HOLYHEAD Hotspur stalwart Mike Kelly was honoured with a special testimonial against a youthful Sheffield United side last weekend.

The popular figure has been a mainstay of the Holy Islanders’ squad for a number of years, and Darren Garmey’s side marked the occasion with a convincing 4-1 success against the Blades’ U23 squad.

A cagey opening to proceedings in blistering conditions brought little in the way of goalmouth action, but the home side managed to draw first blood after the break when Jamie Roberts marked his return to the club with a well taken finish from just inside the area.

Kelly went close soon after when his fiercely stuck free-kick sailed narrowly over, while at the other end Carl Jones had to be at his best to deny lively United forward Sammy Sharif.

The hosts continued to ask questions throughout the period and they doubled their advantage on 61 minutes when prolific striker John Littlemore converted an opportunity after a neat passage of play, and they confirmed their friendly success after 74 when Luke McGivern fired home to round off another spell of dominant pressure.

Spurs added another soon after when David Williams finished well on 74 minutes, and despite a Joe Lumley consolation late on it did not take the gloss off a memorable afternoon at the New Stadium.

The man fondly known as ‘Ched’ will now take on the responsibility of managing and coaching the Holyhead reserve side, and following the encounter a ‘Legends’ contest took place featuring former Spurs’ stars managed by Emlyn Manly Williams and Campbell Harrison.

Another positive for Garmey to take from the testimonial was the debut of Harry Galeotti, who recently joined from Welsh Alliance side Llangefni Town and made a very encouraging first outing for his new club.