A very young Saints side lost 3-2 at Borth United FC in the ER Jenkins cup.
Goal scorers were Matt James and Rob McNamara.
The Saints had to give a debut to 16 year old Callum Maddy after several players dropped out for this quarter final match, Callum had already helped the under 16’s to victory in the morning, the gaffer had to name himself as the only sub.
The Saints started the game well but never really troubled the Borth keeper although striker Rob McNamara did see an effort go just wide. The game came to life after 20 minutes when Tom Lewis made a brilliant save from top scorer Ryan Davies and then 2 minutes later he saved again this time from Sean Button.
Up the other end Wilkes and Maddy combined on the right and in the 25th minute the referee awarded the Saints a free kick out wide. Brendan Hackett whipped the free kick in, Matt James hit it first time with his left foot, his original effort was blocked but the ball came back to the midfielder on the edge of the box, this time he hit it with his right foot and it flew into the top corner to put the Saints 0-1 up.
The Saints were now on top and it wasn’t long before it was 0-2, the ball was played in to McNamara in the area, the tall striker spun his marker and fired a low shot past the Borth keeper.
The Saints defence were working over time to keep Button and Davies out, both players were making good runs but couldn’t find a way past our back line.
On the stroke of half time the game was nearly put out of Borth’s reach, McNamara hit a shot from close range but to his credit the home keeper made a top drawer save. Ht 0-2.
The second half saw the home side come out fired up, the Saints had to defend well to keep their lead. The equaliser came around the hour mark, from a corner keeper Lewis punched the ball well clear but Jamie Morris hit a screamer from distance which gave Lewis no chance. 1-2
Ten minutes later the impressive Button got the equaliser after the ball wasn’t cleared. 2-2.
The Gaffer put himself on for youngster Maddy who had run himself into the ground. The game looked as if it was heading into extra time, both sides had half chances, McNamara was through one on one with the keeper in the 87th minute but as he was about to shoot the impressive Borth centre half slid in from the side with a well timed tackle.
In the 90th minute Davies got free in the box and shot across Lewis to win it for Borth. Minutes earlier he dislocated his thumb but refused to come off, I tried to persuade him too as well but he wouldn’t listen ! Ft 3-2.
I usually sulk when we lose but yesterday felt proud of the side, we were very thin on the ground but the lads that came in did a great job. Borth is a tough place to go and we matched them for long periods of the game, a big thanks to Callum Maddy for stepping in last minute and making his first team debut. Also thanks to Steve Jones who came to Borth to try and play but his knee let him down in the warm up.
Team –
Tom Lewis, Josh Davies, Rory Hackett, Adam Finn, Jordan Baker(c), Will Goodwin, Callum Maddy(Gareth Jenkins), Tom Wilkes, Brendan Hackett, Rob McNamara, Matt James.
