Garry Keeble on the ball.
Hay Reserves bounced back from their 3-2 opening day defeat at Rhayader Reserves, with a resounding 8-1 won over Newbridge Reserves at Forest Road. Departing manager Ian Jones started in goal, whilst Rob Snedden also returned for the Saints.
After a couple of early half-chances, Hay were forced into making a sub after Snedden injured his head; Chris Preece replaced him with Mike Havard pushing in behind the front two. The first goal came around fifteen minutes in, with Josh Wisniewski chasing down a lost cause and beating the ‘keeper to the ball before sending a low cross into the box where Kevin Goodwin touched away from the covering defender before sliding into the open goal. Wisniewski added a goal of his own soon after, delightfully heading home a fine cross from Graeme Keeble. The other Keeble, Gary, scored the third of the afternoon, following up after a shot from Goodwin was spilled. Gavin Williams flashed a low shot just past the far post and Preece’s header from a corner was pushed away. The Saints were rarely troubled at the back and led 3-0 at the interval.
The second-half provided more of the same, with Hay zipping the ball around on the damp pitch. Wisniewski added his second of the afternoon, when he got in front of his marker to convert a low Williams cross. The fifth goal was perhaps the pick of the lot, with a fine one and two touch move eventually finding its way to Tom Weaver, who in turn slipped in Goodwin. The attacker cut back inside his marker and placed a shot with the outside of his foot into the corner. Having provided the goal, Weaver soon found himself on the scoresheet. Two superb headers from left-wing crosses were converted by the attacking midfielder and he completed his hattrick late on in the match, although Newbridge did pull a goal back when a corner found its way to their right-winger, who struck goalwards and found its way into the back of the net courtesy of a deflection. Weaver then scored his third of the afternoon when he rounded the ‘keeper before nut-megging the last defender when sliding the ball home to make it eight.
All in all, it was a good way to put last weekend’s poor start behind the Saints. With home advantage, and the luxury of a fine playing surface, the Saints passed the ball well and utilised the wings too, which was something they failed to do in their opening game. A thanks goes out to departing manager Jones, who has worked hard during pre-season. Good luck to whoever takes over. Next up is the short journey to Talgarth, when their Reserve team host us.
Hay: Jones, Bradley, Havard, Graeme Keeble, Garry Keeble, Williams, Weaver, Davies, Goodwin, Snedden (Preece) (Johnson), Wisniewski (Evans).
Subs not used: Bounds.