HOLYHEAD Hotspur manager Darren Garmey was thrilled with what he saw from his side in their first friendly fixture at Prestatyn Town.

The Holy Islanders turned in a very encouraging display against the FAW Tier 2 North League title favourites before eventually falling to a narrow 2-1 loss, with the Spurs boss stating the game “could not have gone much better” in terms of their performance level against quality opposition.

Garmey, said: “As far as first pre-season friendlies go, it couldn’t have gone much better considering the opposition and also the new things we tried out with the shape.

“But saying that I’m under no illusions we have a lot of work to do between now and August 10.”

A cagey opening to the contest brought little in the way of chances, but Neil Gibson’s men did manage to get their noses in front on 29 minutes when Macauley Taylor showed tremendous composure to round former Town stopper Carl Jones and open the scoring.

Both side spurned good opportunities during the remainder of the first period, and after the break it was the home side that extended their advantage when Rob Hughes, a recent signing from JD Welsh Premier League side Connah’s Quay Nomads, netted on his return to the club with 55 on the clock.

Credit to the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side, they kept plugging away against strong opposition and got their reward on 61 minutes courtesy of a sensational individual effort from Kenleigh Owen, who beat four Prestatyn players before firing into the net to half the deficit.

Despite throwing everything at their opponents in the closing stages, Spurs were unable to find a leveller but can be hugely encouraged by their outing against a side that are expected to be competing for multiple honours this term.