Sartorius Strikes to Silence SFX

Match correspondent Connor Bennett All Saints 6th Form

All Saints X1 Starting team

P.Carney
B.O'Connor J.Hinnigan D.Glover B.Dillon
B.C'onnor J.Hughes S.Sartorius A.Campbell
N.Williamson D.Quick
Sub: W.Atkins (45)

All Saints faced a team high on confidence in SFX who are perched at the top of the Merseyside schools and college league. It was going to be a massive test for the Saints after a gut wrenching defeat on Monday in the Merseyside Shield. This was a fixture that could make or disintegrate a season. The All Saints boys would need to show plenty of resilience and character to raise their game for such a tough opposition.

From the early exchanges All Saints showed no hangover from Monday's result, and were unlucky on 15 minutes when Sean Sartorius fed Daniel Quick who shot powerfully first time, only to see the keeper save smartly. The pitch at SFX is perfect for playing expansive football. The pitch is wide and the sun was shinning, which meant both teams were able to play their passing game. At times All Saints players were looking for the Hollywood ball, and gave possession away cheaply. Too many players were guilty of not driving the team forward with the ball.

All Saints were undone on 30 minutes on the edge of their own 18 yard box. Smart interplay by the SFX forwards unlocked a static defence to put the hosts 1 - 0 up. The All Saints boys could have let their heads go down, but they rallied and should have levelled through Adam Campbell who blazed over when through on the keeper. The half time team talk was very positive after such a spirited display.

After instructions to carry the ball, by dribbling into dangerous areas and to find feet, the All Saints boys started to cause the hosts some problems. Sean Sartorius carried the ball through the centre of the pitch before he was fouled 25 yards from goal. Free kick specialist John Hughes stood over the ball. He had a well set wall in his path, but Hughes struck a thunderous effort with his left foot past the despairing keeper.

It was the least the Saints deserved. On the right side of Midfield the impressive Bradley O'Connor was giving plenty of ball to Connor Smith. Most of Saints good play came down the right side.

With 9 minutes remaining it looked as if SFX had won the points when a deep corner was met at the back post by the SFX centre back to send the ball across the 6 yard box for a simple SFX tap in. Again such a late goal could have seen heads go down and the boys feel sorry for themselves. However as soon as the restart took place the All Saints boys pushed for the equaliser. They were rewarded with five minutes to go when Adam Campbell's good work resulted in a corner. John Hughes sent in a skimming corner. Jack Hinnigan rose highest and sent the ball arrowing towards the Head of Sean Sartorius who nodded home. It was the least the team deserved. Both sides pushed for the winner, but a share of the spoils was a fair result all around. It was a good point for the Saints after Monday's shock result.

There were plenty of good performances. Declan Glover was solid in the centre of defence and his pace nullified the SFX forwards. Paul Carney's handling and kicking were outstanding. But Man of the match and looking at home at right back was Bradley O'Connor. His defensive awareness and pass completion rate was excellent throughout.

A fine return to form. This must continue if the Saints are to reach the play off positions