Presteigne Reserves maintained their encouraging end-of-season victory over Newcastle in their Mid Wales League (South) fixture at Llanandras Park on Thursday, 16 April.
This was effectively two wins in one as the sides agreed the game should double up at the Alfred Sparey Cup semi-final tie, and so the Ressies are through to the final of our own cup competition.
Player-manager Mark Weiland must have had a night in on Wednesday(!), as he was very much running things for this one and has sent over this report.
“We started very brightly and got the ball down well early on and played decent football,” said ‘Weedo’.
“We took the lead about 20 minutes in from a brilliant cross out on the left from captain Alan Stocker and Shaun Prince headed in from close range.
“Newcastle though settled down and they got the ball down well and started to play with Scott Oxford putting a good chance wide.
“Newcastle then had a brilliant chance to equalise but Liam Hill was out quick and got down brilliantly to save.
“It was a good battle then up to half time and in my opinion the ref spoilt the game slightly as he booked Duane Anning for a tackle which was a free kick but nowhere near a booking.
“The second half started and again both teams came out and carried on as they had done in the first half both trying to play football.
“We then got a corner which Kai Dayas Delivered and Shaun Prince climbed the highest at the back post to score a brilliant header.
“The next 20 minutes or so were dead even with Newcastle enjoying the bulk of possession but we were defending well.
“Newcastle nearly got one back after a cross when Craig Morris headed towards goal but Liam Hill made another top class save.
“Then Alan Stocker nearly caught out the Newcastle keeper with a fine first-time effort from 40 yards out.
“The bookings started and as the ref booked Duane in the first half, he then booked a few of theirs while Spencer Napolitano also went in the book but this could have been avoided.
“Newcastle made a couple of attacking changes but our back four and keeper were solid.
“It was a quality performance from the lads and it’s great to get three points and reach another cup final especially as it’s the final of our own cup.
“Everyone put a shift in tonight and it’s a shame the season is ending and not starting as we’re playing really well at the moment.
“It’s brilliant we’re in another final – that now makes four as we are in the Newcastle, Radnor Valley, Builth Spa and the Alfred Sparey Cup finals, so we’ve got a real chance of some silverware.
“Our next game will be the Newcastle cup final against orleton on the 26th of April so another massive game for us.”