Football: Prestatyn victorious in first top-flight game

Aug 20 2008 by Dave Jones, Rhyl Visitor

PRESTATYN TOWN 2 AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON 1

WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE

BASKING in the glory of one of the greatest wins in Prestatyn’s history, proud player manager Neil Gibson paid special tributes to the two biggest heroes of an unforgettable night.

While all 14 Seasiders who took the field played a role in ensuring promoted Town made a winning start in the Welsh Premier, two-goal star Ian Griffiths and inspired keeper Jon Dunt grabbed centre stage.

Griffiths, deemed to have only a 20% chance of playing because of a calf strain, battled through the pain barrier for an hour to score two superb match-winning goals, while Dunt not only saved a penalty, but also produced two other stupendous stops.

Speaking about Griffiths’ phenomenal performance, Gibson said: “A different player would not have played tonight, but Griffo’s desire meant there was no way he was going to miss this game.”

And the player boss had no doubt that Dunt’s remarkable contribution had a major bearing on the result.

“He made a fantastic save after about 10 minutes which set the platform for our victory,” enthused Gibson.

“We keep telling Jon he’s a good enough keeper to do well at this level and tonight he proved it. I had a feeling he was going to save that penalty.”

A tremendous crowd of 480 on a first ever floodlit Friday at Bastion Road witnessed a highly emotional occasion which will never be forgotten.

Visitors Airbus gave Prestatyn a testing baptism at a level of football where the Seasiders will need to quickly come to terms with the physical demands and where they will not always get the chance to play the slick football which lit up the Cymru Alliance last term.

As the game progressed Town gradually found their feet. A defence which had leaked 11 goals in two previous friendlies was much more solid with colossus Dave Hayes leading by example.

Down the flanks Steve Hoult and Dan Evans showed plenty of flair, Gibson and Mike Parker competed well in midfield and up front Griffiths and Bowes looked sharp.

“You can’t do any better than win your first game,” added an elated Gibson.

“In the Cymru Alliance, going 2-0 up you could feel you had the game won, but that won’t be the case in the Welsh Premier. Airbus kept coming at us right till the end and we know every game at this level will go down to the wire.”

Griffiths netted on 31 and 58 minutes while the Wingmakers replied with an injury time header from substitute Jon Slater, moments after Dunt had saved a Ryan Edwards spot-kick.

This Saturday Prestatyn are home again to Welshpool Town, who drew 3-3 in their opener at NEWI Cefn Druids on Friday.

It is hoped that with a week’s rest, strikers Bowes and Griffiths, who both went off injured against Airbus, will be available.

PRESTATYN: Jon Dunt, Russ Jones, Andy Davies, Dave Hayes, Bevan Humphreys, Mike Parker (Ross Hannen 85), Dan Evans, Neil Gibson, Ian Griffiths (Steve Harris 60), Steve Hoult, Steve Bowes (Gareth Davies 55). Unused subs: Ethan Woodfine, Karl Murray.

dave.jones