WEEK 23: 13TH APRIL 2024

SAINTS FIRST TEAM SO CLOSE, RESSIES & B’S STAY ON COURSE, HEARTBREAK FOR THE A’S

Our First Team showed their quality and commitment as they swept past Vincent’s to take another 3 points and leave themselves needing 1 point to become League Champions, the club wait is agonising as everyone wants to unleash a celebration. Our Ressies blew away Old Cliftonian’s with 4 goals from top marksman Will Truscott who now has over 200 gaols for Saints, a massive achievement for such a top bloke. Graeme Simmonite ’s B’s fought back from a two goal deficit to earn a point and remain on target to securing honours in Division 4.

The A Team had real heartbreak, after conceding an early goal, they pounded away at Torpedo, but the equaliser would not come, and missing a second half penalty and seeing every attack thwarted despite every player giving 110%, this team will fight back but time is running out.

Saturday 13th April 2024 Match Reports

DIVISION 1

ELLIOTT LAKE – THAT’S YOUR HEADLINE

Clifton St. Vincent’s 0 - Saints Old Boys 3

SUPPORTERS TREATED TO A SCREAMER & JUBILANT SCENES

Back to league action this week following a fantastic performance and resounding cup victory last time out. We faced a good Vincents side, who are considerably better than their league position suggests, in a huge game for the Club. We knew that a win would mean only a giant swing in goal difference would prevent us winning the Division 1 title for the first time since 1990. The anticipation was palpable in the changing rooms.

We welcomed back our Skipper Ben Hibbard and drafted in Yaz to the squad, both men gave us great options from the bench. That meant we started with Jay Powell in goal, Baz, Tommo, Birch and Terry at the back, Lakey and Ace in the middle of the park, Danny, Jack and Thay supported Braidie who led the line up front.

We wanted to start on the front foot and overwhelm our opponents with running off the ball and giving each other options when we had the ball. We did just that. We were first to every loose ball, fierce in the tackle and composed on the ball. Baz and Danny down the left, supported by Jack inside, were causing Vincents problems repeatedly. Every time they looked up they had Braidie as an option and his strength and touch were of a different class. In the first half we must have had 8 or 9 corners, unfortunately though we couldn’t make them count. Down the right, Terry was battling a bout of tonsillitis but showed steely grit to get through. He dedication to his team mates exemplifies what our side is all about. His partner in crime down that flank, Thay, was doing what he does best - terrorising his opposite number with his trickery and pace. The first 15 minutes we were camped inside the Vincents half, despite the breeze being in our faces.

It looked as though the deadlock would be broken by one of the neat passing moves we were stringing together around their box but that’s not how it played out. Instead we were to witness a goal of the season contender from Lakey. The ball was whipped into the box from out on the left and headed away by the centre half and outside the 18 yard box. Lakey was first to react to the second ball and from 20 yards out, met it on the half volley with his right peg. It was the crispest of strikes and the ball fizzed through the air 3 feet off the ground, it started outside of the right post and was rising and bending…..it whistled past the keeper and just inside the upright! Roy of the Rovers stuff!! An absolute worldy and the lads on the pitch and on the line went berserk! 1-0 Saints.

Vincents were not a match for us in terms of ability but they are a proud and experienced side. They were never going to lay down and they rallied. The last 20 minutes of the first half was a more even contest as it become a bit scrappy and was peppered with individual duels. The middle of the pitch though was being dominated by Lakey. I don’t think there was a 50/50 that he didn’t win or a second ball he didn’t go and claim. At the back Birch and Tommo were outstanding in snuffing any danger before it became an issue and what more can you say about Jay Powell in goal, his marshalling of our defensive unit is crucial to us. He let us have a bollocking 10 mins before half time for dropping too deep and we listened. Half time 1-0.

