Denbigh Town recorded their first league double in the second tier since 2018 as Owen Davies’ 88th minute penalty sealed the points in Deeside.

Josh Lock opened the scoring for Town before Josh Jones levelled before half-time, and it took until the final stages for Davies to step up to convert and record our third win over Buckley this season.

Manager Dewi Llion named one change to the side that beat Porthmadog eight days previous, as goalkeeper Jimmy McHarrie made his debut for the unavailable Aaron Jones. Meanwhile, on the bench Max Cooke’s international clearance came through and was named in the squad for the first time.

It took ten minutes for the first real chance of note when James Rutter ran on to a ball over the top, as he made his way towards goal McHarrie rushed out to thwart the forward and introduce himself to the game.

The 13 minute proved to be unlucky for the hosts as Town took the lead with a superb move. McHarrie launched the ball forward for the skipper Paul Fleming to cleverly head on to Lock, the youngster took a touch forward before drilling it under the goalkeeper.

Now ahead Denbigh looked to add to their lead with a number of chances. Lock squared the ball across the box but it eluded everyone, eventually finding Keiron Roberts on the outskirts, his effort deflected behind for a corner.

A minute later Dion Gibbins almost provided a superb assist for Nathan Brown, Gibbins scooped the ball to the back post where Brown, at an angle, couldn’t beat the keeper.

Matthew Worrall was next to test Ryan Goldston in the Bucks' goal, as Billy Holmes found Fleming inside, he superbly flicked the ball for Worrall but his shot from range was dealt with.

Despite the period of pressure, Buckley were still just a goal behind, and they drew level just after the half-hour mark. Jones from 25 yards saw the ball drop to himself and he lashed at it, evading McHarrie and striking the inside of the post before crawling over the line.

The helter skelter first half continued as both sides looked to get ahead, Brown swung a corner in for Denbigh which was cleared as far as Lock who volleyed over, before they switch roles moments later for Brown to be denied by the keeper once more. The final chance of the half fell to Buckley, as a corner was nudged towards goal but McHarrie made a superb stop.

Half-Time: Buckley Town 1-1 Denbigh Town

Buckley began the second half in superb fashion, coming close on a number of occasions but not quite finding the back of the net. Just two minutes after the restart, the Bucks piled forward queuing up for a shot at goal but Sion Jones did really well to block on the line.

On 64 minutes Davies was introduced from the bench alongside Kyle Cooper, and immediately began harassing the hosts’ backline. He picked it up on the left with 72 minutes gone and cut inside before his effort deflected behind.

Davies, a bright spark and always looking for the ball had his most significant action in a Town shirt yet with just two minutes to go. He darted down the left before crossing, but it hit the hand of a defender and following consultation from the assistant, the referee pointed to the spot.

Davies picked the ball up, and calmly dispatched sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to ensure a dramatic finale.

Buckley pushed hard in the final stages with seven minutes added, and Max Cooke made his debut to add some defensive strength as Town looked to see it out. See it out they did and it marked three league wins on the bounce for Dewi Llion’s side.

Town now take a break for two weeks, returning to action on February 24th at home to Guilsfield.

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

Subs: Cooper, Cooke, Hansen, Pierce, Davies

Referee: Patrick Wilding

Attendance: 146