Hay were frustrated in their efforts at Bucknell, as they were held 1-1. The Saints dominated the first-half but couldn’t find that elusive breakthrough, and it was the hosts instead who opened the scoring mid-way through the second-half. Luckily, the Saints found an instant reply courtesy of Kevin Goodwin’s long-range effort but they failed to find a winner despite pressing late on.
The hosts were grateful to their ‘keeper who made a string of intelligent saves in the first-period, initially denying Gavin Williams’ powerful strike. Jake Atkinson and Tom Wilkes both went close with efforts just outside the area, whilst a series of corners for Hay came to nothing, with Toby Johnson threatening aerially. A mis-kick from the Bucknell goalie presented Goodwin with an opportunity but he failed to get the ball under full control and eventually lashed the ball wide.
After a frustrating first period, Hay looked to push on for the win in the second-half but a rejuvenated Bucknell looked dangerous on the break. Their striker somehow missed from a couple of yards out after a cross from the right, striking the post with a tame shot before a follow up effort was scuffed, before an eventual clearence. Soon after, another cross from the right saw the Bucknell left-winger escape the intentions of his marker before blasting over the bar from close-range. The hosts eventually broke the deadlock when a weak looking shot escaped the attention of stand in goalie Garry Keeble. However, their joy was short-lived as within two minutes, Hay were level. Goodwin controlled the ball around 30 yards out before hitting a right-foot shot into the far top corner to even the game. The Saints pushed forward late on with Williams’ teasing cross trickling past the post, whilst Sam Bradley lashed a shot over from a tight angle. Williams also went close with a set-piece, before Goodwin volleyed goalwards in the final minute, forcing a diving save from the goalie, who palmed away for a corner.
A frustrating result for the largely under-strength Hay team, who had enough chances to win the game. On another day, these would have been taken and it would have been a comfortable victory, but the Saints have to settle for a point. Next up is a derby match against Bronllys on Thursday evening.
Hay: Keeble, Bradley, Johnson, D. Jones, W. Goodwin, Atkinson, Wilkes, S. Jones, G. Williams, K. Goodwin, M. Jones.
Subs: Harris, P. Williams.