ST ASAPH City claimed derby bragging rights with a 2-0 home win over in-form Prestatyn Sports.

The Saints emerged victorious over their Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One rivals during a competitive affair in difficult conditions, with the result moving them up to 12th spot in the standings ahead of their next league outing on December 29 when they welcome Llanrug United.

Mark Hughes and John Hargreaves’ men still sit in a very creditable fourth position despite the feet, and they host Llanrwst United at their Gronant base following the Christmas break.

The home side piled on the pressure during the opening exchanges and finally went ahead on 24 minutes courtesy o f a bullet header from Josh Brown, and they doubled their advantage soon after when confusion in the Sports rearguard resulted in an own goal with 35 on the clock.

After the break saw the visitors come out with a renewed sense of purpose, but they were unable to create any of the chances that came their way thanks to some rugged defending from the Saints’ back four.

Daniel Brewerton’s side had a golden chance to wrap up the points when a quick counter-attack saw Matty Morris go through on goal, but his effort was superbly diverted by Ryan Jones and the opportunity was gone.

Sports had an effort ruled out late on to compound their misery.

City manager Daniel Brewerton, said: “It was a big result for us and an important three points. We knew coming into the game it would be tough against an in-form Prestatyn Sports, three wins on the bounce has seen them climb into fourth spot, and you have to give them massive credit for what they’ve achieved in such a short time.

“The playing conditions were terrible and made it really difficult for both teams to get the ball down and play, we knew we had to score in the first half as it would be a totally different game second half.

“It certainly wasn’t a pretty game for the neutral but I couldn’t be prouder of the way the lads battled for the result.”