ANDY MORRISON saluted his “exceptional” Connah’s Quay Nomads as they celebrated a Christmas number one by thumping Cardiff Met 6-1.

Michael Bakare started the ball rolling after just 50 seconds, before Michael Wilde’s brace, either side of a goal from Andy Owens, had Nomads 4-1 up at the break.

Ryan Wignall added number five and Wilde completed his hat-trick in the second period to maintain Nomads’ one point lead at the top of the table.

“The objective was obviously to stay there,” said Morrison when asked about his Christmas number one. We were exceptional, I was pleased with so many things.

“It would have taken an exceptional team to compete against us, we played that well.

“We moved the ball really well, we were exceptional in the first phases of our play and keeping the ball alive, we relentlessly put balls into their box through Wiggy and Baks, and we were very, very good.

“Smiling, happy faces and a great spirit and atmosphere around the place doesn’t guarantee results, but it definitely helps and there has been a fantastic energy this week - and for a couple of weeks.

“We had three or four lads missing that started the season, but the lads that stepped in continued the good work and did really, really well.

“That’s as dominant as we’ve been this season, it could have been eight, nine or 10.”

Cardiff Met, who had Will Evans on target, beat Nomads in the semi-finals of the League Cup a month ago, and Morrison was prepared for the threat posed by Christian Edwards’ visitors.

“I wasn’t worried, but I always respect Cardiff Met and I know they’ve scored eight goals in their last two games and they’ve got good players coming back into their squad,” continued Morrison.

“We knew it was going to be a big ask, but the lads raised their performance to another level.

“We set the standard now and we’ve got to maintain it.”

Instrumental in Nomads’ victory was the experienced Wilde, who took his tally for the season to eight with his treble.

Morrison lauded his frontman, saying: “I don’t know what the twilight of someone’s career is, but I signed Michael three years ago and people said he was coming to the end. For me, he’s got better and better.

“His understanding of the game, what we actually do and what I need to him to be has got better and better.

“His workrate is fantastic and he epitomises what we are about.

Bala warmed up for their festive double-header against Nomads with a 7-1 thumping of Llanelli.

Steve Tames made it 17 goals in 18 games with four strikes, while Chris Venables, Ian Sheridan and a Joe Clarke own goal completed the rout for Bala, with Chris Jones replying for Llanelli.

Kayne McLaggon and Momodou Touray scored as Barry Town beat Caernarfon 2-1. A Mike Lewis own goal had drawn the Canaries level.