Presteigne St Andrews FC are out of the Spar Mid Wales League second division cup after they went down 2-0 at home to old rivals Knighton Town.
After a bright start in the first half in which Presteigne created some good early chances, Knighton effectively killed the game as a contest with two goals in around three minutes.
First of all Aaron Stewart was allowed too much time on the ball in midfield although – to give him due credit – he needed no second invitation to advance and then hit a fierce drive high to Trevor Gummer’s right and into the top corner of the net.
Shortly afterwards Knighton pushed forward again and Alan Stocker’s rash challenge on Corin Jones resulted in a penalty kick which the visitors put away for a 2-0 lead – although Stocker claimed the forward was already stumbling before any contact was made.
To be fair, it looked like a penalty from the other end of the ground and so few Presteigne supporters complained when the referee pointed to the spot.
The second half saw Knighton start brightly, but Presteigne stuck to their task and they created a few good opportunities with Alan Stocker’s flying header being tipped over for a corner.
But defensive frailites again threatened to be the home side’s undoing as errors at the back presented Knighton with further chances, but fortunately they were unable to capitalise on them.
Dan Farmer was sent off for a second bookable offence in the second half, but even with the extra man Presteigne were unable to break through and Knighton were able to hold on for a comfortable win.
A more detailed report will appear on the first team page of the site at some stage on Monday, 28 November.