HOLYHEAD Hotspur manager Darren Garmey was thrilled with his side’s defensive effort in their 3-1 victory at St Asaph City.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One leaders remain ahead of Llandudno Albion on goal difference with a game in hand following another polished display, with the Holy Islanders’ not facing a series of weekends in knockout competitions that begins this Saturday during their JD Welsh Cup first round clash at home to Montgomery Town on Saturday.

Garmey, said: “I was hugely impressed with the professional performance and much improved defensive display.

“Apart from their penalty we did not give them a sniff and looked threatening every time we went forward.”

Both sides missed some good opportunities during an evenly matched first quarter of the game, but the Holy Islanders’ notched the opening goal of the contest on 36 minutes when a consistent period of possession saw Rob Jones finish well to break the deadlock.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side just before the break when talented playmaker Dean Garmey produced a quick-fire free kick that found its way into the net to increase their deficit heading into the break.

After the interval saw the hosts presented with the perfect opportunity to get themselves back into the contest when they were awarded a penalty on 58 minutes, and James Williams held his nerve to put away the spot kick and give the Saints’ a fighting chance of securing a share of the spoils.

The home side were unable to make the most of this positive momentum despite enjoying long periods of possession, and they were undone again on 76 minutes when a superb strike from Alex Jones restored Spurs’ two-goal cushion and complete the scoring.