NIALL MCGUINNESS saluted Flint Town United’s concentration as they thumped Llangefni Town 5-0 to close the gap at the top.

Played in difficult conditions, the Silkmen had to be patient during a first-half with the wind in their faces.

After reaching the break all-square, Flint’s class showed in the second period as top scorer Mark Cadwallader, above, bagged a hat-trick alongside goals from former Chester youngster Nathan Brown, who struck a wonderful free-kick, and Alex Titchiner.

“It was a horrible game,” said Flint boss McGuinness.

“We had to be at the top of our game concentration-wise in the first-half. It was blowing a gale and wet, and we were playing into it.

“We didn’t want to get caught out on the counter and we even managed to have the best chances, and should have been 2-0 up at half time.

“In the second-half we blew them away. They kept things very tight for the first 55 minutes, but once the first goal went in they fell to bits.

“We could have won 8-0 in the end because we’ve missed three one-on-ones.

“Our fitness levels showed during the 90 minutes and to a man everyone performed very well, especially Jordan Barrow at right-back.”

McGuinness was afforded the luxury of watching leaders Prestatyn held to a 2-2 draw by Porthmadog the following afternoon.

Shaun Cavanagh’s double could have won it for Porthmadog, but Zebb Edwards added to Jordan Davies’ opener to earn Prestatyn a point that leaves them 13 clear at the top having played two games more than Flint.

Rhyl came unstuck at Penrhyncoch, who claimed a 2-1 home win.

Steff Davies and Tom Davies struck quickfire goals before the hour, before Dave MacIntyre pulled a goal back for Rhyl, who handed Connor Harwood a full debut after signing the striker on loan from Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Bangor City picked up a 2-0 win at Llandudno courtesy of a brace from Esteban Goicoechea.

Lee Thomas was sent-off just after the hour for Llandudno, who also saw boss Matty Jones shown a red card.