RHUDDLAN Town bowed out of the Premier Cars Bangor Cup with a resounding 5-1 defeat at Llansannan.

The Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division leaders were left counting the cost of key absentees against a side that are set to push them hard for the title at the end of the season, with Town now enjoying a break over the Christmas period before making a tilt for the crown.

Manager Wayne Hughes, said: “It’s disappointing to end the year getting knocked out of the cup but we have been struggling massively lately with lads working, injuries and looking after their children.

“We are still looking to add players in the new year so please get in touch with the club if you are interested.

“We are looking forward to some big games in the new year with four teams pushing for the title.”

The home side started off on the front foot and went ahead on seven minutes when veteran striker Leon Gierke broke the deadlock with a neat finish, but the visitors levelled matters fortuitously on the quarter hour mark when a Sannan player diverted the ball into his own net.

After the break saw the hosts immediately impose themselves on tie and they regained the initiative on 48 minutes courtesy of a Rhys Hughes finish, and Tom Lewis’ side doubled their cushion soon after when Gierke steered in another opportunity for his second of the afternoon with 58 on the clock.

This visibly tipped the scales in the home side’s favour and in-form forward Geraint Jones put the result beyond all doubt with a well-taken effort on 73 minutes, and Gierke rounded off a clinical individual display with his hat trick on 80 to complete the scoring.