COLWYN BAY gained a very creditable 2-2 draw with Blue Square Conference North side Vauxhall Motors at Llanelian Road which delighted manager Gary Finley.
And one of the major pluses from the match was trialist striker Anthony Murt who was signed up after the game.
A regular scorer with Colne Dynamoes last season, the tall striker did more than enough to impress the manager.
"He looks like he can be a real handful for opposing defences," said Gary afterwards.
Murt was unlucky not get on the schoresheet when he was twice denied by fine saves from Vauxhall keeper Sean Lane, the first from a great turn and volley in the box which the keeper dived to turn round the post.
Of the other new signings, James Olsen showed he has the potential to become the side's main playmaker in midfield, holding the ball well and spraying some nice passes around, while Danny Ryan put in a couple of good runs on the left.
But John Lawless again stood out for me as the best player on the park and Colwyn Bay supporters must hope and pray that his strong friendship with the manager will keep him at Llanelian Road - because there is no doubt he is going to be a key figure if the side is to launch a strong a promotion challenge.
It was also good to see John Boardman's appearance after a spell training at Rhyl and he made a couple of important tackles in the second half.
With the two main central defenders Neil Coverley (calf muscle injury) and Tim Brandreth (away on honeymoon) both missing, Anthony Wright seized on a defensive error to give Vauxhalls an early lead, but Colwyn Bay played well at times and after Lawless (twice) and Murt (twice) had gone close, they equalised seven minutes into the second half when Olsen cut inside to score with a shot that evaded Vauxhall's substitute trialist keeper.
The keeper redeemd himself with a fine save at Neil Black's feet when he was put through by Martin Crowder, and Black shot narrowly over the bar before Colwyn Bay got caught on the break for Andy Johnson to put Vauxhall back in front.
The Seagulls, who dominated much of the second half , finished strongly and equalised when Black and Darren Wright set up the chance for Martin Crowder to get a thoroughly deserved equaliser on 82 minutes.
Former Bay defender Joe McMahon took the eye for Vauxhalls in the first half when he gave Mark Quayle little chance to make an impact, but overall the Seagulls can be pleased with their performance.
"They are two divisions higher than us but I thought we controlled large parts of the game and I was very pleased with our fitness levels because we finished the stronger side," added the manager afterwards.
Colwyn Bay are away to Burscough on Tuesday and then entertain Wrexham next Saturday (July 21).
LLANDUDNO came from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 with Caernarfon Town in their opening pre-season game at Maesdu Park. More details in this week's Weekly News.

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