A Matt James hat-trick and a Rob McNamara goal saw off a spirited Presteigne FC in a game the Saints finally won 4-3. The visitors had led 0-2 early in the game but a fight back saw the home side take all three points and move back to the top of the table.
Photos from Stu Townsend.
The Saints found themselves 0-1 down inside 60 seconds after Callum Matthews scored with an effort from outside the area. After this wake up call we put a lot of pressure on the Presteigne defence but struggled to find a way past an inspired Anthony’ Rambo’ Vernalls in the visitors goal who pulled off numerous saves.
In the 31st minute Presteigne doubled their lead when a Tom Hooper corner which was whipped in from the left evaded everyone to make the score 0-2. In fact things could of been worse when a Vernalls long kick nearly caught Lewis out in the Saints goal but the keeper managed to clear the ball whilst under pressure from Matthews.
The Saints continued to pressure the visitors defence and it finally paid off when Matt James finished well from a Brendan Hackett through ball. 1-2 . Just 60 seconds later it was 2-2 after Vernalls saved from the impressive Jack Biggs’ shot, top scorer Rob McNamara was first to react to the rebound to make it 2-2.
Ht 2-2.
Playing with the wind in the second half the Saints could have scored four times in the first five minutes but again found Vernalls in top form.
We finally took the lead in the 62 second minute and it was James who was now playing as a striker who got the goal for 3-2. At this point it looked like we would go on and win comfortably but Presteigne had other ideas and introduced Shaun Prince from the bench. Within minutes of him coming on Prince scored at the back post after a good counter attack. 3-3
The last fifteen minutes saw James hit the post then the underside of the crossbar before a clever ball from Brendan Hackett saw the striker take the ball on his chest and round the keeper to make it 4-3. If i’m honest he looked offside, however, just two minutes later McNamara was put clean through on goal and was flagged off when he was clearly on, these things even themselves out. Ft 4-3.
We have played Presteigne twice and had two tough games, we clearly deserved to win this game on chances alone albeit the winning goal was a bit fortuitous when it came.
Once again the condition were difficult but we did manage to play good football on times, I thought Biggsy played well especially in the first half but the man of the match has to be Matt James.
Team- Tom Lewis, Tom James, Josh Davies(Chris Preece), Jordan Baker, Steve Goodwin, Brendan Hackett, Stu Davies(c), Jack Biggs, Matt James, Rob Snedden(Steve Jones), Rob McNamara.