ST ASAPH City returned to Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One action with a disappointing 4-1 reverse to title chasing Llanrwst United.

The Saints were second best throughout the contest and they now sit in ninth position in the standings with nine games of the season remaining.

The Rwsters got off to a good start and took the lead on 24 minutes when the impressive Merrick Knight took advantage of some hesitant defending to fire home the opener.

This was swiftly followed by a second for the away side on 32 minutes, and it was the prolific Knight who was once again the beneficiary of some fine approach play to double their tally.

After the interval saw United seal the points immediately following the restart when Luke Roberts finished off an impressive team move to help himself to a strike on 48 minutes, but the hosts kept battling hard and found a route back into the contest on 63 when Josh Taylor converted a rare chance to reduce the arrears.

The away side resumed control of the game after the setback and restored their comfortable cushion on 67 minutes courtesy of a Leighton Griffiths effort, and they saw out the remainder of the clash in comfortable fashion to keep their championship charge on track.