LLANDUDNO ended phase one of the JD Welsh Premier League season with a 3-0 home loss to Cardiff Met.

The long-time basement dwellers were unable to go into the mini-break on a high and now find themselves ten points adrift of safety and with plenty of work to do for the remainder of the campaign if they are to avoid the drop.

A cagey opening to proceedings saw both sides unable to capitalise on strong periods of possession, with Tudno producing the first real chance of the game on 16 minutes when Mark Connolly fired a free-kick narrowly over.

The away side began to grow into the contest and they were rewarded for their improved tempo on 24 minutes when Charlie Crosby turned in a chance past Shaun Pearson to open the scoring.

Tudno were unfortunate not to be level soon after when an effort was hacked off the line from a corner, and things went from bad to worse on 34 minutes when midfielder Jay Gibbs was caught in possession in a dangerous position by Harry Owen, who made no mistake with the finish to double the Archers’ advantage.

After the break saw former Bangor City striker Les Davies waste a good opportunity with a tame header on 50 minutes, and once again Iwan Williams’ side were made to pay for their lack of conviction in front of goal when Chris Baker all-but sealed victory for the away side with 58 on the clock.

The introduction of Alun Webb provided a much-needed injection of urgency to the home side’s attacking prowess, but they were unable to reduce the deficit as Met saw out the remainder of the contest in comfortable fashion to condemn Tudno to another disappointing defeat.