NEW SEASON MATCH REPORTS.... ENJOY.... Also check out the willesden & brent chronicle, and kilburn times every thursday for team reports and pictures...............
LATEST GAME V AFC FINCHLEY......... SAINTS REACH REG ELLIS CUP SEMI AGAIN----
Reg Ellis cup Q FINAL
Afc Finchley 1 v 9 St Andrews
A convincing win on Sunday means a 3rd semi final for the saints this season
In a game that the saints dominated from start to finish showing the clear gap of quality between the sides, something the saints have not produced often enough this season.
Goals rained in after 5 mins starting with Paul killick who went on to complete a hatrick later on , graig Tomkins added his goals along with cris Henry and Paul boatang a rare laps in defending gave a Finchley player a rare shot that found its way passed o Connor in goal 6-1 at half time. saints made 3 subs and even gave Paul o Connor in goal a rest , only 3 more goals were added in the 2nd half as saints eased up to cost to victory graig Tomkins Paul killick and a 25 yard half volley from Darren butler , saints now need 3 more points to secure the league title in next weeks game v Highgate Albion.
O Connor, Elliott, lynsky, till, boatang, Tomkins, killick,
Butler, Duncan, white, Moran, roman, hall
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Challenge cup semi final
St Andrews 1 - king’s utd 3
The saints hi expectation season is now in danger of turning into a dire end to the season after this semi final defeat to there old foes kings utd
With players looking like the season has gone on far too long with the major interest of the Middlesex cup and fa Sunday cup a distant memory, the domination of the Hendon league for the past seasons in all competitions looks to have dulled the interest left in the squad.
Saints missing influential players Craig white, Aaron mc leish, Dan mc gonnigle, and dean till, for this semi final had to adopt the 4-4-2 style of play centre half Craig Elliott running late did not help the cause
And culminated in kings taking an early lead 15 mins in after a flick on from a free kick was not cleared the ball was eventually squeezed in after a goal mouth scramble,
This did liven the saints up, who then dominated the remainder of the half but lacked the final ball in the kings half
After half time a determined saints went for the equalizer that duly arrived from Craig Tomkins half volley from 25 yards’ out.
But some slack marking from a cleared corner 5 mins later allowed kings to regain the advantage from a headed goal
They soon put daylight between the saints with a well taken 3rd from a 20 yard shot that beat o Connor in goal.
Kings utd fully deserved there place in the final showing a will to win and stop the saints domination, something the saints will need to remember if there interest in the reg Ellis q final on Tuesday evening against Finchley afc at Edgware town, this due to the backlog of games in the Hendon league for the saints .
Team
O Connor, Moran, lynsky, roman, hall, mc clusky, Sylvester, Tomkins, killick,
Butler, Duncan, Elliott
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Reg Ellis cup round 2
St Andrews 2- Hanwell Celtic 1
With the saints not playing for 3 weeks due to the recent bad weather they got back to action this Sunday at Edgware town fc against the div 2 counterparts
After a down poor put water all over the pitch the Saints started badly and basically finished badly; taking this as a game they were always going to win, saints dominated the opening 1st half but playing the worst football of this season.
No real urgency and lack of goal mouth action meant a dire 1st half could not end soon enough but some how it saw a goal Carl Mac clusky side footing it passed the hanwell keeper late in the 1st half.
Hanwell sensing the saints were not interested decided to have a go and to be fair deserved there equaliser that came with 10 mins remaining after there forward who was sandwiched between Paul Moran and dean till went down in the box , the forward never looking for a penalty went to take a corner but the referee decided it was , with o Conner beaten the saints then missed 7 chances to score in 10 mins the 8th chance after a free kick just in side the halfway line was swung in by Moran on to the head of Tomkins his flick on found Aaron mc leish who clipped the ball past the keeper to give the saints the win and passage into round 3.
O Connor, Moran, lynsky, till, roman, hall, mc clusky, swift, Sylvester, Tomkins, killick,
Butler, mc leish, white, Townsend
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Highgate Albion 2- 4 St.Andrews
The challenge cup quarter final 10 30 am, Sunday 09th march 2008
The saints made hard work of reaching the challenge cup semi final on Sunday morning
Highgate having the better opportunities in the opening 15 minutes of a scrappy 1st half
Hitting the post and having Paul o Connor pull of a magnificent 1 handed save
It was much down to the saints lack of urgency that Highgate seem to be the better team with the saints happy to pass the ball around with no real threat on goal
That was until o Connor who for the opening 20 minutes had watched the saints pass around the back line boot a long keep up field were arron mc leish latched on to the ball and drill the saints 1-0 up much to Highgate’s frustrations.
Saints then took over looking to add a second, but from a corner the ball fell to Tompkins who blasted wide when a second looked in the offering.
A blatant penalty appeal on arron McLeish was then waved away by the referee much to lynskeys frustrations who continued his point until the referee awarded a free kick to Highgate when the saints were attacking the opposite goal themselves
Placing the ball in lynskys position just outside the saints penalty area Highgate saw the free kick cleared to the right were a Highgate player was unmarked to fire passed o Connor.
