Presteigne St Andrews FC produced another encouraging showing, including a spirited second-half comeback, but were eventually beaten 4-3 by visiting Rhosgoch Rangers on Tuesday, 29 July.
The first half wasn’t looking too flash as Rhosgoch showed glimpses of just why they were crowned Spar Mid Wales League, second division champions last season in opening out a two-goal half-time advantage.
In truth, it could probably have been more as Rhos missed some good chances, although Presteigne also carved out good opportunities that went begging.
But whatever Jamie Allen said to his players at half-time clearly had the desired effect as, from being 2-0 down, Presteigne hit back to lead 3-2.
Christian Roberts netted his second hat-trick in three games, with the first coming after Ieuan Crowe headed a deep cross back across goal for Christian to finish.
The second came when he was put away by a Kieran Lusher through ball and coolly finished under the dive of the advancing goalkeeper.
Goal three came from a long ball forward that saw Christian go up for the challenge with the Rhosgoch keeper and come out on top as he made it 3-2.
But Rhosgoch were not to be denied and they dug deep to score two more of their own to run out 4-3 winners on the night, but Presteigne will take heart from this as there were clear signs that things are starting to come together.
Our thanks to Rhosgoch for providing the opposition for tonight’s game and for Paul Kirkham for taking charge of proceedings.