LLANDUDNO slipped into the JD Welsh Premier League drop zone with a 2-1 loss at high-flying Barry Town United.

Iwan Williams’ side had nothing to show for their efforts from a game where they took the lead and had a man sent off, and they are now second from bottom in the standings ahead of their pivotal home clash with Bala Town on Friday (7.45pm).

Despite the eventual result it was the visitors who started the stronger and they almost went ahead in the opening exchanges when John Owen hit the post after being put through by midfield talisman Danny Hughes.

The away side were finally rewarded for their impressive start on 19 minutes when defender Mike Pearson headed home from a Toby Jones free-kick after another outstanding spell of possession.

George Harry almost doubled their advantage soon after but saw his effort sail wide, and this seemed to finally spring the hosts into action which resulted in Robbie Patten and Troy Greening both spurning good opportunities midway through the half.

United got back on level terms after 34 minutes when Kayne McLaggon was felled in the box, and the striker dusted himself off to fire the spot kick past Shaun Pearson.

After the break saw Mike Pearson shown a red card for a second bookable offence which completed shifted the momentum in favour of the home side, and they were undone almost instantly when Momodou Touray controlled expertly before producing a deft finish to put the surprise title challengers ahead for the first time in the contest.

Tudno did enjoy a large portion of possession following the setback, but they found it difficult to create anything of note in the final third in search of an equaliser to condemn them to an eighth defeat in 13 league contests to leave them three points adrift of safety.