Poor performance gets punished in style by Mynydd Isa Spartans

Mynydd Isa 6 - 0 Johnstown YFC

Saturday we turned out attentions to newly promoted Mynydd Isa Spartans with a hope of changing our fortunes following 3 straight defeats in the league meaning we were 9 points behind league leaders Maesgwyn already.

Manager – Paolo Melacrinis had a full squad available to him and by his own admissions had a selection headache for sure! In came the returning Andy Nightingale following his injury, skipper Callum Dutton, Ieuan Jones and handed a first competitive start to young Tom Kynaston as right wing back.

Following a spirited warm-up and togetherness in the changing room, unfortunately this was soon to change and was not to be seen again throughout the game. We started the game brightly knocking the ball around defence – midfield – attack and the manager was pleased as the game plan seemed to be right – for 5 minutes!

A quick break from Mynydd Isa saw our defence all over the place and their striker Worthington powering passed Andy to put them 1-0 up. Then there came the first gift of the game with Harry Jones handing possession to the Spartans midway through the first half and Gareth Jones duly responded by putting them 2-0 up. It would be great if I could say Johnstown players worked hard to get back into the game before half time but unfortunately, they offered zero threat to the home team with misplaced passes, individual battles lost, and the team playing the poorest we’ve seen so far this season. Half time – 2-0 Mynydd Isa.

Melacrinis seemed to get a lot off his chest at half time and was hoping for a response from his players….which didn’t come.
After the worst start possible we saw ourselves further behind when their striker who was clearly offside made no mistake and put the ball past the keeper. 3-0.

The next goal was probably the most frustrating of the day when skipper Callum Dutton seemed hell bent on hacking away at their striker and the referee correctly pointed to the spot. Keeper Zulu almost got his hand to the ball but unfortunately it was now 4-0.

Second half changes saw Ben Price make way for Dewi Reeves, Richard Jones for Ryan Masterson and Perry Shoemark for Tom Kynaston.
The rest of the half saw Mynydd Isa play with confidence with quick passing, and high tempo and the leggy Johnstown lads were chasing more shadows than ever before. Two quick fire goals saw the game finish at 6-0 and striker Mike Whales completing his hatrick for the home side.

Taking no credit from Mynydd Isa for the way they played but Johnstown probably won’t play as bad all season – manager Paolo Melacrinis certainly hopes not!

Our next game will see us face unbeaten Cefn Mawr Rangers with a strong and spirited performance needed to get this season back on track following 4 straight league defeats.