LLANDUDNO were unable to cause a stir at the JD Welsh Premier League summit as they fell to a heavy 6-1 defeat at The New Saints.

Iwan Williams’ side turned in a disappointing display against the all-conquering full-timers on Wednesday evening, and the manager will be hoping for a response from his players ahead of their pivotal home clash with Aberystwyth Town on Saturday (2.30pm).

The away side made a good start to proceedings but were unable to capitalise on a neat move involving Leo Smith and Alun Webb early on, with the former narrowly missing the head of Mike Pearson with a free-kick soon after.

Gradually the hosts began to impose themselves on proceedings and they went ahead on 12 minutes through a Ryan Brobbel effort, which was almost met by an instant leveller from Danny Hughes but his half-volley was tipped over the bar.

Zyacc Edwards also spurned a good opportunity on 22 minutes, and they were made to pay for this on 29 minutes when Greg Draper doubled the home side’s tally, with Brobbel notching a third after another neat passage of play with 36 gone.

Tudno’s task was made even more difficult when Draper helped himself to a brace just before the break, and Brobbel continued his relentless form after the interval with his hat-trick on 50.

Credit to the visitors, they kept plugging away and managed to get a consolation effort courtesy on John Owen after 76 minutes, but this was met by yet another response from the defending champions thanks to the prolific Draper, who secured a treble of his own to round off the scoring in the closing stages.

The defeat sees Williams’ men occupy tenth spot in the standings, with only goal difference separating them and the relegation places.