LLANDUDNO Amateurs were unable to clinch the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division title as they fell to a dramatic 4-3 loss at derby rivals Llandudno Athletic.

The in-form side suffered their third loss in 13 games against their promotion rivals, leaving them one point ahead of Llansannan with a game in hand.

Athletic still harbour title ambitions of their own heading into the run in, but they will need other results to go their way as they sit ten behind the Amateurs have played two less.

The home side made a strong start to proceedings and went ahead after just ten minutes when Jack Williams finished well, and things got even better for Athletic midway through the half when another neat passage of play saw Ste Cheung double their advantage with 25 gone.

Gradually the visitors began to see more of the ball and they secured a route back into the contest a minute before the break when Azzi Rogers reduced the arrears, and the second period saw them level proceedings on the hour mark when midfielder Matty Beach produced a superb strike that gave the keeper no chance.

With the momentum now with the away side, they took full advantage and went in front for the first time on 65 minutes when Joe Jones converted a chance following another strong spell of possession.

This looked to be enough to secure the three points, but Jamie Moorhouse pounced on 82 minutes to equaliser for the home side, and there was still time for further drama which came courtesy of Cheung’s second of the game with five remaining to round off a stunning late fightback for the hosts.

Despite the thrilling reverse, the Amateurs’ still have destiny in their own hands, and need to win one of their final two games to clinch back-to-back championships.