IT has been something of a baptism of fire for Prestatyn Town in the JD Welsh Premier League so far.

While their overall play has been encouraging at times during the campaign, the Seasiders find themselves languishing in the relegation spots following their late 1-0 loss at Bala Town, which is the second time that the Lakesiders have turned over the newly promoted side over the festive period.

There is plenty of work to do for Neil Gibson’s side in the top flight’s phase two in order to avoid an instant return from the Huws Gray Alliance.

Given the recent financial difficulties surrounding the club in recent months it made things difficult for the boss to bring in the right amount of quality, but Gibson can be commended for sticking with the side that conquered the second tier in convincing fashion.

The likes of Noah Edwards, Tom Kemp and James Stead have proven that they belong in the WPL, while in midfield talisman Michael Parker they have an experienced presence that has also acquitted himself well.

Losing top scorer Jordan Davies has undoubtedly left a huge void and goals have been a real problem, especially of late where they have netted just three times in their last six contests.

Whether Gibson has the funds available to bring a striker in during the January transfer window remains to be seen. It is normally a difficult period of the season to bring in a player that can add something to the squad but there is little doubt that this should be made something of a priority if they stand any chance of beating the drop.

Despite their league position there have been some impressive performances from the group, with their 4-2 success over nearby rivals Bangor City the undoubted highlight in what was one of their finest displays in recent memory.

A new centre half may also be on the agenda for the club given the recent injury problems at the Motion Finance Stadium, and things do not get easier for the club in their next fixture against all-conquering champions The New Saints of Oswestry Town.

The form of number one Carl Jones has also come under scrutiny, with Ryan Roberts putting in a number of excellent displays in recent weeks which have seen him emerge as a significant threat to the Anglesey stopper.

There are plenty of questions to be answered in the second half of the campaign, and it is up to Gibson and his staff to get things right at the earliest opportunity which could see them move out of trouble and cement themselves as a top-flight force once again.

That, of course, is easier said than done given their current form and the fact that there is so much quality littered within the WPL at the present time, but with a bit of good fortune and the same level of effort then there is no reason why things cannot turn around for a club that means a great deal to the community.