The 1st team travel to Presteigne to play in the League Cup. The hosts have had an up and down start to the season but can never be taken lightly. I am sure Fil and the boys will be well prepared. Team news to follow.
Squad: Ian Jones,Josh Davies,Mike Havard,Phil Davies,Gavin Williams,Rob Snedden,Sam Maygothling,Sam Powell,Chris Preece(Capt),John Daw,Kevin Jones,Russell Jones,Josh Wisniewski,Ben Bevan,Joe Maygothling.
Joe Mc is a doubt as he is still recovering from an in going toe nail. Bryan Kirkhan came out of plaster today but is likely to be out of action for up to another 4 weeks as he has to have intensive physio to prevent a reoccurence. We all wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery.
A 2-0 win for the lads with goals from Rob Snedden and captain Chris Preece settling it for the Saints. Full match report to follow.
The Saints started as though they were determined to get a result in this fixture to set themselves up for a good League Cup run, something which the club has failed to achieve in the past.
Johnny Daw, starting his first game instead of the rested Kevin Jones, got himself in to a number of good scoring positions early only lacking a little composure at the last moment. With his skill and balance it surely will not be long before he has the confidence to start finding the net on a regular basis. It wasn’t until the 24th minute that the Saints got the breakthrough when a Phil Davies cross into a packed penalty area bounced around like a pinball before Daw set up captain Chris Preece to smash into the top corner from 12 yards. Half time came with the Saints 1-0 up after dominating possession but coming up against a well organised Presteigne team who threatened with the occasional counter attack.
At half time Fil warned of the threat that Presteigne offered. They never give up, keep playing football and have been known to catch the Saints out in the past with a spirited fight back.
The 2nd half started with the Saints on the front foot and piling the pressure on the home side once again. An early corner taken by Rob Snedden saw him put the ball into the far corner with the keeper desperately clawing at the ball.
The Presteigne keeper had an outstanding game and kept the home side in the game with at least 4 or 5 excellent saves. Daw and Kev Jones, who replaced him in the 50th minute, hit the post and Josh Wis also hit the bar.
Final score 2-0. This could have been a far greater margin but Presteigne deserve credit for the disciplined performance that they put in which kept the score down. Hopefully the Saints can now go alot further in this competition.
Man of the match captain Chris preece for his enthusiasm and non stop work .
Worryingly Rob Snedden went off after 75 minutes,being replaced by Sam Powell, with a nasty knock on the ankle which quickly became badly swollen.
Team: Ian Jones,Josh Davies,Phil Davies,Mike Havard,Chris Preece,Russell Jones,Sam Maygothgling,Rob Snedden(Sam Powell),Johnny Daw(Kevin Jones),Josh Wisienewski,Ben Bevan(Gavin Williams) Unused Sub, Joe Maygothling