Well done to Presteigne Reserves who have recorded their first league win of the season after a 5-3 home Mid Wales League (South) success against Felindre on Tuesday, 27 August.
My thanks to Tom Ammonds for his detailed match report on this one.
“We moved into this game on the back of a huge improvement against a tough and physical Rhayader side and we knew that this would be similar against a hugely improved Felindre side who had started the season brightly.
“Bryn utilised his squad to give game time to some who hadn’t had minutes with the first team heading into the game on Friday night v Knighton Town, so Josh Griffiths, Marco Parry (making his debut), Joel Layton and Owen Williams were all included.
“Presteigne started the brighter side and made the early breakthrough through a wonder strike from Adam Crowe from the edge of the box where he controlled it and then unleashed and unstoppable volley into the top right hand corner from a partially cleared corner.
“The game continued in this vain until around the 15th minute mark when Tom Crichton chased down what seemed to be a helpless cause but got fortunate as the defender went to clear it looped off of Tom who then managed to get to the ball first and knock it over the line for 2-0.
“We then lost our shape a little and we tried to force the game and went back to front a little to quick and the game became stretched which allowed Felindre to get a foothold in the game and they scored the next goal which was well worked down the right channel and Jack Barrett was there with a tidy finish to slip under Liam Christopher, who again had a good game in goal for us.
“So, 2-1 to Presteigne Reserves at the break and the team talk from manager Bryn Roberts was thorough and concise and stressed the importance about not rushing things and moving the ball quicker and that the next goal in the math would prove critical.
“We started the second half as we did the first and dominated the early exchanges and within 5 minutes increased our lead to 3-1. We managed to reel off two or three corners in a row and Josh Griffiths’ perfect cross was headed home by the ever-youthful Nigel Duggan from around the six-yard box area.
“Again we looked comfortable in possession and had chance to extend the further through efforts from Tom Crichton and Josh Gardner before Tom extended the lead even further after again great work down the right side from Marco Parry who played Tom through who rounded the keeper to score his second goal of the game.
“The fifth was pretty quick in coming after a corner was partially parried by the goalkeeper but Marco saw him off line and, with his back to goal hooked the ball over his head with his left foot from around 25 yards – a superb effort on his debut.
“We then made a few changes and again lost our shape and conceded to late goals through Charlie and James Reynolds which was disappointing as I don’t feel we deserved that but, to Felindre’s credit, they did not stop running and played to the final whistle. They are quite a direct side with a lot of pace through the side and will cause teams a lot of problems this season.
“It was great to see a super atmosphere around the ground with great support for both sides and this was good advert for local football.
“We as a group of players would also like to thank all the volunteers who help on the match days from the gate person, tea hut, bar and food staff, without your dedication we would be unable to hopefully put a smile on your faces when we win and we hope there will be many more.
“We would also like to wish Terry and the First Team all the best for the derby match on Friday night against Knighton Town – a big crowd should be in attendance.
“The club is moving in the right direction, it make take some time but it has certainly started.”