COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg “could not speak highly enough” of his side following their eye-catching 2-1 win at Flint Town United.

The Seagulls’ came from behind to put a spanner in the Silkmen’s JD Cymru North title hopes, with the Bay facing another critical week of action to kick-off their festive fixture list.

They begin by welcoming Conwy Borough to the Four Crosses Arena on Tuesday, before hosting Llangefni Town on Friday.

Hogg, said: “It’s a really good result for us in what was a tight game, away from home and in difficult playing conditions.

“The lads were outstanding again, and they had to be, because you know exactly what you are up against when you play Flint away.

“Flint are a top side, with a good management team who all give everything for the shirt.

“We had to be that and more yet again and I felt we did that in bucket loads.

“The lads showed a maturity and dogged determination in their play that spoke volumes of the dressing room we have here at the Bay. I really can’t speak highly enough of everyone in our dressing room again.

“We were disappointed to be a goal down early on, but once we got to grips with the first 15 minutes, we looked very assured and at both ends of the pitch. We looked a threat for the majority of the game and likely to score.

“The winner did come from an unlikely source with Will Bell getting his first goal for the club and we are all made up for him. He’s a hugely popular figure here at the Bay and we all saw what it meant to him when stuck the ball in the back of the net.”

Things did not begin well for the visitors, who fell behind on five minutes when Callum Bratley turned in an opportunity from close range to put United ahead early on.

Bay skipper Tom McCready had the perfect chance to level matters on 37 minutes but saw his penalty saved superbly by Jon Danby, but they did manage to equalise on 51 minutes as Julian Williams converted a rebound after Mitch Bryant’s initial effort was diverted into his path.

The away side got their noses in front for the first time on 66 minutes when a free kick fell into the path of Will Bell, who despatched his first goal in 59 appearances for the club.

A nervy end to proceedings was ensured thanks to Darren Thornton’s red card in stoppage time, but the visitors managed to hold firm to secure a vital three points and move to within eight points of Niall McGuinness’ men with a game in hand.