Saintfield United 2nds played their first home match of the season on Saturday and whilst it started well the end result wasn’t what they wanted!
Saintfield were up against St Mary’s who made the trip down from Belfast, and on a day that started with treacherous rain the pitch up the hill was in great condition come 2pm with even the sun making a slight appearance.
The game started with the Saints on the front foot and creating a few half chances, Andy Clarke missing the best of the early exchanges. But the away side grew into the match and after 20 minutes they started to create a few chances of their own. However neither side could break the deadlock and it was 0-0 at half time.
The 2nd half started as the first had, with the home side in control and this time they made it count. David Morrow went on a storming run from CB and as he floated a ball out wide many were shouting for him to drop back into position, but he had other plans as he powered on into the box to get on the end of a cross from Andy Moore to head home the opening goal.
The goal sparked a reaction from St Mary’s and they came back strong, but in doing so they were caught out at the other end. A nice piece of play saw Adam Childs played in with only the keeper to beat, but the keeper stood tall and made a good save. Then only moments later it was 1-1!
After a scramble on the edge of the box a shot was squeezed in through a host of players, unfortunately for Smally in the Saints net seen it late and couldn’t prevent it from going in.
Then 5 minutes later it was 1-2, this time a cross field ball was missed by the Saints defence and a quick pass set the St Mary’s striker away in oceans of space! He made no mistake.
The Saints did all they could to push on and try and make the game level, but again missed chances were the tale and as they pushed forward a quick counter attack caught them out and it was 1-3!
That was the game and in a close encounter the away side went home the happier and with all 3 points.