Reserves win derby
This was always going to be a cracker. After the opening day of the season when Talgarth beat us they have gone on to top the league. At the start of play they were 9 points ahead but with 4 games in hand. This game was going to frame the remainder of the season and the title contenders.
Yet what was clear from the outset was just how big a part the wind was going to play. Talgarth had it behind them for the first half and like last week against St Harmon, we had our backs against the wall. The wind hardly helped either side play football, preventing the ball from running true. Our early chances were, like that opening game, wasted. And it took a brilliant goal by Talgarth to break the deadlock.
HT 1:0
Heated words at half time and the promise of the wind behind filled us with hope. Yet, despite being against the run of play, Talgarth bagged a second. Surely the game was lost at 2-0!
But then there was a slither of hope, Josh Wisniewski finishing off a good move to bring it back to 2:1…a life line maybe, there was after all still time. As the tension grew the tackles got heavier, yellow cards were drawn. And then a run by Kyle Harding resulted in a clumsy trip and a penalty was awarded. Here was a chance for an equaliser- this was a BIG moment, miss and our heads would drop and they’d fill that it was Talgarth’ day.
Darren Horrigan confidently collected the ball and placed it on the spot. Maybe he felt determined to right a wrong of an ignored challenge earlier in the game! Either way it was a brave thing to do and sure enough Darren buried it in the bottom left hand corner. Somehow it was all square, but would a winner prevail?
As the last 5 mins rolled on the tension mounted, whilst the wind had typically died down and was playing less in our favour. All it now needed was a bit of skill. And unlike the EFL Cup final the team on top were the ones to find that bit of magic. We piled on the pressure and with a minute to spare, a great ball from Kev Jones, found Josh Wisniewski who instantly screamed the ball in past the Talgarth keeper. The scorer got bundled and we held out to take the three points. It was a truly great team performance, with the whole squad playing their part, subs being used to allow tired legs a chance to rest.
We have a busy March ahead and if the team can stay strong and together, there is a chance we could go all the way… fingers crossed.
FT 2:3
Man of the Match Josh Wesinewski
Saints First Team 2 Welshpool Town FC 2
Goal scorers Brendan Hackett and an O.G.
Man of the match Jack Biggs.
Steve Goodwin.
The Saints started well and had Welshpool pegged back in their own half for long periods. The visitors keeper made several good saves plus lots of last ditch blocks went in to keep us out.
From a rare attack Welshpool were awarded a corner, from the resulting corner Dan Bowen nipped in at the near post and headed in the opener. 0-1
The rest of the half saw us continue to pile forward but to no avail. Ht 0-1
The second half continued in the same vein but again their keeper and Chris Roberts in particular made several great blocks, the experienced Roberts sitting in front of the visitors back four.
Corner after corner went in but all were saved or headed away, it took a 25 yard left foot shot from skipper Brendan Hackett to finally got us on the score sheet. 1-1
The lead lasted all of 60 seconds as Sam Bowers weaved his way past two of our defenders before blasting a shot past Jordan Baker who had nothing to do most of the afternoon. 1-2
The last twenty minutes we had so many chances I wouldn’t know where to start, however, with seven minutes to go Steve Morgan crossed from the left and whilst under pressure the young full back scored an own goal. 2-2.
A couple more chances went begging as the game ran down but it just wasn’t to be. Ft 2-2
We had enough chances to win 3 games, however, Welshpool defended excellent in numbers. A special mention to their keeper who was outstanding and veteran Chris Roberts who read the game so well by protecting his back four. Our man of the match was Jack Biggs.
Team –
Jordan Baker, Tom James, Steve Goodwin, Matt Croose, Stu Davies, Brendan Hackett(c), Jack Biggs, Adi Lawford, Callum Maddy, Rob Snedden, Steve Morgan Subs Owen Lloyd, Tom Langdon. Unused Sub Gareth Jenkins.
Talgarth Town FC 2 Saints Reserves 3.
Goal scorers Josh Wisniewski (2), Darren Horrigan (Penalty).
More to follow.