No changes at the break, we didn’t need them. We simply needed to go back to playing our football and moving it quickly. Now with a gentle breeze at our back we had to get the job done. We were better after the interval and Jack Middleton was everywhere, constantly popping up with the ball in tight areas and creating space for us. He was involved in every move we put together and partnered Braid excellently. We needed that second goal though to seal the points, as even though CSV hadn’t created anything, we didn’t want a nervy last 10.

At the hour mark Yaz replaced Terry and we shuffled the pack. Lakey dropped to right back and Yaz played alongside Ace in the middle of the pitch, immediately bringing his dynamism to the game. Lakey didn’t let his deeper position affect the influence he was having on the game however and with 20 mins left, he picked the ball up on the half way line and played a fantastic slide rule pass down the right flank to set Thay racing against their left back. Vincents tried to double up on him but you need more than that to match Thay’s pace, power and feet. He beat them both to gain half a yard and drilled a dangerous, low cross across the box which was a nightmare for the defence. Dan Slade had made a great run from the left, to meet the ball and showed great touch to divert it past the flailing keeper to double our lead! 2-0 and once again, we celebrated properly.

The points were in the bag, we just had to see the game out now. However, goal difference could still be how this title is won and Jay Powell now has a taste for assists. Following an offside, he pinged a freekick deep into their box and Braidie Cole showed incredible skill to head the ball from an acute angle into the far corner to make it 3-0 with the last kick (header) of the game!!! Another brilliant goal and just the reward Braid's tireless performance deserved.

Huge, massive, gigantic thank yous to all those on the line. Too many to mention but we noticed you all, thank you so much. Thanks as always to the Chairman for flag duties. We’re almost there but we still need a result against Sneyd to wrap things up.

DIVISION 2

FOUR GOAL TRUSCOTT SALVO – KEEPS THE RESSIES IN TH HUNT

Saints Old Boys 5 - Old Cliftonian’s 3

OVER 200 GOALS FROM TOP MARKSMAN

Sunny but breezy conditions faced a much-changed Saints reserves side versus bottom dwellers Old Cliftonians who, after our previous encoutner knew would be a tough match up despite their lowly status in the division.

4-3-3: Stephens; Bunting, Flack, Slade J ©, Davies E; Holland, Slade C, Poland; Kissoon, Truscott, Pring: Cheek providing the change up.

No less than 3 debutants for me today; Bunting, Flack and Cheek came in the Saints pack was shuffled to maintain title challenges elsewhere

We kicked off with the breeze but were very much under pressure with the oppo and their only good player finding a lot of space…the game was chaos from the off and, but for the grace of them not having a decent finisher could not find the lead.…..speaking of a decent finisher, we have Will Truscott, somewhat “stuck” on 199 goals for Saints for a couple of weeks, was put into a half chance by Cam and Roo….Truscott showed the Old C's lads what a good striker is by popping in his 200th goal…. The difference.

Old C's pressed on and on but were reduced to long range shots way off target but when they did get through, Isaac was there defiant as ever. 1 became 2 for us as once again we showed how efficiency in finishing is crucial in games such as this. Roo this time on hand to notch home after Truscott cross / shot across the face of goal. Here we go!! 2 shots 2 goals for Saints 0 from 6+ for them. This did not deter the oppo and they flooded forward. Josh, as ever martialled and cajoled the back 4. Ash and Toby had their work cut out but were up to the challenge. They pulled one back and the tennis nature of the game kept things wide open…. 2-1 at half time and breathers very much needed!

Cheek came in for his debut at right back for Toby who, to his credit looked very good at right despite it not being his natural home, a great attitude and steady first 45 for us!

We kicked off and almost instantly went under pressure dealing with several corners, long throws, shots, crosses - the lot! "big mitts" Stephens was equal to everything and tipped a very good save over the bar. Once again, a sucker punch as we went 3-1 up…Truscott again, popping one home and the ping pong continued….. We went to 3-2, then 4-2, 5-2 and 5-3. Truscott completing his hattrick after Kisson long throw was flicked on by Slade, kept alive by Pring and poked home by Truscott. He added a 4th from 1/4 on inch away….a proper rout.

