Hotspur need to boost cup confidence

WITH a vital League Cup tie coming up at Guilsfield on Easter Monday, Holyhead Hotspur will first look to build some confidence when they host high-flying Airbus Broughton in a Huws Gray Alliance clash at the New Stadium this Saturday (2.30pm), reports Gareth Davies.

Campbell Harrison’s side suffered a sixth straight league defeat when they lost 1-0 at home to Rhyl last weekend.

To add insult to injury Hotspur keeper Paul Pritchard was shown a harsh red card in trying to block a tight situation with his body on the edge of the penalty area in the closing stages.

Off the bench came Reece Brown, a central defender who took over between the sticks and did ever so well to stop one or two good shots by the visitors.

Rhyl took the lead on 18 minutes when Hotspur failed to cut out a ball that came through to Phil Marsh in the clear. Although Pritchard got a hand to Marsh’s attempt the ball eventually crossed the goal-line.

The Lilywhites were looking strong and when Aaron Pomeyle rounded Pritchard his effort appeared certain to make it 2-0, but Dan McGinness somehow hooked the ball clear from under the bar.

Nine minutes into the second half, Hotspur had a penalty appeal turned down, while at the other end the outstanding Alex Jones had to concede a yellow which could easily have been a red on 58. Hotspur were now putting more pressure on their opponents without creating any real openings due to a resolute and wellorganised Rhyl defence.

Then came the controversial red card for Pritchard after 81 minutes which ended all hopes of a result for the hosts.