PRESTATYN Town avoided a potential JD Welsh Cup banana skin to secure a 5-1 home win over New Brighton Villa.

The Seasiders overcame their Welsh National League opponents with minimal place to book their place in the second round, securing manager Neil Gibson’s first win since returning to the club in his first game back at the Motion Finance Stadium.

Town will be hoping this result is the catalyst to some improved fortunes in the Huws Gray Alliance, and they will aim to get off the basement this Friday when they entertain in-form Conwy Borough (7.30pm).

The home side started the game well and almost went ahead on two occasions in the opening exchanges when Macauley Taylor and Alex Jones both spurned chances, but they did not have to wait long to notch their first as Oliver Buckley prodded across the line from close range on eight minutes after fine approach play from Taylor and Chris Bennett.

A sensational last-ditch tackle from defender Dave Hayes denied Villa a one-on-one opportunity following the restart, and this proved to be telling as the hosts doubled their tally after 16 minutes when Jones tapped into an empty net after Alec Williams had superbly rounded the keeper.

Things got even better for Gibson’s side after 18 minutes when the same pair combined yet again for Jones’ second of the afternoon, and another blistering attacking move resulted in Warren Adam firing in a fourth with just 23 on the clock.

The away side did have something to show for their efforts at the break when a sensational free-kick from Sam Wainwright found its way past new signing Ryan Roberts on 34 minutes, and Town endured a frustrating spell in front of goal shortly after the break when Buckley, Taylor and Bennett all fluffing their lines during a dominant spell of possession.

Their pressure did finally tell five minutes from time when replacement Aaron White headed in from close range to round off an excellent day at the office for the second tier outfit.