The Saints played with the wind in the first period and took the lead after 17 minutes when a “Muler” defender sliced the ball into his own net whilst under pressure from winger Will Goodwin.
Five minutes later it was 1-1 after we were guilty of over playing the ball out of defence on a bumpy pitch, an Abermule striker hit a first time shot from 20 yards which beat Tom Lewis at his near post.
On the half hour mark we went 1-2 up when Brendan Hackett beat his marker and curled a shot from the edge of the area into the far corner of the net. Matt James could of put us 1-3 up but the keeper made a great save with his legs, two minutes later Will Goodwin lobbed the Abermule number 1 from 25 yards but the home linesman put his flag up for what looked a good goal from where I was standing.
The Saints didn’t have it all their own way with the leagues top scorer Dave Anthony looking dangerous on the counter into the wind but he was well marked by centre half Adam Finn. Ht 1-2
Unfortunately Finn felt his hamstring go tight so didn’t come out for the second period.
Abermule were on top from the off using the wind advantage well and really should of equalised on 55 minutes but their number 12 headed over with the goal at his mercy. They made it 2-2 when again we were guilty of overplaying in the windy conditions, Anthony out pacing the defence to make it 2-2 after a good finish.
The home team led for the first time after a bizzare goal, the ball was lost near the half way line and a midfielder hit a shot from 45 yards which took a wicked bounce and flew into the top right corner 3-2.
It was that man Anthony who had the final say with his second of the day, once again using his pace and finishing well to make the final score 4-2.
No complaints, we were second best today, maybe if we had gone in 1-3 up we would of got something. I knew we were in trouble at half time with just a one goal lead and “Muler” having the strong wind in the second half. We looked lethargic throughout and they were up for it. With Dave Anthony in the side they will always get goals.
Team – Tom Lewis, Tom James(Nathan Collicott), Adam Finn(Rory Hackett), Jordan Baker, Chris Preece, Matt James, Stu Davies(c), Jack Biggs, Steve Goodwin, Will Goodwin(Tom Weaver), Brendan Hackett.
Match report and pics by MT.