Unbeaten run stretched to four

COLWYN BAY made it three away wins in a row as they stretched their unbeaten run to four games with a third consecutive clean sheet in todays' excellent 1-0 victory at top 10 rivals Worcester City.
A goal from Rob Hopley, his third in four games, after 11 minutes won the game and has put them level on points with Worcester and back to only six points behind the top five.
More importantly, in the space of just three weeks, the Seagulls, who are still unbeaten in 2012, have doubled the gap between themselves and the relegation zone from a slightly precarious six points to a healthy 12 points.
It is only the second time this season that Worcester have been beaten at St George's Lane, and I thought the recall of John McKenna in a central midfield role was a key factor in achieving that. He was my man of the match.
Shelton Payne again threatened with his pace down the left and set up the winning goal for the second time in three games, while in defence Frank Sinclair really showed his class and composure - particularly in the second half when Worcester switched to three up front and threw everything the could at the Bay defence to try and force an equaliser.
The calmness with which he put a perfectly cushioned header back to Sanna from a right wing Worcester cross, to end a sustained bombardment from Worcester, was right out of the top drawer.
Worcester, by all accounts, were below their best as an attacking force, but take nothing away from another spirited Colwyn Bay display and, in fact, in the end they could have won by more.
Jon Newby was very unlucky when his shot over the keeper just before half-time rebounded off the cross bar, and in the second half Payne and Hopley both missed opportunities to score.
The only goal came after 11 minutes when Payne's run and cross set up Hopley who scored at the second attempt after his first shot had been blocked by keeper James Dormand.
Dormand injured his knee soon afterwards and had to be replaced by substitute keeper Matt Sargeant, who made a good save from another Newby shot just before half-time.
Kevin O'Connor miskicked in front goal from a Danny Edwards cross to miss Worcester's best chance, while Colwyn Bay were a little fortunate when an Ellis Deeley free kick bounced awkwardly in front of Chris Sanna, rebounded off his chest, and no Worcester player was quick enough to capitalise.
In the second half Mike Symons, who proved a handful for the Bay defence for much of then game, set up a great chance for Tom Thorley to equalise when he pulled his shot wide, and then when Thorley broke through into the area again, Sanna did well to throw his body in the way of the shot.
Since returning from injury, Sanna has not yet conceded a goal in four and half hours of football!
Colwyn Bay played the ball around quite well at times and had chances themselves on the break, but Payne and Hopley both blazed wildly over the bar and when substitute Noon broke through to set up a great chance for Payne, the winger didn't get hold of his shot, allowing Sargeant to save falling to his right.
Delighted player-boss Jon Newby described it afterwards as "Probably the most complete performance since me and Stuey (Barlow) came in.
"We had a little bit of everything. I thought we passed the ball really well at times, we tried to play in the right areas, defended for our lives at times, scrapped when needed to, and yet created chances to have scored more goals.
"I couldn't be more delighted with the workrate and the performance. There was a real desire about us today and from the moment we scored I felt we were going to win it."
Newby said the decision to slightly change the formation had worked well.
"Instead of an orthodox 4-4-2 we brought John (McKenna) in as a third central midfielder and I thought he was tremendous and he made a fantastic match-winning tackle right at the end.
"I was really disappointed to have to leave him out against Vauxhall on Tuesday night after he had had two good games at centre back. I just felt Matty Hughes and Frank (Sinclair) are more natural centre halves, but for John to swallow that disappointment and come in and perform like he did in midfield speaks volumes for his attitude and his commitment. He gives you 100 per cent all the time wherever he plays; that is the type of lad he is."
Newby also had praise for the back four. "They were excellent again," he said. "Frank (Sinclair) seems to get better with every game and Matty Hughes has really benefited from having Frank alongside him."
Newby added: "Everyone has played their part today, but I thought Hoppo (Rob Hopley) was outstanding up front. The goal gave him a bit of confidence again and he held the ball up well and won a lot of balls in the air - I thought he was superb."
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Lea, Hughes, Sinclair, McKenna, Evans, McLachlan, Hopley, Newby (Noon 71mins), Payne (Davey 90mins). Subs not used: McEvilly, Benson, Metcalf.
Attendance: 791.