Cofis’ unbeaten run to be tested
DENBIGH NEXT AFTER DRAW AT HOLYHEAD
CAERNARFON Town’s 14-match unbeaten run in the Huws Gray Alliance could be tested to the limit this Saturday when they visit fifthplaced Denbigh Town.
Although the Canaries hammered their next opponents 7-0 at The Oval back in August, Denbigh have improved a lot since and until recently were level on points with the Cofis at the summit.
Sean Eardley’s side still hold a five-point lead at the peak despite being held 1-1 at Holyhead Hotspur last Saturday. Indeed, it could have been worse for Town had skipper Nathan Craig not rescued a point with an 88th-minute equaliser.
Holyhead, the only team to beat Caernarfon in the league this term when they triumphed 2-1 at The Oval five months ago, had looked set to complete a double after taking a second-half lead through Mel McGinness.
In last weekend’s clash at the New Stadium, a strong wind swirled around the ground, especially in the early parts of the match and the hosts tried to make the most of the conditions by playing a direct style that utilised their flying striker McGinness.
Alex Ramsay had to be sharp off his line on more than one occasion early on, especially to get his hands to a fourth-minute Dean Garmey header that had seemed destined for the net.
Caernarfon settled and their first real period of possession nearly resulted in an Alex Jones own goal after the centre half swung his foot at a Craig free kick, but was relieved to see the ball clear the woodwork with goalkeeper Paul Pritchard a bystander.
Pritchard then came into his own as he made the first of numerous saves to thwart a 20-yarder from Danny Brookwell in the 17th minute.
Brookwell threatened again on the half-hour, but this time saw his effort flash wide of the upright, while Gareth Evans was inches away with a powerful half-volley at the far post.
Hotspur improved after the break as they depended less on their direct approach and despite being forced to sit back for long periods, the hosts looked dangerous up front, with McGinness, John Littlemore and Dewi Thomas impressive when given the opportunity to attack.
However, Caernarfon were stretching Holyhead’s defence and Clive Williams suffered a near miss five minutes after the restart before Brookwell fashioned an excellent opportunity for himself as he waltzed past two defenders and around Pritchard but, slightly offbalance, failed to find the target from 12 yards.
The Hotspur stopper then pulled off three excellent saves inside three minutes to keep his side on level terms, first getting his outstretched left hand to a Brookwell screamer, then pushing Evans’ 15-yard effort against the post before getting down smartly to a Craig free kick.
The dangerous McGinness finally got the opportunity he had been waiting for in the 64th minute when he received a pass from Tomos Clarke before finding the top left-hand corner with a superlative finish from 20 yards.
Craig thought he had equalised in the 75th minute when his free kick went straight through a crowded penalty area and into the net, but his effort was cancelled due to a perceived offside infringement. The Town captain finally succeeded in gaining his side a point when, two minutes from time, his corner kick curled into the top far corner of Pritchard’s net.