Guilsfield await Hotspur outfit after a first win
Holyhead Hotspur
HOLYHEAD Hotspur travel to Guilsfield this Saturday no doubt aiming to repeat last season’s victory at the Powys club’s ground.
The Harbourmen made it two successive draws to start the season last weekend when their home tussle against Holywell Town ended 0-0.
Neither side gained any real ascendency over the 90 minutes, the very strong blustery conditions the only winner.
The home side included new signing up front Peter Jones from Llandudno, and it was soon apparent the conditions would have a major part to play in the outcome.
With the wind at their backs, Hotspur began on the front foot, and after a long punt downfield by keeper Paul Pritchard, Mike Kelly just failed to get enough on the ball from a good position.
A couple of searching free kicks by Kenleigh Owen flashed past the goalmouth when the slightest touch would have caused problems.
Holywell were struggling to get out of their own half, while Mel McGinness had an effort drift over on 26 minutes.
New boy Jones then saw a well-struck shot fizz past the post on 34.
Two efforts from Dean Garmey also went wide as Holyhead left the field at the interval with nothing in the bank.
The Halkyn Road outfit were now wind-assisted and Steve Thomas’ free kick went straight at Pritchard, while Sam Jones’ strike at pace whistled past the upright.
However, on 62 minutes came Hotspur’s best chance when Garmey threaded a great ball to Peter Jones.
He broke clear and after making room for himself his firm strike was blocked superbly.
At the other end Graeme Williams’ firm drive was held by Pritchard on 67 minutes.
Jack Griffiths for Hotspur almost broke through and James Graham for the visitors shot inches over on 85 minutes.
Just before the end Holywell had a great chance to take all three points back to Flintshire when a ball from the back reached Phil Lloyd inside the box, but he could not get a clean connection as the elements had the last say.