Saints Win Semi-Final. – ⚽ Hay St Marys FC ⚽

The Saints beat Kington Town 3-1 in the semi-final of The Otway Cup at Llandras Park Presteigne.

Goals from Stuart Snedden, Chris Preece and Kevin Jones sealed the win.

After starting the stronger of the two sides we took the lead in the 11th minute, striker Kevin Jones’ shot was saved by keeper Bryan Kirkham, the first person to respond to the loose ball was Stu Snedden who netted from 6 yards. 0-1.

Chris Preece who was all over the pitch made it 2-0 on 24 minutes, the referee awarded a free kick out on the right side of the pitch, Brendan Hackett whipped in a cross which Preece glanced into the top left corner of the net.

Kington had two quick strikers and Saints keeper Tom Lewis had to save on two ocassions from former Bartestree striker Tom Parry. Ht 2-0

The opening twenty minutes of the second half saw a couple of efforts at both ends, again Lewis had to be at his best to tip a shot around the post, Kirkham saved from Jones and McNamara. With 25 minutes to go McNamara’s shot beat Kirkham but came back off the bar, Jones put the rebound in the back of the net but it was disallowed for a push on Will Hirons.

In the 73rd minute Town pulled a goal back, a ball over the top caught the Saints flat, the pacey Parry rounded Lewis and rolled the ball into the back of the net 2-1.

Kington were having their best spell of the game and it looked like they might get an equaliser but a quick counter attack saw captian Stu Davies pass to Jones, the striker smashed the ball past Kirkham giving him no chance. Ft 3-1

Saints manager Tom Weaver said “It was good to play against a team from a different league, both sides we missing a few players but it was a decent game” He went on to say “I thought our defence did well again against two strong quick strikers, it gives us a chance to defend a cup we are the holders of”.

The man of the match was a pretty easy choice last night, Chris Preece he was everywhere.