Hay Reserves fell to their second defeat in three league games against Llanidloes Reserves, going down 3-1 at Forest Road on Saturday. Darren Horrigan had given the hosts the lead but the away side hit back with two strikes late in the first-half to take a slender lead into the break. They added a late third as Hay pushed for an equaliser, in a game which could have gone either way.
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages with Will Goodwin going closest, forcing the ‘keeper into a strong save tipping his right-foot shot over the bar. Hay took the lead when a long pump forward by Michael Ward bounced past two defenders to W. Goodwin, who set up Horrigan. The youngster took one touch to compose himself before firing into the corner. The lead didn’t last though as Llanidloes got back on level terms; the ball wasn’t cleared on the edge of the box and fell nicely to their left-winger who struck a crisp left-foot drive into the back of the net. The Saints were denied what looked like a blatant penalty when Kevin Goodwin was fouled from behind in the box and with this decision waved away, the game turned as Llanidloes took the lead minutes after. A long-range strike crept under the body of Ward and the away side were in front.
Hay came out all guns blazing in the early stages of the second-half; Jamie Howard lifted a shot over from just inside the box whilst Tom Weaver also went close. W. Goodwin couldn’t quite stretch far enough to tap in a pin-point Horrigan cross, whilst Sam Bradley headed over inside the six yard box. Further chances followed as K. Goodwin’s burst from midfield saw him race away from two defenders but he couldn’t compose himself and his left-foot shot was past the post. With the chances being wasted at the one end, it seemed inevitable that Llanidloes would grab the decisive goal and they did just that, breaking down the right before eventually beating Ward with a cool finish. In the final moments, Horrigan curled a great free-kick against the post with the ‘keeper stranded before Weaver was shown a second-yellow, despite seemingly not actually having done anything.
A disappointing result for the Reserves with the only real difference in the two teams clinical finishing. Not long until Hay can put it right though as they entertain Builth Wells Reserves under the lights this coming Wednesday, kick off is at 7.30pm.
Reserves: Ward, Bradley, S. Jones, Rees, K. Goodwin, Howard, Weaver, D. Jones, Snedden, W. Goodwin, Horrigan.
Subs: Ratcliffe, Edwards, D. Jones.