PORTHMADOG missed a golden chance to close the gap on Huws Gray Alliance leaders Airbus Broughton as they were held 3-3 at Prestatyn Town.

With the Wingmakers only managing a draw at Conwy Borough, Port could not capitalise on a rare slip-up from the long-time leaders against Neil Gibson’s resurgent side, and the gap is still 13 points ahead of their next league outing at home to Penrhyncoch on Saturday (2.30pm).

Sion Parry got Port off to the best possible start with their opener within the first minutes of the game, but Town responded well to the setback and levelled matters with 25 gone when Ian Griffiths rounded Paul Pritchard before selflessly teeing up Ben Maher for the tap-in.

After the interval saw the home side punished for missing a host of chances after 64 minutes when Matthew Roberts reacted first to fire a rebound past Ryan Woods, but this joy proved to be short-lived as the hosts got back on level terms once again courtesy of a sensational free-kick from veteran defender Dave Hayes with 74 gone.

Maher pounced for his second of the contest on 76 minutes from the spot to give Town the lead for the first time, but a lack of concentration immediately following the restart allowed Sion Edwards to secure a point for Port.

Craig Papirnyk’s men remain in second position in the standings and have now accumulated 33 points from their 17 contests so far this term, leaving them two-clear of third placed Bangor City having played a game more.