Tivyside | Archive | 2005 | August | 3
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Wednesday 3rd Aug 2005.
Newcastle Emlyn 3 Fishponds Old Boys 0
As satisfying as completing the pre-season programme with an impressive showing against the Bristol League Division One champions undoubtedly was, the signing of all 22 players in the first team squad was an even bigger boost for the Reds.
Manager Mathew Price has the luxury of knowing that there is keen rivalry for every position as he prepares to whittle the squad down to 14 for the Welsh League Division Three opener at home against Treowen a week on Saturday.
Emlyn opened brightly taking the game to the visitors from the word go, and but for the heroics of goalkeeper Simon Venn would have gone in at the break with a telling advantage. Venn pulled off a stunning stop to keep out a Dean Marks header and saved at point blank range from Sion Jones.
After a goalless first half Reds boss Price entered the fray and within five minutes gave his side the lead from the penalty spot after he was unceremoniously upended.
Midway through the homesters gave themselves breathing space when Nathan Kirkhouse rose above all around him in the penalty area to meet a floated free kick and powered a header into the top corner of the net, giving Venn no chance whatsoever.
Soon afterwards Nicko Algieri released Mike Preddy who finished with aplomb to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008