New Hedges Saundersfoot Utd (NHS) hosted Letterston at a sun kissed King George V Playing fields on Saturday.

Excitement due to the new team’s sparkling form was tinged with sadness, as the news of the former player, manager and much loved club character, Jeff Hayley’s passing was learned.

A minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sets of players and supporters. Jeff will be missed by all at the club. 

Changes to last week’s line up were minimal with Hewson in for Ryan Lawrence, while the midfield saw the return of Dan Bates for the injured Taine Brace. Fortunately Taine’s foot injury should see him available sooner than expected.

In goal, new signing Justin Silver deputised for the holiday bound Geoff Marsh superbly, mostly as a spectator, but when called upon produced a breath-taking save of the highest quality.

On the bench, the eagerly anticipated appearance of Richard Bambrick after long term injury, provided assurance and experience that will be valuable as the season progresses. 

The manicured pitch providing a surface begging for attractive football, ensured a quick start by the the hosts, marauding full back Gethin Hewson smashing a cross-shot from the right flank, arrowing its way over the unfortunate keeper into the top corner of the goal.

A determined Letterston side defended well keeping NHS goal chances to a minimum, however the attacking brand of football produced by the hosts finally produced three more goals just before half time through the goal machine Michael Ryder, helping himself to a brace of goals, and the ever dangerous and stylish Joe Simmons. 

At half time, tensions were rising between both sides, with referee Steve Badham quickly calming the players down with his usual calm and common sense led leadership.

In a time when referees are an endangered species NHS Utd are indeed fortunate to be able to call on him to ref the team’s home games. 

The second half opened with a Sam Coleman goal after a couple of minutes that sealed the victory and allowed NHS to relax and put on a display of neat passing football underlining the rich promise of the squad.

With NHS being four goals to the good, the management introduced the bench with Richard Banbrick, Brandon Dabbs and Steffen Howells joining the fray.

More goals followed through Ricky Rees-Thomas, Bates and a second from Simmons, which ensured an 8 goal victory with a clean sheet for Justin for good measure. 

Special mentions to the defensive line providing not only a lock out, but initiating attack after attack with constructive distribution of the ball, take a bow Gethin, Rhys, Ben and Ross. 

Thanks to the match sponsor – for the third week, Gerald Hewitt Painting-Decorating and Property maintenance.

Pictured is Richard Rossiter of W&MJ Rossiter & Sons Ltd, polo shirt sponsors with Club chairman Chris Williams.