Hotspur’s day to remember for Chedz
WHAT a wonderful day it turned out to be when Holyhead Hotspur celebrated a club great, reports Gareth Davies.
Mike “Chedz” Kelly’s testimonial match at the New Stadium saw Hotspur defeat Sheffield United Under-23s in some style by a 4-1 margin.
Kelly, 32, was rewarded for playing 15 successive seasons for his club with a special game which attracted a good crowd. c
On a steaming hot afternoon, the first half was well contested but goalless, however the hosts began to get on top after the interval and returning to his former club, Jamie Roberts fired Hotspur ahead.
John Littlemore made it two and Luke McGivern and David Williams added others. Even a late reply for the Bramhall Lane youngsters failed to spoil an emphatic scoreline.
Of Hotspur’s new signings on view, Harry Galeotti and Caio Hywel both impressed and will prove an asset in the coming 2018/19 campaign while return- ing to the fold, keeper Carl Jones and Roberts need no introductions.
After the 0-0 first half, the hosts took command in the second half and on 50 minutes Roberts rifled home from 15 yards to give Hotspur the lead.
The celebrated Kelly then shot just over from a free kick while Jones between the sticks again made a fine save.
Littlemore struck the second goal on 61 minutes and McGivern made it 3-0 on 74 before Williams notched a fourth.
The Hotspur management team will be pleased with the second half showing while the very popular Kelly will have enjoyed his day to remember.
Next season he takes on the responsibility of managing and coaching the reserves.
The main match was followed later by a “Legends” contest with two teams of ex-Hotspur players and others managed by former bosses Emlyn Manley Williams and Campbell Harrison.
Hotspur’s committee had made the whole event a family day, with various attractions for children and the huge crowd showed how well the day had been received.