Things started badly for the Saint’s when they had to start the game with nine men as two starting players turned up 5 minutes late. Thing’s got worse for the Saint’s when 3 minutes into the game when the referee punished Matt Croose for a foul on Drew Page when he clearly won the header with his arms down. The resulting free kick was smashed into the bottom corner from 20 yards by Richie Evans to give Machynlleth an early lead. Hay then started to get on top with 11 men on the field and the Mac keeper made some good saves from Ryan Davies, Jack Biggs and Rob McNamara. Machynlleth doubled the lead after a long ball from the keeper was headed back by Jordan Baker to goalkeeper Tom Lewis but the header was short and Lewis was rounded by Page to make it 2-0. Hay made a quick response to going two down as Jack Biggs beat the keeper from 18 yards after a pass in field from the right. 2-1 HT
The second half started much like the end of the first, with the Saint’s having the majority of the ball and creating chances but Machynlleth always looking threatening on the counter attack. Page and Evans were a handful at times for the Saint’s back line but Page could have easily seen red for a stamp on Baker. The ref only booking him. The referee was heavily involved in the next 20 minutes of the game. Machynlleth were awarded a free kick on the hour which was crossed towards the back post, player manager Sion Jones came charging in from deep, flung himself at the ball and the ref to everyone’s amazement blew up for a penalty. Apparently a push in the back on Jones but there was nobody behind him when he came charging in. Evans stepped up and placed the ball calmly to Lewis’ right and found the net 3-1. With 20 mins left Hay thought they were back in the game when Matt Croose smashed the ball into the net after the ball fell kindly to him from a free kick. Unbelievably as the Hay players ran to get the ball out of the net the referee blew up for a free kick to Mac although there were no appeals from the Mac players. This time a free kick was given for a push in the back from a player running in which was laughable. Sixteen year old Kyle Harding came on for his first team debut and made an instant impact. He ran onto a flick on from McNamara and saw his half volley from 25 yards superbly saved by the keeper. Machynlleth dug in deep and held onto the 3-1 win.
It was a decent performance by the Saint’s who were missing 8 first team players. I feel that some decisions by the referee cost us a point at least but fair play to Mac they defended well and held on for the points.