Allpay 1 Skenfrith 1

AS draws go, Skenfrith's 1-1 stalemate with Allpay suggests this season could be all about promotion to the top flight of the Herefordshire League for the village outfit.

Manager Paul Brown was expecting a tough game from their English opponents on Saturday - he still rates Allpay as a main title contender - but if this draw proves anything, it is that Skenfrith have a squad capable of challenging for real honours this campaign.

"To be fair, we played well and about 75 percent of the game was ours. We have strength in depth this season. When you look at that bench it really does ooze class. I have 17 good players capable of being the best Skennie side for a long time," reckoned Brown.

Continuing his analysis of Saturday's opening league game, he went on: "At the end of the day, I think it was a fair result, we had our chances but the bounce was just not with us.

"Andrew Jones was head and shoulders above the rest. He bossed the midfield and stopped a sure goal with a great tackle. He just covered every inch of the park.

"I made a couple of subs, which made a big difference to the game. Steve Phipps and Richard McDonald both came on and turned the screw."

And former Barnet and Enfield professional McDonald could be Skenfrith's golden nugget if Saturday's game was anything to go by. He slotted home a re-taken penalty to put his side back into the match.

"He really is a class act, and at 42 is as fit as ever," praised Brown.

But his assessment of the club's first league match wasn't all 'A stars'.

"We did miss Ian Jenkins in goal. Tim Circus did better than I expected against a good strike force, but he should have done better when they scored from a free kick.

'We certainly missed the influence of Ian Jenkins in goal," he admitted.

Skenfrith face Division One side Bromyard this weekend in the Jock Handles Cup. And, as always, the knockout competitions are as important as ever.

"We've always had a good cup side and our ambition this season is to reach at least one final. You have to push for the cups to get something out of your season, because the league is such a big ask.

"Bromyard must be of a good standard. They've come in straight into Division One from the Worcestershire League, so I'm expecting a tough game. Hopefully, though, with a full squad we'll be up for the challenge."

Skennie did loose a couple of experienced players to injury against Allpay. Defender Kevin Acton (ankle) and midfielder David Ellias (knee) will both miss training this week, in the hope they'll be fit by Saturday's cup game away at Bromyard. Kick off 2pm.