HOLYHEAD Hotspur’s disappointing run of Huws Gray Alliance form continued with a narrow 1-0 home reverse to Rhyl.

Campbell Harrison’s side were unable to claim a share of the spoils against the resurgent Lilywhites despite a much-improved first half performance, and their 14th loss in 25 league contests leaves them languishing in the bottom half ahead of their home clash with Airbus Broughton on Saturday (2.30pm).

Neither side were unable to create any opportunities of note in the initial exchanges, but in-form striker Phil Marsh was on hand to extend his impressive goalscoring run with a volley to break the deadlock on 19 minutes.

The same player though he had doubled the visitors’ advantage on 25 minutes when he converted another chance, but the forward narrowly strayed offside to ensure the effort was ruled out.

Aaron Pomeyie was the next to go within inches of a second when he expertly rounded keeper Paul Pritchard on 29 minutes, but he was unable to make the most of the chance and saw his attempt hacked off the line.

After the break saw the Holy Islanders finally impose themselves on proceedings, but they were unable to find a way past outstanding Lilies’ stopper Rory Crowther during their spell of dominance, and their task was made more difficult on 82 minutes when Pritchard received a red card to reduce the home side to ten men.

The impressive Sam Downey fluffed his lines when presented with a chance to wrap up proceedings on 86 minutes, but this did not prevent the away side from seeing the game out in comfortable fashion to seal their fourth win in succession.