HOSKIN HAPPY AT RETURN OF ACE RODGERS
COLWYN Bay manager Ash Hoskin is delighted to have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Carl Rodgers for a second spell at the club.
The 32-year-old Rodgers was a key member of the Bay team in 2005/06, when the club was in the old Unibond Division One, before joining Conference club Telford, where he spent six seasons.
He has also had stints at Altrincham, TNS and Chester.
“Carl has agreed to join us, which is great because he is a very good addition to the squad,” said the manager.
“He’s experienced, has a great attitude and fits in well in the dressing room.”
Rodgers signed prior to Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Bala Town, but did not play because of blistered feet.
He watched the team draw for the third time in four pre-season games after taking the lead through Rob Hopley’s excellent turn and shot inside the area on 56 minutes.
Four minutes later Anthony Stephens, who had two successful spells on loan at the Bay when he was at Wrexham, put Bala level with a low shot from nearly 35 yards.
Both sides were denied strong penalty claims in an entertaining second half, but in the end it needed two fine saves by Chris Sanna, turning shots from Ian Sheridan and Kenny Lunt round the post, to prevent Bala snatching a late winner after Bay’s Jordan Fagbola (hamstring) and Wes Baynes (achilles) had to be withdrawn with injuries.
Neither are likely to be risked in next Tuesday’s game at Llandudno.
Hoskin admitted he was disap- pointed not to have won the game, but is happy with current progress.
“I was very pleased with some of the football we played, although disappointed with the goal we conceded,” he said.
“It was a game I thought we could have won, but results at this stage don’t matter. It is all about fitness and building blocks and I believe we are on course to be where I want us to be come the start of the season.”
Only a fluke goal 17 minutes from the end denied the Bay a creditable draw against a Bolton Wanderers Xl, including players with first team experience, last Saturday.
Chris Sharp forced Bolton’s keeper to turn a shot round the post early on, but Bolton took the lead on 38 minutes through George Newell.
The Seagulls equalised two minutes into the second half through Sam Barnes’ back-post finish following a corner.
Sanna made a couple of good saves to keep the Bay level, but he was caught out late on when a speculative dipping cross from the right touchline dropped over him and just inside the far post.
Last week’s midweek game with Bangor City also ended 1-1 after Harry Clayton failed to convert a late penalty.
The Seagulls got a flying start with Sharp rounding Connor Roberts to score after just 80 seconds, but Les Davies equalised from 20 yards four minutes later.
The City keeper made a flying save from Robbie Booth, before blocking Clayton’s late penalty with his legs to earn his side the draw.
Colwyn Bay have no game on Saturday, but are holding an open training session at Llanelian Road (11am) when fans are welcome to come along and watch.