Hotspur happy to add Evans to the attack
AFTER back-to-back league defeats, Holyhead Hotspur may be welcoming the chance to look ahead to some cup action this week, reports Gareth Davies.
On Monday, Darren Garmey’s side were drawn at home to Welsh National League Premier Division side Corwen in the Welsh Cup first round on October 20.
And this Saturday, the Holy Islanders host Ruthin Town in the Huws Gray Cup quarter-finals (2.30pm).
Following a 1-0 home loss to Porthmadog last Wednesday, Hotspur went down by the same score at Guilsfield three days later and remain bottom of the Huws Gray Alliance.
It is welcome news for Holyhead that new signing Marc Evans has been given international clearance and should be available in a couple of weeks as the two recent defeats have made it glaringly obvious the goals-for column needs to improve sooner rather than later.
The midfield area is also in need of more quality.
Hotspur started on the front foot at Guilsfield and the returning Mel McGinness fired just past the post in the first minute.
Luke McGivern’s firm shot forced a fine save from Michael Jones, then, from the resultant flag kick, Alex Jones headed just over the bar.
The visitors kept up the pressure but, as so often happens, it was their opponents who took the lead when Caio Hywel brought down Callum Bromley in the box and Steve Blenkinsop made no mistake from the penalty spot.
McGinness, Harry Galeotti, Kenleigh Owen and Jamie McDaid all went close before the break, but the many chances came to nothing.
Hotspur pressed at the start of the second half but Guils striker Blenkinsop was always a danger, his free header flying wide on 58 minutes. McDaid shot straight at keeper Jones soon after.
Although not so many chances developed, the visitors still had a lot of the ball but found the home defence in a stubborn mood, although McGinness had a good case for a penalty when sent sprawling by a Guils defender.
Hotspur continued to hold sway but, on 90 minutes, a fine cross from the right was headed just over by Guils’ Bromley.
With six minutes of added time, Hotspur were looking desperately to draw the match level but all of their efforts were in vain.