Hay Reserves came away from league leaders Rhayader Town Reserves with a credible 1-1 draw on Friday evening. Both goals came in a lively first-half; Jack Cripps well-placed finish handed the Saints the lead before the hosts powerful striker fired into the corner to equalise. Both sides pressed for the winner in the second half but neither could find the defining strike and spoils were shared.
Both sides came out of the blocks quickly, playing some good football in the middle of the park at a high intensity. Sam Bradley and Stu Rees were marshalling the back-line well and keeping any danger away from Tom Bevan, although the home team had a number of corners, one of which really should have resulted in a goal. The ball from the right was looped into the box, and after seeing two efforts cleared off the line, and a further well blocked, the ball was eventually cleared to safety. With Scott Powell and Tom Weaver showing their experience in the middle of the park, and Rory Hackett providing the cover for these two to press forward, Hay were soon gaining a foothold and took the lead mid-way through the half. A lofted ball found Darren Horrigan who got past his marker on the right-wing and played the ball to Cripps; the striker, who netted twice against Newcastle last weekend, composed himself and clinically passed the ball into the net, despite the ‘keeper getting a foot to the ball. Hay were dealt a blow soon after when Kiegan Powell went down under a late challenge, hurting his ankle and forcing Tiny Harding into an early sub. The hosts used this change as a springboard to push forward and they equalised with ten first half minutes remaining. A ball over the back-line saw the Rhayader striker spin his man and send a right-foot shot across Bevan and into the far corner. Bevan wasn’t to be beaten minutes later as the same striker unleashed a 25 yard thunderbolt, but the ‘keeper at full-stretch pushed the ball behind with a simply stunning save.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as both sides continued to play with high intensity, and push forward in search of further goals. Horrigan was causing problems, having switched to the left-hand side and his pace and trickery saw him get past his man but fire a shot wide of the target. Tom Weaver also tried his luck from long-range with a free-kick but again, was unable to hit the target. Rhayader also had chances with set-pieces but failed to trouble Bevan. The hosts thought they had won it with around ten minutes remaining when a free-kick broke to the back-post but as the ball was fired into the net, the flag was raised for offside. Hay were threatening on the break in the final moments, but couldn’t find the decisive pass to cut through the Rhayader back-line, and the game ended all square.
Rhayader had started the season well, with some excellent results and looked like a top of the table unit. They possessed a strong back-line, some hard-working and creative midfielders, and a powerful striker who would cause any defender problems. However, Hay were more than a match for Rhayader, citing hard-work, enthusiasm and technically gifted individuals. It was a good pitch to play on, and the width was used throughout. With a bit more cutting edge, Hay could have taken the three points. Man of the match for me was Hackett; he slotted into his midfield role with ease, and broke up play well, before giving the ball simply. He then converted to right-back where he was just as effective. Next up for the Reserves is the visit of Brecon Northcote on Tuesday evening at Forest Road under the lights. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Hay: Bevan, Jones, Bradley, Rees, Powell, Horrigan, Weaver, Hackett, Powell, Harding, Cripps.
Subs: Gilbert, Scaife, Goodwin, Emett, Ratcliffe.