Flashback – five years ago: Holywell edge it thanks to Connor Littler winner

Holywell Town 2 (Lloyd, Littler)
Llanfair United 1 (Davies)
Cymru Alliance League – April 20, 2016

Johnny Haseldin’s Holywell side recovered from a goal down to take all three points off visitors Llanfair in this week five years ago.

The visitorshad the best of the early exchanges and seemed the most likely to score, striker James Davies getting a few opportunities.

It was not until the half-hour that the Wellmen threatened, Brady McGilloway forcing his way past a defender to get a shot in which keeper Steffan Jones gathered well.

Llanfair then came closest so far, when a break from midfield saw captain Paul Griffiths through on goal. He rounded the advancing Mike Platt but his shot came back off the post and Lee Emberton was able to clear.

That was a big let off for the hosts, but a few minutes later, the visitors had taken the lead.

A good ball through from midfield saw James Davies in on goal. Platt was able to get a hand to Davies’ strike but the power of the shot took the ball into the net.

Half-time: Holywell 0 Llanfair 1

The Wellmen went in at the break a goal down knowing they had a lot to play for in the second half as they went in search of the equaliser.

Town started brightly, a Tom Rowlands run to the edge of the box seeing him cross towards Phil Lloyd, but he was unable to connect with the ball.

Rowlands again was involved in the action, as he ran and beat his marker, before turning and shooting but the ball flew just wide of Steffan Jones’ post.

Holywell were slowly getting back into the game, and just after the hour mark came the equaliser.

The hosts won a free kick on the left-hand side, just inside the Llanfair half.

Steve Thomas delivered towards Phil Lloyd, whose shot flew through the hands of the keeper and the ball trickled into the net.

As Town pressed forward looking to add to their tally, Llanfair’s Davies hit a volley and Platt was forced into a great save as he tipped the ball over for a corner.

Holywell’s Paul Williams then got in a great cross towards the far post, where Graeme Williams headed back into the centre, and Lloyd was only inches wide with his hooked effort.

Town shortly afterwards took the lead. An easy ball back towards Robert Bennett saw the Llanfair defender slip and Connor Littler capitalised to run goalwards; his shot beating the advancing Jones.

Both sides had efforts on goal late on, but the game finished 2-1 in Holywell’s favour.

Many thanks to Steve Roberts of Holywell for the usual excellent, detailed report