Happier days for Hotspur
HOLYHEAD Hotspur will certainly have felt the happier of the two sides after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Bangor City, reports Gareth Davies.
It was a first point of the season at the fifth attempt for Darren Garmey’s team, while for the Citizens it meant they have now gone three league matches without a victory.
This Saturday sees the Holy Islanders host fellow strugglers Prestatyn Town, while Bangor face a tough trip to leaders Airbus UK Broughton, a club formerly managed by City’s boss Craig Harrison. Both matches start at 2.30pm.
Despite Bangor opening on the front foot, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play thanks to Luke McGivern’s superb chip over the advancing goalkeeper.
Just before the break, Jamie Roberts missed a glorious opportunity to take a two-goal lead into half time.
The second half saw the away side under the cosh for long periods and Alex Darlington brought the hosts level on the hour.
With 15 minutes to go, Hotspur stopper Carl Jones saved a disputed penalty kick, and both sides went on to have opportunities to win the match before the final whistle.
After City’s strong start, Hotspur took a ninth-minute lead when McGivern found himself in acres of space and his well-flighted lob comfortably beat keeper Chris Mullock, who was well out of goal.
City responded and Steve Hewitt should have done better when shooting wide from a good position. On the half-hour, Jake Phillips hit the side-netting after Carl Jones collided with Robbie Parry.
The hosts were too intricate, try- ing to thread balls to the front men, while Hotspur continued to be very dangerous on the break.
On 43 minutes, Jamie Roberts was in on goal but screwed the ball wide of the far post and, just on half time, both Alex Jones and Tomos Clarke made great blocks to deny Bangor.
Both sides missed early opportunities at the start of the second half, Roberts making a fine run and shooting just wide.
Bangor began to press hard for the equaliser, becoming more direct and, on the hour, did get back on terms. The ball was worked into the box eventually falling to Darlington, who rifled home to make it game on.
Further City pressure followed and, on 74, were they awarded a dubious penalty kick for an alleged infringement inside the box.
Citizens substitute Tom Field stepped up and the ball was struck straight at Jones, who pushed it away for a corner.
Both sides had further chances to win the game and, for Hotspur, McGivern’s shot from the left beat the keeper, who had advanced, but just rippled the side-netting.
In added time, Jones had to tip over the bar a free kick from Hewitt, while Cory Jones was played in by McGivern and just missed the far post with a well-directed shot.
A good contest for the neutral and Hotspur will hope they can progress from here and start to build up their points tally.