ST ASAPH City manager Daniel Brewerton was left with mixed emotions after his side were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Llanrwst United.

The Saints’ failed to recover from going behind early and having a player sent off in the first period despite a hugely encouraging display against the odds, which gives them a good platform from which to build during their next outing at home to Llandudno Albion on Saturday.

Brewerton, said: “Mixed emotions after the game, really frustrating to concede in the opening seconds, we were caught cold and after the run of results we’ve had it would have been easy for lads to crumble.

“We regrouped and really started growing into the game, at a time where we need things to start falling our way for a change, the complete opposite happens, and we ended up going down to ten men just after half an hour.

“The feeling of frustration soon turned to pride as I watch the lads give one of the most disciplined performances I’ve seen in my time at the club, we executed the revised game plan to almost perfection, and as the game was closing out we threw everything at them in a bid to take a point from the game but it wasn’t to be.

“The lads were fantastic and although we came away without any points, we proved to ourselves that we can still compete with the top teams in the division and that even though we’ve been through tough times this season we will come through it stronger.”

The visitors got off to the worst possible start when they conceded after just 25 seconds as Sam Thomas found the net with the game’s first attack.

This was met by a good response from City, who more than held their own for long periods before another telling moment went against them as their goalkeeper was shown a red card for handball a fraction outside the penalty area.

After the break saw City’s effort almost rewarded with a share of the spoils, but they ultimately fell short against strong opposition.