Fresh from what most people felt was an encouraging performance against the Spar Mid Wales League, second division leaders Hay St Marys last weekend, Presteigne St Andrews FC face another difficult-looking test on Saturday, 25 October.
Jamie Allen will take his side to league newcomers Churchstoke for a match that is due to kick off at 2.30pm.
They might be new to this level of football, but the Spar League has clearly so far held few fears for Churchstoke as they are second in the table and are unbeaten at home having won four of the five games they have played on their own patch.
It might seem odd to say the Hay performance was ‘encouraging’ given we were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline in that one, but those spectators I have spoken to since that game felt there were good signs from the Presteigne squad that night.
It was also universally accepted that Hay looked what Hay are – a very well-drilled side that, barring disasters, is clearly going to be in the promotion shake-up when we get to the pointy end of the season.
On the face of it, a side that is second in the table with an unbeaten record at home to a team with only one league win in eight – were they to do the pools coupons for the Spar Mid Wales League, then this would have ‘home win’ written all over it.
But stranger things have happened, and the new signings who made their debuts against Hay showed up well, so here’s hoping the first team can produce something on the day.
As for the Reserves, they will have home advantage for their game against Radnor Valley.
As previously mentioned, this game was switched to the Friday evening, but then it reverted back to the Saturday afternoon so – just to confirm – the Ressies versus Radnor will be a 2.30pm kick off on Saturday, 25 October.
Radnor are having a good season – they are fourth in the Mid Wales League (South) table with only one defeat so far this season.
That was something of a surprise – they went down 4-3 at home to an admittedly improved St Harmon side.
But they are unbeaten away from home so far this campaign with three wins and a draw from their four matches, so clearly travelling anywhere doesn’t hold too many fears for them.
Admission prices for Saturday’s game will be the usual £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for senior citizens and youngsters under the age of 16.