1-1 At half time, some stern words from manager Townsend meant more lively saints took to the field in the 2nd half.
Another even more blatant penalty for the saints was turned down this along with another chance to Tompkins that was well saved by the keeper.
Tompkins did find the net when he rounded the keeper soon after his chance to put the saints ahead
But 5 mins later the referee did award a penalty, but to Highgate for a foul by Lynskey
The penalty was despatched to leave the game 2-2 with 10 mins remaining
Soon a saints penalty arrived Paul Moran turning the cleared corner back into the box were Tompkins was pulled down trying to reach it
Arron McLeish put the saints back in front from the spot kick
And then from a corner Tompkins again looped the ball back over the keeper to put the saints further ahead and into a semi final showdown next week with kings utd
Team
O Connor, till, lynsky, Moran , ovidu, swift, white , killick , Tompkins
Mc leish, Sylvester, , mc gonnigle, butler
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St.Andrews 1v 0 Broadway Celtic
Hendon district div 1
This top of the table clash was decided by 1 goal again, after the saints won 1-0 early on this season, but again missed chances from total domination was the reason it was only 1-0
Broadway always battle but with little punch up front never really threatened the saints
Early chances from Tompkins and butler went wide and only for some good saves from the Broadway keeper did it remain 0-0 for the 1st 20 mins
Eventually after 25 mins It was Paul Moran who had just replaced injured mc clusky at the back who neatly brought the ball down out on the right wing and slid a pass to mc gonnigle on the edge of the box who in 1 movement turned his man and shoot passed the stranded Broadway keeper .
5 mins later another saints move resulted in the Broadway keeper brining down mc gonnigle inside the area. but Paul killicks 100% spot kicks this season was ended as his weak shot was well saved much to the Broadway players joy.
The second half was a repeat of the 1st in saint’s dominance but no goals were had.
A goal was scored from a spectacular effort from former saints legend ray Fitzpatrick from 30 yards which beat o Connor but the referee had blown for a foul before the shot had been made , that’s o Connors excuse in the saints goal anyway.
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saints 0 hetton lyons 4
Hetton Lyons CC, FA Sunday Cup winners two years ago, may be looking at the 'This is Anfield' sign again in April after yesterday's comprehensive win at Edgware.
Gavin Cogdon was Lyons' hat-trick hero as the Sunderland team made it into the last four for the second time. The 24-year-old striker has notched more than 30 goals for his Sunday side this season and plays for Sunderland Nissan, currently fourth in the Northern League's Division One, on Saturdays.
Despite the final scoreline, St Andrews played up to the standard they had shown in previous rounds and pushed very hard for a goal early in the second half when they were 2-0 down.
The first few minutes were even, with Aaron McLeish showing skill and pace down the middle for Saints and Cogdon giving early glimpses of his undoubted class at the other end.
Skipper Darren Butler prompted a lot of the home side's attacks from midfield and right-back Densal Davidson's overlapping runs kept the Lyons defence on their toes.
McLeish blasted in three shots that were blocked and then crossed from the right for Danny McGonigle to sweep a shot inches over the bar. Cogdon missed from close in with a shot that soared into gardens behind the goal before home 'keeper Mark Jessop was forced to leave the action after 20 minutes.
His leg injury didn't appear serious, but he was limping. Paul O'Connor, Saints' Assistant Manager who had been first-choice 'keeper for ten years, took over between the posts and was quickly under pressure.
Seven minutes into his tenure Cogdon's swerver from 25 yards sent him the wrong way and ended up in the net. Then, on 38 minutes, the same player beat him to a corner into the near post to head a second.
The Middlesex side battled the visitors hard for the first 15 minutes of the second period, but couldn't grab the goal that would have put them back in contention. Lyons remained solid at the back, with Keith Finch looking unbeatable in goal.
Cogdon went on a weaving run inside the box on 64 minutes and after selling a couple of dummies, found himself with enough space to roll a shot into the far corner for 3-0.
Craig Tompkins, who scored a hat-trick in five minutes in a previous round, was brought on for Saints with 20 minutes to go but couldn't work his magic this time. Steven Capper, who plays for Durham City on Saturdays, took advantage of a defensive slip to take the ball round O'Connor and slot home a fourth on 77 minutes.
Attendance: 90
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Bedfont Sunday 2-1 St.Andrews
The Middlesex Sunday premier Cup
semi final
10 30 am, Sunday 10 February 2008
The recreation ground, bedfont
A tale of 2 half’s on Sunday morning as st Andrews loose there 1st game of the season.
The 1st half was totally st Andrews as bedfont could only watch as the saints outclassed there opponents in all departments.
It was no surprise when the 1st goal arrived 20 mins in from Paul killick who passed the ball from the edge of the area beyond the dive of the home keeper.
It then looked like the game could be won before the break as saints went for more goals
But as it turned out if you don’t take your chances to score when they are available you may get punished yourself.
Mc leish and Tompkins in particular guilty of missing great chances to increase the lead.
When Belmont did attack the saint’s goal Craig Elliott was inspirational rolling back the years with interceptions and headers.
