IT may have been hard work, but Denbigh Town maintained their Ardal North West League title push with a key 2-1 win at home to Hawarden Rangers.

Two first half goals sealed the deal for in-form treble-chasers Denbigh, who head to league leaders Rhyl 1879 for a key encounter this Saturday.

Denbigh, in fourth, trail the Lilywhites `by seven points, but they do have four games in hand.

Before the match, there was a minute’s silence for club ambassador and former player Cliff Kearns, who sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 90.

In driving rain at Central Park, Denbigh were in control inside the opening 20 minutes.

Jake Walker was the creator after four minutes as he set up Nathan Brown, who tapped home the opener to make it 1-0.

It was two-nil after 16 minutes.

That man Brown was the scorer again, as he picked the ball up in the middle of the park before going forward and hitting a lofted effort over the keeper and into the net.

Hawarden made sure things weren't too comfortable for Denbigh, though, and they halved the deficit with some 20 minutes left to play.

Kieron Roberts fouled Scott Davies in the box for a penalty to be awarded and James Ratcliffe made no mistake from the spot.

Now, all roads lead to Rhyl, with a huge crowd anticipated for the title tussle.