HOLYHEAD Hotspur manager Darren Garmey is confident his side can bounce back following their penalty shootout loss in the FAW Trophy semi-final.
The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One outfit’s quadruple dream came to an end in heart-breaking fashion against Llandudno Albion, leaving Spurs’ with three potential chances of silverware this term.
Garmey, said: “We are obviously disappointed to go out on penalties, but the biggest shame for me is the performance over 120 minutes.
“We had too many of our top performers not show up and that is a real shame because I cannot say that has happened much this season.
“Saying that we had a great chance to go 2-0 up seconds before they equalised and then again with almost the last kick of the game the ball tricked along their goal line and we couldn’t get a touch.
“Now I’ve got no doubt that the lads will bounce back as they are a great bunch and know exactly what is expected of them if we are to keep up this promotion push.”
Despite the eventual result it was the Holy Islanders’ that began the brighter and they went ahead in fortunate circumstances after just three minutes when an own goal gave them an early lead.
Albion grew into the game as the half progressed and mounted some considerable pressure late on, with Jack Williams’ goal-bound effort that was hacked off the line the closest they came to restoring parity.
After the break saw Jones’ side finally get back on level terms in the game’s final quarter when Williams was presented with another opportunity on 74 minutes.
This time the talented youngster made no mistake with the finish to send the game into extra time.
Both sides found it difficult during the first 15 minutes of additional time, but Spurs’ missed a golden chance in the tie’s final attack when Sam Ashworth’s attempt went agonisingly across the line and away from danger.
That meant the tie would be decided on penalties, and Albion held their nerve to emerge victorious by a 4-3 score.
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