PWLLHELI ground out a 1-0 win over Lock Stock Welsh Alliance division two visitors Kinmel Bay at the Recreation Ground to bank three more points to boost their promotion ambitions.

The key moment came on 68 minutes, when Josh Banks used his head to power home the winner from Dafydd Gwyn Jones’ corner on the right.

In the first half, clear-cut scoring chances were limited at both ends, but Pwllheli’s best opening came when a good-looking free-kick by Ifan Gwilym was tipped over by the keeper.

Pwllheli’s defence, without injured stalwart Martin Smith, looked well organised and kept the visitors at bay, despite a few shots getting through.

In the absence of the experienced striker Mark Jones, also injured, Dafydd Gwyn Jones was the home side’s main attacker, but Pwllheli were denied the comforting second goal.

Pwllheli are 23 points behind the leaders, but have 11 games in hand.

Blaenau Ffestniog Amateurs meanwhile returned to the top of the table as two goals from Tom Hughes sealed a solid 2-0 away win at Pentraeth.

After a few points had been dropped, due to first team players being suspended or unavailable, the Amateurs went to Pentraeth with a stronger side.

Their win moved them a point clear of Glan Conwy, whose match at Llanerchymedd was postponed, although the Amateurs have now played three more matches than their nearest rivals.

It took over 50 minutes for the deadlock to be broken when Tom Hughes, back after suspension, found the net.

Pentreath hard pressed for an equaliser, but the visitors stood firm and they sealed an important three points when Hughes netted his second goal with some 10 minutes left to play.

Aberffraw cemented their position in third place, thanks to a 2-0 victory over basement dwellers Amlwch Town.

Nathan Morre put the hosts ahead on 33 minutes with a typically composed finish, and a Richard Roberts strike a minute from time sealed victory against a spirited Town outfit.

Goals from Chris Marsden, with a double, and Jordan Eastwood earned Meliden a 3-3 draw at Holyhead Town, who scored through Mark Thomas, with a brace, and Joe Donavan.

Gaerwen picked up a point on their travels with a 2-2 draw at Penmaenmawr Phoenix, with Darren Lewthwaite and Gethin Davies finding the net either side of half-time, only for the hosts to hit back twice through Aaron Keating and Alfie Caldecott.

Mochdre Sports were on the wrong end of a 4-1 home loss to Felinheli, for whom Iwan Owen fired in a hat-trick, along with a Griff John goal, with Scott Roberts getting a consolation effort.

• Pwllheli Reserves lost 3-2 at Llanberis in the Welsh Alliance Reserves Division, despite late replies from Carwyn Paramour and Jack Williams.

Jordan Pritchard gave the hosts an interval lead, before goals from Ben Bolton and Gethin Trevor Jones around the hour secured the points.

Macaulay Taylor, Sam Duffy and Lewis Hughes all scored doubles as Prestatyn Town beat Conwy Borough 8-1, with further goals from Aaron White and Oliver Williams. Cory Williams netted the consolation goal.

Harry Tulliver scored twice as Llanrug United beat Nantlle Vale 5-2, with further goals from Gareth Edwards, Ryan Jones and Gareth Griffiths, whilst Connor Bearman and Aaron Pygall netted for the visiting team.

Jamie Jones scored twice as Llandyrnog drew 2-2 with Colwyn Bay, with Fabian Ellis and Adam Hogson replying, whilst Ifan Evans earned Kinmel Bay a 1-1 draw with Llanrwst.