We held firm against a plucky outfit. Our class shone out and we were gritty in defence and caught them on the break. Our shots: goal ratio was high almost 100% and theirs was about 10%:

Truscott literally the difference, you don’t score 203 goals at almost a goal / game by accident, legend of a striker

The ten others on the pitch did their part always keeping us ahead and keeping our cool. Harvey put in a particularly big shift for us despite being in and out of our squad and Edwin deserves credit for filling in at left back with us a little bit short.

The debutants did superbly stepping into the squad like they had always been here.

Buoyed by the news that Sneyd and Torps drew….we remain very much in the mix with 2 league games to go!!

Cheers to those who popped by and watch, and it was particularly special to be able to chat to Ben on the sidelines who has been recovering from serious illness, another victory in itself.

Cheers and UTS

Sladey

DIVISION 3

TWO SLIPS LEAVE A’S DISAPPOINTED

Torpedo A 1 - Saints Old Boys 0

THE COMMITMENT DESERVED MORE – MANY GREAT PERFORMANCES

Saints line: Dave Sims, Chris Desallais, Mark Endicott, Ed Tye, Jordan Reed, Eric Oppenoorth, Steve Mitchell, Ameer Abouzaid, Jamie Burling, Brian Taylor and Tom Phipps. The bench had Tom Symons and the returning Matt Harris.

This was the title decider both teams having only lost 1 game all season, and it saw yet another changed line up but packed with quality and commitment. The game was though only 4 minutes old when a lapse in midfield and then allowing the Torpedo striker to run off the back Torpedo took the lead as the striker slotted home the one on one with Dave who had no chance as it was a cool finish and 0-1 down.

Saints though showed true grit as they then started to play their own game and Sims, Desallais, Endicott, Tye and Reed were superb, they continued to dominate for the entire 90 minutes all having top games. In midfield skipper Steve Mitchell was leading as always by example, he covered every blade of grass and was often the springboard for the attack. Ameer who stepped in to help competed for every ball in a congested midfield supported by both Eric and Jamie who were both top class. The game ebbed and flowed as Torpedo had the wind, but Tom Phipps and Brian up top were working tirelessly even though Torpedo operated a blanket defence.

Half-Time 0-1

The second half saw Saints dominate, Matt Harris entered the fray and he immediately added value, the elements were now in Saints favour and it proved decisive as they pounded away at the Torpedo backline. Chances were few and far between and the ball would not fall to allow clear strikes but it was Saints in the ascendancy. The break through came when Saints were awarded a penalty and top corer Brian took the responsibility and unfortunately saw his spot kick saved and to Brian’s credit he did not let his head go down he gave everything.

Although our talisman Chris Nic’s was missing I know he would have been proud of all the lads who physically could not have done anymore, it was cruel but it will only spur us on to win our remaining league and cup games. So many players were outstanding and we owe our thanks to club Vice President Pete Harrington who ran the line for us.

Great to have Foordy, Corey, Ben on the line in support it wa smuch appreciated. Still hurting today but lets get the winning ways back on Tuesday evening

Edge

DIVISION 4

SAINTS SPIRIT SHOWS WHy THEY ARE ON TOP

NCSF United 2 - Saints Old Boys B 2

ALDEN STRIKE INSPIRES COMEBACK

1st Versus 3rd in Div 4. NCSF although having played a game more had come out of nowhere and were the form team in the league having put rival title challengers Retainers to the sword a few week previous.

Evans returned in goal. A back four of Mund, Watson, Walker and Duff. Captain D’Arcy and McIntyre in midfield with Marshall at no 10. Alden and Pidgeon provided the width to Hayes up front. A strong bench of Simmonite, Wilson and Sayers.

