Spurs’ confidence at low ebb as form dips
HOLYHEAD Hotspur slipped to a third loss in nine days when they went down 3-0 at Flint Town United last Saturday.
Despite the heavy commitment and strong efforts of manager Campbell Harrison and assistant Darren Garmey to turn things around with the players, the confidence in the squad seems to be at a low ebb at present, leaving everyone frustrated in trying to get back on track.
With no lack of talent in Hotspur’s team there is nothing that a couple of good results would not put right.
The Silkmen, with the strong gusty wind at their backs, were two up at the break via Shaun Beck and Mark Cadwallader.
However, with the elements in their favour after the turnaround, Holyhead enjoyed far more of the game but without the vital ingredients of penetration and cutting edge which has been lacking for some time.
The hosts added a third from Ritchie Foulkes via the penalty spot.
With four league games to go – Rhyl at home this Saturday (2.30pm), followed by Airbus UK Broughton seven days later - it then only leaves Ruthin Town away and Caersws at the New Stadium to fulfil the Huws Gray Alliance fixtures.
However, there remains the unplayed first round League Cup match against Guilsfield, due to take place there on Easter Monday.
The winner meets Porthmadog in the quarter-final and the victors of that tie take on Flint in the semis.
Last Saturday’s tussle at Cae-y-Castell saw Flint fastest out of the blocks and on three minutes Cadwallader struck a powerful shot from 15 yards against the upright.
Paul Pritchard had to tip a strong attempt from Beck away and clear of danger.
The home side took the lead on 16 minutes when full-back Ieuan Hewitt sent over a fine cross which predator Beck somehow managed to bundle over the line.
More Flint chances followed but at last Hotspur responded when Dean Garmey headed just wide.
In the 23rd minute Pritchard was out quickly to block from Saul Henderson.
Garmey tested home keeper Nik Lee-Bulmer at his near post while at
FIXTURES (Saturday, March 24 - kick-offs 10.30am unless stated)
Llangefni Llewod v Tynygongl Juniors, Menai Bridge Tigers v Holyhead Hotspur Peibio, Valley Juniors v Trearddur Bay Juniors.
Amlwch Town Juniors v Holyhead Hotspur Peibio B, Holyhead Hotspur Peibio A v Llangefni Town Blues (11.15am), Llanfair Teigrod v Gaerwen Juniors.
Holyhead Hotspur Peibio A v Llangefni Town Juniors (9.30am), CPD Llangefni v CPD Amlwch, Tynygongl Juniors v Llanfair Celtiad (9.30am). the other end Jack Welsh and Foulkes went close.
On 37 minutes the Silkmen went two up when Hewitt’s superb first-time cross from the right into the goalmouth saw Cadwallader head firmly past Pritchard.
John Littlemore fired inches over on 55 minutes with a great effort as Hotspur were now enjoying much more of the ball and a free kick by Kenleigh Owen was almost forced home as the visitors pushed up.
Alex Boss broke though the home defence and was impeded in the penalty area but despite Hotspur’s appeals the referee waved play on.
Six minutes later the hosts were awarded a spot-kick for a foul inside the area and Foulkes made no mistake to seal the points.