PENRHYNCOCH slipped deeper into basement danger in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance as they suffered a “gut wrenching” 1-0 defeat to Buckley Town at rain-drenched Cae Baker.

Tough conditions of wind and rain made life tough for both sides, but the Roosters looked well worth at least a point - before being stunned by an injury time strike from Jake Roberts.

The dramatic finish saw Buckley halt a four-match losing run to ease their own basement fears, while the Roosters now find themselves in the bottom three, following revitalised Prestatyn Town’s 4-0 win against Guilsfield.

Manager Gari Lewis admitted that the defeat was hard to take, particularly after the efforts from his players in very challenging playing conditions.

It stretched their winless run to 10 games since defeating Flint Town United 1-0 on 1 September, and next up is a crucial trip to Guilsfield tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm) as the visitors go in the search of much-needed points.

“It’s tough times for the team at the moment, but I can’t fault the effort and commitment of the players, who gave everything in this game,” said Lewis.

“Buckley had the conditions and the slope in the first half, but we defended admirably, and in the second half we were the ones looking to win the game. So to lose to a goal in the 91st minute is gut-wrenching.

“It’s tough to take, but we have to pick ourselves up, remain strong and keeping showing fight. It’s small margins. We’re getting into good positions, but not working the keeper enough.

“We need to be better with the final ball or cross into the box, make the right decisions, and be more greedy.

“We’ve now got to go again at Guilsfield on Wednesday and try and get something from the game. Every game’s important, but there’s a long way to go. We’ve got 15 cup finals.”

Striker Steff Davies is unlikely to figure with a groin injury, but Liam Lewis returns as the Roosters look for the kind of display that had brought a 3-0 win against the Guils at home.

Lewis is continuing his hunt to add a forward to bolster his team’s strike power, but has missed out on Welshpool Town’s free scoring front runner Will Thomas, who has opted to stay with the MMP Mid Wales League club.

“I’ll keep looking as we need someone with a bit of experience who is tried and tested,” added Lewis.

Penrhyncoch had kept visiting Buckley at bay in the first half when playing against the elements, and they went close when Luke Sherbon broke through with a one-on-one chance, but he saw his effort cleared off the line.

They had their chances, with Sion James going agonisingly close after the break when he was denied by the inside of the post from close range, before the ball was hacked clear.

It looked to heading for a goalless deadlock, until Buckley - managed by former Aberystwyth University player Dan Moore - struck in the dying moments when Roberts slotted in a cross to spark celebrations in the visiting camp and despair for the hosts.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Buckley): L Jenkins, M Mousley (C Davies 70 minutes), T Evans, S James, J Foligno, O James, C Jones, A Corbisiero, J Shaw (R Murfet 80), J Evans, L Sherbon (L Doherty 88).