MATCH OF THE DAY 1: Gresford give their all but Hotspur win thanks to Connor Owen hat-trick

Connor Owen (blue – 11) takes on the Gresford defence. Pictures: RHYS JONES – many thanks

JD CYMRU NORTH – REPORT NOVEMBER 15

Holyhead Hotspur 3 (Connor Owen 9, 82, 90)
Gresford Athletic 0

Connor Owen’s hat-trick secured Holyhead just a second league win of the season at the expense of a Gresford side which gave their all after a very difficult week for the club.

The Wrexham-area visitors were left stunned by a mass walkout of management and committee members on Thursday, leaving the club in a quandary.

However, they confirmed on Friday they would have a team for the trip to Holy Island and were good to their word as they took a 17-man squad to the New Stadium, including goalkeeper Lewis Dutton taking on the coaches role.

The Colliers had an early setback when Hotspur took the lead in the ninth minute through Owen via a Jamie Jones assist. The 20-year-old Owen fired into the bottom corner from inside the box.

Haci Ozlu almost found an equaliser for Gresford as his 12th-minute effort was parried away by goalkeeper Guto Hughes.

In the 32nd minute, Dutton pulled off a good save to ensure the score remained only at 1-0

Gresford suffered a major blow early in the second half when Ozlu was shown a straight-red card for dissent towards referee Andy Harms in the 52nd minute.

Still the 10-men determinedly held out until the 82nd minute, Owen completing a double with a header, Jack Walsh’s tremendous cross setting him up.

Gresford’s Haci Ozlu (7) is challenged by Hotspur’s Ifan Emlyn Jones

Then, in the 90th minute, Owen notched his hat-trick and seventh goal of the season, beating a defender before shaping to shoot and committing the keeper before drilling into the net, cementing a big victory for the home side.

At the final whistle, the Gresford first-team squad could be proud of themselves for rising to the challenge after what has been a very testing week for the club.

Meanwhile, Hotspur have moved up to 12th after a crucial three points.

Holyhead Hotspur

Guto Hughes, James Phillips, Jake Roberts, Tomos Owen (c), Corey Jones (Luca Meek 64), Ifan Emlyn Jones (Nathan Williams 46), Jamie Jones (Luke Llewellyn 90+2), Jack Walsh, Cory Williams (Kenligh Owen 90), Craig Whelan, Connor Owen (Casey Gregg 90).

Gresford Athletic

Lewis Dutton, James Smith (Louis Holden 46), Billy Nicholas, Adam Hesp, Alex Buxton (Elliott Orton 59), Joshua Griffiths (C – Daniel Collins 46), Paul Johnson, Haci Ozlu, Toby Gallagher-Keenan (George Walters 75), Thomas Smith (Dominic Deacon 85), Jake Roberts.

ATTENDANCE: 172.