GRESFORD ATHLETIC were unable to halt Prestatyn’s title charge - but Steve Halliwell praised his side’s display in a 3-0 defeat.

Jordan Davies, Macauley Taylor and a penalty from Rob Hughes, after goalkeeper Ben Jones had seen red, secured leaders Prestatyn another three points.

But director of football Halliwell was encouraged by what he saw from the home side.

“They are a very good side, the champions in waiting in my opinion, which hasn’t changed from the summer,” said Halliwell.

“It was always going to be hard with the squad we had available and we had our backs to the wall when they scored after eight minutes.

“But the lads defended really well. We didn’t create much, but we dealt with 90 minutes of pressure.

“I said before the game that it wasn’t the results against Prestatyn that would keep us up or not, but we can take a lot from the game - and the good news is that other teams have to play against them now.

“I’m happy with the lads and their performance, especially with the likes of Kieran Evans and Jordan MacCarter missing.”

Halliwell still hopes to strengthen his playing options further when the January window opens, however.

“We need a boost,” said Halliwell. “We need a bit of experience and a bit of pace, so hopefully we can get a couple of new faces in.”

Rhyl, who have former Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones in charge, suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat at the hands of visiting Llandudno, who sit mid-table.

There was very little sign of ‘the Christmas spirit’ as Llandudno finished with eight men as Sam Downey, Dean Seager and Scott McHarrie saw red, while Rhyl had Ross Stephens dismissed.

Jacob Farleigh won it for Llandudno with a 42nd minute effort, the attacker tweeting: “I’ve missed that feeling, great win away against a decent side and good to get 90 mins and a goal after being out for so long.”

Ruthin and Guilsfield played out a 1-1 draw that burst into life in the closing stages. Llyr Morris looked to have won it for Ruthin from the spot in the 89th minute, but Robbie James levelled in time added on.

Jonathan Evans, Jack Rimmer and Ifan Burrell scored as Penrhyncoch beat Llanfair 3-1.