PRESTATYN Town now face another fight to secure promotion to the JD Cymru Premier after their hopes were dashed.

Despite running away with the JD Cymru North title, the club failed to secure a Tier 1 Domestic licence from the Football Association of Wales, and they opted not to go down the legal route in a bid to get the decision overturned.

The club did hold out some hope that a late ground share would see them secure the position at the top of the Welsh pyramid, but this was knocked back.

This represents a significant blow for Neil Gibson’s side, who were a class apart throughout the campaign and finished 16 points clear of Flint Town United and also reached the semi-finals of the JD Welsh Cup.

The Silkmen will now take their place in the top-flight, and a similar situation occurred in the JD Cymru South with Haverfordwest County promoted following Swansea University also falling short in their licence bid despite winning the title.

Town have already lost the service of Danny Davies for next season after the talented wide player joined title-winning Connah’s Quay Nomads, but there is hope that many of their senior squad members will resist overtures from elsewhere and stay on for another championship challenge.

Things will not be easy for Prestatyn next time out in their quest to defend their crown, with the likes of Colwyn Bay and relegated Airbus UK Broughton holding serious ambitions next term.

Bangor City are another that could make huge strides with more players based from the region, and Llandudno should also be stronger under the tutelage of former Caernarfon Town boss Sean Eardley.

Prestatyn’s first pre-season friendly has been announced ahead of the new campaign as AFC Brignorth announced on social media they will be paying a visit to the Motion Finance Stadium at a date to be confirmed.