FAW Trophy: Hotspur win thriller to set up quarter-final at Welshpool

Llanrwst United 4 Holyhead Hotspur 5

Chris Jones delivered a priceless hat-trick as Holyhead Hotspur progressed to the FAW Amateur Trophy quarter-finals with a thrilling victory at Llanrwst United.

A trip to Mid-Wales League outfit Welshpool Town now awaits Darren Garmey’s side in the last eight of the national knockout.

It is a tie which will evoke vivid memories for many Hotspur followers as the club drew Welshpool in the 2006/07 Welsh Cup quarters when the Lilywhites were in the League of Wales and the Holy Islanders competed in the Cymru Alliance.

On that occasion, ‘Pool triumphed 5-1 over a Hotspur side which had never previously progressed so far in the competition.

Saturday saw an all-Welsh Alliance Division One tussle at Parc Gwydir, a ground which held painful memories this season for Holyhead as they had lost 5-1 there in a league game in November.

A Cookson Cup clash between the sides at the New Stadium a month earlier had seen Hotspur edge a topsy-turvy encounter 5-4.

The latest battle resembled much more the first one than the second.

Asa Thomas set up Dewi Thomas to put Hotspur in front in the 12th minute, but Tom Jones soon levelled for Llanrwst.

Chris Jones restored the away lead and made it 2-1 at half time.

Leon Doran equalised on 65 minutes, but Chris Jones struck again for the travellers soon after.

Doran restored parity, but Deian Parry bagged Hotspur’s fourth on 80 minutes, then Jones completed his treble after 88 to make it 16 goals for the season and surely send the visitors through.

Elliott Llewellyn did pull one back for Rwst in added time, but Holyhead held on to progress.

One setback for Hotspur was an injury to striker Asa Thomas which the club hope is not too serious.

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Baglan Dragons v Denbigh Town
Brymbo v Penydarren BGC
Llandudno Albion v Risca
Welshpool Town v Holyhead Hotspur
Ties to be played on Saturday, February 8