Hotspur spurred on to book spot in cup semi-final
HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR will meet Bangor City in the Huws Gray Cup semi-finals after both clubs battled their way through last-eight ties last Saturday, reports Gareth Davies.
Hotspur overcame the challenge of Ruthin Town 3-2 at The New Stadium, while the Citizens needed extra time to see off Prestatyn Town 4-2 at Bastion Gardens.
Darren Garmey’s Hotspur side may prop up the Huws Gray Alliance table at present, but the league cup competition brings the best out of them.
The Ruthin result could end up a big one in Holyhead’s season and must give the players renewed confidence in their quest to move out of the league’s basement.
This Saturday sees Garmey’s men host Buckley Town (2.30pm), a game which could see new striker Marc ‘Logs’ Evans feature on his return to Anglesey and the Holy islanders from New Zealand.
Last weekend’s cup clash saw Hotspur quickly on the front foot and, in the first minute, with the wind at their backs, a Dean Garmey cross was headed just over the target by Caio Hywel.
The hosts continued to press and were rewarded as early as the fifth minute when John Littlemore turned his defender superbly and set up Mel McGinness with a fine ball. McGinness ran into space behind the defence and slotted around keeper Richard Parry and into the far corner for a fine goal.
The game was being played at a good tempo as the visitors tried to get back in the match.
However, in the 13th minute, they were to be stunned further when a long throw from Dan McGinness on the right saw Luke McGivern rise highest and his header looped over Parry into the far corner.
Just after the half-hour, the hosts let Ruthin back into the match following a needless goal.
Hotspur custodian Carl Jones dithered and dallied with the ball at his feet, which invited Llyr Morris in to dispossess him and poke home an effort which barely trickled over the goalline.
The North East Wales side’s confidence was now high and just after Kevin Evans found Morris, whose fierce shot was deflected out for an unproductive corner.
However, what proved to be the decisive goal of the game came to Hotspur on 41 minutes when Littlemore entered the box at pace to chase a through ball and Parry, racing out of goal, mistimed his dive and brought the striker down for a clear penalty.
Kenleigh Owen made no mistake in slotting the ball home from 12 yards to make it 3-1 at half-time.
In the second half, Ruthin had the wind behind them and the deep-lying Hotspur defence had their work cut out.
Nonetheless, the home rearguard was resolute and closed down their opponents well, although Gwion Owen was twice close as the game drew to a close.
On 80 minutes Ruthin were awarded a penalty after Dean Garmey was penalised for a somewhat innocuous offence and Morris made no mistake from the spot kick. Ruthin pressed hard to take the match into extra-time but Hotspur held firm.
Hotspur will host Bangor in the last-four on February 9.