Football

MATCH OF THE DAY: Holyhead Hotspur sparkle at a muddy New Stadium

No-one possesses a broader smile in North Wales football than Cory Williams (pictured right). The striker celebrates with the man who assisted for his opening goal, Connor Owen. Pictures: RICKY LEWIS – many thanks

JD CYMRU NORTH – FEBRUARY 21

Holyhead Hotspur 3 Brickfield Rangers 0

Connor Owen was outstanding for Hotspur

Hotspur claimed their first league win in five attempts at the expense of a Brickfield side which beat them 4-0 in Wrexham back in December.

In difficult conditions, the redoubtable New Stadium pitch once more survived the weather and the fervent home crowd cheered their team to a deserved victory.

The opening goal came after six minutes. Patient, passing play from right to left saw Jake Roberts play the ball down the channel for Connor Owen. The No 10 broke to the byline and sent in a superb low cross which was finished off clinically by Cory Williams.

Brickfield looked odds on to equalise when Jay Richardson latched onto a ball over the defence but was denied by a magnificent save from Guto Hughes in a one-on-one situation.

At the other end, Connor Owen made a dynamic run down the right into the box but drilled across the face of goal.

Hughes did really well again to produce a save with his feet from Danny Jones before the break.

HALF-TIME: 1-0

The second half saw more opportunities at both ends, but it was only Hotspur who were to find the net.

Jamie Jones’ curler brought the best out of Rangers stopper Robbie Williams, but the home lead was doubled on 69.

Jones lifted a free kick from the right towards the near post and sub Craig Whelan stole in to score with a fine glancing header.

Great play from Connor Owen saw him curl one just wide from 20 yards before the 82nd minute brought a third home goal.

Corey Jones lofted the ball from halfway and Connor Owen netted at the second attempt after his first effort was blocked by keeper Williams.

Brickfield had a great chance to pull one back when sub Andrew Vale was clean through, but once more Hughes got down marvellously to keep the ball out.

It was those great saves he made at key times that earned Hughes the man of the match award.

HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR

Guto Hughes, James Phillips, Jake Roberts, Tomos Owen (c), Nathan Williams, Ifan Emlyn Jones, Jamie Jones, Jack Walsh, Cory Williams, Connor Owen, Corey Jones. Subs used: Callum Graves, Huw Morris. Cai Roberts, Craig Whelan.

BRICKFIELD RANGERS

Robbie Willams, Bobby Beaumont-Broadhead, Joshua Watkin, Ryan Davies, Matty Williams, Ryan Williams (c), Joshua Griffiths, Osian Morris, Danny Jones, Jack Edwards, Jay Richardson. Subs used: Andrew Vale, Joshua Evans, Dennis Bates, Thomas Williams, Gerson Silva Neto.