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Druid Sports & Leisure Welsh National Division One

BRYNTEG 5 GRESFORD ATHLETIC RESERVES 0

By Captain Web Jones

Many might argue things have gone from bad to worse and after a 4-1 tanking last week, we were brushed a-side by Brynteg at the weekend. Even those poor mathematicians amongst can work out that we have conceded nine goals in 180 minutes football and that is disappointing at any standard. Several changes were made for the trip, Ollie was given the gloves back so Pricey partnered Robbie up front. Still nursing a sore nose Darren Jones stayed on the bench and his place went to Huw Birkdale. Luke Peate came in at full back with Geoff Hennessey pushed into midfield and Chal dropping down to substitute. Once again I stayed down at Clappers Lane, this time to witness the first XI take on Carmathen Town and to also take some pictures for the Clubs History book. Once again therefore, I took my place on the sidelines 12 minutes late for the kick off at Solway Banks and once more to my astonishment, I was told on arrival that we had again conceded three goals. Now I know young Luke is learning his trade and indeed was not to blame for any of the goals but in Richie, Haggis and Matt Williams we have three defenders who have all played Cymru Alliance soccer and should find defending in the Welsh National League a cake-walk. I don’t think anybody is pointing fingers here, quite the opposite but somehow, that lack of alertness at crucial moments is costing us dearly. Once more we spurned chance after chance and whilst Robbie works his socks off for us, he needs to start taking the chances that come his way and he was thwarted on at least three occasions and also shaved the upright. Pricey worked tirelessly alongside him but with our attackers netting just 9 goals in seven starts, it does start to paint a bit of a picture. I can’t fault the midfield too much as Brynteg do make full use of a Route-one approach and much of the game we were ball watching as it went over our heads. Keeno and Matt had the quietest opening period so far but improved their efforts considerably after the break. I don’t like looking for excuses but I wonder how Brynteg might have coped without striker Craig Goodwin on loan from Buckley who scored all three first half goals for the league leaders and then went on to convert a dubious penalty. To add to our woes, Matt Williams scored one of the sweetest own goals I have ever seen at this level and reminded me very much of the one Sandy Brown put past Gordon West in the Liverpool derby in 1972. Ady decided to take off Robbie and Matt Davies with 25 minutes to go, a decision which didn’t go down too well with the players. They will have to get used to Ady’s wisdom as the Old Fox just wanted to wrap them up in cotton wool for next weeks cup clash. I am sure Ady and Big Sam will have an ace or two up their sleeves for next week but our problems I feel will be best remedied by the players themselves. Heads have been dropping too quickly, if there is a criticism, it seems at times we think we are better than we are. I certainly do. Having been with the Rezz;s for four seasons, this is the best side we have had but we need to be sharper. Keep things simple and play to good calls and stop looking for that killer pass every time. Above all else don’t take three touches when one will do. There were the normal lighter moments that are the norm when Ady takes charge of a football team. A reference to Keeno’s manhood confused Keeno if nobody else. Why did the Headmaster go running 2 miles to Southsea for a slash before coming on as sub. Now that really was a good example of taking the piss. The positives again were the contributions of teenagers Darren, Huw and Robbie plus the improvement in form of Richie Carr. Man of the Match was Pricey, his first half contribution was the best we have seen of this versatile clubman since joining us 5 weeks ago.

The TWA Tea Award went to Richie. Now he really did put the T into TWA for his parking antics at the back of the Post Office which is our new meeting place. In fact, Rich caused pandemonium when trying to convince a little old lady she was wrong for stopping him entering the car park via the exit !! STUPID BOY comes to mind.

Team: 1. Pete OLSON (6) 2. Luke PEATE (6) 3. Matt WILLIAMS (6) 4. Jeff HENNESSEY (6) 5. Richie CARR (7) 6. Steve HALLIWELL (6) 7. Huw BIRKDALE (7) 8. Puaul JONES (6) 9. Matt DAVIES (6) 10. Mike PRICE (8) 11. Rob JONES (7) Subs: 12. Darren JONES (6) 14. Richie LLOYD (6) 15. Paul CHALONER(6)