Hay St Marys dramatically snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when they defeated Penybont United 5-4 in a remarkable league encounter.

The MMP with Norman Lloyd Central Wales League (South) encounter under the Forest Road floodlights will live long in the memory of Saints supporters and players alike.

It appeared that the Polecats were on course to pocket all three points as they raced into a comfortable four-goal lead early in their second-half. But the inspired Saints staged a remarkable comeback in a local derby that will be a contender for game of the season.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when the ball was played through to Owain Rowlands, who cut inside off the right flank and eventually beat Hay keeper Ewan Peel at his near post.

Owain Rowlands opens the scoring for the visitors
Owain Rowlands opens the scoring for the visitors (Copyright: Barcud-Coch Photography) (.)

Rowlands then doubled his tally after just 23 minutes after Louis Davies' initial effort from the edge of the penalty area was blocked and not cleared by the Hay St Marys defence.

Things went from bad to worse for the Saints when Penybont added a third goal when captain Alfie Stonefield rose highest at the far post inside half an hour to head past Peel from a corner.

Alfie Stonefield
Alfie Stonefield heads in Penybont's third goal (Copyright: Barcud-Coch Photography) (.)

The Polecats extended their lead further, eight minutes after the interval, when Cian Bufton was on hand to convert Rowlands' low cross from the right side of the penalty area following a swift break from their own half.

Stranger things have indeed happened in football but a comeback of any substance at this point seemed unlikely, even for the most optimistic Hay supporters.

But the Saints’ comeback began in the 57th minute courtesy of Dan Meredith's low 20-yard drive after the visitors had only partially cleared the ball from their penalty area.

The deficit was reduced further 10 minutes later when Ricky Lynes successfully converted a penalty after referee Eddie Pryce showed Oscar Davies a red card for a handball in the incident that led to the awarding of the spot-kick.

Ricky Lynes
Ricky Lynes scores from the spot for Hay St Marys (Copyright: Barcud-Coch Photography) (.)

Hay St Marys netted their third goal through Rueben Rodell after Penybont United goalkeeper Casey Hanby had spilled Gabriel Moore's 69th-minute free-kick taken out near the left touchline.

The hosts were on level terms 10 minutes later when Lynes headed home his second goal of the evening after his initial effort from a Liam Pike through ball was well saved by Hanby.

There was still time for the Saints to find a winning goal, with five minutes remaining on the clock.

In incredible scenes at Forest Road, Charlie Ward pounced from close-range after the Polecats were unable to deal with Moore's low cross from the right flank - sparking wild celebrations among the home players and supporters.