CONWY Borough were left counting the cost of a poor start in their 4-2 loss at Gresford Athletic.

The Tangerines began a run of three away Huws Gray Alliance fixtures to end the campaign with a disappointing defeat against Steve Halliwell’s men, and they now sit in 11th spot ahead of their next fixture at Rhyl on Friday evening (7.45pm).

Things did not get off to the best of starts for the away side, who fell behind on three minutes when Jake Eyre prodded home from close range, and Athletic managed to double their advantage immediately following the restart when Jordan MacCarter smashed an effort into the net after good work from Tom Freeman in the build-up.

Warren Gibbs’ side dusted themselves off and got themselves back into the game on 12 minutes when Anthony Marshall rose highest to steer in a header from a corner, but the hosts restored their two-goal cushion just before the interval as Jack Chaloner diverted a superb Steve Smith on target with 40 on the clock.

The second period began with Chaloner flashing an effort wide for the home side on 46 minutes, but they did not have to wait long for further success in front of goal as MacCarter once again linked-up well with Freeman to despatch his second of the afternoon with 48 gone.

A stunning save from Borough stopper Ben Heald kept out a Lewis George header on 69 minutes, with MacCarter firing wide late on to deny the striker a hat-trick.

The visitors did have the final say when Cory Wiliams found the net with a minute remaining after forcing a smart save from Ben Jones with a free-kick shortly before the goal, but there was not enough time for Boro’ to build on the strike and create another notable chance during the dying moments.