HOLYHEAD Hotspur remain rooted to the Huws Gray Alliance basement after a 2-0 home defeat to Holywell Town.

The Holy Islanders are now five points adrift of safety after a crucial loss against a side in and around them in the standings, and Darren Garmey’s men will be hoping for better fortune in the JD Welsh Cup this Saturday when they welcome Ruthin Town to The New Stadium at the third round stage (2.30pm).

Treacherous conditions played a significant part in proceedings throughout the first period, with neither side able to create anything of note until Mel McGinness produced a stunning shot on the turn forced debutant stopper Mike Platt into a smart stop to keep the scores level at the break.

After the interval saw the Wellmen begin to gradually impose themselves on proceedings and Spurs’ keeper Carl Jones had to be at his best to deny Paul Williams and Josh Maldon during an impressive start to the second half from Johnny Haseldin’s men.

Their persistence finally paid off on 63 minutes when striker Steve Lewis continued his exceptional run of form since re-joining the club with a fine header under pressure to give the away side a slender advantage.

Lewis almost added to his tally soon after when his fierce drive from outside the area rattled the post with Jones beaten during a dominant spell for the visitors.

With the hosts’ throwing caution to the wind in the closing stages in an attempt to salvage something from the contest Shaun Tuck took advantage of the extra space to make an instant impact from the bench to double their advantage in stoppage time following a tremendous through ball from Maldon.