IT wasn't the start to the Ardal North West League season Denbigh Town were looking for.

Aiming to be one of the challengers for the title, Denbigh were defeated 2-0 at home by Llanrwst United.

The home side's troubles started just before kick-off as striker Jake Walker limped during the warm up with a calf strain.

Boss Dewi Llion Jones had to change his selection and match tactics, with Sion Jones being drafted in from the bench to right back and Dan Parry-Jones moving to midfield.

With more than 230 spectators in attendance, understandably Denbigh took time to adapt to the change in formation.

Llanrwst took the lead after just six minutes when an innocuous ball was crossed into the Denbigh area only and when keeper Aaron Jones fumbled, Llion Morris slotted into an empty net.

Denbigh worked their way into the game with former Airbus player Nathan Brown forcing a fine save from former Denbigh keeper Gwydion Owen in the Llanrwst goal.

Owen Cordiner had a well-placed header cleared on the line, while another Brown shot was again saved by Owen.

With Denbigh remaining in command, Dan Clarke went close with an effort that went just wide of the post, prior to Brown's brilliant free kick being tipped over the bar by Owen.

Against the run of play, Llanrwst went 2-0 up seven minutes before the interval.

Ex-Denbigh striker Sam Jones set up Llion Morris, who finished clinically from 10 yards out.

A big second half was needed by the hosts, but this time chances were few and far between.

Dan Clarke had a free kick go just wide of the post after 56 minutes.

Owen Cordiner was unlucky not to get on the score sheet on 69 minutes when his spectacular overhead kick effort fell straight into the arms of Owen.