The Saints were well beaten today 3-0 by second placed Knighton Town FC.
Goals from Sam Williams and a late Connor Bird brace sealed the win.
Knighton were on top from the off but never really caused Tom Lewis in the Saints goal too many problems early doors. The Saints weathered the early storm and got more into the game but also struggled to test Dave Exhall the home keeper.
A mix up in the defence saw Connor Bird nearly score but after a goal line scramble the ball was cleared to safety in the 22nd minute. In the 40th minute we had a let off when Sam Williams blasted his shot wide when in on goal, a minute later our best move of the match saw Brendan Hackett set up Kevin Jones but Exhall saved well with his legs.
On the stroke of half time a ball that should of been cleared fell to Williams, this time the striker made no mistake shooting from the edge of the box to put his side 1-0 up at half time.
The second half saw a similar pattern with the home side dominating the centre of the park, our younger nippier players struggled on the heavy pitch against a strong Knighton midfield. On the hour Jordan Baker brought down a Town player and the ref had no choice than point to the spot. Tom Lewis saved well from Williams, (that’s 3 penalty saves out of 4 this season).
We were living on scraps but had a chance on 75 minutes when Jones was put through but his shot flew over the bar, up the other end Paul Bishop should of scored but his header hit the post from 6 yards out.
Connor Bird who had been marked very well throughout by Baker put Knighton 2-0 up in the 86th minute with a shot on the turn, then with the last kick of the game he hit a screamer from distance which flew into the top corner for 3-0.
No complaints from us, we were second best today, we struggled on the heavy pitch. Knighton have made some very good siginings, I was impressed with Dawson and just when you think we might nick something Connor Bird goes and scores a brace after not being in the game for 85 minutes.
I thought our best player was Chris Preece who gave it all at the back and I can assure you, he was pretty busy today.
Team –
Tom Lewis, Sam Bradley(Adam Finn), Chris Preece, Jordan Baker, Tom James, Stu Davies(c)(Steve Goodwin), Matt James, Brendan Hackett, Jack Biggs, Rob Snedden(Adi Lawford), Kevin Jones.
