HOLYHEAD Hotspur’s survival hopes were dealt another hammer blow as they were beaten 4-1 at home by Guilsfield.

The Holy Islanders’ were undone late on after getting back into the contest in the second period, and Darren Garmey’s men are now nine points adrift of safety ahead of their tricky trip to Buckley Town on Saturday (2.30pm).

A scoreless game after the first period was brought to life after the break, and it was the away side that got their noses in front shortly following the restart when Jack Richards converted an opportunity on 53 minutes.

This was met by a swift response from the hosts, who got back on level terms on 63 minutes, and once again it was talisman Mel McGinness who was on hand to produced a fine finish and continue his excellent recent form in front of goal.

They were unable to withstand some fierce pressure from the away side on 75 minutes which saw Steve Blenkinsop produced a fine effort to restore the Guils’ cushion at a crucial stage in the contest.

The home side threw caution to the wind with a view to getting back into the game late on, and they were undone by a quick counter-attack that was finished off by Jake Cook on 84 minutes.

Their misery was compounded immediately following the restart when Cook took advantage of some hesitant defending to put away his second of the game on 86 minutes to round off the scoring.

Time is now running out for Garmey’s men, who will need a complete turnaround in their fortunes for the remaining seven fixtures of the season.