Presteigne Juniors Under 17s put up a good showing in their home HFL game against Pegasus Juniors Colts, but ultimately they found their Hereford-based opponents too strong on the day when they met at Llanandras Park on Sunday, 30 November.
My thanks to joint-manager Haydn Williams for sending me a report on the game and it does sound as though Presteigne’s squad again gave a good account of themselves.
“We pushed unbeaten Pegasus all the way in a game that was good to watch and which was played in then right spirit,” said Haydn.
“We started strongly creating several changes but fell behind midway though the first half when a Peggy centre back rose unchallenged to head in a corner.
“It was harsh on Presteigne but we refused to let our heads go down and played some good football.
“The Peggy keeper made some blinding saves, especially from a Kieran Lusher free kick, which he somehow finger tipped around the post when it was heading for the top corner.
“He then saved again from Tom Crichton and a couple of times from Josh Gardner before Presteigne deservedly drew level.
“After great work from Tom and Josh Gardner down the right , Luke Saunders was on hand to fire home an unstoppable half-volley into the net.
“The second half was another even affair, but Peggy took the lead again after a defensive mix up and they then soon added another to make it 3-1.
“We continued to battle on and Josh Gardner finished well to reduce the deficit to a single goal again.
“We pushed for the leveller, but Peggy defended very well and they then added a fourth with the last kick of the game.
“We were pleased with the 100% commitment shown today after what had been a disappointing display last week.
“Well done lads, as this was a good game of football that really could have gone either way – the joint men-of-the-match were Luke Saunders and Joe Bicknell, while next week we will travel to Leominster.”