PRESTATYN Sports were unable to shake-up the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title race as they fell to a 2-1 loss at Bodedern Athletic.

Mark Hughes and John Hargreaves’ side produced a highly encouraging display despite the defeat, and even took the lead early in the second period before fading late on.

The newly promoted side currently sit in seventh spot in the third-tier standings with three games remaining, and they next take the field on Tuesday at home to derby rivals St Asaph City, before travelling to Mynydd Llandegai on Saturday.

A cagey opening to the contest saw both sides go close in what turned out to be an evenly fought affair, but Sports began the second period on the front foot and finally broke the deadlock with 58 on the clock as Ian Dunn took full advantage of the space afforded to him and fire the opener for the away side.

This was met by an extremely swift response from Ricky Williams’ men, who restored parity o the score-line on 62 minutes when Richie Williams finished well after a prolonged period of possession.

Athletic were now fully in the ascendancy and they made the most of another outstanding move on 78 minutes, and this time it was Aden Clarke who was the beneficiary when he steered home a chance to put the hosts ahead for the first time.

Although they threw everything at the home side in the closing stages, Sports were unable to secure an equaliser and had nothing to show from a battling display against the championship contenders.