Bedfont did get a goal but this was cancelled out for offside.
Into The second half and what ever the bedfont manager said his team they came out a different side, totally dominating the saints in midfield and having more desire to get back into the game.
The inevitable goal coming from a corner which was swung in to the penalty area and found the forward totally unmarked to smash his shop passed o Connor in the saints goal after 30 mins.
This did get the saints to up there game but again missed chances from the usually reliable mc leish in particular were frustrating the saints defence who were having to work far more in the second half .
Bedfont on a counter attack played a long ball up to there forward mc cluskey and Elliott both left it for each other only for the ball to fall kindly for the forward to pass the ball into the net to start celebrations for the home fans with only 5 mins left.
Saints had one last go to force extra time a rasping shot from Tompkins well saved by the keeper and one more chance from mc leish was all they could achieve
Team
O Connor , till , Elliott , mc clusky , swift, white , butler , Duncan , killick , Tompkins
Mc leish, Sylvester, Moran, lynsky, roman, mc gonnigle
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St.Andrews 2-1 broadfields united
The Middlesex Sunday premier Cup
Q final
11AM, Sunday 03 February 2008
White Lion Ground, Edgware Town FC
For the forth time in four seasons st Andrews have reached the semi final of the Middlesex Sunday cup ware they will meet bedfont Sunday fc the team who beat them in the 04-05 cup final
On Sunday morning a broadfields united team arrived determine to end the saints dominance this year and avenge last years Q final defeat to the saints.
Indeed it was broadfiels who took control for the opening 15 minutes with there aggressive approach of fouling at every opportunity to try and upset the saints passing game, this concluding with 18 minutes gone they found themselves taking a deserved lead after a cross found there forward at the back post to blast in past Darren bomfield in the saints goal.
Unfortunalty for the broadfeilds players who celebrated like they had won the game all ready !!! the saints only took that as the catalyst to start playing... after upping the passing and aggression themselves the saints went on to dominate the 1st half
The equalizer arriving 5 minutes later when some fine footwork from Tompkins saw the right back from broadfields trip Him on on route to goal and a penalty was awarded , which after some broadfields off putting tactics finally saw Paul killicks penalty kick despatched with ease to level the scores
More saint’s pressure saw Tompkins rattle the crossbar and c white along with arron mc leish and James Duncan missing good opportunities to put the tie out of reach in the 1st half .
Eventually with mc leish rounding the final defender to slot passed the keeper to send saints into the lead 15 minutes after broadfeilds had scored.
darren butler only missing by his big toe or little one as he has iny feet a chance to increase the lead as well just before half time.
The second half was a similar pattern of saint’s dominance and slick football with any broadfields threat at goal well marshalled by the defence
No more goals arrived as the saints march on to the semi final showdown with bedfont Sunday fc looking to avenge there first ever Middlesex cup final defeat of 4 years ago.
Team
Bomfield , till , Elliott , Moran , swift, white , butler , Duncan , killick , Tompkins
Mc leish, Sylvester, jessop, Townsend
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St.Andrews 2-1 Birstall Stamford (after extra time)
The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
fourth Round
2pm, Sunday 27 January 2008
White Lion Ground, Edgware Town FC
St Andrews' dream of an Anfield date in April is still intact after this 4th round win earned them a home draw in the q finals v hetton Lyons cc from co Durham
In a lively opening half hour both sides tried to stamp there authority on the pitch saints in there passing football and birstall in the more direct physical approach
Birstall slightly coming out on top on the sticky pitch.
It was with this approach that birstall took the lead a confusion from a high ball between Jessop and Elliott meant a corner was given as Elliott headed clear
From the resulting corner the ball droped in the box ware butler in attempting to clear it hit the birstall striker nurse in the face with the ball to end up in the net
Saints then upped the pressure and good efforts from c Henry and and butler nearly got them back into the game
Saints lost Dan Mac just before the half time whistle after a clash of heads
Being replaced by Ben Cain
Second half was an even affair with saints just shading it as birstall played counter attacking football
After a clash on the half way line involving Elliott and the birstall winger
The referee booking Elliott and sending off the birstall player for a punch
Saints now with the 1 man advantage took control and finally after a mix up in the box the ball fell kindly to Carl Mac clusky to level the scores with 5 mins to go
Saints went for the winner as in previous rounds they had done but extra time it was
The 1st half of extra time was again even with both teams nervously attacking and defending even though saints had an extra man birstall seemed the most threaten
But hero status was going to someone and it turned out to be ben cain who got the final touch after great work from the other sub densil Davidson
The final whistle could not come soon enough as the saints clamed the q final spot
Jessop , till , Elliott , Mac clusky , ryan, white , butler , Duncan , c Henry , gonnigle, kellick , Tompkins ,Sylvester ,Davidson ,swift , Moran , Cain
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Hendon district Sunday league Div 1
Kings Utd 1 v 3 St Andrews
Hendon district Sunday league div 1
Kings utd 1
v 3 St AndrewsThe top two in the Hendon league clashed on Sunday morning at bushy met club
With st Andrews defeating the old foes to go 1 point behind but with 3 games in hand over the title challengers.
