Presteigne St Andrews’ build up to the new MMP with Norman Lloyd League second-division season continued at Radnor Valley on Saturday, 20 July.
Although Terry Williams’ side was beaten 5-3 on the day the second-half showing in particular demonstrated there is no lack of character in the squad.
With only 12 players available, Presteigne’s work rate in the first half couldn’t be faulted by Radnor Valley were much more clinical in the attacking third and they opened out a 3-0 advantage at the break.
It would have been easy for Presteigne to fold completely in the second half but, to their credit, they came out and made a genuine game of it.
They were back in the contest when Tom Crichton fired home from 25 yards to make it 3-1 and things got even better when a ball in from the right was turned into the home side’s net by a Radnor defender.
Radnor then made it 4-2 before Duane Anning’s strong run down the left ended with him squaring the ball to Tom Crichton who netted his second goal of the game.
Radnor did add a fifth goal just before the end of the game but Presteigne never gave up and full credit to the squad for their work rate throughout.
Their passing and retention of the ball on a tricky surface particularly stood out while the second-half fightback was impressive.
While I am sure Terry would acknowledge there is still work to be done this has to be seen as a positive step forward against what was a useful Radnor Valley side that plays its football a level higher than Presteigne.