PRESTATYN Sports turned in another encouraging friendly display against higher league opposition as they gear up for their first ever season in Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two.

The third-tier side travelled to Huws Gray Alliance side Denbigh Town after accepting an invitation to Central Park at short notice and were more than a match for their opponents before eventually falling to a 4-1 reverse late on.

The away side made an encouraging start and thought they had taken the lead on 15 minutes only for their effort to be ruled out for offside, while at the other end Mark Roberts’ attempt was blocked following a good delivery from Sam Downey.

Matthew Jones’ side did manage to break the deadlock on 25 minutes when Roberts, who recently re-joined the club after a hugely successful spell at Llandyrnog United, prodded home from close range after his initial strike failed to find the target.

This provoked a strong response from Sports, who levelled matters soon thanks to a sensational effort from Kris Owen, who gave home custodian Craig Vernon no chance with a sublime strike from just outside the area.

The introduction of former St Asaph City hotshot Jake Walker proved to be the catalyst behind the hosts’ eventual victory, but Vernon had to be at his best to prevent Sports from adding to their tally immediately following the restart.

This proved to be telling as Walker gave the second-tier side an advantage for the first time on 82 minutes, and this was swiftly followed by another as Downey broke clear and finished well after 84.

Sports missed a penalty in the closing stages, and their misery was compounded a minute from time when Walker notched his second of the friendly contest when he diverted a Downey cross into the net.