TNS 5 PRESTATYN TOWN 2
PRESTATYN’S player-manager Neil Gibson has tipped full-timers TNS for the Welsh Premier League title his side’s baptism of fire opener at Park Hall.
Boosted by the signing of Wrexham’s Wales international defender Kai Edwards - a Meliden lad - on loan, ambitious Prestatyn were aiming to establish their claims to a top-six finish but had their hopes dashed by a hat-trick from former Rhyl marksman Chris Sharp.
The game was barely five minutes old when Sharp struck and after 12 minutes the Seasiders were two down. Ex-Rhyl striker Lee Hunt reopened the contest as he hammered home a cross from debuant Edwards only for Sharp and Danny Holmes to add two more.
Dangerman Hunt showed Prestatyn have teeth, too, by netting his second but Sharp wrapped up the hosts nap hand from the penalty spot after Dave Hayes had been adjudged to have floored Holmes in the box in injury-time.
Prestatyn chairman Tony Thackery is still upbeat about the club’s prospects despite the result.
He said: “TNS are a class side and this isn’t exactly the place you would choose to go to start off a new season. It’s behind us now and with the squad we’ve brought together and the arrival of Kai, I feel our target of a top-half place isn’t beyond us by any means.”
Gibson will now be planning to get his first points in the bank when Prestatyn take on Haverfordwest County in their first home match at Bastion Road this Saturday