Hay St. Mary’s were in full control from start to finish as they eased to a 4-0 victory away at Radnor Valley. The Saints had to be patient in the first-half before Stuart Snedden eventually broke the deadlock, and this was followed up by Kevin Goodwin’s strike. In the second-half, sub Colan Badham benefited as his shot was deflected into the back of the net and Badham added another soon after, finishing an excellent move that he started.
Hay had all the early possession and were benefitting from a well organised back three of Gary Keeble, Sam Powell and Dan Jones, who often would step forward out of the defence and start some attacking moves. Half-chances fell to Tom Wilkes and Jamie Howard from long-range, but their efforts were off target. Will Goodwin’s precise pass found his namesake Kevin, who set himself but his placed effort was pushed around the post. The opening goal came around thirty minutes in when Snedden managed to beat the outrushing ‘keeper to the ball and loop it into the back of the net from the right of the box. Soon after, Hay were looking comfortable with a two goal advantage; Gareth Pugh’s excellent run on the right-wing and precise pass to K. Goodwin, allowed the attacker to cut past his man and place a left-foot shot into the far corner.
Hay changed their formation in the second-half, with a 3-5-2 becoming a 3-4-3, as Ben Bevan looked to make more use of the wings. Howard’s stunning volley was inches away from smashing the back of the net whilst Wilkes was continuing to look dangerous with some long-range shots. Placed efforts by W. Goodwin and Snedden were also saved. The final two goals came from sub Badham; the first he was played in by Snedden and a left-foot shot beat the ‘keeper at his near-post following an unfortunate deflection. The second goal was brilliant, Badham picked up the ball on the right-wing, beating his man before playing the ball into the feet of Snedden, who flicked the ball up and looped a return pass to Badham, who had continued his run and he side-footed a volley past the ‘keeper. In the closing-stages, K. Goodwin’s right-foot shot was pushed aside, likewise Wilkes strike and W. Goodwin should have done better when one on one, putting his shot past the post. Howard had two opportunities from corners with both going off target before Wilkes sliced a great opportunity wide after he was picked out by K. Goodwin.
It was probably the most one sided match that Hay will have this year; Radnor Valley had very few opportunities, with Jack Bradley largely a spectator. Bevan will be pleased to get the points, but for all Hay’s chances, they were very wasteful in front of goal. Once again, the makeshift defence were excellent with all three having good games. My man of the match goes to Wilkes, who worked hard in central midfield, and was at his creative best throughout although he will be disappointed he didn’t find the net. Next up for Hay is the visit of Penybont next Saturday.
Hay Reserves: Bradley, Keeble, Powell, Jones, Pugh (P. Davies), W. Goodwin, Wilkes, Howard, K. Goodwin, Evans (Badham), Snedden.
Final score: Radnor Valley 0-4 Saints Reserves