Llany had a familiar looking line up as no new signings were in the side. Matt Prince started between the sticks, with a back four consisting of Lewis Williams at right back, Jamie Phillips alongside Player Manager Josh Hayward in the centre of defence with captain Callum Whyte at left back. With George Jones and Sam Roberts playing out wide and three central midfielders Robert Jones, Lee Rogers and Matty Jones. Mike Edwards was utilised as a lone striker.

Llanymynech started the better of the two sides seeing a lot of the ball in the humidity on this August afternoon. The first chance of the game fell to last years players player of the year Lee Rogers who showed good technique to get a shot away however saw the shot drift just over the bar. Rogers was once again involved a few minutes later as he played a clever through ball through to Mike Edwards however the Llanymynech frontman was flagged offside for the first of many offside decisions.

The defence were caught off guard minutes later as a long ball over the top left man of the match Jamie Phillips faced by three oncoming attackers which eventually was well saved by Keeper Matt Prince. Llanymynechs best chance of the half was created from good hold up play from the hardworking Edwards who managed to squirm free in the box and squeeze a ball over to Robert Jones who saw his front post effort brilliantly saved by the keeper. The first half finished 0-0 and was an all round encouraging 45 minutes.

The team were forced into a half time sub with Lewis Williams pulling up with an injury so Ryan Leonard came into centre defence with Josh Hayward moving to right back. Llanymynech started the second half in the same vein as the first, with a big chance falling to Callum Whyte. A good corner was whipped in by George Jones, but Whyte’s volley was inches over the bar. It proved to be a costly miss as from that goal kick Llanfair managed to break the deadlock.

The long goal kick fell to Llanfairs striker who probably had a little bit too much room however hit a shot on target, unfortunately Prince fumbled the ball which somehow found its way into the back of the net. A goal slightly against the run of play however Llany reacted well and were rallied by the loud back four. The introduction of Grant Jones after the entire pre season out through injury was a highlight for everyone.

The game became quite stretched with the home side pushing for an equaliser with the formations getting progressively more attacking as the game wore on. Joe Evans was also introduced with 15 minutes remaining which moved George Jones to the right of midfield, and it was the right midfielder who had Llanymynechs biggest chance to get the equalising goal. The ball was crossed in from the left hand side, George did well to get into the box unmarked but skied the volley over the bar.

So a disappointing 1-0 home loss to start the season however plenty of positives as match fitness gets better in the squad. Llanymynechs next game is away at Guilsfield Reserves on Tuesday evening.

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