HOLYHEAD Hotspur eased into the JD Welsh Cup third round with a 4-2 home triumph over in-form Corwen.

The Holy Islanders were made to work hard for their victory by the Welsh National League high-flyers before eventually booking their place in the hat late on, and Darren Garmey will be hoping his side continue their resurgence when they return to Huws Gray Alliance action at Rhyl on Friday night.

Garmey, said: “I am happy with the win and getting into the next round as we are now putting it together up front with new signings Marc Evans and Aron Hughes Jones making us look sharp, but we must stop leaking soft goals.”

The home side used the wind to their advantage in the first period and took an early lead through Tomos Clarke, before talisman Mel McGinness doubled their advantage with a well-taken finish just before the break.

After the break saw Danny Jellicoe’s side get themselves back into the tie on 49 minutes when striker Sam Henry reduced the arrears, but Spurs restored their two-goal cushion soon after when debutant Aron Hughes Jones marked an impressive first appearance with their third following a neat passage of play.

A nervy end to proceedings looked assured when Henry notched his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot in the closing stages, but the home side weathered the storm and rounded off the scoring on 89 minutes after prolific forward Marc Evans produced a stunning strike on the turn from a Dean Garmey free-kick to seal the victory.

Next up for Spurs is a tricky trip to the Lilywhites, who seem to have turned the corner of late after winning their last two matches in league and cup.