JD Cymru North leaders Airbus UK Broughton began the new year in style as a James Davies double inspired the Wingmakers to a 3-0 win at Gresford Athletic.
A response was required from Mark Allen’s side after they were held to a goalless draw by the Colliers in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, and they certainly made sure there was to be no frustration this time around.
Joe Palmer, who recently renewed his contract with the club, put his side ahead in the seventh minute with a stunning strike and Davies’ quickfire double in the second half put all nerves to bed as Airbus remain one point clear at the league’s summit.
A stunning second half display from second-place Flint Town United saw maintain the pressure at the top of the table after coming from a goal down to defeat Llandudno 5-1 at The Essity Stadium.
Teenage sensation Fabrizio Murtas gave the visitors a shock lead inside 15 minutes, but Josh Jones drew Flint level from the penalty spot just before half-time.
Jones grabbed his second four minutes into the second half before Luis Lacey and Elliott Reeves gave the Silkmen a comfortable 4-1 lead. Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro rounded off a five-star performance with his seventh goal of the season.
Ruthin Town gained revenge on Denbigh Town in the Vale of Clwyd derby with a scintillating 4-0 home victory to grab just their second win in three months.
The hosts were two goals to the good at the break courtesy of strikes from Owain Morris and Sam Jones.
Italian winger Soulayman El Amri made it 3-0 on the hour mark before Jones completed his brace, finishing from Morris’ assist to give Phil Hudson’s side a much-needed three points to kick off the new year.
Chirk AAA claimed their first league point since the beginning of November as two Max McLaughlin penalties earned a 2-2 draw with Guilsfield.
McLaughlin’s first spot-kick was cancelled out by Iwan Matthews, who built on his hat-trick in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day to draw the visitors level.
Guilsfield captain Jolyon Harries turned the game around as he put his side ahead in the 32nd minute but the Guils were pegged back as McLaughlin won another penalty following a foul from Tom Williams. The Chirk Number 10 stepped up and calmly converted to earn his side a crucial point.
In the only JD Cymru North fixture on New Year’s Eve, Mold Alexandra continued their impressive form after an emphatic 3-0 win over Prestatyn Town.
Steve Watkins opened the scoring ten minutes before the break before in-form forward Jake Roberts bagged his 14th goal in 12 league games to double the advantage. Roberts’ strike partner Danny Warren made it 3-0 six minutes later as Mold made it nine straight home victories in all competitions.
JD Cymru North top goalscorer Corrig McGonigle was once again at the heart of a superb victory for Bangor 1876 as they overcame Porthmadog 4-1 at Nantporth.
McGonigle netted the first JD Cymru Leagues goal of 2024, but his early opener was cancelled out by Rhys Alun Williams’ close range finish before the home side clawed back in front thanks to Sam Jones’ 25-yard thunderbolt.
McGonigle set up Tom Clarke for Bangor’s third before the striker took his league tally to 17 goals for the season as Mike Johnston’s side made it five wins from their last six games.
JD Cymru North results
Chirk AAA 2-2 Guilsfield
Mold Alexandra 3-0 Prestatyn Town
Bangor 1876 4-1 Porthmadog
Flint Town United 5-1 Llandudno
Gresford Athletic 0-3 Airbus UK Broughton
Ruthin Town 4-0 Denbigh Town