A must win game for kings showed in there all out aggression in the 1st half trying to knock the saints out of there passing game.
Saints with 1 eye on next weeks FA Sunday cup game in leistershire never really got into top gear from the start.
In a lacklustre 1st half with few chances for both teams it was the saints who looked the more
Likely to score Craig white missing a great chance with the goal at his mercy he headed wide after a good cross from mc leish eluded the kings keeper.
Half an hour in it was a trip on Darren butler by m burgess in the penalty area giving the referee no option to award the spot kick, which was duly despatched by Paul killick to put the saints 1-0 up
5 minutes later the saints were awarded there second spot kick after a blatant hand ball again by m burgess resulted in another killick penalty being scored giving a 2-0 lead to the saints going in at half time.
The game was more or less ended as a contest 10 minutes after the restart a killick cross from the left was met by Aaron mc leish on the edge of the area, just beating the king’s keeper Paul Edwards who thought he had the chance to reach it but it rolled goal wards and over the line for a 3-0 score line.
It could have been much worse for kings as the saints took total control of the game with further chances for Ben Cain and Paul Moran to increase the score line being missed
In the last minute a long ball out of defence caught the saints waiting for the final whistle and kings got a consolation goal but not much else.
Jessop, swift, till, butler, white, mc clusky, Duncan, Tompkins, mc leish, killick, Ryan, Moran, hall, Cain, mc gonnigle
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Hendon district Sunday league div 1
Metroline 0 v 4 st Andrews
On A wet and windy Sunday morning in Wembley, another victory for the unbeaten saints was clamed at the expense of a metroline team determined to end the saint’s dominance this season.
After the pitch was deemed playable by the referee, both sides made the most of a sticky pitch playing neat passing football when possible, metroline having the better of the opening 10 mins with the wind rain and slight slope in there favour, but almost every attack was well marshalled by the saints defence, or metrolines forward being caught offside on every attack.
After a tentative start the saints stepped up there game with Chris Henry and dean Sylvester using there pace down the wings, it was a matter of time for a saint’s goal to arrive.
The 1st goal being a penalty for a blatant foul on Tompkins, he then dispatched the penalty to put the saints 1-0 up, 5 mins later it was 2-0 mc gonnigle getting his forth goal in four games after the keeper had saved a Sylvester shot.
Saints now attacking at will soon got the 3rd goal a great run and cross from Sylvester was expertly bought down by Chris Henry who then Cooley slotted past the meroline keeper .
3-0 after 35 mins play the saints then eased up to see in the 1st half
Just before the break meroline had a chance to reduce the arrears after Paul Moran’s outstretched leg was jugged to have caught the onrushing metroline player in the box when it was outside.
Mark Jessop diving to the left brilliantly saved the spot kick to keep the score at 3-0 at half time.
The second half was end to end but mainly belonged to the saints, keeping them metroline keeper busy Tompkins Sylvester and Henry all going close in an unbelievable spell of goal mouth action when the ball would just not go in.
15 mins from the end the saints manager dean Townsend graced the field with his presence much was the saints confidence the game was won.
Weather or not townends quick free kick was the set up for the forth goal he claimed it was as Sylvester knocked in the cross from Tompkins after some fancy footwork
Saints now sit in second position in the table 1 point behind kings utd but with 2 games in hand both teams meet after Christmas in the 1st league game back.
Team
Jessop , swift, mc gonnigle, Elliot, Moran , butler , white , mc clusky, Sylvester , Tompkins , Henry , hall , Townsend
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St.Andrews 4-3 Nirankari Sports (after extra time)
The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup
Third Round
1pm, Sunday 25 November 2007
White Lion Ground, Edgware Town FC
St Andrews' hopes of an Anfield date in April are still intact after an extraordinary Third Round tie at Edgware yesterday afternoon. There was no score after an hour but then there were seven goals, two penalties and two red cards, as the plucky Middlesex side made it into the last 16 of The FA Sunday Cup.
The Saints had been a minute away from the exit door in the last round and found themselves under the cosh in the first half yesterday. Nirankari Sports, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, included players who had featured in Hitchin Town's FA Trophy tie on Saturday and they made all the early running.
Midfielder Ben L'Honore sent in some hefty left-footers to keep Saints keeper Mark Jessop on his toes and one corner from the right bounced on top of the bar.
Saints' outlet in attack was Aaron McLeish, who had played on the left wing against Moat but was now using his pace and trickery to good effect down the middle. One left-footer on the run had Ed Windsor scampering across to pluck the ball out of the air, but chances were few and far between as the visitors looked the more solid outfit in that first period.
The second half was immediately a closer affair and Saints took a 61st minute lead with an odd goal. McLeish burst into the box and was left prostrate on the ground after being tackled. The Sports defence dithered when the obvious course was to hit the ball into touch so that the injured player could receive treatment. Instead the ball was swiftly slipped across for Dan McGonnigle to tap in.
