CAERNARFON Town returned to home soil for the first time this pre-season in their 4-1 friendly victory over Colwyn Bay.

The Canaries turned in an encouraging display against Craig Hogg’s men, who will be returning to the Welsh domestic system following a 35-year absence after being granted FAW Tier 2 North League status by the Football Association of Wales.

Allan Bickerstaff and Sean Eardley’s side broke the deadlock midway through the first half courtesy of a neat finish from Sion Bradley, but the visitors responded well and levelled matters just before the break when new signing Mitchell Bryant displayed tremendous composure to round the keeper and slot into the net.

Former Bay midfielder Gareth Evans had a header ruled out for offside shortly before the equaliser, but the Cofis’ did restore their slender cushion on 47 minutes when striker Jamie Breese took advantage of a defensive mix-up to hit the target.

Bay skipper Tom McCready and Toby Jones both went close with efforts for the away side soon after, and striker Damian Ketley became the latest to have a header chalked off by the assistant referee.

The home side doubled their advantage on 81 minutes when Town skipper Nathan Craig converted from the penalty spot following a foul by Alex Downes, and Breese notched his second of the contest in stoppage time to round off the scoring.

The Cofis’ will be looking to build on this positive performance in their remaining pre-season fixtures, which sees them take on Wrexham Youth, Ramsbottom United and Halesowen Town to further ready themselves for their second season in the JD Welsh Premier League.