Hotspur up for cup as league form falters
HOLYHEAD Hotspur travel to Penrhyncoch this Saturday aiming to transfer their fine cup form into the league environment, reports Gareth Davies.
While Darren Garmey’s side were delighted to qualify for the last 32 of the Welsh Cup last Saturday with a 3-1 win over Ruthin Town, the Holy Islanders continue to prop up the Huws Gray Alliance table.
Three points this weekend at Cae Baker would be just what the doctor ordered.
Having already beaten Ruthin in the Huws Gray Cup last month, Hotspur successfully completed a knockout double over the Vale of Clwyd side at the New Stadium.
Town were out of the blocks quickly and, in the second minute, Matthew Evans on the left was clear but could only hit his effort straight at Carl Jones as the keeper came out.
Hotspur responded and a free kick by Kenleigh Owen struck the bar as the hosts began to put on the pressure. It was becoming a good contest and, on 27 minutes, Ryan Jones’ effort was cleared off the line by Dean Garmey.
On the half-hour, a free kick from Owen was met by Marc Evans, but Ruthin keeper Ryan Goldston produced a stunning save, deflecting the ball over the bar.
Goldston denied Evans again, while, at the other end, Carl Jones was almost punished when he let in Cai Davies after the ball got stuck under his feet.
Just before the break, John Littlemore had an effort well saved by Goldston.
At the start of the second period, both teams chased the opener but, on 55 minutes, Hotspur had a breakthrough - and it was a goal to savour.
Both Caio Hywel and Cory Jones played their part in finding Dean Garmey and Dan McGinness on the right, who combined superbly to set up Littlemore for a fine finish.
The visitors responded and substitute Llyr Morris showed the predator he is by striking home on 70 to draw the teams level.
Back came Hotspur straight down the other end, the ball finding Marc Evans on the left who beat his defender for pace and strength and forced his way into the penalty area, showing great composure as he fired a sublime effort into the far corner.
Hotspur continued to press for a third, Dan McGinness going close in a great move on the right, but the advancing keeper deflected the ball for a corner.
The vital third goal came on 80 minutes from Hotspur’s captain for the day Tomos Clark, who struck a 20-yard beauty from outside the box to beat Goldston. On 82, after a second yellow for a foul, Ruthin’s Lewys Turner was sent off.
In Monday’s Welsh Cup third round draw, Hotspur landed a cracking away tie at Bangor City. Holyhead famously knocked the Citizens out of the competition in 2015/16.