The Saints beat bogey side Kerry FC 3-2 this afternoon with a brace from Brendan Hackett and one from Rob McNamara.
With several new signings in their line up it was the visitors who started the brighter , Elliot Jones was the main threat but Stu Davies marked him well in that opening period. The back three of Jordan Baker, Adam Finn and Sam Bradley dealt with everything thrown at them.
We opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a mistake at the back was pounced on by Brendan Hackett, one minute later a Kevin Jones through ball was flicked through the keepers legs by strike partner Rob McNamara for 2-0.
Kerry kept probing but it was the Saints who should of added to their tally but the visitors keeper made three top saves in one on one situations. Just before half time Hackett made it 3-0 after a good move involving several players. Ht 3-0
The second half saw Kerry up their game and put pressure on our back line, on the hour they pulled a goal back from a set piece. Again we counter attacked and had numerous one on ones but failed to hit the target, Kerry had more of the ball but we had the better chances. In the 78th minute Sam Bradley was shown a red card for a professional foul by referee Rob Evans who had no choice but to send him off and award the visitors a penalty which they duly converted to make it 3-2.
Kerry put pressure on us in the last 10 minutes but never really created any clear cut chances and in fact Hackett could of added to his total with two chances he created for himself in the 87th and 89th minute but to no avail. FT3-2.
This was nerve racking in the last ten minutes but the ten men dug deep and hung on against a big physical side who will win more than they lose this year with the players they have brought in.
Team- Tom Lewis, Tom James, Adam Finn, Jordan Baker, Sam Bradley, Phil Davies(Rory Hackett), Adi Lawford(Josh Davies), Kevin Jones(Jake Davies), Rob McNamara, Brendan Hackett, Stu Davies(c).
Many thanks to match sponsor Billy Finn who chose Brendan Hackett as man of the match.
