HOTSPUR ON CLOUD NINE

NORTH WALES CHRONICLE

Holyhead Hotspur’s attempt to secure promotion back to JD Cymru North at the first time of asking kicked-off with a 9-2 rout at Prestatyn Sports.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title hopefuls were at their ruthless best to secure all three points, with manager Darren Garmey praising the clinical nature of his side’s efforts on their return to competitive action.

He said: “We were ruthless from start to finish. Three points was all that mattered with it being the season opener but the way we did it was impressive.”

Things got off to the best possible start for the away side, who went ahead after just four minutes when Rob Jones turned in a chance, and Garmey’s side doubled their tally soon after when Dewi Thomas doubled their advantage with seven on the clock.

The visitors all-but sealed their win with just half an hour gone thanks to a Kenleigh Owen penalty that resulted in Cy Williams being dismissed for handball, but the hosts responded well and got themselves back into the game thanks to a fine finish from Dean Hyland with 40 gone.

After the break saw the away side stamp their authority on proceedings from the outset, which saw them secure three goals in quick succession from Jones, Thomas and Chris Jones to give them an unassailable cushion heading into the final quarter.

An own goal on 71 minutes increased the Holy Islanders’ advantage further, and Chris Jones took advantage of some hesitant defending to fire in an eighth in the closing stages.

Tom MacDougall did manage another consolation for the home side late on, but Chris Jones managed to round off an exceptional individual display with his hat-trick in stoppage time to complete the rout, with Sports reduced to nine in the dying moments of the encounter when James Cairns was shown a second yellow.

RHYL JOURNAL

Prestatyn Sports’ Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One campaign got off to a poor start as they were thumped 9-2 at home by Holyhead Hotspur.

The title contenders laid down an early season marker at the expense of Sion Williams and John Hargreaves’ side, who were not helped by having two men sent off during the clash.

They will look to put this disappointing result behind them during Tuesday’s trip to newly promoted Glan Conwy, before a tricky looking visit to Llanberis on Saturday.

Things got off to the worst possible start for the home side, who fell behind after just four minutes when Rob Jones turned in a chance, and Darren Garmey’s side doubled their tally soon after then Dewi Thomas doubled their advantage with seven on the clock.

The visitors all-but sealed their win with just half an hour gone thanks to a Kenleigh Owen penalty that results in the first Sports’ player being dismissed, but the hosts responded well and got themselves back into the game thanks to a fine finish from Dean Hyland with 40 gone.

After the break saw the away side stamp their authority on proceedings from the outset, which saw them secure three goals in quick succession from Jones, Thomas and Chris Jones to give them an unassailable cushion heading into the final quarter.

An own goal on 71 minutes increased the Holy Islanders’ advantage further, and Chris Jones took advantage of some hesitant defending to fire in an eighth in the closing stages.

Tom MacDougall did manage another consolation for the home side late on, but Chris Jones managed to round off an exceptional individual display with his hat-trick in stoppage time to complete the rout, with Sports reduced to nine in the dying moments of the encounter.