BANGOR City lost further ground in the early stages of the Huws Gray Alliance season as they were held to a 1-1 home draw against Holyhead Hotspur.

The Citizens were left frustrated after a battling display from the Holy Islanders, who picked up their first point of the second tier campaign as they look to bounce back from a poor start.

Craig Harrison’s men face a huge test of their championship credentials this Saturday when they make the trip to unbeaten league leaders Airbus Broughton, with Spurs welcoming Prestatyn Town to the New Stadium (both 2.30pm).

The home side made a positive start to proceedings and almost went ahead early on when Marc Williams spurned a good opportunity, but it was Darren Garmey’s men who drew first blood when Luke McGivern penetrated the City rearguard and produced a stunning chip over Chris Mullock to give them a shock lead.

This was met by a strong response from the hosts, who had another good opportunity when Steven Hewitt fired wide and Jake Phillips hitting the side-netting after a collision between Spurs’ stopper Carl Jones and Robbie Parry.

The visitors were looking dangerous on the break and Jamie Roberts fluffed his lines on 43 minutes when he was put through on goal, whilst at the other end Alex Jones and Tomos Clarke came up with superb blocks to keep their cushion heading into the interval.

After the break saw the Citizens get back on level terms on the hour mark when a fine passing move presented a chance to Alex Darlington, who produced a composed finish past Jones to square-up the contest.

They had a golden chance to get their noses in front on 74 minutes when City were awarded a penalty, but Tom Field’s spot kick was superbly diverted by Jones to ensure both sides had something to show for their efforts after a very entertaining derby clash.