COLWYN Bay turned on the style to boost their Evo-stik North playoff hopes with a 5-1 rout over Clitheroe.

With sixth-placed Trafford losing, the Seagulls moved to within two points of their rivals with a game in hand, which is at Droylsden on Tuesday night.

They then welcome Trafford on Thursday in what is set to be a pivotal clash in the race for the playoffs, and Alan Morgan’s side close out their campaign with a trip to Hyde United on Saturday.

The Bay boss, said: “It was nice to score a few goals today and that was down to how hard we worked and pressed against a young and energetic Clitheroe side; now we go again on Tuesday.

“We wanted to try and protect Danny (Bartle) and Luke (Horrocks) today (both were on the bench) and made three changes second half to give others a rest, because we are going to need everybody we’ve got over the next seven days.”

The home side scored early on when Lass Mendes found the net after good work from Danny Andrews, and they doubled their advantage just before the break when Jack Hindle slotted in his first of the afternoon on 41 minutes.

After the interval saw the hosts seal three points with a blistering attacking spell, which began with Hindle bagging his brace with a fine individual effort on 51 minutes.

This was swiftly followed by a fourth on 61 minutes when Andrews tapped in from close range, and Hindle rounded off a sensational day at the office on 69 when he sealed his hat-trick after impressive approach play from substitute Jamie Rainford.

The away side managed a consolation late on through Chris Churchman, but it did not take the gloss off a stunning performance from the Seagulls, who are set for a thrilling end to the campaign.