The Saints took control of the game right from kick off not allowing Rhayader any possession of the ball, Rhayader’sonly weapon was the long ball over the top for their quick front two to chase but this was dealt with easily by the Saints back four of Havard,Davies,Jenkins and Davies. Chris Preece Tom Weaver and the impressive Sam Powell were in control of the midfield,it was a move down the left wing involving Powell who beat two men and squared it for Mike Ward to blast home from 16 yards on the half hour mark. The Saints pressed for another having the wind advantage in the first half with Rob Snedden and Gavin Williams supporting lone striker Ward who was working very hard for the team. Sam Powell put in a crunching tackle in midfield and the ball poppped out to Tom Weaver who rounded the keeper to score and to take the Saints in 2-0 up at half time.
The Saints continued to dominate in the second half and 10 minutes in they found themselves 3 up after Rob Snedden beat his marker and whipped a ball across which was met by Gavin Williams who slid the ball home.A freak own goal let Rhayader back into the match when skipper Steve Jenkins headed the ball into the back of defender Mike Havard and it flew past Keeper Bryan Kirkham who had come out to collect it.This was the turning point and Rhayader took control of the last 30 and it only took them 2 minutes to make it 3-2 when Mark Davies outpaced the home back 4 and slid the ball past Kirks in the Saints goal.The Saints defended well and never looked like conceding but with 5 minutes to go a long free kick into the box was met with a thumping header from substitute John Seymour who made it 3-3. Mike Ward did have one last chance to get the winner but he snatched at his shot under pressure and it went over the bar, seconds later the referee blew his whistle for full-time.
I thought we were by far the better side for an hour, Rhayader couldn’t get out of their own half except for hoofing long balls over the top for Kevin Martin to chase after. We panicked when the own goal went in and they got a lift. I thought Chris Preece and Mike Ward were excellent but my man of the match goes to Sam Powell who made two goals and was everywhere.
Final Score Hay st Marys 3 Rhayader Town 3.