The Saints defeated high flying Llandrindod Wells FC 4-3 tonight in an end to end game and now go through to join Rhosgoch Rangers and Kington Town in the semi-final of the Otway Cup, the other quarter final between Knighton Town and Shobdon has yet to be played.
Tonight’s goalscorers were Chris Preece(1), Rob McNamara(2) and Brendan Hackett(1).
Rob Mac who netted another brace.
It was the visitors who started the better and looked lively going forward especially their front two of Connor Bird and Richie Powell, however, our defence coped well in that early blitz. We came more into the game around the 20 minute mark and had a couple of half chances, with us pushing forward this is when were caught out with a fast counter and Bird put the visitors 0-1 up.
Chris Preece who made it 1-1.
Within a minute of the restart we were level, the ball was played out the right hand side and the impressive Brendan Hackett beat a couple of men before crossing into the box where Chris Preece headed in the equaliser from close range 1-1.
Just five minutes later it was 1-2, we were caught playing the ball out from the back, a quick pass to Dod striker Bird and the striker turned and hit a 25 yard screamer from an angle, a definite visitors goal of the season contender. There wasn’t a lot more goal mouth opportunities, the Dod did get the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside, there were no complaints from the visitors players or bench. Ht 1-2
The first 15 minutes of the second half saw the Saints get on top for the first time in the match and thanks to Phil Davies chasing a back pass which was cleared and then chasing the clearance down he won the ball slipped it to Rob McNamara, the striker hit an equaliser from 16 yards. 2-2.
Brendan Hackett who made it 3-2.
McNamara was having his best game since rejoining the Saints, he was giving the Dod defence all sorts of problems, with Hackett supporting from midfield the Saint went 3-2 up, Hackett picked the ball just past the half way line and went on a mazy run before hitting a 25 yarder which flew into the net.
In that ten minute spell of constant pressure McNamara hit the post, was tripped for a blatant penalty but tried staying on his feet, the ref said if he had gone down I would of give it, the striker wasn’t to miss out though, from the resulting Hackett corner his glancing header put the hosts 4-2 up.
Llandrindod showed why they are doing so well this year and with five minutes to go player manager Gareth Jones picked the ball up some 30 yards out played a one two with his striker and scored with a well placed shot from the edge of the box, it was Jones’ first game for his side since a long lay off with a broken leg(He will be knocking on the managers door for a start on the weekend!).
The Dod did force a couple of nervy moments at the death but the Saints managed to hold on for a close victory. Ft 4-3
The Gaffer was very pleased with the result and commitment of his team, he said “I thought if we could hang in there they might tire a bit after their massive win in the Welsh Cup, 90 minutes and extra time is draining on anyone” “I thought the whole team were outstanding tonight, a few to mention were, Phil Davies, his work rate was unreal, Brendan was creative throughout but my man of the match was Macca, his best game for us since returning”.