James Kirby’s late winner caps Bay fightback

The Seagulls twice came from behind and snatched a late 3-2 win at Guilsfield to remain unbeaten and top of the JD Cymru League table on goal difference.

James Kirby got the 85th minute winner after earlier goals from Alex Downes and Sam Hart.

They needed that late winner for Colwyn Bay to stay top as Holywell came from 0-2 down to win 3-2 at Porthmadog – despite having a man sent off.

With Llandudno also winning, the top three are now six points clear of the rest.

Manager Steve Evans decided to make only one change from the starting eleven against Holyhead in mid-week, with Ryan Woods returning in goal and James Kirby and Tom McCready on the bench, but saw Matty Hill miss an early penalty for a foul on Tom Creamer before Guilsfield took the lead through Josh Astley on 20 minutes.

Alex Downes equalised with a fine effort from the edge of the area eight minutes later, but three minutes into added time at the end of the half Bay conceded a penalty themselves and Iwan Matthews made no mistake from the spot to put the home side back in front.

The Bay made five changes in the second half, but it was 73 minutes before they finally pulled level with Sam Hart scoring his second goal in a week, and then with just five minutes of normal time remaining Kirby snatched victory with his 10th goal of the season.

Steve Evans commented afterwards: “Credit to Guilsfield, they pushed us all the way. I didn’t think we were at the races first half, but we changed a few things at half-time and second half I thought we were tremendous.

“We were on the front foot and probably just about deserved to win in the end – although I am sure Guilsfield will feel a little hard done by.

“All the lads are fighting for each other and they deserve great credit for that.”