Saintfield travelled to Lenadoon following back to back victories to face a St Oliver Plunkett side who were coming in to the game themselves on the back of a good win against title challenging Holywood following an uncharacteristic wobble in previous weeks.

Missing the experience and physicality of Rea, Taylor and Liken the Saints knew they would have to be at the top of their game to come away with a result.

The pre match team talk centred on starting well and staying compact defensively. Sadly the Saints were behind after 90 seconds as the driving wind assisted a well delivered corner and the Plunkett centre half nodded in at the back post unchallenged.

Playing into the wind against a now buoyant Plunkett side the Saints struggled to get a platform in the game and sloppy passing in forward areas didn't help their cause.

Nearly 20 minutes in and the wind played a part again. A long ball forward from Plunkett hung in the wind and caused uncertainty in the Saintfield defence and although the initial shot was blocked a deflected 2nd effort found the bottom corner of Harpers goal.

Saintfield competed admirably for the remainder of the half and caused the Plunkett defence some concerns without really testing their keeper.

The half time team talk focused on capitalising on the wind and turning the opposition back line and making sure Saintfield scored the next goal. However as the players returned to the pitch they were greeted by a clear sky and a virtually no breeze to speak of. To make matters worse Plunkett poured forward, forced a defensive mistake and scored a 3rd to effectively seal the game.

Saintfield went close in response and Barr and Childs should have done better with good opportunities but as the game approached the 80th minute the hosts scored from another well delivered set piece with a strike from a knock down.

Saintfield host Wellington Rec next Saturday in their final home fixture knowing they can't afford to concede early leads and will be looking for a much better performance.