A DISMAL batting performance slipped Prestatyn closer to the Liverpool and District Competition First Division drop zone following an eight-wicket reverse at Ainsdale.

The Beach Close side’s second tier status is now hanging by a thread after they picked up just one point from their weekend clash, leaving them seven points clear of second-from-bottom Fleetwood Hesketh with three games of the campaign remaining.

David Harris’ side will be hoping for better success this weekend when they welcome Birkenhead Park on Saturday, who are currently sat in eighth spot.

The visitors had little to shout about during their time in the middle as they were skittled for 82 from 47 overs, and things would have been far worse had it not been for an impressive knock of 44 from Welsh youth international Sheil Sethi.

No other member of the matting order made it into double figures thanks to a standout all-round display from the home bowling attack, who were led by the superb Malcolm Smith.

The talented bowler claimed four wickets for the loss of just 26 runs from a 15-over spell, with Martyn Farrell helping himself to a pair of scalps at the expense of 37.

A strong start at the crease ensured the home side reached their required target with little fuss, although Sethi did manage to remove opener Mark Lucas for a top score of 37.

Another wicket to fall was that of Dylan Mulles, who was clean bowled by Ashley Jones after contributing 11, but an unbeaten 19 from skipper Stephen Lucas got them over the line after just 15 overs of play.