CORWEN had to show their fighting qualities to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier Division, writes PHIL JONES.

They won 2-1 at Chirk AAA and with three games in hand, the title is in their hands.

Dom Doherty set up Scott Evans to break the deadlock but the hosts levelled through Jack Edwards.

With 15 minutes left, Corwen boss Danny Jellicoe threw on substitute Dale Davies and his powerful header from a cross from his brother Nathan won it for the leaders,

Queen’s Park hammered Hawarden Rangers 7-0 with Corey Smart firing in four. Aled Powell, James Gregory and Mikey Latham were also on target.

In a dress rehearsal for the Premier Division Cup Final, Mold Alex stunned Cefn Albion with a fantastic 4-1 win at The Rock. Nathan Williams put Cefn, who hadn’t lost a game in 2019, ahead but Kevin Day’s leveller kicked off a tremendous fightback from Mike Cunningham’s men.

Dan Lloyd put Mold ahead with Iwan Rogers and Steve Watkins sealing the win.

A delighted Cunningham said: “It was a great advert for the league with two teams wanting to play football the right way.”

FC Nomads picked off Rhos Aelwyd 2-0, Charlie Robertson and Matty Pearce grabbing the goals.

Nomads assistant manager Steve Hughes said: “We took control in first half and our patience eventually paid off. We should have been a few more up and fortunately for us our keeper Harry Wilkes saved a penalty.”

Llay Welfare earned rave reviews a week ago when beating Brymbo but Rhostyllen brought them down to earth with a superb 3-1 win.

James Richard’s penalty, a stunning free-kick from Mike Pugh and a third from Steve Jones made sure of the points.

All Welfare could muster up was a consolation goal from Lewis Bickerton Cole.

Llay boss Mike Gadie said: “We were simply not good enough and I think we underestimated the opponents and Rhostyllen made us pay. They battled superbly and fully deserved their 3 points.”

Penycae were held to a a 1-1 draw by Llanuwchllyn who took an interval lead through Iolo Jones. Anthony Dunleavey bagged Penycae’s leveller.

There was a goalfest down at Sandy Lane with Saltney Town securing a 6-1 victory over visitors Brickfield Rangers.

Central defender Dan Burgess opened the scoring in the first half but after Sam Giles levelled, Saltney took control.

Manager Andy Dutton rang the changes at half-time with strikers Jake Gibbons and Rabih Jumaa introduced as well as defender Thomas Swinburne. Jumaa ended up with four goals with Jake Johnson grabbing the other.

Division One champions Plas Madoc raced into 3-0 lead against Rhydymwyn with strikes from Jamie Williams, Richie Lawrence and Nathan Jones.

But the visitors staged a fine fightback and earned a 3-3 draw through Nathan Mendoza, Kyle Parkes and Connor Whelan.

Joining Plas Madoc in the Premier Division next August will be Castell Alun Colts who beat Mynydd Isa Spartans 2-0. Rob Darlington and Connor Hodgson got the goals.

New Brighton Villa floored Johnstown Youth 9-0. Sam Moffatt and Ross Sumner notched two goals apiece with James Beddow, Leigh Griffiths, Sam Wainwright and Jack Eccleston finishing off the job.

In the Reserves Division, Cefn Druids strengthened their title ambitions with a 4-1 success at Gresford Athletic. John Owen and Arek Pirsawski hit doubles with Tyler Williams replying.

Brickfield Rangers were sunk 4-2 by Castell Alun who netted through Josh Leech, Ady Olveki, Matt Rushforth and Jack Lewis.

Corwen were held to a goal-less draw by FC Nomads while Reserves and Colts Division leaders Holywell Town gave their title hopes a boost with 2-1 success at Ruthin Town.

Brymbo fielded a strong side to face Mynydd Isa Spartans and won 5-4. James Cummings hit three with Ben Kearney adding two more. Isa, who twice let slip the lead, netted through a Joe Robbins treble and Joe Mitchell.

Cefn Mawr Rangers fell to a 2-0 reversal against Overton whose marksmen were Louis Williams and Ashley Springer.

Coedpoeth United were beaten 3-2 by Llay Welfare who were on target through a Kev Hope penalty, Steven Gadie and Daniel Hughes. Luke Robins and Tom Edwards replied.

Penyace battered Llangollen Town 5-0 thanks to Kyle Davies, Tom Edwards and a hat-trick for man of the match Kian Davies.

Rhos Aelwyd drew 1-1 with Cefn Albion, Callum Smith cancelling out Keenan Bathers’ effort.

Rhydymwyn thrashed New Brighton Villa 6-0 and making up their six pack were Jack Smallman (3), Garry McNaught (2) and Ross Hughes.