LLANDUDNO Albion’s fading title hopes were dealt another blow with a shock 1-0 home loss to Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side lost further ground at the summit in difficult conditions at Maesdu Park, with Darren Jones’ side now ten points behind championship favourites Holyhead Hotspur having played twice more.

Albion embark on arguably the biggest game in the club’s short history this weekend when they take on the Holy Islanders’ in a pivotal FAW Trophy semi-final clash at the home of JD Cymru Premier outfit Bala Town on Saturday (12.30pm).

An extremely strong wind made things difficult for both sides throughout the contest, with the home side spurning a host of opportunities early on that would come back to haunt them early in the second period.

After the break saw Albion have a big shout for a penalty waved away from their opening attack, and things got even worse for the hosts soon after when they fell behind on 48 minutes.

The Quarrymen gained a crucial advantage thanks to prolific forward Meilir Williams, who took advantage of some space and delivered a fine attempt past Liam Jones to break the deadlock.

The home side threw everything at their opponents in the closing stages in pursuit of a leveller, but they were unable to take advantage of any opportunities that came their way.

Jones’ men have now lost six times in 20 league contests this term, leaving them to focus firmly on Saturday’s landmark cup tie against a formidable Holyhead outfit.