Spurs aiming to find their cutting edge
HOLYHEAD Hotspur will aim to bounce back from opening day disappointment this Saturday when they host Gresford Athletic in the Huws Gray Alliance League (2.30pm), reports Gareth Davies.
Despite their overall efforts deserving better, Darren Garmey’s side were defeated 5-2 in the first game of the season at Flint Town United last weekend.
Flint went ahead on four minutes when 16-year-old keeper Dan Williams, deputising for the suspended Carl Jones, took too long with a clearance which was charged down by Kai Wallis, the ball trickling slowly into the corner of the net.
In the 24th minute Hotspur’s new signing Harry Galeotti sent over a great cross for John Littlemore, whose header forced a fine tip-over save from Josh Hart.
Three minutes later, the visitors fell further behind when Mark Cadwallader’s magnificent looping header from a Sam Hart free kick found the far corner.
Hotspur started the second half on the front foot and put pressure on the home goal.
Good play from Littlemore found Chris Jones, whose effort was turned away for a corner.
However, a breakaway by Flint saw them go three ahead on 57, when Cadwallader finished off a fine move.
Holyhead produced a positive reply when a free kick from the right reached Tomos Clarke, who poked the ball past Hart.
Just seven minutes later came a fourth goal for the home side.
A corner on the right saw central defender Andy Brown climb highest to nod the ball in style past Dan Williams.
To their credit, Hotspur never threw in the towel and reduced the arrears again on 70 when a free kick from the right was whipped into the goalmouth and Chris Jones reacted quickest to deflect the ball home.
The hosts looked for more and Dan Williams produced two great stops.
However, three minutes from time, Flint broke out of defence and added a fifth goal when Mamudo Dabo played in substitute Jake Hampson, who slotted home.
While young Dan Williams started between the sticks, his father, the vastly experienced Mervyn Williams - well into his fifties and also a signed keeper - was on the bench.