RHYL were unable to make home advantage count as they fell to a late 2-1 loss at the hands of Gresford Athletic.

The Lilies’ hopes of a top-five JD Cymru North finish were dealt a blow Steve Halliwell’s side, who secured a vital three points that pulls them away from the danger zone.

Eddie Maurice-Jones’ men have little remaining to play for this term, but they will want to finish on a high starting with a clash against Conwy Borough at the Educate Group Stadium on Saturday.

A cagey start to proceedings brought little in the way of chances, with Conor Harwood’s early effort on six minutes bringing comfortable save out of former Lilywhites’ stopper Jonathan Hill-Dunt.

Danny Holland’s long-range attempt that sailed wide was the closest Athletic came during the opening exchanges, but a drab affair was brought to life on 28 minutes with an opener for the hosts.

In-form wide player Aaron Hassall was the difference-maker, producing a superb individual run before unleashing a long-range strike that gave Hill-Dunt no chance.

The Gresford keeper had to be at his best to deny Iwan ap Gareth a second shortly after the restart on 34 minutes, with Ben Nash and Tommy Creamer both spurning good chances towards the end of the half.

After the break saw the away side increase their tempo and get an equaliser on the hour mark when Colwyn Bay loanee Joe Chaplin extended his fine run of form since joining the club with a header after impressive work in the build-up from Jake Eyre and Harley Steel.

Ex-Gresford striker Sam Molyneux was denied a goal against his former club on 67 minutes when his successful effort was chalked off, and Arek Piskorski almost immediate impact from the bench when his strike was diverted by Hill-Dunt with 78 on the clock.

The crucial moment arrived on 87 minutes when Nathan Williams unleashed an unstoppable free kick into the top corner for the visitors, condemning the Lilies’ to a 12th defeat in 25 league games.