ABERYSTWYTH Town thrilled their home supporters with a commanding 5-1 victory over previously unbeaten Ardal North West leaders Prestatyn Town at Park Avenue to secure their place in the Welsh Cup third round.

The Seasiders made an impressive start and were rewarded after 11 minutes. Tarran Hollinshead's surging run and powerful shot was only parried by goalkeeper Adam Reid, with Aaron Williams quickest to react and turn home the rebound in front of the Dias Stand.

Just four minutes later the hosts doubled their lead when Tom Evans burst forward on the right and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Aberystwyth continued to look dangerous, with Hollinshead causing problems whenever he ran at the visiting defence.

Alfie Davies also produced a stunning 70-yard run before sending a low effort inches wide of the near post. Prestatyn, however, gradually worked their way back into the contest.

Ryan Kershaw tested Luke Evans from a free-kick, while Tomas Cardias-Williams also threatened as the visitors searched for a route back into the game.

At the other end, Liam Walsh fired over and Evans clipped an effort just wide before Prestatyn pulled a goal back nine minutes before the break.

Tom Hilditch capitalised on a defensive mix-up and finished from a tight angle to make it 2-1.

Aberystwyth almost restored their two-goal cushion before half-time through Harry Cottam, whose close-range header forced an outstanding save from Reid. Moments later he went close again from Walsh's cross as the Greens reached the interval with a narrow advantage.

Prestatyn started the second half strongly and almost levelled, but Luke Evans came to Aberystwyth's rescue with three superb saves in quick succession to preserve the lead. The game then swung firmly in the hosts' favour on the hour mark when Lewis Evans was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

With the extra man, Aberystwyth gradually tightened their grip. Dan Owen saw a shot tipped wide, Williams had an effort cleared off the line and Walsh's header was saved before the decisive third goal finally arrived. Cottam advanced down the right and delivered a superb curling cross that Williams headed into the far corner for his second goal of the afternoon.

A minute later substitute Owen produced a moment of magic, collecting possession deep inside his own half before weaving through the defence and finding the far bottom corner. Four minutes later he repeated the trick with another brilliant solo run and finish to make it 5-1.

The result marked the third time Aberystwyth have scored five goals this season and secured a place in the last 32 of the Welsh Cup ahead of Saturday's league trip to Baglan Dragons.