LLANDUDNO began the New Year in style after snatching a dramatic 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Premier League derby rivals Bangor City.

Iwan Williams’ side kept their top six hopes alive with a crucial win at the death, and it leaves them just one point behind Barry Town United ahead of their clash with a resurgent Bala Town at the Giant Hospitality Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).

The Tudno boss, said: It’s going to take a while for it to sink in, but for the players to implement a game plan so precise as that is fantastic.

“A lot of the players were carrying knocks but were still willing to throw their bodies on the line to get a result.”

A tight opening saw both sides cancel each other out for the most part, but the away side were unfortunate not to go in-front with Danny Hughes, Mike Williams and Shaun Cavanagh all missing chances, while at the other end Dean Rittenberg and Luke Wall forced keeper Dave Roberts into action just before the break.

After the interval saw Hughes go close again when his thunderous drive was diverted by Matthew Hall, before Wall and Rittenberg combined to respond and create a decent opportunity to take the lead down the other end, but the latter struck wide.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher had a superb opportunity as the game reached its closing stages to head the ball home from some six yards out, but Roberts denied the player-assistant with a stunning stop.

The turning point arrived in the final minute when Marc Williams blocked a clearance from Hall and managed to get to the rebound first to prod the ball home from close range.

“Goals like that are precious and I thought the lads were brilliant,” said the goalscorer.

“We are all working hard and I think that is five clean sheets in our recent games now, but to nick it at the end was pleasing and it makes the top six race very tight.”