BODEDERN Athletic kept their Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title hopes alive with a 4-1 home win over Llandyrnog United.

Ricky Williams’ men put their FAW Trophy semi-final defeat behind them with an accomplished display, and they wasted no time in making their presence felt as Aden Clark gave them an early advantage on nine minutes.

The hosts continued to probe, and Joe Caven took advantage of some hesitant defending to double their tally on 29 minutes, but United bounced back after the break and got themselves back into the game courtesy of a powerful drive from 51-year-old veteran Derry Morris.

This provoked a strong response from the title hopefuls, who restored their advantage when Clark unleashed a fierce free-kick into the net on 80 minutes, and the same player was on hand to complete his hat-trick in stoppage time to round off the scoring.

The result leaves Williams’ side in second spot and four points behind Llandudno Albion with five games in hand, with Athletic enjoying a two-point cushion over Llangefni Town having played a game more.

Nantlle Vale were unable to pick up a victory on their travels as they fell to a dramatic 4-3 loss at Prestatyn Sports.

Two goals from Alan Davies Thomas and a solitary Alan Griffiths effort were not enough to secure a share of the spoils, leaving Vale in fifth position.

Matthew Smith was on target for Mynydd Llandegai in their 1-1 home draw with Llandudno Junction, and Meilir Williams notched a late consolation for Penrhyndeudraeth in their 4-1 reverse at St Asaph City.