HOLYHEAD Hotspur were left rueing a poor first half display as they fell to a 4-1 home reverse at the hands of high-flying Flint Town United.

The Holy Islanders saw their Huws Gray Alliance survival hopes dealt another significant blow after conceding all four goal within a 15-minute spell, and Darren Garmey’s men remain eight points adrift of safety ahead of their crucial trip to Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant on Saturday (2.30pm).

A bright opening to proceedings from both sides saw chances come and go, but the Silkmen got their noses in front on 29 minutes courtesy of a 25-yard thunderbolt from promising youngster Kyle Smyth.

This seemed to open the floodgates and Niall McGuinness’ side wasted no time in adding a second as Luke Blondel marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal after 31 minutes, and Spurs’ fortunes went from bad to worse with 38 on the clock as midfielder Richie Foulkes converted from the penalty spot.

There was still time for United to rub salt into the hosts’ wounds before the break, with Andy Brown pouncing to slot home on 44 minutes following another prolonged spell of possession.

Credit to Garmey’s men, they came out after the interval with a renewed sense of purpose and were instantly rewarded for their improved play when talisman Mel McGinness continued his improved recent form in-front of goal with a well-taken strike on 46 minutes.

That was as good as it got for the home side, who were unable to make further inroads as the title hopefuls saw out the remainder of the contest in relative comfort to condemn the basement dwellers to their 12th reverse in 17 league contests.