MANAGER Gari Lewis felt injuries took their toll as Penrhyncoch slipped to a narrow 2-0 loss at Denbigh’s rain soaked Central Park, to remain 11th in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance table.

Two goals from the free-scoring Josh Davies, his second late on, sentenced the Roosters to defeat, but there had been little between the sides overall.

With Denbigh having Steve Cunningham sent off for his second booking midway through the second period, the visitors pressed late on, but were unable to find a way through.

Lewis felt his team could have got something from the game, but their efforts were hampered by injuries.

“Out of the 14 players we had, probably only two or three were fully fit,” Lewis said. “It’s difficult at the moment with so many carrying injuries, but we’ve just got to keep battling on.

“There wasn’t much in it. We had some great chances, and to lose 2-0 was harsh as we could have come away with a draw. But we just lacked enough power and speed with so many players not fully fit for the game.

“We gave away a poor goal which set us back after a bright start, but we had a good go at them in the end, before being caught by a late sucker punch.”

Antonio Corbisiero was forced off at half time with a cracked rib, while Nashawn Blake left the field early in the second half with a knee problem.

Rob Murfet also failed to see out the game with an ankle injury, while Liam Lewis played on with a calf strain.

With several other players carrying knocks, it made for a tough outing in the testing playing conditions, but the Roosters showed plenty of resolve.

Sion Meredith is set to return for the trip to Welsh League division two side Garden Village in the JD Welsh Cup, while Mat Mousley could also come back, following his back spasm.

“We’ll do our homework on them, but they will be a decent side, and it is a game that is a 50-50,” said Lewis.

Penrhyn started well, but went behind on 12 minutes when the normally reliable Sion James saw his weak back pass intercepted by Warren Duckett.

Although Leigh Jenkins saved well, the rebound fell back to Duckett, who played in Josh Davies to fire home.

Buoyed by the goal, Denbigh threatened again with Steve Cunningham’s strike just shaving the crossbar, while Steffan Davies broke through at the opposite end only to fire just wide.

Penrhyncoch were enjoying plenty of possession during the middle stages of the first half, and a powerful Sion James header was cleared off the line.

Denbigh went close before half time when Rakim Newton’s well struck was well blocked by Jenkins, with the rebound hitting the crossbar.

The second half started with Penrhyncoch forcing Hill-Dunt into a great save from Blake, while the hosts were also a threat with Craig Pritchard denied from close range by Jenkins.

Denbigh went down to 10 men on 65 minutes when Cunningham was yellow-carded for the second time, for a challenge on Murfet, but with the visitors pushing forward, they were caught on the break by Davies, who rounded Jenkins to fire into an empty net, for this eighth goal of the season.

PENRHYNCOCH: L Jenkins, C Jones, E Evans, S James, J Foligno, O James (capt), R Murfet (N Warren 78), A Corbisiero (J Evans 46), S Davies, N Blake (R Garner 60), L Lewis. Subs: G Lewis, D Reynolds.