GARETH Partridge’s strike eight minutes from time proved enough to deny Penrhyncoch a point in a closely fought 1-0 defeat to Denbigh Town at Cae Baker on Saturday.

Again proving hard to beat, the Roosters enjoyed enough of the game to have gained some reward in their battle for league safety, but were downed by Partridge’s late winner.

There was a touch of controversy about the goal, with the hosts claiming that the shot had been deflected into the goal off a Denbigh player who appeared to be in an offside position.

Defeat leaves Penrhyn just five points above basement rivals Caersws, who were 1-0 winners at Flint Town, with Gari Lewis’ men now heading for Holyhead Hotspur on Saturday as they look to bounce back.

“It was disappointing to lose as I felt we merited a point from the game, but it was not to be,” said boss Lewis. “We never stopped trying, but they had a young keeper in goal in Keighan Jones, who made some good saves.

“We missed Nashawn Blake, who had a virus, and he would have made a difference in the heavy conditions.

“But we will keep going, and we’ve now got Holyhead which will another tough one. But we’ll give it a go as we always do, and see where it gets us.”

With Jonathan Evans and Carwyn Jones returning to the starting line-up, Penrhyn started well, with Cledan Davies firing a free kick just over and Steff Davies heading at keeper Keighan Jones, who was starting in place of the injured Jon Hill-Dunt.

With Evans looking a real threat with his pace, the hosts carved a chance right on half time when Elian Evans beat the keeper to the ball, but his cross went into the side-netting.

With defenders Jon Foligino and Sion James putting in some terrific challenges, the hosts also looked a threat going forward as they proved more than a match for their visitors.

After the break Denbigh’s Kristian Pierce hit the side netting after jinking in from the left wing, and Corey Smart saw a well hit effort go just wide.

Penrhyn also had chances, with Steff Davies heading over from a cross by Evans, before Davies had a shot saved by the legs of the advancing keeper.

Leigh Jenkins was in good form in the home goal with a solid display, but he was finally beaten eight minutes from time when the ball was laid back to Partridge, following a cross in from Joel Hewitt, and his first time strike found the bottom corner.

Defeat was harsh on the Roosters who defended well all game, and they will now need to pick themselves up for this weekend’s clash at Holyhead.

Midfielder Antonio Corbisiero made a welcome return, when replacing Steff Davies six minutes from the end.

Liam Doherty, Nashwan Blake and Owain James are also back in contention for Saturday, but Sion Meredith will be a doubt with a heel injury.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Denbigh): L Jenkins, M Mousley, C Davies, S James, J Foligno, C Jones, R Murfet (N Warren), E Evans, S Davies (A Corbisiero), J Evans, L Lewis. Not used: G Lewis, G Allen, K Jenkins..