LLANDUDNO remain bottom of the JD Welsh Premier League following a 3-1 defeat at Newtown.

The struggling side were unable to build on their positive JD Welsh Cup success in front of the S4C Sgorio cameras, and they are now seven points adrift of safety ahead of their home clash with reigning champions The New Saints on Saturday (2.30pm).

The Robins began the game well and almost went ahead early on when Nick Rushton fired wide from close range on 15 minutes, with Mark Connolly inches away from getting on to the end of a Steve Thomas delivery at the other end.

Chris Hughes’ side were handed the perfect chance to open the scoring on 21 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after a foul on Luke Boundford, and Steve Leslie held his nerve to fire home the spot kick and open the scoring.

This was met by a very positive response from the visitors, who got back on level terms on the half hour mark when an Alun Webb cross was deflected into the path of Matty Williams, and the player-assistant produced a scintillating finish to restore parity to the scoreline.

Iwan Williams’ side produced a fine end to the first period but were crucially unable to take any of the chances that came their way, with Zyaac Edwards and Webb spurning their best opportunities after strong spells of possession.

After the break saw the hosts regain the initiative on 55 minutes when Neil Mitchell headed in a Sam Phillips delivery, but Tudno almost levelled immediately following the restart when a Connolly free-kick was well parried by Dave Jones.

Things went from bad to worse for the away side after Callum Roberts doubled the hosts’ advantage after he steered home following a neat exchange with Boundford, which gave Tudno too much of a mountain to climb in the closing stages despite a spirited effort in difficult conditions.