PENRHYNCOCH’s pursuit of a long overdue victory in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance was once again frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw at Gresford Athletic last weekend.

The Roosters have not won in nine games, a run that stretches back to early September, and has seen four defeats and now five draws.

They took an interval lead through Sion James’ 32nd minute header - their first goal in three games - but were pegged back by a penalty from Jake Eyre nine minutes into the second half.

The draw has seen Penrhyn move two points clear of a bottom three spot, while the Latics halted a three-match losing run to remain two points above their visitors.

“There were some good signs,” said boss Gari Lewis. “The boys put in a good shift, and looked brighter against a good Gresford side.

“Jonathan Evans is now back with us. He looked fit, he’s a match winner, and did well up top with Josh Shaw.

“We looked more of a threat going forward, and defensively looked solid, so there are positives, particularly as we had five players out.

"If we can score a few more, we can be a match for any side in this league.”

The Roosters could have returned with all three points, but needed a fine late save from keeper Leigh Jenkins and also the woodwork in injury time to ensure a draw.

After a cagey start, the visitors opened the scoring when Sion James headed in Antonio Corbisiero’s corner.

James went agonisingly close to a second when his powerful header from another set piece was only kept out after thundering into the face of keeper Ben Jones.

Gresford were back level after the break when Penrhyn keeper Jenkins was adjudged to have fouled, and Eyre converted the spot kick.

After that, the outcome remained finely poised, with Josh Shaw having a chance to restore the lead, but the striker pulled his shot wide.

Gresford could have snatched it at the death when defender Jack Jones saw his header rattle the crossbar, but the Roosters held firm.

Having been knocked out of the Welsh Cup, Penrhyn have no game on Saturday, before resuming duties the following week with a big game at home to Buckley.

Luke Sherbon and Steff Davies were both suspended, Liam James and Liam Doherty were unavailable, and Tom Evans was recovering from glandular fever.

PENRHYNCOCH: L Jenkins, E Evans, J Foligno, S James, C Davies, L Lewis, A Corbisiero (M Mousley 72), O James, C Jones, J Shaw, J Evans (I Brooks 88). Substitute not used: G Lewis.