PRESTATYN Sports were unable to cause a stir at the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One summit as they fell to a narrow 1-0 home loss to Bodedern Athletic.

The newly promoted sides were involved in another closely fought affair before the title challengers scooped all three points, leaving Mark Hughes and John Hargreaves’ side in seventh position as they gear up for another huge test of their credentials at red-hot pacesetters Llandudno Albion on Saturday (2.30pm).

A cagey opening in blustering conditions saw goalscoring chances at a premium, with Athletic frustrated with the wind at their back thanks in no small part to the outstanding defending of Shane Middleman throughout the first period.

After the break saw Sports’ on the front foot in the opening exchanges, and things might have been different had they not had a good shout for a penalty waved off early on.

This seemed to spark the visitors into life, and they had the ball in the net soon after, but it was chalked off in controversial circumstances due to a dubious offside decision.

Ricky Williams’ promotion hopefuls did not have to wait much longer for a breakthrough, with Roger Jones netting a sensational individual 58 minutes to give them a slender cushion heading into the final half hour, beating two men before curling an effort into the top corner.

The home side threw caution to the wind late on and peppered the Athletic penalty area with long balls and crosses, but the championship contenders held firm to condemn Sports to their fourth defeat at their Gronant base so far this season.