The start of the new year did not go to plan for LLanfyllin, who managed to throw away a two goal lead to lose to local rivals Llanrhaeadr Reserves.

On a very wet and slippery pitch the game began at a relatively lively pace, with both teams attempting to play a more direct game due to the poor standard of surface. In the opening exchanges Llanfyllin were marginally the better team with some good movement in the final third the home side started to create a few good crossing opportunities which didn't materialise into a clear cut chance.

However, around 10 minutes in some good build up play from Nash who played a pass into Zakh Ward before continuing his run to latch onto the one two. But before he could release his shot he was brought down by the Llanrhaeadr defender giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Zakh Ward dispatched the penalty to give the magpies a 1-0 lead.

The second half contiuned much along the same script, with both teams struglling to create many chances or play much football with the pitch becoming more and more cut up. Llanrhaeadr did create a few very good chances but were unable to convert.

After a scrappy half an hour with both teams fighting to gain a stronger foothold in the game, Llanfyllin seized the initiative doubling there advantage before the break. Matthew Digwood won a header on the halfway line before some good hold play allowed Digwood to create some space to receive the ball in Llanrhaeadr's half. He then clipped a superb ball over the top of the defence straight onto the chest of Lee Morris who continued into the box before calmly slipping the ball under the goal keeper.

After the break it was a very different set of teams that returned. With Llanrhaeadr making a few changes to solid up their midfield the visitors really began to grow into the game. On the other hand it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from Llanfyllin who really did not show up in the second half. As the second half went on Llanrhaeadr were very much the dominant force in the game with the magpies backline pegged back on the edge of the area constantly inviting Llanrhaeadr to attack. It did not take long for Llanrhaeadr to get a goal back. At around 55 minutes a mix up from a corner saw the ball not cleared and drop to the striker at the back post to tap in.

This could of been the jolt Llanfyllin needed to restart the second half, sadly it wasnt to be and 5 minutes later the visitors equalised. Llanrhaeadr dealt with a rare Llanfyllin attack before the centre defender managed to run 50- 60 yards before palying the ball out wide, continuing his run and tap in the resulting cross.

After the equaliser Llanrhaeadr looked the only team going to push on to win the game, with the Llanfyllin back four still camped out on the edge of their area, and the front two unable to keep hold of the ball or create and chances back into the game.

But with 15 minutes left another two quick goals from Llanrhaeadr really ended the game as a contest, with Llanfyllin going down to 10 men with Lewis Alderson going off injured and no subs remaining it was just a case of seeing the game out.

Overall Llanfyllin's second half performance was by far the worst the team has played in recent months and Llanrhaeadr were deserved winners. Llanfyllin look to bounce back to winning ways next week as they play host to Llanfair inthe Emrhys Morgan Trophy.

LLANFYLLIN TOWN F C

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