IT was always likely to be a tight battle between Llanuwchllyn and Denbigh Town in the first round of the Ardal Northern League Cup.

Both clubs are vying for the Ardal North West League crown and an opportunistic first half goal from striker Sam Jones was enough to see Denbigh through to the next round.

The tie was switched to the 4G pitch at Maes Tegid, Bala as Llanuwchllyn’s pitch was unplayable.

On a foul afternoon with sleet and heavy rain in biting cold conditions, the two teams put on a game that was always going to be a tight one.

In a cagey opening, Denbigh had the better moments with Jacob Barratt going closest as he broke from midfield to shoot from outside the area, which was comfortably saved by Llanuwchllyn keeper Rob Dascalu.

Some players were finding it difficult under foot on a very wet surface and Sam Jones was booked for colliding with Dascalu after losing his footing and sliding into the keeper. With a lot of action taking place in the midfield area, chances were limited.

Barratt had another shot from long range which Dascalu dived to his right-hand side to save low down.

Town captain Paul Fleming then caught the keeper napping as he robbed him of the ball on the edge of Llan’s box.

A goalmouth scramble ensued with no Denbigh forward able to capitalise on the lapse.

At the other end, Gwydion Ifan let fly with a shot which just cleared the Denbigh crossbar.

On 40 minutes, Denbigh’s Mike Sharples rose high to head a ball, only to land badly and he had to leave the pitch to be replaced by Liam Roberts.

Young Roberts was soon in on the action, feeding a superb ball down the wing to Fleming.

With 43 minutes played, the goal which won the tie arrived. Llanuwchllyn keeper Dascalu had the ball in his arms near the edge of his penalty area and was looking to clear by throwing the ball to one of his team.

As the keeper threw the ball, Town striker Sam Jones seized on the moment by intercepting it at close range from Dascalu and with one touch he lobbed the keeper to find an empty net.

It was an impromptu goal out of nothing which gave Town a 1-0 lead at half time.

The second half started with Denbigh's Kristian Pierce having a long range shot which went just wide of the right-hand post.

However, Llanuwchllyn had a golden chance to equalise from a free kick, but Dan Dascalu put his header over the top.

Llan continued to press for the equaliser and Denbigh keeper Joe Griffith was called upon to make a first class save from an Eilir Edwards' fierce drive from 18 yards.

Edwards’ shot was goal-bound until Griffith tipped the ball over the bar.

Joe Williams and Kristian Pierce were just off target with efforts as time ticked away, but Denbigh preserved their advantage.