here were marked contrasts at the start of this game at Assumption Grammar School. With no changing room access due to Covid the players changed in their cars as per the 1970s while the 3G surface is a product of more recent times. The dry weather was an obvious plus on the changing front. The home team started brightly and forced the Saints into some hasty defending and brought a good save out of keeper Young. The visitors improved as the game settled and took the lead after 20 minutes when Aaron Young scored with a fine far post volley from a Phil King corner.

For the next 15 minutes the home side were on top and will feel they should have had an equaliser. However after 30 minutes the visitors came back into the game and Bookless had 2 chances but couldn’t find the net. The Saints scored again, 10 minutes before the half ended, when a corner wasn’t properly cleared and Rory Lennon scored with a neat finish from 15 yards.

The second half again saw the home side on top and they missed a great chance after 15 minutes when the striker shot wide with only Young to beat. They did reduce the arrears with 20 minutes left to set up an interesting finish.

Substitute Rowland had a few chances on the counter attack as the home side pushed men forward to chase the equaliser but the keeper saved bravely on 2 occasions and he put the third over the bar.

The Saints did put the game to bed with 5 minutes left. Substitutes Robinson and Bishop from the youth team combined up the right and Bishop was fouled in the penalty area.

King converted the penalty to seal the points.

A tight game well refereed and played in a good spirit.

Best for the Saints were the veterans, goalkeeper Young and the midfield pair of King and Sherrard.