The Saints beat arch rivals Rhosgoch tonight 1-0 after extra time with a goal from striker Ollie Cooke.
Manager Phil Wisnieski had to make several changes with Phil and Stuart Davies unavailable with Rob Snedden and Bryan Kirkham on the bench because both players were not well. Max Walker started in the centre with the recalled Tom Weaver and Josh Davies.
The first half was pretty much non eventful with both sides having a couple of half chances with the best falling to Trefor Lloyd who missed from close range afetr a cross from Phil Davies. Hay were playing their usual passing game with Max Walker and Tom Weaver working tireless in the centre of midfield alongside Gary Keeble and Jamie Howard. The evergreen Captain Steve Jenkins and Josh Davies were supporting down the flanks from their fullback positions. Rhosgoch looked dangerous on the break with their route one style. ht 0-0.
The second half The Saints dominated posession but it was Rhosgoch who had the most chances hitting Hay with pace on the break and the tireless work of Geraint Lloyd and brother Trefor Lloyd. Saints keeper Ian Jones spilled one long range shot but made amends with an excellent save from the rebound to keep the Saints in the tie. With 15 minutes to go Wisnieski put Snedden on and Hay started to pile the pressure with the Rhosgoch back four struggling to handle Sneddens direct running at them. The final whistle went with no goals scored. ft 0-0.
In the extra time period it was the Saints who were totally dominant with Ollie Cooke and Michael Ward still running like it was the first minute of the game. With 10 minutes of the first period gone Snedden jinked into the box and shot with the Rhos keeper beaten it hit his own team mate Josh Davies on the back and the ball flew out to the disbelief of the home crowd but luckily it landed at the feet of striker Ollie Cooke who blasted into the bottom corner of the net to send the Saints team and supporters into wild celebrations. Hay pressed on for the second and could have scored several with Simon Hamer making first class saves from Snedden, Ward, and two from Bryan Kirkham. The outstanding Chris Preece and Mikey Havard soaked up what little pressure Rhosgoch had left. The final whistle went and a huge roar went up from the Saints players and supporters. final score 1-0
A great win for the Saints infront of over 100 plus supporters. It was a great team performance which won this cup tie but if I have to pick one player out for my man of the match it would be Chris Preece who gave a faultless display. A special mention to referee Chris Baynton who had an excellent game in the middle.