PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk was thrilled with his side’s reaction as they held Prestatyn Town to a 2-2 draw.

The visitors almost inflicted the runaway JD Cymru North leaders with their second loss of the campaign before conceding late on, leaving them with plenty to build on ahead of their crunch home clash with Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant on Saturday (2.30pm).

Papirnyk, said: “Great point away to a very good Prestatyn side, more importantly a much-improved performance and reaction from the players after last week.

“Really pleased for the travelling supporters who were behind the lads all game once again.”

Danny Davies spurned the first chance of the game after good work from Alex Jones on seven minutes, with Jordan Davies’ audacious chip almost deceiving Port stopper Richard Harvey a minute later after another period of pressure.

The hosts were presented with the perfect chance to break the deadlock on 29 minutes when they were awarded a penalty.

Davies’ attempt was saved by Harvey before the striker reacted first to put away the rebound and open the scoring.

After the break saw defender Kai Edwards almost double the home side’s advantage when his header sailed narrowly wide, but Port were growing more into the game as the half progressed which brought a deserved reward midway through the half.

It came from Shaun Cavanagh, a recent signing from Caernarfon Town, who cut in from the right-hand side on 64 minutes and unleashed a thunderbolt past Jon Rushton to level proceedings.

Cai Jones fired an effort over as Port looked to take the lead for the first time soon after, which they managed to achieve on 82 minutes when Cavanagh’s outstanding free kick came back off the bar and rebounded off the unfortunate Rushton and over the line.

Their hopes of securing a notable victory were dashed in the closing stages when Zebb Edwards delivered an expert set-piece of his own five minutes from time to ensure both sides had something to show from an entertaining affair.