Presteigne Reserves’ manager Alan Stocker has been reflecting on his side’s 3-2 defeat in their Mid Wales League (South) fixture at Llanidloes Town Reserves on Saturday, 8 December.
Alan felt this was a game that they could easily have won and there had been far more positives than negatives in the Reserves’ performance.
“Lewis Jones continued his great start to senior football by scoring in the opening 5 minutes,” said Alan.
“The 16-year-old almost made it 2-0 10 minutes later when he fired a fierce shot from 30 yards out which rattled the crossbar.
“We continued to battle really well in the first half through the hail and rain in what was an even game with both teams sharing the possession.
“Presteigne probably had the better of the chances, with a Tim Office drive and a Jack Brindley header both being well saved by the home goalkeeper.
“We were 1-0 up at half time though it probably should have been 3-0.
“The start of the second half started as a much more one-sided affair with Llanidloes having wave after wave of attack and equalised within 10 minutes from a corner – an area in which they had looked dangerous all afternoon.
“We continued to struggle to get hold of the ball which was frustrating as we had held it for long periods in the first half.
“But credit most go to our back four of Shane, Ammo, Nige and Nappy who time after time headed, tackled and put bodies on the line to stifle the attack.
“With 25 minutes left to play we were then to go down to 10 men – Gareth Bull received his marching orders for telling the referee ‘how well he was doing’.
“From the sidelines I felt his frustration too as it was in response to a free kick being given after two phases of an advantage but, as we know, you can’t get away with things like that.
“With 10 minutes left and, admittedly against the run of play, we were to take the lead once again Tom Lewis fired home his 16th of the season with a long range free kick.
“My eyes lit up at a chance of snatching those three points.
“However, any celebrations were short lived as they pretty much went up straight up to our end and scored.
“There is no doubt I would have taken the a point there and then but unfortunately, despite the huge efforts of the 10 men, Llanidloes scored in the last minute to win 3-2.
“This was a great physical game in which our lads more than played there part in. I am massively proud of our performance and, had we taken our chances in that first half, we could easily have left with all three points.
“But credit must go to to a strong Llanidloes who were on us all game and to be honest were a very good side with some experienced ex-first team players so, although a loss, I am not too disappointed this week.”