Holyhead’s Garmey says Gresford is a big test

Holyhead Hotspur assistant-manager Darren Garmey has said that Saturday’s opponents Gresford Athletic will be a big test come their fixture this Saturday.

Anglesey side Holyhead Hotspur face a tough trip to Gresford FC this coming Saturday, but come off the back of a shock victory over Champions Prestatyn Town last week.

Sitting 10th in the table on 35 points, Holyhead have all but secured their Huws Gray Alliance status, but their season is far from over with a league cup semi final beckoning.

Y Clwb Pel Droed caught up with Holyhead’s assistant manager Darren Garmey to discuss their campaign so far, and the plans for a strong end to the season.

Garmey is unsurprising pleased with Holyhead’s defeat of Prestatyn, and sees the victory as proof of his side’s capabilities.

“Saturday’s victory was very pleasing, as are all victories, but to win how we did against a top side like Prestatyn just confirmed to us what we know this squad is capable of.”

After beating the league champions Holyhead now face one of Huws Gray’s strongest sides in Gresford, who sit third after finding great form under the guidance of new manager Steve Halliwell. Garmey acknowledges Gresford’s achievements, emphasising local players as a key factor for success at this level.

“Apart from Prestatyn, Gresford for me have been the team of the year. They have been consistent all year and their results now, don’t come as any surprise at all.

“I don’t think I was the only person who thought by losing their manager and some key players earlier in the season that they would dip, but they have done the complete opposite and they are a fine example of how important it is to have a strong core of local players battling for the cause week in week out.”

Garmey concedes Holyhead have struggled with consistency, but says they have made big improvements from earlier on in the season.

“We feel the first half of the season we showed too much inconsistency aswell as being wasteful in front of goal. But since mid December we really seemed to turn a corner and put together a solid run of form, and I would put it down to the lads really pulling together showing great team spirit aswell as some big characters really stepping up. But again such is our nature as management; we would have liked to have seen more consistency.”

Holyhead are into the last four of the Huws Gray Alliance League Cup – but Garmey isn’t dreaming of cup glory just yet as they must overcome a strong Caernarfon outfit in the semi finals.

” A trophy would be a great way to finish off the year but we must not look any further than our semi final against Caernarfon, who again are an outstanding side and are really finding form now as they are back to full strength.”

Ahead of their Gresford test, Garmey is greatful to have a fully fit squad available.

“We don’t have the biggest of squads so are thankful of no injuries at the moment. No suspensions either, our discipline this year has also improved vastly and it’s something we have been working hard on over the last few years. Now let’s just hope I haven’t tempted fate with that last comment!”

Holyhead kick off at Gresford’s Memorial Hall ground at 2:30pm on Saturday 25 March.