KINMEL Bay bowed out of the Mawddach Challenge Cup with a spirited 2-1 reverse at Llanrug United.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two high-fliers gave their third-tier opponents a real run for their money before eventually falling to late heartbreak, but Andy Thomas’ side can take plenty of heart from the defeat ahead of their next league outing at Holyhead Town on Saturday (2pm).

A cagey first half was brought to life in the closing stages when the visitors took a shock lead when a neat passage of play presented a chance to Jordan Worthington, who made no mistake with the finish to put the Bay in front.

After the break saw the home side finally impose themselves on proceedings and they were presented with a golden chance on 55 minutes with a penalty, which Dylan Owen duly converted to level proceedings.

The visitors defended valiantly and looked to have secured an additional 30 minutes of the tie, but they were undone at the death thanks to a superb strike from Ben Rowlands a minute from time that ousted them from the competition.

There was little time for the Bay to mount a fightback and get back on level terms, and their sensational effort against higher-level opponents was a further indication of how far the club has come in such a short space of time.