Denbigh Town returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Friday night as they hit five past Bala Town at Central Park.

In Eddie Maurice-Jones’ first game in charge, Town produced a superb display to see off the Lakesiders 5-2, with Dan Flanders and Elliott Orton on target before substitute Ffranc Vaughan-Evans struck twice late on. An Aron Williams own goal had earlier handed Denbigh the perfect start.

Town came into the clash looking to end a run of six league games without a victory, whilst Bala arrived at Central Park sitting fourth having lost just once in the league.

Denbigh were handed the lead with nine minutes played. Bala defender Williams looked to play the ball back towards goalkeeper La’trell Jones, but the pass evaded the stopper and rolled into the net to put Town ahead.

The visitors looked to respond and came close through Tom Kelly, whose effort struck the woodwork as Bala searched for a way back into the contest.

Denbigh had opportunities of their own and almost doubled the advantage during a goalmouth scramble, with the ball eventually coming back off the crossbar.

Despite chances at both ends, there would be no further breakthrough before the interval as Town went in with a slender advantage.

Half-Time: Denbigh Town 1-0 Bala Town

Seven minutes after the restart, Denbigh had their second. Findlay Starkey-Jones’ corner caused problems inside the Bala area and Flanders was there to convert for his first goal since January.

Bala responded five minutes later as Nathan Burke found the net to halve the deficit, but Town needed just three minutes to restore their two-goal advantage.

Starkey-Jones was involved again with a delivery into the area which was met by Orton, who headed home to make it 3-1 on the hour.

The goals continued to flow and Bala pulled another back four minutes later. Oli Farebrother made the initial stop but John Owen was on hand to convert the rebound and leave the game finely poised at 3-2.

Town, however, responded once again.

Substitute Vaughan-Evans was brought down inside the area and stepped up to take the resulting penalty himself, converting from the spot on 68 minutes to restore the two-goal cushion.

With seven minutes remaining, Denbigh put the result beyond doubt. Tom Smith did superbly to win possession before finding Vaughan-Evans, who made no mistake to grab his second of the night and Town’s fifth.

Denbigh saw out the closing stages to secure a superb three points and a first home league victory of the campaign, whilst handing Maurice-Jones the perfect start to life in the Central Park dugout.

The victory also marked a milestone for Town, registering the club’s 200th win at Tier Two.

Denbigh Town: Farebrother, Jones, Flanders, Lockley, Orton, Johnston, Starkey-Jones, Gallagher-Keenan, Martin, Kelly, Vaughan

Subs: Wilmot, Cooke, D.Davies, O.Davies, Smith, Holland, Vaughan-Evans

Referee: Andy Harms

Attendance: 352

POTM: Fin Starkey-Jones - An oustanding midfield performence topped off with two superb assists.