The Saints lost 2-4 to league champions Penrhyncoch FC this afternoon in The Spar Mid Wales League Cup Final.
Both our goals were scored by midfielder Rob Snedden.
The Saints had the worst possible start when Josh Shaw was put through and scored past the diving Steve Jones in the second minute.
Three minutes later Ryan Davies was fouled some 25 yards out from goal. Up stepped Rob Snedden who curled his effort into the top left corner of the goal giving Leigh Jenkins no chance. 1-1.
We were poor early on and conceded again in the 15th minute, Mark Gornell’s free kick went under the wall, Jones got a hand to it but it went in off the post 1-2.
‘Penrhyn’ missed a couple more chances before we had two efforts, the first saw Breendan Hackett try and lob Jenkins but the tall keeper saved. Snedden was again causing problems, his 25 yard effort went inches wide.
In the 36th minute the impressive Shaw crossed from the right to captain Owain James who headed into the net at the back post. 1-3.
Ht 1-3
The Saints made two changes at half time, one forced and one tactical, keeper Jones couldn’t continue after a groin injury, Adi Lawford was replaced by club captain Stu Davies, Jordan Baker went in goal and was replaced at right back by Jake Atkinson.
We started the second period much better seeing far more of the ball and in the 50th minute Snedden hit a 35 yard wonder goal after good link up play involving Atkinson, Jack Biggs and Hackett. 2-3
We kept pressing but ‘Penrhyn’ caught us on the break, once again it was that man Shaw who crossed from the right to Jonathan Evans who had been marked so well by Matt James throughout, Evans though netted from close range making it 2-4.
Steve Goodwin had a long range effort just go wide, he also saw his header go across the face of the goal but nobody was on hand to get a touch.
We continued to press but found the ‘Penrhyn’ defence too tough to break down. They had other chances but missed them as we pushed on, the referee blew for full time with the final score 2-4.
The best team won on the day, no complaints from us, we were poor in the first half but much better in the second. When we got it back to 2-3 early in the second I thought we had a chance but it wasn’t to be. I thought Mark Gornell pulled the strings in midfield and the runs made off the ball by Josh Shaw were outstanding.
Our man of the match was Rob Snedden, work rate and two worldy goals worthy of any cup final.
Many thanks to Llanidloes Town FC for their hospitality.
Team –
Steve Jones(Jake Atkinson), Jordan Baker, Matt Croose, Steve Goodwin, Tom James, Jack Biggs, Matt James, Rob Snedden,(Matty Tong), Brendan Hackett, Adi Lawford(Stu Davies(c).) Ryan Davies Unused Subs Rory Hackett and Steve Morgan.
