Luca Hogan notched the only goal of the match in the first half as Mountain made it back-to-back home wins at the expense of Denbigh Town.
In the 32nd minute Jack Burman threaded a through ball for the 20-year-old Hogan, who applied a smart finish on his first team debut for Liam Dickinson’s side.
Town missed a great chance after 17 minutes when captain Ben Lockley sidefooted wide from a Keelan Williams cross.
The visitors paid the price when ex-Airbus, Holywell and Connah’s Quay Nomads prospect Hogan broke the deadlock.
Just before the break, Denbigh almost equalised when Gwion Dafydd curled a fine attempt against the crossbar.
Town worked hard after the break to force an equaliser but it was not their night, Brown hitting a volley wide before his late strike was palmed away by keeper Dominic Garner.
Victory would have taken Holywell top, but a disappointing defeat at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium made them distinctly third favourites in the title race.
Gresford scored the only goal of the first half when Elliott Orton struck via a Haci Ozlu assist.
Jamie Breese equalised two minutes into the second period with his 22nd goal of the season, but Athletic edged back ahead on 65 when new signing Sam Baker was involved before Tom Smith found the net.
And it was Smith on target again in the 73rd minute via an Ozlu assist as the Colliers went 3-1 up.
Holywell responded on 79 through sub Mark Winslade. but despite pushing for the equaliser, the Wellmen’s quest for a point was unsuccessful.
There was a long delay near the end while Town’s Jake Cooke was treated for a serious injury. We all wish him well.
A bad night for Ruthin who remain bottom of the table after losing to Caersws for a second tume in the league this season.
Sam Phillips notched the 57th minute decider for the Bluebirds, leaving Town without a win in their last five outings.
Guto Gwenallt scored twice as Llanystumdwy edged a close win on Friday night to move into the top five.
Owain Jones handed visitors Llanrug a fourth-minute lead, but Gwenallt levelled on 10 via a Math Roberts assist.
Guto Griffith set up Roberts to nudge the home side in front on 23, but with 34 on the clock Sion Prysor Williams made it 2-2, Owain Gibbard the supplier.
The second half was a good contest, but Llanystumdwy sealed it on 70 minutes when Gwenallt bagged his brace, Griffith with a another assist.
Captain Elis Jones delivered a hat-trick in an eight-goal rout of the bottom side.
Sub Cai Aykroyd, formerly of Bala Town and Cerrigydrudion, scored twice at Maes Tegid, while Ilan Jones (penalty) and Osian Roberts also appeared on the scoresheet.
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