Flashback – 5 years ago: Gresford edge a tight one against Holywell

Gresford Athletic 1 (Latham 85)
Holywell Town 0
Cymru Alliance – February 27, 2016

Mike Latham’s late free kick secured a welcome three points for Gresford in a clash played at Clappers Lane five years ago this weekend.

The Wellmen were looking to get back to winning ways after a draw at Rhayader a fortnight earlier.

The first half was a tight affair, Town keeper Mike Platt doing well to punch the ball clear with the dangerous Latham ready to pounce.

With half an hour gone, Town’s Graeme Williams broke down the left and beat his marker, before putting in a great cross and Phil Lloyd got a shot in but Jon Hill-Dunt in between the sticks for the home side saved well.

Just before the break Lloyd brought out another good save from Hill-Dunt but the linesman had his flag up for offside.

Half-time: 0-0

For the second half, Holywell manager John Haseldin brought on Brady McGilloway and Connor Littler for Graeme Williams and Tom Rowland and they made an impact, giving the Wellmen further attacking options.

Again, Platt was forced to punch the ball clear from a dangerous Gresford cross. Around the hour mark, the visitors had a spell of pressure in the Gresford half, but Hill-Dunt was strong and dealt with everything thrown at him.

Entering the final 10 minutes, Gresford’s Sam Richardson broke clear but his shot went wide of Platt’s post.

With just a few minutes left, Athletic won a free kick on the edge of the Wellmen’s penalty box, and Latham’s strike flew low into the bottom corner of Platt’s goal.

Town did have one last chance to equalise. Steve Thomas’ free kick into the box was met by Lloyd but his header went over the bar and the soon after the referee blew for full time.

A disappointing result for the Wellmen and in all fairness, a draw would have been a fairer reflection on the game.

Report: Holywell Town website