COLWYN Bay boss Alan Morgan praised his side following their 2-1 friendly defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

The Seagulls, who featured six trialists throughout the contest, turned in a very encouraging display as preparations gather pace ahead of the new Evo-stik League season.

Louis Barnes’ stunning free-kick gave them a first half advantage against the League Two outfit, but Alex responded well after the break to claim victory at the Four Crosses Construction Arena.

Morgan, said: “I am very, very pleased.

“At the end of the day we are playing against a League Two club. The first half was very good and we got ourselves in front at half-time, and although we made ten changes I thought we there were still a lot of pluses in the second half.

“It was a very good and pleasing start to our pre-season programme. Now we roll on to the next game against Colchester on Friday (7pm) which will be a different challenge for us.

“Crewe are a good footballing side who like to pass it around, but I think Colchester will be more physical because they are a big side.”

Recent signing from Denbigh Town Craig Pritchard looked lively early on and forced Alex stopper Will Jaskalainen into a pair of smart saves early on, before Barnes unleashed a ferocious free-kick into the net on 42 minutes after Ashley Ruane was felled just outside the box.

Morgan made a series of changes at the break to give his squad some much-needed minutes, and they almost doubled their advantage soon after the restart when Danny Bartle failed to convert a good opportunity.

The visitors began to impose themselves on proceedings and levelled matters after 62 minutes when Callun Ainley finished well, and things got even better for the away side on 72 when Regan Griffiths prodded home from close range.