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A glimmer of last season at Latham Park
Druids arrived at the last game of Phase 1 already knowing they had been consigned to the Relegation Conference (Bottom 6) where as Newtown had long secured Top 6 football. An unbeaten record at Latham Park and some impressive results on the road have shown a strong resilient Newtown side, who would be looking to brush the Ancients aside.
Huw decided to mix things up benching Arsan, Mudimu & Rittenberg regular starting XI players, introducing Jack Kenny, making his debut - with Fisnik Hajdari slotting back into midfield. a warm up injury to Matty Owen led to a quick change and Rittenberg started the fixture.
From the off Druids displayed solid attacking football, causing problems for Newtown all over the pitch, Ashton was brought off injured inside the first 10min replaced with Arsan at Left Back a position he's made his own over the last two seasons.
Druids finally got the goal they deserved, Fisnik Hajdari scoring from the spot after a foul in the box by The Robins. At HT Druids were unlucky not to be further ahead than 1-0, knowing that it was a small deficit for Newtown to overcome.
Unchanged after the break, Newtown came out of the blocks quickly and looked a different side - piling on the pressure and dominating possession. This was easily dealt with by a solid and confident looking back line with Peate/Simpson CB pairing. Druids still had chances an excellent run by Davies, denied in a close range one on one with the keeper.
Newtown equalised from a Free kick, with Neil Mitchell scoring. Druids managed to hold on to the draw despite late pressure by Newtown. The Ancients leave Latham Park with a point, following a good solid performance, the Manager and Players can be confident that if they continue to play like this is Phase 2 points will come! the fans were left with glimmers of last seasons epic displays.
It's all still to play for! UP THE ANCIENTS!
