The Saints for the second week running chose to play into a strong headwind. Within 30 seconds of kick off after a long clearence from the Maesglas keeper their pacey striker was one on one with Hay keeeper Ian Jones who managed to pull off a good save. This pattern continued with the two quick Maesglas strikers causing the Saints back four several problems early on until against the run of play Rob Snedden skipped past the fullback and crossed for striker Kevin Jones to put us 1-0 up in the 10th minute. This gave the team more confidence to start passing the ball around quicker which resulted in Mike Havard passing to Gary Keeble who sent an inch perfect pass to Jones who then scored his and the Saints second in the 20th minute. At this stage Maesglas were still well in the game and had their strikers taken their chances the half time score of 2-0 could have been so different.
Again with the wind at their backs and playing down the slope it was the Saints who were now in total control with the away side struggling to get out of their half. The Maesglas keeper made several good saves one especially from a one on one with Snedz. The third and killer goal came when Phil Davies crossed into the box and the away side centre half under pressure from Max Walker headed his clearence to midfielder Tom Weaver who made no mistake from 6 yards. Substitute Ollie Cooke soon made it 4-0 with a close range finish which decieved the Maes keeper. The away side still looked dangerous on the break and did manage to beat Ian Jones but Mike Havard was there to kick it off the line. Hay’s final goal came with about 15 to go when Rob Snedden jinked his way past a couple of defenders and unselfishly squared the ball to strike partner Kev Jones so he could score and notch up his third hat-trick in the last three games.
Another good win which puts us into the Semi final draw for the first time in our history.
My man of the match would be Mike Havard for holding the defence together in another excellent display.