Football: Glan Conwy FC go down to Hotspur defeat

Dec 9 2010

HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR 1 GLAN CONWY 0

GLAN Conwy put up a great show at the New Stadium on Saturday before being sunk by an 89th minute winner from Holyhead’s new signing Jay Gibbs.

A tight Cookson Cup encounter on a heavy Anglesey pitch looked to be heading for extra time until former Tranmere Rovers trainee Gibbs scored with a 25-yard cracker.

The teenager’s international clearance to play for the Harbourmen after two years at Prenton Park only came through in the week before the game.

In a nip-and-tuck opening, visiting defender Tom Rooney made a timely interception as Barry Haigh looked set to score and Gibbs drove just wide before home keeper Declan Jones saved superbly from Gareth Davies.

Glan keeper Arron Peel denied Dean Garmey with his legs, then Haigh put the ball in the net from a corner but the goal was disallowed by the match official.

Mel McGinness went close before the break for the islanders with Andy Booker doing likewise for Glan with an effort which skimmed narrowly wide.

After the interval good Glan Conwy defending continued to frustrate the Harbourmen, although Garmey hit one attempt just off target, then the excellent Peel clutched the ball on the goal-line when McGinness’ header looked netbound.

Hotspur suffered a blow on 75 minutes when former Wales Under-19 international Kenleigh Owen was dismissed for a second yellow card.

He had been cautioned in the first half for an alleged dive when claiming a penalty and followed up with a bad challenge which brought about his demise.

Glan now raised their game but the home defence was solid and young Jones pulled off a fine stop from Davies.

Added time was looming when Gibbs received the ball 25 yards out but there looked to be no danger until the new recruit let fly with a stunning shot which rocketed into the net.

If there is an improvement in the icy weather which has devastated the local fixture programme Glan Conwy will visit Denbigh Town for a league match this Saturday (2pm).