COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg had special praise for his three debutants following their 2-1 come-from-behind home victory over Ruthin Town.

The Seagulls’ handed starts to Callum Parry, Cai Owen and Sam Downey after a busy opening to the January window, and all played a significant role in their side’s success.

Hogg, who also hailed the impact of his substitutes, go in search of JD Welsh Cup progression this Friday when they make the trip to Flint Town United in a pivotal fourth-round clash.

The Bay boss, said: “It was three important points and good debuts for three of our four new additions. They all played well and that’s what pleases me most.

“Clearly the 17 days we’ve had without a competitive game took its toll on us, as we did looked rusty for a lot of the 90 minutes.

“That said Andy (Coughlin) has only had one save to make and it was an important one when he did. But from the resulting corner we’ve conceded and that frustrated us again.

“Ruthin are a very hard-working team and came with nothing to lose. Thankfully when we conceded early in the second half, we had enough time left on the clock to get back in the game.

“The lads off the bench made a real impact and that was a big positive. We’ve forced good saves from their keeper through Toby (Jones) and ultimately, it’s taken a touch of class from Julian (Williams) to win the game.

“The three debutants have performed very well, but in particular I’m delighted for Cai Owen. For a lad to come into a club like Colwyn Bay and play the way he did, all things considered this week, was fantastic.”

The game finally sparked into life after the break following a scoreless first period, and it was the away side who opened the scoring on 48 minutes when evergreen defender Kevin Evans diverted a corner past Coughlin after the Bay stopper did well to prevent Gwion Owen moment before.

A good response from the home side saw them level matters through a successful corner of their own on 76 minutes when Will Bell fired into the net, and with the game heading for a stalemate Julian Williams pounced to despatch the winner with two remaining after good work from Mitch Bryant.