JOSH Price bagged a hat-trick as Builth Wells got their Spar Mid Wales League second division campaign underway with a 4-1 victory at Presteigne.
Builth opened up a two goal lead through Dave Thomas, who back-heeled the ball home following a goalmouth scramble and Price, who broke through to round the ‘keeper. A mix up in the Builth defence allowed Presteigne to pull one back through Josh Gardner and they finished the first half strongly.
Price however struck again for Builth early in the second half and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot when substitute, Liam Ryland was brought down.
Presteigne have now lost their opening three games which has resulted in player-manager, Mark Weiland stepping down with Tom Ammonds and Dale Tomkins taking temporary charge.
Newbridge also got off to a flying start with a 3-1 home success against Presteigne last Wednesday night. Ollie Woods handed Newbridge the lead in the first ten minutes but Presteigne levelled when Danny Evans, once of Newbridge, equalised from the penalty spot following a foul by ‘keeper, Fin Duncan McKaine.
Newbridge dominated the remainder of the first half and Woods went thought to net his second before Aeron Powell, rounded the ‘keeper to extend the lead. Both sides had chances in the second half but Presteigne were really unable to test the Newbridge goalkeeper as a strong Newbridge performance preserved their two goal advantage.
The experience of manager, Matt Aubrey and Adriano Giralami, added to a home grown squad of talented youngsters is perhaps a recipe for success but The Villagers will not get carried away just yet and they were brought down to earth after slipping to a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Churchstoke.
Joe Haycock hammered the visitors ahead in the first half but player-manager, Matt Aubrey equalised midway through the second. Kejan Foryszewski must have thought he had won it when he netted a second for Newbridge on 88 minutes but there was to be late drama.
Churchstoke levelled a minute later with Haycock slotting his second before in added time Jay Bishop popped up with the winner as a long throw-in eluded everyone else.