Holyhead derby spoils for Hotspurs
HOLYHEAD Hotspur were victors in the much-anticipated derby as they clinched a 3-1 Welsh Cup victory over Holyhead Town.
More than 700 spectators descended on The New Stadium to witness the first ever competitive fixture between the two sides, which saw the Welsh Alliance Division One outfit emerge victorious to reach the firstround stage.
Spurs’ boss Darren Garmey said on social media: “What an amazing day for Holyhead, over 700 people coming out to watch the game which was played in good spirits between two good sides. There was a lot of tension in the first half and we were unlucky not to go in more than 2-1 up.
“I have to give a lot of credit to Town as they were a tough opponent and they were always dangerous on the break with Gary Jo (Owen) and Asa (Thomas) up front, who are as good of a front two as we have faced this season.
“However, I thought the second half we really showed our dominance, our fitness came through and we bossed the game in every department.
“But on the whole, I am made up with the result and how our lads have been professional throughout the week and did their talking on the pitch. I would like to wish Derek and Holyhead Town all the best for the season.”
The home side got off to a flyer when Alex Jones opened the scoring early on, and they doubled their tally soon after when Robert Jones produced a neat finish to give them a commanding cushion in the first period.
The Harbourmen remained determined and got themselves back into the game just before the break when Gary Jo Owen made the most of the space afforded to him with a composed finish to leave things all to play for at the interval. A tense second period saw both side spurn good opportunities during the opening exchanges, but the hosts got a crucial third courtesy of Kenleigh Owen to book their place in the hat.
Next up for Hotspur is a home game in the Lock Stock Cookson Challenge Cup on Saturday, October 5, against Llanrwst United while Town are away at Gwalchmai in Welsh Alliance Division Two, also on October 5.
Both kick-offs are at 2.30pm.