LLANDUDNO manager Sean Eardley marked his first official game at the helm with a narrow 1-0 loss at Holyhead Hotspur in the Nathaniel MG Cup.

The former Caernarfon Town boss took over at Maesdu Park this summer but has had to wait until now for a taste of competitive action as coronavirus restriction have prevented the JD Cymru North campaign taking place in its usual format.

Tudno got off to the worst possible start and fell behind after just four minutes when former player Corey Jones head past Shaun Pearson from a set piece.

Danny Hughes and Neil Ashton both went close for the visitors midway through the half, with talented youngster Morgan Owen flashing a powerful drive inches wide of the post just before the break.

After the break saw veteran forward Lee Thomas forced a stunning save from Carl Jones on 49 minutes, with Dean Seager’s volley also falling the wrong side of the post with 54 on the clock.

Resolute defending from the home side kept Tudno at bay midway through the half despite conceding the lion’s share of the possession, and Owen had another opportunity to send the game to penalties in stoppage time when his effort from just outside the box was thwarted by the outstanding Jones once again.

Holyhead manager Darren Garmey, said: “The lads were outstanding today, we more than competed with them all over the pitch and stood up to everything they chucked at us.

“I would be lying if I said we didn’t have to defend for long periods of the second half but we did it well posing a threat on the break and only allowing them a couple of shots on target from distance”

“Overall, we are thrilled with the performance and it’s great to be back.”