Controversial leveller denies Harbourmen

HOLYHEAD Hotspur will look to get their home campaign off to a winning start when they welcome Holywell Town to the New Stadium this Saturday (2.30pm), reports Gareth Davies.

The Harbourmen kicked off the season with a 1-1 draw at Buckley Town last weekend.

Holyhead took the lead after 10 minutes when Bucks keeperBen Roberts failed to get enough purchase on a clearance and a composed Mike Kelly sent a cracking volley into the corner from outside the box.

Visiting keeper Paul Pritchard did well to tip a Matty Roberts free kick over the bar before the hosts levelled on 22 minutes.

With Hotspur’s Kenleigh Owen lying injured on the deck, the referee allowed play to continue and a Brad Flay cross was headed goalwards by Asa Hamilton, the ball seemingly taking an age to find the net.

On the half-hour Phil Williams released the lively Mel McGinness, who was denied in a on-one-one situation by Bucks keeper Roberts.

Just before the break Dean Garmey’s corner was met by the head of Rhys Roberts, but Town hacked the ball off the goal-line.

The second half was a disappointing affair with defences holding sway and chances few and far between.

Respective keepers Pritchard and Roberts dealt well with any potential threatening situations thrown their way.

Five minutes from time McGinness intercepted the ball and broke forward, setting up young substitute Callum McMinimee, who fired straight at the keeper.

Not quite the start Hotspur would have wanted, but a point away from home from the first game of the campaign is not to be taken lightly.