Holyhead secure the treble – and can make it five
THE treble has landed - and the five-timer is still on. Holyhead Town clinched the Kon-X Anglesey League title last Friday when they beat chief rivals Llangoed & District 3-0 at Millbank.
It was a third piece of silverware for the club with a famous name which was reformed this season.
This Friday the Harbourmen could make it a quadruple when they take on Valley in the William Hill Elias Cup final at Holyhead Hotspur (7pm kick-off ).
And there is one more final to come for Town when they meet Llangoed again in the Bwlch Car Boot Trophy showpiece at Bangor City FC on Friday, May 12 (7pm).
Last Friday’s title decider at Holyhead saw Craig Brodie’s men needing just a draw to be crowned champions, while Llangoed required a win to pinch the title.
A large crowd gathered at Millbank for the fourth meeting between the teams this season, Town having won the previous two – the Lucas Oil and Megan Cup finals – with one draw at Llangoed in the league last October.
Llangoed started the better and came at Town early on, a fierce shot by Charlie McKenna saved low down by Nick Murphy.
In the 22nd minute the villagers were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box and Llion Roberts shot just over the bar.
However, Holyhead had woken up and were fighting back when a Tom Roberts shot was saved by Rhys Owen.
Just before half time, Town were awarded a corner and a floating ball from Rickie Lavelle was head- ing in the direction of his brother Barrie Lavelle, but a failed clearance by Matty Roberts ended up in the back of the net for an own goal.
Now needing two goals to turn the tables, Llangoed again came out of the blocks fastest for the second half.
In the 60th minute Llion Roberts was through one-on-one and shot wide – a relief to outcoming keeper Murphy.
Then in the 65th minute the home side took a major step towards clinching the title.
A cross fell to man of the match Leeroy Parry, who hit the bottom corner to the relief of the home crowd.
Now in control, Holyhead started to dominate and in the 71st minute a top-corner shot from top marksman Tom Hadley was well stopped by Owen.
Again Holyhead broke down the right and Barrie Lavelle fired home after playing a neat one-two with Matthew Thomas to make it 3-0 in the 75th minute.
Llangoed now pushed everyone forward knowing they needed four goals, but the Town defence, which has been solid in recent weeks, prevented any chances.
The final whistle blew to joyous scenes for the Harbourmen.
It was a special moment for boss Brodie, who is in his first season of management, but already has three trophies in the cabinet.
Brodie said after the game: “I am so proud of the players for what they have achieved – this is a victory not just for them, but all the amazing people behind the scenes at the club, as well as the town of Holyhead. However, I must congratulate Llangoed for making this season so exciting for both clubs. Without them there would have been no title race.”