MANAGER Gari Lewis retained his positive outlook, despite Penrhyncoch’s relegation plight deepening in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance with a 3-0 home loss to rivals Holyhead Hotspur.

Defeat saw the Roosters slip to second from bottom, although they are just five points off a mid-table berth.

A brace from Dean Garmey on 20 and 80 minutes, and a terrific 40-yard lob from Mel McGuinness earned Holyhead a crucial win, to leapfrog their Cae Baker hosts in the league table.

“We’re now exactly half through the season, with 15 games played, we know we’re in a battle, but I will do everything to keep us up,” said Lewis.

“The defeat against Holyhead was the same story. We did okay for long periods in awful conditions, and we showed we’re not a million miles off.

“I can’t question their effort and commitment, but we again conceded at poor times, while we’re snatching at our chances when they come along.

“We’re lacking a bit of confidence, and it’s difficult when we go behind. Little things are also not going for us.

“We again had five players out, which means that I’m putting square pegs in round holes at the moment.”

He added: “We appreciate all the support we’re getting, and I know that if we do go down come the end of season, it won’t be for the lack of trying.”

The Roosters started well enough in the rain, with Jonathan Evans firing over the crossbar after making a good run, while Liam Jaques found Owain James who flicked narrowly wide.

Holyhead, however, forged ahead on 20 minutes when Alex Jones got his head to a Mel McGinness corner and Cory Jones got the ball back to Jones, who turned and fired into the net.

Hotspur continued to press, with Brendan Hogan firing over, whilst at the other end Evans was denied by Paul Pritchard with a superb save, just after Jaques had fired just over.

The visitors increased their lead on 31 minutes when McGinness spotted that keeper Leigh Jennings was off his line and produced an expertly flighted effort into the net from 40 yards.

Young striker Liam Doherty, who has decided to stay with the club after pondering a switch elsewhere, came on for the injured Daf Carruthers in the second half as the hosts battled on.

Evans broke through, but Pritchard managed to tip the ball over the crossbar, and there was almost an own goal when a Hotspur defender played the ball goalwards, but again Pritchard was again alert to the situation.

The visiting keeper also had to tip a header onto the top of the crossbar as Hotspur, with their backs to the wall, defended stoutly to deny Penrhyn.

Holyhead’s nerves were finally eased on 82 minutes when McGinness crossed from the right to Cory Jones, who thundered his shot from just outside the area into the top corner.

Holyhead sub Rob Llewelyn Jones also fired a low strike against the base of the post, before the final whistle confirmed Penrhyn’s ninth defeat.

They now face a tricky fixture with Holywell this Saturday, and Lewis stresses there’s everything to play for.

Harri Horwood (groin), Arron Lemon (illness) and Gareth Mansell (suspension) all missed last weekend, along with Antonio Corbisiero, Florin Burcea and Sion Meredith, while captain Owain James will be unavailable.

The Wellmen are lying a respectable eighth, but suffered a 2-1 loss at rock bottom Ruthin Town last weekend.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Holyhead Hotspur): L Jenkins, M Mousley, S James, J Foligno, M Gornall, L Jacques (L James 65), J Shaw, O James, E Evans, D Carruthers (Doherty 46), J Evans. Subs: M Lewis, G Lewis.