PRESTATYN Town striker Ian Griffiths was at his clinical best to lead his side to a vital 5-2 home win over Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant.

The Seasiders produced a dazzling display in the second period which proved to be the catalyst behind their success, with Neil Gibson’s side moving to within one point of Huws Gray Alliance safety as preparations gather pace for their JD Welsh Cup third round clash with Caernarfon Town on Friday (7.45pm).

The home side came out of the blocks flying and went ahead after just three minutes when Dan Roberts fired in a rebound after Ben Maher’s initial effort was parried, but they were pegged back soon after when Town stopper Ryan Roberts misjudged a cross before diverting the ball into his own net.

Oli Buckley and skipper Alex Jones went close for the hosts midway through the half, but they netted at a vital time in the contest when Griffiths despatched his first of the afternoon with a stunning finish.

After the break saw Marc Griffiths’ side get themselves back into the game once again on 54 minutes when a Tomos Evans cracker flew in off the post, but this joy proved to be short-lived as Griffiths produced another moment of magic with a delightful chip to put the home side ahead with 59 gone.

The former Prestatyn Sports standout capped off a memorable day at the office with his hat-trick on 80 minutes when he reacted first to a Danny Davies strike that came back off the cross bar, and Gibson’s side sealed what could be a crucial three points late on when Maher netted his first goal for the club since returning from close range in stoppage time.