NCSF were fired up. Pre match huddles and a lot of braveheart style screaming, mostly from the Goalkeeper who had potentially taken too much pre-workout. But Saints weren’t going to be rattled and remained calm and composed. But it was NCSF who came out the blocks faster. The usual impervious Midfield duo of McIntyre and D’Arcy had a different threat to contend with, 3 quality NCSF midfielders who were rapid and skilful and seeming to get the luck of every bounce meant they were 1st to every 2nd ball and finding space between the defence and midfield. This led to a couple of passes threaded through and turning the saints back 4 around. One chance saw the striker squeeze through, Evans did well to tip the shot onto the bar, and then even better to save the follow up while prone on the floor and 0-0 it remained.

It wasn’t one sided though and when saints were able to get the ball up to Hayes he was linking well with Alden and Pidgeon and they and they showed they could get at the NCSF back four and cause problems. Munds rocket throw ins down the left earned Saints a corner which Mcintrye delivered beautifully and found Walker free at the back post. But the Referee had already blown for some pushing.

Disaster then for saints as a fairly innocuous attack down the right on the counter saw a hopefully volleyed cross high into the saint box, the wind made it hard to judge and with Evans back-pedalling the striker got up well to nod in. 1-0.

Saints weren’t disheartened though and tried to get back on terms. Alden had a chance down the left but couldn’t find the target and more set pieces had NCSF digging deep. But another slice of luck fell their way, a good tackle from Duff saw the ball ricochet fortunately in NCSF favour and they were in on goal and 2-0.

This one really lifted Saints. They were not going to go down without a fight. D’Arcy and McIntyre started to get a grip on the midfield as the initial NCSF high energy started to fade. 30mins gone and Wilson came on for Marshall and instantly made an impact. His strength and quick feet creating space in midfield that was previously hard to come by. Good play saw Pidgeon squeeze through down the right for the best saints chance so far, but it sailed wide.

Saints were lifted though and starting to gain the upper hand. The ball found its way to Alden on the left side, he found time to take a touch and fire one into the far corner. 2-1 and game on!

Walker and Watson were now getting to grips with the wind and the NCSF striker, and Duff was advancing down the right and pinning NCSF back as they looked to draw level before half time. But 2-1 it remained.

Half time energy was good, and Saints knew they could turn it around. 2nd half started well for Saints who were still in the ascendancy with the wind behind them now. A series of free kicks, corners and Mund throw ins were causing havoc. And when McIntyre curled one right into the danger area, its was Pidgeon who reacted quickest and bundled everything, including the ball over the goal line. 2-2.

Saints sensed blood and a few minutes later another goal mouth scramble saw several blocked shots, and the ball eventually fall to Mund outside the box and his strike curled narrowly wide. Sayers came on down the right for Pidgeon.

NCSF were still a threat but Watson and Walker had everything covered with Evens sweeping up behind. Mund was relentless down the left, sliding in outside his own box one minute and supporting Alden the next.

Marshall returned in midfield for McIntyre and Pidgeon replaced Hayes up front. NCSF lifted themselves slightly, Watson had to slide in to prevent a dangerous counter, but the introduction of Marshall had nullified a lot of the space in midfield as he tenaciously tracked and harassed the NCSF players and made a timely intervention in the box. NCSF were having a lot of possession in the Saints half by not creating chances. Some cynical challenges when saints looked to counter saw one of their players go into the book but could have been more. Especially as one counter was brought back for the foul with Sayers a pass away from being through on goal. One thunderous challenge too many saw Mund take well deserved break with Simmonite coming on for the last 15. Watson took a free kick from just inside the NCSF half which dipped just over the bar. And an NCSF throw in saw the players screaming for a penalty when D’Arcy had in fact made a glorious challenge to send the ball to safety.

2-2 it finished and a fair result. Saints stay 2 points clear at the top with 4 to play. Thanks to Shearm for running the line and all the other support.