Denbigh Town fought bravely against title-chasing Holywell on Saturday but came away with nothing to show for their efforts following a trio of second-half goals.

Despite applying pressure and edging the contest at stages, some huge fortune followed by a quickfire second and stoppage time sealer saw Holywell take the points.

Dewi Llion made one change to the starting XI that overcame Chirk last time out with Sion Jones coming in for Olly Hansen, whilst suspended Nathan Brown returned to find a place on the bench.

The game began as it meant to go on at a frantic pace with both sides going for it from the off. Despite this it took 15 minutes for the first real threat to either goal when Ryan Edwards struck a free-kick from 25 yards that cleared the crossbar.

Some in attendance were to attend a function at the Halkyn Road fundraiser following the game but weren’t expecting to mark off their bingo cards this early, as a rare mishap saw the ball passed back to goalkeeper Tyler French, who inexplicably picked the ball up. This saw Town awarded an indirect free kick which Josh Lock smashed into the wall of bodies on the line.

The hosts were causing Town problems with balls in behind and the first warning sign came on 20 minutes when Jamie Breese ran onto it, but with just Aaron Jones to beat dragged his effort wide.

With 26 minutes on the clock the Wellmen had their best chance yet, as Morgan Murray went through after an outstanding throughball, but Sion Jones tracked back well and made life difficult, Murray shot but it was denied by Aaron Jones before Danny Andrew on the follow-up somehow put his effort wide.

As the half entered it’s final stages it was Denbigh who looked most like scoring. Dion Gibbins launched a superb ball forward for Lock on the byline to the right-hand side, he beat his man before drilling the ball across the face of goal, but the onrushing Owen Davies couldn’t get a touch.

Minutes later Matthew Worrall tried his luck, forcing French into a smart save before Paul Fleming’s rebound was deflected wide and cleared. Worrall had another go moments later as Lock clipped the ball to him on the edge of the box before volleying over.

Half-Time: Holywell Town 0-0 Denbigh Town

The first chance of the half came on 53 minutes when Holywell had a free-kick in a dangerous area. The ball was swept in from the left and somehow headed wide by Jake Cooke.

Just before the hour mark the deadlock was broken. Some may downplay home advantage but here it proved to be the perfect cocktail for what is surely the unluckiest goal Denbigh will concede all season. A ball over the top bobbled horribly on the uneven and dug-up Halkyn Road pitch, taking it away from Aaron Jones and into the direct path of Breese who was able to walk the ball in.

Town thought they’d found a way back in less than a minute later as Sion Jones made inroads into the Holywell box and was chopped down, but appeals for a penalty were waved away. Two minutes later, the lead was doubled.

Scorer turned provider with 61 gone as Breese made his way down the right before laying it on a plate for Gareth Evans to tap home.

Not disheartened, Denbigh continued to press and made changes with Brown returning to the side, whilst Max Cooke and Olly Hansen were also introduced. Town came closest on 81 minutes when Sion Jones, having a fine game, hit the bar from the edge of the box.

But in stoppage time it was sealed, McGilloway fed it to Cornish who slammed it into the back of the net to leave no doubt and continue the Wellmen’s quest for the JD Cymru North title.

Denbigh Town are next in action on Tuesday night against Gresford Athletic.

Denbigh Town: A.Jones, S.Jones, Lockley, Parry-Jones, Holmes, Roberts, Gibbins, Lock, Fleming, Davies, Worrall

Subs: McHarrie, Cooke, Hansen, Brown

Referee: Andy Harms

Attendance: 237