A DOUBLE strike from Jonathan Evans just before half time helped propel Penrhyncoch closer to Huws Gray Cymru Alliance safety with a 3-1 victory over Queens Park in tricky conditions at Cae Baker last weekend.

After falling behind to a Tom Williams goal on 20 minutes, the Roosters hit back strongly - with Evans striking twice late in the first period, his first goal a terrific long range effort, followed by a penalty.

The Wrexham visitors were reduced to 10 men in the spot kick incident, with Matthew Jones sent off for his last-ditch challenge, and Penrhyn capitalised.

With the game having swung in their favour in just a few minutes,Stef Davies fired a third goal soon after the interval to put the home side firmly in charge.

A heavy pitch, strong wind and increasing snow made life difficult, but the Roosters showed their resolve to secure a crucial victory. Their fifth win of the season, means the Roosters are 11 points clear of third-from-bottom Caersws; 18 points above Queens Park.

“We weren’t quite at it early on, and it was probably our worst first 20 minutes of the season,” said Penrhyncoch manager Gari Lewis.

“We were 1-0 down, and it could have been two, but credit to the boys for the way they came back and recovered from the bad start.

“Jonathan Evans is a wonderful talent, and his first goal from all of 40 yards inspired everyone in the team, and in the second half, there was only one side in the match.

“It was a big win, we have shown a lot of fight, but we can’t afford to relax as we need to keep getting something from every game.”

Lewis paid tribute to experienced campaigner Aneurin Thomas, who took over in goal, with Leigh Jenkins ruled out through sickness.

“It’s great to be able to call on someone like ‘Freddie’, who is still a big part of the team,” Lewis said.

“He’s a big presence, makes some unusual saves, and made an important save for us when it was 0-0.”

Penrhyn needed a smart save from Thomas with his feet to prevent the visitors from taking the lead, but the stand-in keeper was beaten in the 20th minute when Williams finished off a well-worked move.

The Roosters chased a swift reply, with Jon Foligno putting an effort just over from a Jonathan Evans corner, while Liam Lewis headed over from a Cledan Davies cross.

They were back on level terms seven minutes before half time with some magic from Evans, who spotted keeper Richard Cowderoy off his line before superbly finding the net from all of 40 yards out.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Evans was brought down by a last-ditch tackle, which saw Queens Park reduced to 10 men. Evans stepped up to smash home the penalty to earn a 2-1 interval lead.

The Roosters tightened their grip with a third goal three minutes after the interval when Stef Davies tapped in after a shot from Elian Evans had been blocked on the line.

With a man advantage, the hosts stayed on top in deteriorating conditions, and went to close a fourth as sub Liam Doherty was denied by a finger-tip save from Cowderoy.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Queens Park): A Thomas, E Evans, C Davies, S James, J Foligno, O James (S Meredith 89), C Jones, M Mousley (A Corbisiero 57), S Davies (L Doherty 78), J Evans, L Lewis. Not used: N Blake, G Lewis.

Penrhyn prepare to face Junction

PENRHYNCOCH manager Gari Lewis is looking for his side to pick up more crucial home points when they take on basement outfit Llandudno Junction at Cae Baker on Saturday.

The Roosters, who are fourth-from-bottom, gave themselves a big boost as two goals from Jonathan Evans and a Steff Evans strike sealed a 3-1 win over FC Queens Park last weekend.

They will be hoping to pick up more points against another of the league strugglers this Saturday, with their opponents having yet to win in 21 league outings so far this season.

Lewis, however, said that his side will be taking nothing for granted.

“Llandudno may be struggling, but they have signed a lot of new players and have a new manager who is looking to put things right,” said Lewis.

“We know we’ll need to be right on our game if we are to get the result.”

Keeper Leigh Jenkins hopes to return after missing last weekend through sickness, while Rob Murfet could also be back in contention. Antonio Corbisiero is also pressing for a start, but Liam Lewis is unavailable.

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