ST ASAPH City were unable to cause a stir at the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One summit as they fell to a narrow 2-1 home loss at the hands of Llanrug United.

The Saints had nothing to show for their efforts despite a positive display before a late winner for the title contenders, and Daniel Brewerton’s side are now third from bottom in the standings ahead of their Mawddach Challenge Cup second round clash at Llandudno Albion this Saturday (1.30pm).

David Noel-Williams’ men came out with a positive mindset and took the lead after just four minutes when Aaron Hughes broke clear and finished well with virtually the first meaningful attack of the contest.

This was met by a swift response from the home side, who grew into the game quickly a following the setback and restored parity to the scoreline on 16 minutes when Simon Fawcett’s superb effort found the corner.

Both sides wasted good opportunities for the remainder of the game, but the telling moment arrived after the interval on 84 minutes when Daniel Williams put United ahead once again after a period of possession, and the Saints were unable to find a way past the resolute visiting rearguard despite piling on the pressure in the closing stages of the tie.