Presteigne Reserves would surely have woken up on Monday morning wondering how on earth they surrendered a three-goal lead to lose the Newcastle Cup final 5-4 against Orleton Colts on Sunday, 26 April.
If this wasn’t the original game of two halves, then it had to be pretty close to it as Mark Weiland’s side looked totally in control in the first half, only for the wheel to then spectacularly come off after the break.
The Reserves took the lead courtesy of an own goal, but Orleton Colts hit back to level from a free kick.
Duane Anning the netted a very well executed finish to restore the Reserves’ lead, while Ioan Hughes then headed home to make it 3-1.
10 minutes before the break it looked even better for ‘Weedo’s’ squad when Shaun Prince was on hand to make it 4-1.
But Orleton proved they were never going to lie down and they got themselves back in the game shortly before the break to make it 4-2 at half-time.
But, as good as they had been in the first half, Presteigne Reserves were as poor after the interval, although there was nothing too shabby about Orleton’s next goal which was a fine finish to make it 4-3.
The Herefordshire side sensed the dramatic comeback was on and they first of all equalised, before then popping up with what proved to be the winner around five minutes from time.
From the outset, congratulations to Orleton Colts on their win – it would have been very easy for them to roll over after going 4-1 down in the first 35 minutes, but they clearly rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in.
As for the Reserves, they will obviously be left thinking about what might have been, but at least they have two more trophies to aim for this season in the Builth Spa Cup final and the Alfred Sparey Cup final.