DESPITE being at the foot of the JD Welsh Premier League, Prestatyn Town’s encouraging draw at Aberystwyth Town can give them plenty of cause for optimism ahead of a crucial series of fixtures.

They are some way off the pace in terms of safety and their hopes of staying in the top flight are slim, and with long-serving manager Neil Gibson departing for Connah’s Quay you cannot help but fear the worst in the short term.

Yet through all the doom and gloom their remains a fighting spirit within the squad that will stand them in good stead during the remainder of the campaign, and indeed in the years to come.

Newly appointed boss Gareth Wilson is continuing to promote the ‘local player’ ethos that has become synonymous with the Seasiders over the years, and this is something that has brought a great deal of success for a club that does not have anywhere near the budget of some of the teams operating within the division.

Aber were one of the form sides heading into last Friday’s clash, but had it not been for the sending off of substitute Zyaac Edwards Town could have picked up more than just a share of the spoils.

They looked extremely resolute at the back in the face of significant pressure in the closing stages, with skipper Dave Hayes producing a performance that has made him such a legendary figure at the Motion Finance Stadium.

The centre half may be in the twilight of his career but there is no denying the influence he still has on this young squad, and his presence will be a huge asset to have during the most critical stage of the campaign.

Things will not be easy for Wilson’s men thanks to the quality currently littered throughout the WPL, and their two home games against Barry Town United and Newtown in the fortnight will go a long way to determining their fortunes when the final places are decided.

Chris Hughes’ side have been inconsistent for long periods of the season and come into the game on the back of a 3-1 home reverse to Barry, but he will be keen to show little mercy to a club where he spent time as an assistant to Gibson.

With Llandudno and Carmarthen Town also on the horizon, this represents more good opportunities to pick up points, and we all know what can happen if a team gets a couple of wins under their belt.

It may seem unlikely, but there is no doubt that this talented young squad will keep fighting right until the end.