Hotspur target another crucial league success
HOLYHEAD Hotspur host Guilsfield this Saturday boosted by last weekend’s much-needed 3-0 victory at Penrhyncoch, reports Gareth Davies.
A tremendous display from the Harbourmen brought a first win in six league attempts and lifted them out of the Huws Gray Alliance bottom three.
Penrhyn started the better, Jon Evans shooting over after a good run before Owain James flicked just past the upright.
However, it was Holyhead that forged ahead on 20 minutes. Mel McGinness looped a corner into a crowded goalmouth and Alex Jones got his head to the ball.
It came down to Cory Jones, who forced the ball back to Alex Jones and he swiveled to fire home.
Hotspur continued to press and a good interchange ended with Brendan Hogan shooting over.
On 27 minutes Penrhyn’s Evans’ first-time effort looked goalbound but Paul Pritchard brought off a superb save.
Hotspur increased their lead on 31 minutes, Nothing looked on but McGinness, spotting keeper Leigh Jenkins was just a little off his line, produced an expertly-flighted effort over the stunned custodian from easily 35 yards.
Just a minute into the second half Asa Thomas fed Dean Garmey, who went close.
In the 49th minute the home side’s Evans broke through, but Pritchard was again equal, turning to tip the ball over the bar.
There was almost an own goal when a Hotspur defender played the ball goalwards, but Pritchard was alert to the situation.
The hosts’ approach work was good but their final ball was poor as Hotspur somehow cleared a goalmouth scramble while Pritchard had to push a header onto the top of the crossbar on 67.
Visiting nerves were eased on 82 minutes as McGinness on the right crossed into the middle, finding Cory Jones who thundered his shot from just outside the penalty area into the top corner.
There was still time to nearly add a fourth when sub Rob Llewelyn Jones was most unfortunate to see his well-struck shot strike the base of the post and away to safety.