ST ASAPH City were unable to cause a stir at the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One summit after they were beaten 3-1 at home by Holyhead Hotspur.

The Saints’ were unable to put home field advantage to good use against the promotion chasing side, who remain at the summit following their victory over Daniel Brewerton’s side.

The defeat leaves City in 11th spot in the third-tier standings ahead of their next outing at newly promoted Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs on Saturday, October 26.

Both sides missed some good opportunities during an evenly matched first quarter of the game, but the Holy Islanders’ notched the opening goal of the contest on 36 minutes when a consistent period of possession saw Rob Jones finish well to break the deadlock.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side just before the break when talented playmaker Dean Garmey produced a quick-fire free kick that found its way into the net to increase their deficit heading into the break.

After the interval saw the hosts presented with the perfect opportunity to get themselves back into the contest when they were awarded a penalty on 58 minutes, and James Williams held his nerve to pout away the spot kick and give the Saints’ a fighting chance of securing a share of the spoils.

The home side were unable to make the most of this positive momentum despite enjoying long periods of possession, and they were undone again on 76 minutes when a superb strike from Alex Jones restored Spurs’ two-goal cushion and complete the scoring.