TEN-man Holyhead Hotspur ended a poor recent run of form with a 1-0 Huws Gray Cup success over Guilsfield.

The Holy Islanders performed heroically despite their numerical disadvantage for the majority of the tie to halt a run of seven consecutive defeats, and Campbell Harrison’s men will look to continue their positive momentum on Saturday when they travel to Ruthin Town (2.30pm).

The home side were dealt a blow on nine minutes when the influential Dean Garmey was shown a contentious red card for a robust challenge, but they managed to regroup as defend well as a unit throughout the first period to keep them in the contest.

After the interval saw Spurs stopper Paul Pritchard pull off a series of impressive saves during a dominant spell from the away side, with the young duo of Harry Lewis and Ben Hamilton also performed superbly throughout.

A quick counter-attack presented a golden opportunity to open the scoring with just four minutes to go when striker John Littlemore earned his side a penalty after he was felled in the box, and the outstanding Tomos Clarke stepped up to rifle the ball into the net to give them a crucial advantage.

The hosts had to defend for the remainder of the contest, but despite being put under constant and intense pressure they managed to hold firm to seal a passage into the last eight, where they will take on Porthmadog.