The Saints lost by the odd goal but it could of been more if it wasn’t for Steve Price in the Hay goal who had an outstanding game. It was an own goal by Wes Evans which finally beat him although Presteigne were worthy winners on the day.
The following report was written by Paul Worts.
An own goal from former Presteigne defender, Wes Evans proved the difference as Tim Broome’s side collected the Spar Mid Wales League spoils in front of a good Boxing Day crowd. Even the most fervent Hay supporters however would have to admit, Presteigne were well worth the points from a local derby that never reached any great heights and the margin of victory would have been greater but for Saints ‘keeper, Stephen Price.
Presteigne made all the early running and Price was quick off his line when Gareth Mansell chased a throughball from Joel Leversedge while Phil Davies headed against his own post from Danny Tolley’s free-kick. At the other end, Josh Wisniewski fired straight at Ian Havard and Gareth Jenkins had a headed chance at the far post from a Steve Goodwin cross as Hay looked to gain a foot hold in the game but it was Presteigne who deservedly took the lead on 21 minutes. The goal came in unfortunate fashion for defender, Evans, who was Presteigne’s Player of the Year last season, as he headed a long throw-in from Luke Boundford into his own net. Sean Prince, straight after, headed at Price following a cross from Nick Evans. Leversedge, who had an excellent first half, then missed a chance from six yards after a move he had started himself.
Havard produced a double save from Will Goodwin and Kevin Jones at the beginning of the second half but Price was far the busier ‘keeper. There are few better than “Becksy” when it comes to one on one situations and he saved from Prince and twice from Nick Evans as Presteigne searched for the important second goal. Danny Tolley blazed over after bursting clear on the right and Mansell squandered yet another chance. And Price’s heroics plus Presteigne’s failure in front of goal might well have proved costly for the visitors with Joel Layton forced to clear off the line from Hay substitute, Stuart Davies whose first touch was a header from a Jones corner which had Havard beaten.
Team- Steve Price, Josh Davies, Chris Preece(c)(Stu Davies), Wes Evans(Tom Weaver), Phil Davies, Will Goodwin(John Sly), Steve Goodwin, Sam Powell, Gareth Jenkins, Kevin Jones, Josh Wisniewski.
Man of the match Steve Becksy Price in action.