My thanks to joint-Reserve team manager John Bright for sending me his thoughts on the dramatic 4-3 Mid Wales League (South) victory over Hay St Mary’s at Llanandras Park on Saturday, 28 November.
“The weather put the match against Hay in some doubt but, due to the hard work of the groundsman and his team, the pitch looked in good condition and the game got the green light,” said ;Brighty’.
“After a lively start to the game a lapse in concentration cost us dearly, with Hay going 1-0 up.
“Our lads were deflated and Hay soon doubled their lead within the first 10 minutes.
“All credit to the team, they sparked in to life and soon put Hay on the back foot and, in difficult conditions, we played some nice football and threatened the Hay goal line several times, before we finally got the breakthrough.
“A Tom Hooper free kick out on the right eluded most of the players, but Josh Carini was alert in the box to guide the delivery into the back of the net.
“We continued to push for an equalizer but went in at half-time trailing 2-1.
“In the second half we looked the brighter team and soon equalised with a well worked short corner delivered by Spencer Morgan which was driven home with a bullet header from Nigel Duggan.
“You could see the confidence soar in the players and we continued to dominate with a number of good moves.
“Tim and Josh linked up well giving the Hay defenders a tough day in the office with wingers combining well with the front two.
“The third goal came after a good move down the right with Duane Anning crossing for Josh Carini to score his second.
“We then went 4-2 up with a good move down the left with Tim Office, Adam Crowe and Spencer Morgan combining well, before ;Crowie’ put the ball through for Spencer to finish clinically.
“At 4-2 up the confidence was flowing and we had chances to go even further in front.
“Josh Carini earned a penalty after some strong hold up play, but unfortunately Tom Hooper’s spot kick was saved by the Hay keeper.
“Hay got a 3rd goal around 10 minutes from time, after a slip by Joe Davies, which gave Hay a lift, but to be fair to our lads they continued to play ‘keep ball’ in testing conditions.
“Today was not the easiest conditions in which to play football but all of the squad stepped up to the plate after going two down and didn’t drop their heads.
“You could see them all gaining in confidence as the game went on and we need to build on today’s performance and carry those levels forward into next week’s game.’