Sports' skipper Ricky Case, who had instigated most of their best moves up to that point, sprinted clear down the left and chipped the 'keeper to level things up on 74 minutes.
Then Craig Tomkins, the hat-trick hero of the last round, put the home side ahead again a minute later. The substitute had only been on the field for eight minutes when he rode Windsor's challenge to calmly slot the ball between two defenders on the line.
Saints were only five minutes away from January's Fourth Round when Sports' Scott Orphandu had his run into the box blocked by a defender and referee Peter Smith indicated a spot-kick. L'Honore shot low into the right-hand corner and at 2-2 the tie went into the extra half-hour. Two minutes from the end of normal time though, David Iwediuno was red-carded, apparently for a comment directed towards one of the assistant referees.
Most of the drama was reserved for extra-time. Orphanou gave Sports a disputed 3-2 lead after knocking the ball down with his hand on 106 minutes and Paul Killick thumped in a penalty to equalise after Tomkins had been shoved going for a high ball to the far post three minutes later.
Right at the end, substitute Dean Sylvester netted a Saints winner from close range and team-mate James Lynskey was dismissed for violent conduct.
Attendance:
32M.Jessop, M. Swift, D.Till, J. Lynskey, C. McCluskey, D. Butler (C. Tompkins), J. Duncan, C. White (B. Cain), P.Killick, D. Mcgonnigle, A. Mcleish (D. Sylvester)
Subs - P. O'Connor, H. Hall,
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Hendon District Div 1
Willesden legion 1 v 6 St Andrews
St Andrews dominated this game from start to finish after an opening scrappy 10 mins of legion resistance, It was Daniel mc gonnigle who opened the scoring his second in as many games.
The second arrived 5 mins later from Chris Henry to more or less end the legions slight chance of giving the saints a test.
At 2-0 the saints the saints seemed happy to think of next weeks Sunday cup game and possible route to anfield never really getting out of second gear the 1st half ended at 2-0 with any threat the legion did make being dealt with at ease by the saints.
A half time chat from Moran and o Connor to Inject some urgency to the saints game seemed to work as further goals from tomkin and mc leish inside 10 mins of the 2nd half gave a fair reflection of the saints dominance
Legion did again show they were not giving up the hunt for a goal hitting the post and having a shot saved by o Connor and run along the goal line but was scrabbled away in the melee that followed.
But with the smell of goals always available striker arron mc leish added a fine 5th goal 15 mins from time,
A mix up in the saint’s defence gave the legion a consolation goal towards the end.
But Howard hall had the last word for the saints adding a 6th late on to leave the saints still unbeaten this season,
And in a good position for honours going into the Christmas period.
Team
O Connor, hall, till Elliot, Duncan, butler, white, mc gonnigle, mc leish, Henry, Tompkins, Moran, swift, Sylvester
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11 Nov 07
SUNDAY PREMIER MIDDLESEX CUP ROUND 2
CURRANS FC, 2 V 4 ST ANDREWS FC
After extra time A wet windy Sunday morning and a 10 30 kick off on a pitch size for under 12sHeld all the ingredients of a cup shock
Currens who reached last year’s intermediate cup final and won the previous round 9-0 were not going to be any pushovers.
The saints with the wind and rain in there faces started resolutely against the direct approach from there Hayes league opponents
Infact it was the saints who got there passing game together and looked the better team in the opening 20 mins controlling the game and having 3 good chances well saved by the home keeper
With Currans causing no real threat to note,
Then on 25 mins Paul killick on another of his tricky runs was felled in the box with a penalty awarded he promptly despatched it to the top of the net giving the keeper no chance
This then seemed to spur currens into life who became more of a threat and had keeper o Connor and the saint’s defence working hard to keep the lead but they were undone by a free kick awarded out wide that was met by the head of a currans forward and beyond a stranded o Connor
Half time 1-1
The second half then started in sunshine and the wind seemed to not favour any particular team as it did the 1st , the saints stepping up the pace and enjoying more of the ball but could not find the net with any chances that did come
Enter star striker Aaron mc leish who started sub but soon wished he was still there missing 6 good opportunities one of which with the goal at his mercy decided to take a touch and see his shot cleared off the line Currans were hanging on and defending superbly to force extra time, but the saints should have been heading back down the M4 to the q finals long before.
The 1st period of extra time started with the kick off to currens who finding there forward substitute with his 1st touch took advantage of a tangle between lynskie and till to put Currans 2-1 up instantly.
Saints now fearing an unlikely exit from the cup pushed forward but chance after chance would not go in Aaron mc leish who was having an off day in front of goal guilty of further misses when it seemed easer to score
Paul killick again went down in the box but no penalty was awarded
The second period of extra time saw currens hit the post on there only worth attack as they held on to the lead with time running out the equaliser arrived from the boot of mc gonnigle after the keeper had saved
Within 2 minutes the saints took the lead this time Paul killick planting his shot in the far corner and finally James Duncan finished the game off with a last minute goal to put the saints into a q final showdown at home to broad fields utd the same team the met last year in the q finals winning 3-0
Team
O Connor , Moran , lynkskie, till , roman, butler , mc gonnigle , swift , killick, Tompkins , Sylvester , hall. Mc leish. Duncan
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FA SUNDAY CUP 2ND ROUND
4th Nov 07
The dream of playing in this years Sunday fa cup final at Liverpool’s anfield ground still remains for the saints, but only after the most unbelievable late goal feast on Sunday afternoon at the white lion ground Edgware.
