The Saints Reserves moved up to second in the table after last nights comprehensive 8-2 victory over a battling Cp Llanandras.
The first goal came after 11 minutes when Zac Snape squared the ball to midfielder Jamie Howard whose shot first time from 20 yards gave the visiting keeper no chance. Two minutes later it was 1-1 when a long free kick into the box was not dealt with and somehow ended up in the back of the net.
The homeside laid siege to the Llanandras goal but stubborn defending and good goalkeeping kept them out, the second goal came on 23 minutes after Captain Alec Winstone headed a free kick down into the path of striker John Sly who made no mistake from close range. It was youngster Toby Johnson who headed the third this time from a Winstone cross, this was the final goal of the first half. ht 3-1.
Cp Llanandras were defending deep in numbers at the start of the second half and The Saints were getting frustrated in trying to break them down, the 4th goal came on the hour mark and again Winstone was the provider when his ball into the box was sliced into the net by one of the visitors defenders. It only took 5 minutes for the next goal and what a beaut it was with Howard getting his second of the night after seeing the keeper off his line he lobbed him from 25 yards out to make it 5-1.
The visistors number 10 got the next goal which his tireless running upfront deserved, he headed in an inch perfect cross giving keeper Dan Bufton no chance to make it 5-2.
The best goal of the night came next, once again Alec Winstone was the provider with his 4th assist of the game, his long cross was taken out of the air with ease by Johnny Daw who then hit a 20 yard shot past the visiting keeper for 6-2.
Jamie Howard netted a penalty to claim his hat-trick after Cp Llanadras’ best player on the night “The Stig” was penalised for handball. The final goal going to Gareth Jenkins who had gone close on several occasions in the game, heading in a rebound from Daw’s shot. ft 8-2.
Another good performance from The Reserves with manager Andrew Harris picking out the hard working Mike Havard as his man of the match. I thought Alec Winstone had a good game with all his assists but for me my man of the match goes to Jamie Howard not just for hat trick but his all round game, his passing and touch were excellent all night.
A special mention to Cp Llanadras who never dropped their heads and kept battling from start to finish.
Team- Dan Bufton, Sam Bradley, Alec Winston(c), Zac Snape, Garet Jenkins, Toby Johnson(Tom Wilkes), Mike Havard, Jamie Howard, Ceri Ward(Dan Jones), John Sly(Mike Ward), John Daw