The Saints scored in the 88th minute to beat a hard working much improved Penybont FC.
The visitors took the lead in the second half through a headed goal by Ryan Roberts, Captain Stu Davies powered in a header to equalise and top scorer Rob McNamara grabbed the winner with minutes to spare.
Penybont came to Forest Road with a game plan to stick as many men behind behind the ball as they could and it nearly worked. We dominated for long periods but once we got to the edge of the area the ball was cleared time and time again. Jack Biggs came close with a shot that hit the post, Brendan Hackett also had a couple of snap shots that were saved.
The visitors had a good five minute spell when Tom Lewis saved a one on one and then seconds later a Penybont player pulled his shot wide whilst in a good position.
Steve Goodwin hit a 25 yard free kick which looked like it was going in the top corner but the keeper tipped it over at full stretch. More Saints pressure followed but we couldn’t break down the Penybont rear guard. Ht 0-0.
In the first minute of the re-start we could of netted twice through Jack Biggs and Hackett but again the keeper saved well. It was now wave after wave of attack from the Saints with the visitors looking to counter when an opportunity arose.
On the hour mark a quick counter attack saw a cross from the left headed in by Ryan Roberts which put the away side 0-1 up.
We piled on the pressure but it looked like it was going to one of those days when the ball just wasn’t going to go in. The break through finally came when we were awarded a free kick out wide right, Hackett crossed to the back post and captain Stuart Davies scored a powerful header for 1-1.
As the clock ran down it looked like it was going to be a point each, nobody expected the drama that was to follow.
In the 88th minute a ball down the wing saw Josh Davies do a step over which fooled his marker, Davies ran with the ball before crossing to the back post where top scorer Rob McNamara came running in to score past the diving Penybont keeper. 2-1.
Just when it seemed the game was finally won, Penybont scored what they thought was an equaliser in injury time, however, the linesman had his flag up immediately and after a consultation with the referee the goal was rightly disallowed. Ft 2-1.
To Penybont’s credit they were very much improved on the last time we met, they stuck men behind the ball which frustrated us. We seemed to lack width in this game which made it easier for them to defend against, to our credit we kept going and got the three points we deserved on chances and possession in a game we dominated for long periods.
Many thanks to match sponsors Will and Paula James who chose Chris Preece as the man of the match.
Team –
Tom Lewis, Adi Lawford(Rory Hackett), Stu Davies(c), Adam Finn, Sam Bradley(Matt James), Brendan Hackett, Jack Biggs, Chris Preece, Rob McNamara, Josh Davies, Steve Goodwin.
