Saints 0 Newtown 3.
Saints went down bravely against a very talented Newtown. Newtown were 2 up at the break and scored their third 5 minutes from the end to finally seal the win.
Newtown started very confidently passing the ball well in to midfield and then the movement up front giving them the opportunity to build their attacks. The Saints started a little nervously however, settled in to the game more as time went on.
Newtown went in front after 20 minutes when a ball was played in to the 6 yard area where the ball was scrambled over the line. This resulted in a change in formation with Mike Havard being pushed in to midfield and Sam Powell pushing on to their holding midfield player. This tightened things up and the Saints closed Newtown down alot quicker not giving them the time on the ball that they wanted.
Ben Beavan playing at left back was having a good half along with Sam Powell who worked his socks off. Joe Mag on the right also provided good width on a few occasions with the strikers unable to get on to the final ball.
With half time approaching the Saints were looking at going in only one down however, a ball was played across the box only a few yards out. Newtowns striker dived forward and seemed to handle the ball over the line. The referee wasn’t sure, looked at his linesman who didn’t indicate either way and so went to talk to him. He told the referee that there was no hand ball and the goal should stand. H T 0-2.
The Saints came out 2nd half and got hold of the ball more and looked to get at the Newtown defence. They were also denying Newtown the quality of possession that they had early in the 1st half. A free kick from the left was played in to the Newtown box and Chris Preece just failed to get to it however, the ball deceived the keeper and hit the bar.
Hay continued to have plenty of the ball but came up against a well marshalled defence and failed to get the break through that would surely have led to a granstand finish. Ian Jones in the Saints goal made some good stops on a number of occasions and Newtown’s lively sub had a super strike that just went over. Russ Jones had a very good 2nd half intercepting through balls and wining tackles to help keep the Saints in the game.Newtown hit the Saints though with a third 5 minutes from the end to finally end any hope of a come back.
Well done though to all the players who came up against a very disciplined,skillful fit young side. Lads you have done the club proud not only today but in a fantastic season.
Team;Ian Jones,Russel Jones,Mike Havard,Chris Preece,Ben Bevan(Johnny Daw),Joe Mayglothling,Sam Powell,Sam Mayglothling(Tom Weaver),Gavin Williams,Josh Wisniewski,Kevin Jones(Stu Davies).