visitors fell behind to a headed goal from Richard Jones on 36 minutes, but two minutes later, the Wrexham hosts were down to 10 men following a red-card for foul and abusive language, and Penrhyn never looked back after that.

Evans levelled with the first of his penalties right on half time, and four minutes after the break Murfet volleyed home after latching onto a fine pass from Evans.

Lewis then pulled off a terrific save to keep his side in front moments later when turning a powerful strike onto the bar.

That proved to be a key moment as the Roosters extended their lead on 69 minutes as Carwyn Jones’ strike was spilled, and Evans dispatched the rebound.

Evans went close to a hat-trick when firing just wide, but he was not to be denied as he converted his second penalty four minutes from time, after being bundled over in the box from Lewis’ long ball up.

Victory was rounded off in the last minute with a superb strike from youngster Doherty to complete a fine night’s work and excellent campaign overall.