HIGH-flying Prestatyn Town came crashing back to earth as they went down to a 4-1 loss at Aberystwyth Town last weekend.
The Seasiders shipped four late goals to an organised Aber outfit boosted by the presence of new signing Mark Jones, who notched a hat trick in his second appearance for the club.
The defeat sees Prestatyn drop to third, below Bangor City on goal difference, and after their festive heroics against the citizens, manager Neil Gibson believes that the latest defeat demonstrates the strength of the league.
He said: “It’s a strange season, and it’s been far more interesting for the neutrals and for us playing in it, and last weekend’s result goes to show that every team can beat each other on the day.”
The attention of Gibson’s men now turn towards their Friday night clash at Gap Connah’s Quay Nomads, and the player-boss is keen to see a reaction from his side.
He added: “Connah’s Quay have done exceptionally well considering it’s their first season back up, but we need to bounce back and hopefully we’ll play more like we have been throughout the season, rather than the way we did on Saturday.
“Given the opportunities we get in this league, it’s important to try and get three points in every game if you want to keep up towards the top.”
The match itself was one of few chances, until it was blown wide open by a goal in the final quarter.
Aber’s Mark Jones shot over the upright, while a Declan Carroll cross hit the upright, as Aber began in positive fashion.
Jason Price put his shot wide on 33 minutes, before Jones brought a foul in the area from Paul O’Neill, only for stand-in keeper Lee Kendall to superbly deny Jordan Follows from the ensuing kick.
The hosts continued to have the better of the exchanges after the break, and after hotshot Andy Parkinson had a shot saved by Mike Lewis, the deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute, when Mark Jones smashed home a Wyn Thomas free kick.
On 83 Jones notched his second after a Michael Walsh through ball, before the goalscorer put Jordan Follows through to slot beyond Kendall.
Follows then set up Jones, whose lobbed finish earned himself a hat-trick, before Town finally managed to get their name on the scoresheet when Andy Parksinon headed home in the 95th minute.