Prestatyn Sports exit Barritt Cup with defeat at Aberffraw

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side were ousted from the Barritt Cup at the first-round stage at the hands of lower tier opposition, which leaves Sion Williams and John Hargreaves’ side fully focused on their fight for survival during the remainder of the campaign.

Their lack of activity thanks to a series of postponements in recent weeks resulted in a lacklustre start that saw he home side open the scoring after just five minutes when a Liam Williams cross was diverted into the corner by Geraint Jones.

The hosts managed to increase their advantage on 31 minutes when a neat passage of play saw Williams through on goal, and the talented player managed to get the ball over the line at the second attempt after his initial attempt was diverted.

Sports had a golden opportunity to get themselves back into the tie just before the break when they were awarded a penalty following a foul by Steven Jenkins, but the spot kick was brilliantly saved by stopper Caron Hughes and the danger was averted.

Hughes had to be at his best once again to deny the visitors on 42 minutes, but Sports’ persistence finally paid dividends after the break when Ian Dunn delivered a sensational free kick into the top corner with 57 on the clock.

The away side were now in the ascendancy and came within inches of levelling matters when a powerful effort rattled the crossbar on 62 minutes, with Rich Roberts fluffing his lines at the other end with 72 gone.

Sports threw everything at their opponents in the dying moments and almost sent the game into extra-time had it not been for an exceptional double-save from the outstanding Hughes.

Things get no easier for Williams and Hargreaves’ side this Saturday on their return to league action, which sees them make the daunting trip to current pacesetters Holyhead Hotspur.