Colwyn Bay suffered a 2-1 New Year's Day home defeat to runaway league leaders Prestatyn Town after conceding two first half goals and then being reduced to 10 men,

The Bay were a goal down from a set piece inside two minutes of the start and were 2-0 down at half-time after a rather flat first half performance.

They then had Sion Edwards red carded, but the 10 men battled well and pulled a goal back through Alex Downes in the last 10 minutes. 

Alex was voted Bay's SoccerMillion Man of the match and was presented with his award by Andrew Coverley of Match Sponsors Pen-y-Bryn Inn.

It was the worst possible start for Bay as Michael Parker scored with a far post header from an early set piece.

The Bay looked a bit flat from the start and although Mike Williams fired a shot wide following a corner, it was the visitors who dominated much of the possession and they doubled their lead on 23 minutes when Jordan Davies cut in from the right and his low cross set up a simple tap in for unmarked Jack Higgins.

Bay made a change at half-time, with Julian Williams replacing Matty Russell who had been booked, but were reduced to 10 men on 61 minutes when Sion Edwards got a straight red for what was deemed a dangerous tackle.

But the 10 men battled well and pulled a goal back on 81 minutes when a corner fell for Alex Downes to fire a first time shot past Prestatyn keeper  Jon Rushton. They had a late chance to make it 2-2 from a corner, but couldn't convert.

Manager Craig Hogg commented: "Once again we've conceded poor first half goals and given Prestatyn all the help they needed to put themselves in a strong position. I thought we were much better in the second half, but all the damage had been done.

"We then go down to 10 men, but we huffed and puffed  to try and get back in the game, got  a goal back and had a chance late on to make it 2-2.

"We switched Alex Downes into midfield and I was impressed with how he played there, but we have to stop conceding silly goals like we have been doing recently and giving ourselves a hill to climb.

"It is a disappointing start to the New Year, but hopefully we can put a run of results together now to keep us in the frame for a top three finish."

Sion Edwards now faces a three match ban, but the manager said he is hoping to bring in one or two new signings in the January transfer window to bolster the squad.

On a more positive note, Hogg took to social media to report attendance of just under 1000 at the ground and fantastic support once again from Colwyn Bay fans.

Reproduced with thanks to Colwyn Bay FC.