2-0 down to Moat from Bedfordshire at half-time, they had reduced the arrears on 66 minutes but time was running out for Saints as they threw everything forward to try and force extra time.
They did more than that. Craig Tompkins, the ‘double’ of Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome, was in the right place to chip over the retreating Moat 'keeper to equalise in the 90th minute and then went on to complete a sensational hat-trick in the four minutes of stoppage time. And he had only just come on as a substitute!
It was very much against the run of play when Moat's Tony Campbell back-headed a long free-kick into net despite being clattered from behind by the Saints 'keeper on 18 minutes.
Saints seemed to spend most of their time in Moat's penalty area but several shots fizzed just wide and 'keeper Ady Gage dealt efficiently with anything that was on target.
Moat's attacking continued to be sporadic but the home defence opened up to allow Karl Hilton to rifle in a second goal on 33 minutes. McLeish then clipped the bar as he stretched for a far-post cross and Saints must have felt it wasn't going to be their day.
After some encouraging words from Townsend at half time to go for the win at all cost and a change to the formation bringing on Paul Moran in place of Carl mc clusky and pushing 3 up front
The second half was all saints from the start with the moat happy to sit on the 2 goal lead wave after wave of attack trying to get the 1st goal
They certainly turned the screw in the second half, with skipper Darren Butler outstanding as he ran everywhere to try and set up chances for his team-mates. Paul Killick showed what a hard shot he had with a blast from a free-kick that nearly knocked Gage over as he clutched the ball to his chest. Almost immediately, on 66 minutes, Killick only had to stroke the ball home after being put through in the inside-right channel.
Then manager Townsend played the last throw of the dice bringing on a further forward graig tomkinson with 15 mins left this turned out to be the difference as instantly saints had players going at the moat from all areas just leaving a 2 man defence at times,
Moat defended superbly and bravely as the crosses rained in near the end. In the last minute of normal time, Gage rushed out to punch clear from
Saints were very much in the ascendancy now and were not about to settle for playing an extra half-hour. Tompkins thumped home two left footers, in the third and fourth minutes of stoppage time, to produce an unlikely finale to a very entertaining tie.
Attendance: 40
Team ----O Connor, killick, Elliott, lynskey, mc clusky, till, white, butler, Duncan, Sylvester, mc leish, Moran, tomkinson, Henry, botang, ovidu
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Hendon district Sunday div 1
North London Olympians 1 v 3 St Andrews
Saints unbeaten run was tested on Sunday morning, an unbalanced side due to injuries and a booked day out for Paul killock at Thorpe park , meaning the forward man dean Sylvester at right back and the midfielder Craig white at centre half along with James Lynsky who still was recovering from the rugby world cup hangover and right back Paul Moran at left back,
It was no surprise the saints started somewhat slowly, this was waiting for the NLO team to put there nets up including the referee who gave them a hand climbing the pole upside down to hook the net on !!!
Eventually the game got underway and playing into the morning blinding sun light just made an already makeshift defence uneasy with the keepers long kick outs
The 1st half came and went quickly to a much relived manager dean Townsend who at half time was able to take off James lynsky for an undeserved rest. ON came Paul boatang and moved Howard hall to right back allowing dean Sylvester to attack the NLO goal
10 mins in after some continued pressure a right wing cross was headed into the top corner from tomkinson
But this seemed to spur NLO into life and had some attacking moments of there own from there lively forward line
Saints seemed happy to take a 1-0 win until a tricky run from the NLO right back from one end of the pitch to the other without a saints tackle ended with the ball being slipped to another NLO defender to blast the ball beyond o Connors near post causing celebrations from every NLO player who with 10 mins to go thought they had at least earned a point and scored the 1st league goal passed a stunned o Connor
Craig white was pushed into the midfield roll for the final 10 mins as a stunned st Andrews went for the instant reply
With 5 mins left the right back who was in full flight again was this time tackled by Paul Moran who then sent a through ball down the line to aaon mc leish to cut inside his marker and plant the ball in the right hand corner.
The same combination then supplied the 3rd goal after Moran again just got to a misplaced pass from Paul boatang before an NLO forward and sent another pass to Aaron mc leish to cut inside the same marker but this time square the ball for the onrushing Sylvester to seal the win.
Manager Townsend said a win is a win but you will have to ask players weather a day out on a bumper car or playing football is more important maybe I should set up a fair ground at Edgware for Paul killock !!
Team ---- O Connor. Sylvester, white, lynksky, Moran, swift, butler, hall, Henry, tomkinson, McLeish, boatang.
