Presteigne Reserves opened their pre-season programme with a 3-2 home defeat by Tenbury Wells at Llanandras Park on Wednesday, 24 July.
Tenbury took a first-half lead when the visiting centre forward seized on a back-pass that was too short and finished calmly.
The Reserves more than played their part in the first half as they enjoyed plenty of possession but too often they were let down by the final ball.
Despite having so much of the ball, Mark Weiland’s side found itself 2-0 at the break when Tenbury scored a stunning second goal that came courtesy of an unstoppable volley from outside the area.
But the Reserves came out strongly at the start of the second half and they got themselves back into the game when Tom Hooper scored with a cheeky chip over the goalkeeper from a narrow angle.
At 2-1, the next goal was always likely to be important and it went the way of the visitors when they scored with a swift counter-attack.
Adam Crowe reduced arrears for the Reserves with a tap in at the far post, but Tenbury held on for the win.
Despite the result, manager Mark Weiland felt there had been plenty of plus points to take from this performance.
“All in all this was a good competitive game and it was certainly good in terms of the fitness side of things,” he said.
“This was a good start, but hopefully there is a lot more to come from the lads.”