JD Cymru North – 10-man Hotspur frustrate Llandudno, wins for Airbus and Ruthin

JD CYMRU NORTH REPORTS – MARCH 19

Holyhead Hotspur 1 Llandudno 1

Hotspur manager Darren Garmey hailed one of his team’s “best ever defensive displays” as the 10-men held title challengers Llandudno to a draw at the New Stadium.

The Holy Islanders started on the front foot, dominating possession deep into the Llandudno half.

A mazy run by Jay Gibbs saw him lay off to Liam Morris, who fired over with just the keeper to beat.

Then the game came alive when Llandudno’s Marc Williams latched on to a back pass before rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Almost immediately Holyhead equalised from a set piece nodded down by the impressive Alex Jones for Dean Garmey to tap in.

Then just before half time Holyhead goalkeeper Alex Lynch was red carded after bringing down Danny Brookwell outside the box.

The gloves were handed to outfield player Jamie Pick, who saved the resulting free kick from Neil Ashton.

The second half saw 10-man Holyhead defend magnificently.

And the hosts could have won it when Cai Powell Jones motored down the right, leaving defenders behind only for his effort to go just over.

The game was seen out by Holyhead, much to the frustration of Llandudno.

Manager Darren Garmey said: “The second half saw our 10 men put on one of the best defensive displays ever seen at the New Stadium in a half that Llandudno failed to trouble the stand-in keeper for long periods.

“This was such a pleasing result and one that the lads absolutely deserve. We know the quality of Llandudno and we knew they had to win the game so we were prepared for them to throw everything at us.

“We started the game really well and settled quickly. We then had to recover from gifting them a goal which we did and then the red card which was unfortunate.

“But then the challenge was to stay in the game and we did that brilliantly, restricting them to shots from distance and set pieces which we defended brilliantly yet again.

“Every player on that pitch for us today worked themselves into the ground and I can not stress how proud we are to have a team of lads that are willing to do that week in week out.”

Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant 1 Airbus UK Broughton 4

Airbus moved five points clear at the summit having played a game less than nearest challengers Llandudno with a 4-1 win in Powys.

Steve O’Shaughnessy’s side fought back from a goal down at half time to produce a resounding victory over the bottom team.

Matty Williams opened the scoring for the hosts midway through the opening half before the Wingmakers capitalised when Llan’s Mark Kelly was shown a straight red card approaching the hour.

Jake Eyre’s brace, in addition to Ryan Edwards and Adam Davies goals, ensured the Bus strengthened the grip on top spot after title rivals Llandudno dropped two points on Saturday.

Eyre’s late sending off was the only disappointment on an otherwise great afternoon for the leaders.

Ruthin Town 2 Buckley Town 0

Ruthin remain on course for an excellent top-three finish following Saturday’s home win over Buckley Town.

Jamie Cumming handed the Blues the lead after 25 minutes and the victory was sealed when Joe Sullivan struck in the 90th.

The result was revenge for Phil Hudson’s side, who had lost 5-0 at Buckley back in August.

Saturday’s game could have been a taster for the NEWFA Challenge Cup final, with both Ruthin and Bucks having reached the semis.

Ruthin will take on Chirk Town in the last four, while Buckley meet FC Queen’s Park.