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FA Sunday cup 14/OCT /07
St Andrews 3 v 0 Brache Green Man FC
The biggest cup competion in Sunday football the FA SUNDAY CUP came to Edgware on Sunday morning st Andrews top of the Hendon league faced Brache Green Man who are currently top of the NORTH HOME COUNTIES SUNDAY league.
To be fair the green man team were the best team saints have faced this season but the saints stepped up there game to a level even the gaffer dean Townsend thought they would not reach after having late pull outs from the keeper bomber and centre half Craig Elliott
In a frantic 1st half hour the saints showed there Luton rivals that they want to progress in this cup, totally dominating the games early exchanges in particular Aaron mc liesh who gave the green man defence a torrid morning with his pace and shooting, helped by dean Sylvester up front the two rained shots in at will hitting the post TWICE and having the green man keeper pull of saves that most keepers would of found hard to stop.
Eventually on the half hour it was the main man Aaron mc leish who opened the scoring driving across the box he pushed the ball onto his left foot and smashed the top of the net to put the saints 1-0 up
Green man threatened on corners and free kicks due to having 2 players of 6ft 3 in the ranks but the saint’s defence of lynsky , Carl mc clusky , dean till held firm along with a magnificent one handed save from mark jessop in the saints goal keeping the green men at bay
At the other end a counter attack released Craig white who picked his spot in the goal through a ruck of players and planted the ball in the bottom corner to go in at the break 2-0 up
The green man stepped up the pace in the second half but found the saints equally at there level in particular butler and white working for every ball making life hard for green man to get back into the game
And so it was left to dean Sylvester to head a cross into the net to finish the game as a contest 20 mins from time giving a 3-0 score line that could have been much worse for a depleted green man team who fans and management must be praised for there taking to a defeat they never thought looked likely at the start of the morning, warming at 12-30 with sains still turning up at 1.25 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TEAM- Jessop , till , ovidu , lynsky, mc cluskey, killock, white, butler, Duncan , mc leish, Sylvester , Moran , tomkinson , swifty ,Cain
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MIDDLESEX SENIOR CUP
ST ANDREWS 3- 1 CAMDEN RED STAR FC
ST ANDREWS PROGRESSED INTO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE MIDDLESEX CUP ON SUNDAY
A LACLUSTER PROFORMANCE IN THE 1ST HALF SAW THE SAINTS GO INTO THE BREAK ONLY 1-0 TO THE GOOD WHEN A 3 0R 4 GOAL CUSHION WOULD HAVE BEEN A FAIR REFLECTION OF A 1ST HALF THAT THE SAINTS DOMINATED WITHOUT GETTING OUT OF SECOND GEAR.
JAMES DUNCAN GETTING THE BREAKTHROUGH ON 20 MINS WITH AN EXCELLENT RIGHT FOOT HALF VOLLY FROM THE EDGE OF THE BOX
OVIDU THEN HAD A 25 YARD EFFORT CRASH BACK OFF THE CROSSBAR AS SAINTS PRESSED FORWARD
THE RETURNING P KILLOCK ALSO HAD 2 CHANCES WELL SAVED BY THE KEEPER AND DARREN BUTLER SAW A HEADER CLIP THE POST
BUT A BALL OUT OF DEFENCE NEARLY COST THE SAINTS AS THE CROSS CAME IN THE UNMARKED FORWARD LOOKED CERTAIN TO SCORE ONLY FOR P O CONNOR TO PULL OFF A GORDAN BANKS SAVE AND LIFT THE BALL UP IN THE AIR BEFORE BEING CLEARED
THE 2ND HALF SAW THE SAINTS RAISE THE PRESSURE AND INDOING SO FORCED THE CAMDEN DEFENCE TO CONCEAD 2 PENALTIES THE 1ST ON AARON MC LEISH WHO GOT UP TO PUT THE PENALTY AWAY WITH EASE
THE NEXT ON PAUL KILLOCK WHO AGAIN GOT UP TO DISPATCH HIS FIRST GOAL OF THE SEASON GIVING A MORE REALISTED SCORE LINE OF 3-0
THEN WITH THE GAME WON A FINAL FREE KICK CONCEADED ON THE EDGE OF THE SAINTS BOX WAS CROSSED IN TO THE PENALTY AREA WERE THE REFEREE SPOTTED A PUSH ON A CAMDEN FORWARD
THE CONSULATION PENALTY WAS STRUCK PAST O CONNOR THE 1ST GOAL CONCEADED THIS SEASON BY THE SAINTS STOPPER
NEXT WEEK SEES THE SAINTS START THERE CARLSBERG FA SUNDAY CUP TRAIL AT THE WHITE LION GROUND EDGWARE WITH A 2PM KICK OFF AGAINST BRACH SPORTS LUTON
TEAM ------- P O CONNOR , P MORAN , LYNSKEY, TILL, OVIDU, BUTLER, DUNCAN, KIRBY, D SYLVESTER, A Mc LEISH, KILLOCK, HALL, TOMKINSON, SWIFTY, MC CLUSKEY
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HENDON DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE DIV 1- 30TH Sept 07
ST ANDREWS 2- 0 METROLINE FC
ST ANDREWS SAW OFF ANOTHER LEAGUE NEW COMER TO THE HENDON DIV 1 ON SUNDAY BEATING METROLINE 2-0 AT THE WHITE LION GROUND EDGWARE
WITH SIX CHANGES TO THE TEAM THAT BEAT BROADWAYCELTIC LAST WEEK AND A CHANGE IN-FORMATION
THE SAINTS TOOK A WHILE TO SETTLE AGAINST THERE LIVLEY OPPONANTS WHO CAME INTO THE GAME VERY CONFIDENT OF GETTING A RESULT.
