Football

Holyhead Hotspur two wins from creating major piece of history

Holyhead Hotspur (maroon) on the attack during their 3-0 weekend win at Welshpool in the FAW Trophy. Picture: Ian Francis

Holyhead Hotspur are two victories away from creating a unique piece of history.

If they are triumphant in both the semi-final and final of the 2019-20 FAW Amateur Trophy, Hotspur will become only the second Ynys Môn team ever to win the competition.

Hotspur celebrate a goal with their fans. Pic: Ian Francis

Llangefni Town are currently the only island club to lift the trophy back in 1991-92, when it was known as the Welsh Intermediate Cup.

Hotspur were beaten finalists in their treble-winning 2011-12 season, but have yet to etch their name on the main prize.

Darren Garmey’s side moved one step closer to glory in the national tournament on Saturday, when they won 3-0 at Welshpool Town to seal a spot in the last four.

They were joined by fellow North Walians Llandudno Albion, as well as Baglan Dragons and Penydarren BGC from South Wales.

Hotspur went into the game at Welshpool on the back of a 12-match unbeaten run which sees them top of Welsh Alliance Division One, into the final of the Cookson Cup and last 16 of the Barritt Cup.

Hotspur fans were in good voice throughout Saturday’s tie. Pic: Ian Francis

So a four-timer is still a possibility for the Holy Islanders.

Holyhead were on top from the start against Saturday’s opponents from the Mid-Wales League, taking a first-half lead through a good header from Corey Jones, following fine work by Chris Jones and Dean Garmey.

They should have been more than 1-0 up at the break, but there was no let up from the visitors in the second stanza.

Ex-Bangor City star Chris Jones applied a clinical finish into the bottom corner after a great run from Dewi Thomas.

Dean Garmey on the ball for Hotspur. Pic: Ian Francis

And some superb play from Robert Jones set up Chris Jones for the third and his 19th goal of the season which sealed the tie.

“I cannot praise the lads enough, it was almost a perfect performance,” said winning boss Darren Garmey.

“We controlled the game from start to finish and never looked like conceding. We have improved so much defensively over the last few games and it now gives us a solid base and a platform for the attackers go out and win us the games.”

Hotspur’s 13 matches without defeat

Hotspur score at Welshpool. Pic: Ian Francis

Feb 8: Welshpool Town (a – FAW Trophy QF) W 3-0
Feb 1: Greenfield (a – Cookson Cup SF) W 2-1
Jan 25: Glan Conwy (h – Welsh Alliance League) W 1-0
Jan 18: Llanrwst United (a – FAW Trophy) W 5-4
Jan 4: Denbigh Town (a – WAL) D 2-2
Dec 28: Mynydd Llandegai (a – WAL) W 3-2
Dec 21: Prestatyn Sports (h – WAL) W 5-1
Dec 14: Penrhyndeudraeth (h – Barritt Cup R1) W 2-1
Dec 7: Glan Conwy (a – WAL) W 1-0
Nov 30: Llandyrnog United (a – WAL) W 6-1
Nov 27: Blaenau Amateurs (h – Cookson Cup) W 4-3
Nov 23: Bodedern Athletic (a – WAL) W 2-0
Nov 20: Llanberis (h – WAL) W 2-1

Total record for season (all competitions): Played 28 Won 24 Drawn 1 Lost 3 Goals For 93 Goals Against 43

GOALS

19 – Chris Jones
17 – Robert Jones
8 – Alex Jones
7 – Deian Parry, Kenleigh Owen
6 – Dewi Thomas, Sam Ashworth
4 – Craig Moore, Corey Jones
3 – Harri Lewis, Dan McGinness, Dean Garmey
2 – Asa Thomas, Own Goals
1 – Luke Roberts, Mike Kelly