Colwyn Bay boss Dave Challinor had plenty of positives to take from Saturday’s match against Chester FC, despite the disgraceful scenes in the stands at Llanelian Road.
The Bay recorded a solid 2-0 win over former manager Neil Young’s newly formed side, providing a silver lining to what was a cloudy day for the club.
The kick-off was delayed and the match was temporarily stopped nine minutes from time as hooligans in the 1,700 strong crowd clashed, thought it must be stressed that the majority of the fans at the game behaved impeccably in what had started as a day of celebration for the resurrected Chester team.
On the pitch, Colwyn Bay continued to look bright and inventive, continuing from last week’s encouraging victory over Bangor City.
Both Bay goals came in a three minute spell in the second half as Dave Challinor continued to give opportunities to trialists alongside key members of last season’s promotion winning squad.
Ironically, it was former Chester player Ryan Williams who created the goal, crossing for Lee Davy to finish emphatically in the 62nd minute.
Sub Joe O’Sullivan then added the second two minutes later after some neat play from Dario Allen on the edge of the area.
Danny Grannon again looked solid at the back, whilst Challinor managed to get a run out after his assistant Colin Woodthorpe returned from holiday.
"I’m happy with the way things are going; we are sticking to our policy meaning that this season is a clean slate, giving the opportunity to all to prove they want to and have the ability to play for Colwyn Bay,” said Challinor.
“We still have time to look at our options and try different things, Colin (Woodthorpe, his assistant) is now with us and allows me to look at things first hand on the field and he from off the field."
Meanwhile, Colwyn Bay FC face Tranmere Rovers in another pre-season friendly this Saturday, 3pm.