Holyhead sink leaders United
HOLYHEAD Town inflicted a first defeat of the season on Nefyn United to remain among the early pace-setters in the Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd Football League.
The Harbourmen triumphed 2-1 at Millbank to make it four wins out of five since their promotion as Anglesey League champions last term.
In a frantic first few minutes, Ryan Lees came closest to opening the scoring when his long range effort was well saved by Nefyn number one Alwyn Williams.
Town continued to press and Ian Williams forced his namesake Alwyn into another fine save after being slipped in by Asa Thomas.
From the resulting corner, Thomas saw his effort turned around the post.
The pressure on the league leaders was mounting and it was Tom Roberts’ turn to be disappointed by the heroics of Williams.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute.
Thomas’ cross was headed home by Ian Williams to give the Harbourmen a deserved lead.
At the other end Steve Jones tested Mike Bentley with a speculative effort.
Town doubled their advantage on 43 minutes when captain Roberts’ 25 yard free kick found the back of the net. It was no less than Town deserved. With half time looming some neat play by Tristan Parry and Daniel Roberts resulted in captain Steve Jones beating Bentley to the ball and his header looped into the unguarded goal to halve the arrears at the interval.
The second half followed the pattern of the first in the opening exchanges.
Man of the match Jordie Murphy made light work of skipping past four challenges but his shot sailed handsomely over the bar.
Thomas, Roberts and Williams saw their efforts miss the target as Town looked to regain their two-goal advantage.
Roberts went close again on the hour but his powerful header came back out via the crossbar.
With the chances failing to to be taken, Nefyn began to get their tails up and apply some pressure on the Town defence.
Iwan Griffiths threatened from 30 yards, then a big moment in the match arrived with 20 minutes to go.
Nefyn had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot but Danny Roberts, who has converted four spot kicks this season, saw his effort go agonisingly wide of the post.
With time now running out, Nefyn continued to press for the equaliser but failed to trouble Bentley.
There was still time for Asa Thomas to force another great save from Williams after a 40-yard pass from Matty Thomas.
Holyhead Town will target another win this Saturday when they visit struggling Llanllyfni.
Beaumaris Town welcome Nefyn United, Bro Goronwy visit leaders Bontnewydd, Gwalchmai are home to Waunfawr, Llangoed travel to Llanystumdwy and Menai Bridge Tigers take on travellers Talysarn Celts.
Gwalchmai were impressive 5-0 winners at Llangoed last Saturday.
Kieran Sinnott (2), Craig Evans, Dylan Jones and Paul Evans shared the goals.
Bro Goronwy 2 Menai Bridge Tigers 2, Llanllyfni 0 Bontnewydd 12, Llanystumdwy 6 Beaumaris Town 3, Talysarn Celts 2 Waunfawr 1