The Reserves defeated Kingstone Harriers 3-1 on Friday evening at Forest Road. The home side had to be patient in front of goal, waiting until early in the second-period when a Phil Davies cross was deflected into their own net by a Harriers defender. Goals followed by Colan Badham and Mike Price. In the last minute of the game, the visitors grabbed a consolation goal when their hard-working midfielder headed in a corner from close-range.
The first half was one of sheer frustration for the Saints, as they failed to muster up any decent chances in front of goal. The final ball was far too direct and predictable leaving the Harriers backline easily mopping things up. Jamie Howard struck over from long-range, whilst Davies weak right-foot shot was easy for the visting ‘keeper. Kevin Goodwin came close to opening the scoring with an audacious effort, after flicking the ball over the left-back’s head, he struck a dipping full-volley from 30 yards which the ‘keeper did well to hold. In the final moments of the first-half, David Evans saw a right-foot shot saved whilst at the other end, Tom Bevan held onto a free-kick with ease.
Hay got into gear early on in the second-half, with the introduction of Kevin Jones in the middle of the park spurring the team on. A neat move saw the ball break to Davies on the left and his fired cross into the danger area was unfortunately deflected into his own net by a Kingstone defender. Soon after, Badham tucked away the second of the evening, when he was found exquisitely by a quick, and well though free-kick from Jones. Price then made it 3-0, when he caught a perfect Sam Bradley cross sweetly, directing it past the helpless ‘keeper. Hay had chances to add to their three goal lead, with Jones smashing a left-foot drive just past the post. Both Badham and Paul Ward-Willis went close, but it was the visitors who ended the scoring, when in the final minute, a corner from the right was swung in dangerously and ‘Squirrel’, the Harriers midfielder, got in front of Bevan and his marker to nod in from close-range.
After a frustrating first-half, Hay looked much better in the second. They played some neat football, especially in the middle of the park but will be disappointed not have added to the three goals scored. Next up for the Reserves is the visit of recently promoted Rhosgoch Rangers, a game which is sure to provide a very stern test.
Hay: Bevan, Bradley, Brerton, Bounds, K. Goodwin, Howard, Keeble, Davies, Badham, Snedden, Ward-Willis.
Subs: Pugh, Evans, Jones, Price.