Football: Conwy United FC made to wait for title

Apr 28 2011

HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR 1 CONWY UNITED 0

THE Welsh Alliance League Division One title is not Conwy’s property just yet after Monday’s last gasp defeat at Holyhead Hotspur.

Needing just a point at the New Stadium to claim the crown, United were almost home and dry until Mel McGinness grabbed the winner five minutes into added time.

It was only a second league defeat of the season for the Musselmen – and their first in 25 games – but they can clinch the championship tonight with victory at Caernarfon Town, or if Holyhead fail to win their final match at Holywell Town.

Monday’s clash at second-placed Hotspur was a dour affair with not one goal opportunity of note being created in the first half.

The second half was different as Holyhead started to up the pace although it was Conwy who came close first after 47 minutes when Ian Pattinson drove just wide from 25 yards.

In the 53rd minute, following a goalmouth melee, the referee decided a shot from McGinness had been handled by Darren Jones, a penalty was awarded and Jones was shown a red card for handball.

Up stepped McGinness whose spot- kick was well saved by Danny Stanton, his second penalty stop in two games.

Now down to 10 men, Conwy had to defend deep but their cause was helped by some wasteful Holyhead finishing.

United do not have the meanest defence in the league for nothing and despite almost constant pressure from the hosts the visitors started to create chances of their own in the last 10 minutes.

Pattinson’s fierce shot was just saved by keeper Declan Jones down at the foot of the post, but with 90 minutes up the Conwy supporters could be forgiven for thinking the job was done.

However, this was to be another game with a twist and in the 95th minute a cross from the right found McGinness unmarked 10 yards out and his header apologetically made it into the net.

Conwy were stunned and there was no time to try to put it right as the official blew for time as they kicked off.

There were better fortunes for the Tangerines on Saturday as they won 3-1 at basement side Llanberis.

Ian Pattinson, Ricky Jones and Paul Cassidy all scored in the first half for Conwy whose title cause was further helped by only rivals Holyhead Hotspur’s 4-2 defeat at Barmouth.