Connah’s Quay thrashed Pontypridd United 5-0 in a scintillating performance that saw them flex their superiority over the opposition at the USW Sport Park.
The Nomads caught out a sleeping Ponty defence as Josh Williams’ short free-kick played in John Disney to lift the ball into an unguarded net for their first goal on 15 minutes.
A defensive lapse five minutes later gave Mike Wilde his 60th goal for the club. Callum Bratley and Mike Hayes’ attempts had been blocked but Wilde scored on the third attempt by scooping the shot home.
The hosts defensive frailties continued to show and later they conceded a third. In an unorganised penalty area was afforded the freedom to force the ball home from the floor.
The unforgiving Connah’s Quay scored their fourth through an error from Kieran Lewis who conceded possession to Hayes, who broke through and tucked it past Morris.
Danny Williams’ tight-angled shot and Lewys Twamley’s rebound were Pontypridd’s best chance in the first half as Andy Firth remained untroubled.
Connah’s Quay’s dominance continued into the second period with Josh Williams spurning a chance for a first Nomads goal after curling over a close-range shot.
Pontypridd created several half opportunities with Lewys Twamley involved. Twamley intercepted substitute Anderson Pinto’s stray pass and broke through but Firth kept his clean sheet intact.
Connah’s Quay rubbed salt into the wounds for their fifth goal with Callum Morris joining in on the action. A sloppy ball was picked up and Hayes was able to put a ball on a plate for Morris to stroke home from close range.
The Nomads reduce The New Saints’ gap at the top to seven points and are now six points clear of third-placed Bala Town.
Pontypridd remain in the drop zone after wins for Haverfordwest County and Newtown saw them take up the second relegation spot.
Pontypridd United: Ashley Morris, David Vincent, Danny Williams, Ben Ahmun (Jamal Salawu, 68), Kieran Lewis, Lewys Twamley, Kurtis Rees, Joe Evans, Jarrad Wright, Joe Hunt, and Joe Woodiwiss (Lee Baldock, 68)
Connah’s Quay Nomads: Andy Firth, John Disney, Ryan Harrington, George Horan (C), Callum Morris, Michael Wilde (Harry Franklin, 82), Callum Bratley (Anderson Pinto, 53), Mike Hayes, Danny Holmes, Ben Nash, Josh Williams (Paolo Mendes, 68)
Substitutes: John Rushton, Paulo Mendes, Joe Malkin, Harry Franklin, Anderson Pinto Nogueira, Joshua Watkin, Jack Wissett.
Goals: John Disney 15, Michael Wilde 20, Mike Hayes 28, 36, Callum Morris 74′
Yellow Cards: Mike Hayes 61, Danny Holmes 78′
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