Wednesday 1 May 2013

First X1 Saints Suffer Cup Heartbrake.

Alsop 1 - 0 All Saints

Saints line up:

Carney
O'Connor Hinnigan Hughes Glover
Atkins Campbell Shepard Dillion
Sartorious
Messham

Sub: Quick

An awe inspiring team talk got Saints underway in their Quarter final tie vs Alsop. Saints started well with good attacking play and a chance for Messham from a poor pass back was dealt with well by the Alsop keeper. Saints had an early header by Sartorious early on as Alsop couldn't deal with Saints' intensity. As the game grew so did Alsop as they took over the game in short but meaningless spells. Midway through the half Alsop broke away but a good stop from Keeper Carney and good cover on the line from Shepard ensured the ball stayed out. As the first half drew to a close Saints regained some of their control but the score stayed at 0-0.

A half time team talk pinpointed the lads where they were going wrong and who, from the opposition that they needed to get tighter to. Saints wasted an early corner In the second half as nobody was underneath it or was attacking it. As the game got sluggish, fresh legs were introduced as Quick replaced Atkins. A rocket from Messham was the best chance that Saints had midway through the half. Alsop had chances cleared off the line and cleared well but the best chance was a free header that was pushed brilliantly onto the bar by Carney. Joe Shepard had a bursting run from Midfield but nothing came from it. A late goal from Alsop broke Saints hearts as it proved to be the winner. Shortly after that, Saints drove forward but a superb strike from Adam Campbell was met with an equally brilliant save from the Alsop keeper.

The Referee blew and the game was done. Saints were out at the quarter finals, a harsh ending.

Man of the Match: Jack Hinnigan, An immense performance which kept Saints in the game at periods.

A worthy contender was keeper Paul Carney, a commanding performance and kept the score level for a long time through some great goalkeeping.

Match Correspondent

Live from Walton Hall Soccer Centre

Yr 12 Connor Bennett