Brecon Corries 1-1 Radnor Valley: Even at Rich Field as two play out to draw
Brecon Corries 1-1 Radnor Valley in the Mid Wales League East at The Rich Field on the 3rd August. Credit: Stuart Townsend/Barcud-Coch Photography
Brecon Corries and Radnor Valley could not be separated in a highly competitive and, at times, somewhat feisty encounter at the Rich Field.
The prolific Joel Evans handed Brecon Corries a 15th-minute lead before the tireless running of Radnor Valley forward Callum Matthews brought the Goats back on level terms before the interval, as referee Mick Pugh handed out five yellow cards as a number of committed challenges were made on both sides.
The hosts came into this evening’s encounter in sixth place in the embryonic MMP with Norman Lloyd Mid Wales League (East) table following their 3-1 home victory over Waterloo Rovers on Saturday. This was the Rich Field club’s first three-point haul following promotion as Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South) champions in 2019/20.
Visiting Radnor Valley, who were facing the Corries’ first team in a league encounter for the first time in their history, had not played since opening their league campaign a fortnight ago with a thumping 5-0 victory at Montgomery Town.
Joel Evans, one of four brothers in the home line-up, broke the deadlock after 15 minutes as he squeezed a header inside Will Fowden’s near post from Rhys Thomas’ cross on the right flank.
The former Rhayader Town winger nearly added his name to the scoresheet six minutes later but his dangerous cross floated narrowly wide of the far post.
Radnor Valley player/manager Elliot Morris headed over the target from a free-kick before Callum Matthews netted an equaliser three minutes later. The former Presteigne St Andrews striker raced clear to calmly slide the ball past Declan Gaydon in the home goal after teammate Geraint Lloyd headed a long ball out of defence into the path of his teammate.
A clearance struck Joel Evans and spun just over the crossbar before Fowden had to palm away another dangerous Thomas cross that appeared to be heading inside the far post before the half-time whistle.
Brecon Corries defender Matty Roderick saw his shot on the turn narrowly clear the crossbar six minutes after the interval before his player/manager Damien Daniels nearly regained the lead with a flying header that went wide of the far post from a free-kick.
Substitute Charlie Beaumont saw his well-struck free-kick saved by Gaydon seven minutes later before Matthews came close to netting a late winner for the Goats.
The striker once again saw himself running through on goal with Gaydon to beat but former Hay St Mary’s utility player Jordan Baker was on hand to halt Matthews with an excellent tackle as he was poised to pull the trigger.