THE OPENING EXCHANGES WERE VERY FRANTIC WITH EACH SIDE ATTACKING AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY
AARON MCLEISH AND DEAN SYLVESTER MISSING A COUPLE OF EARLY CHANCES FOR THE SAINTS
WITH METROLINE RESTRICTED TO LONG RANGE EFFORTS AND 2 FREE KICKS ON THE EDGE OF THE AREA
15 MINS GONE AND AARON MCLEISH PICKED UP THE BALL ON THE RIGHT WING EVADING A COULPE OF CHALLENGES HE CUT INSIDE ON TO HIS FAVOURED LEFT FOOT AND PASSED THE BALL BEYOND THE KEEPERS DIVE TO PUT THE SAINTS 1-0 UP
THE REMAINDER OF THE HALF THEN TURNED INTO A MIDFIELD BATTLE WITH FEW CHANCES BETWEEN BOTH SIDES.
THE SECOND HALF STARTED WITH MORE OF AN EDGE TO THE GAME AFTER SOME HALF TIME VERBELS CROSSED THE PITCH TO WHICH THE REFEREE DID WELL TO DISCHARGE
BUT AS THE 2ND HALF GOT UNDERWAY SOME OFF THE BALL INCIDENTS NAMLEY SYLVESTER BEING PUSHED IN THE FACE BUT NOT SEEN BY THE REF CAUSED THE TENSION TO REMAIN.
WITH METROLINE DESPERATE TO GET THE EQUILIZER THE SAINTS DEFENCE WELL MARSHALLED BY C ELLIOT HELD FIRM.
TOMKINSON WHO HAD JUST REPLACED B. CAIN PICKED UP THE BALL AFTER SOME EXCELLENT SAINTS INTERPASSING SET HIM FREE, AS HE CUT IN TO SHOOT THE DEFENDER TOOK HIS LEGS AWAY GIVING THE SAINTS A CHANCE TO EXTEND THE LEAD FROM THE SPOT.
TOMKINSON THEN PLACED THE BALL ON THE SPOT ONLY TO BE OFFERD A HANDSHACK FROM THE METROLINE KEEPER WHO THEN WALKED BACK TO GOAL KICKING THE BALL AWAY AND POINTING TO WARE HE THINKS TOMKINSON WILL AIM FOR UNFORTUNATLY FOR HIM THE MIND GAMES NEVER WORKED TOMKINSON SLOTTING IN TO PUT THE SAINTS 2-0 UP
10 MINS BEFORE THE END METROLINE WERE AWARDED A PENALTY AFTER DEAN LENIHAN WAS HARSHLY GIVEN A HANDBALL IN THE AREA
WITH O CONNOR IN THE SAINTS YET TO CONCEAD THIS SEASON, HE DULY KEPT HIS RECORD INTACT DIVING TO THE LEFT TO STOP THE BALL WITH EASE.
SAINTS NOW LEAD THE TABLE BY 3 POINTS AND MOVE TO MIDDLESEX CUP ACTION NEXT WEEK AGAIN AT HOME AGAINST RED STAR CAMPDEN FC
P O CONNOR , P MORAN , C ELLIOT, D LENIHAN, OVIDU, D TILL, D BUTLER, B CAIN , C McCLUSKEY, D SYLVESTER, A Mc LEISH, J DUNCAN, HALL,
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HENDON & DISTRICT SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUEDIVISION 1 - 23r Sept 07
St Andrews
With both teams located at the same pub this was always going to be a game of bragging writes.
As they tried to stop st Andrews passing game packing the midfield
This was working well and Celtic were frustrating the home site to minimal chances most of them falling to Aaron mc leish and dean Sylvester
30 minutes in a cross field pass was dummied inside the box by the saint’s captain Darren butler who skipped around his marker to slot the ball in for what turned out to be the winner!
Going in at the break 1-0 down Broadway never let there heads drop and responded well with former st Andrews forward Ray Fitzpatrick in the second half causing st Andrews defenders C Elliott and lynsky in to some last ditch defending at times, but st Andrews always looked a threat going forward and only for 2 magnificent safes from the Broadway keeper stopped the saints having an easier morning than expected. Overall Broadway just lacked the quality in the final 3rd of the pitch to cause st Andrews Much problems but on this showing will hold there own in a very competitive league.
Next week st Andrews face another league new comer metroline fc at Edgware town ko 11am
Saint Andrews – Paul O'Connor, Craig Elliott, James Lynskey, Mark Swift, Roman Ovidiu, James Duncan, Craig White, Darren butler, Aaron McLeish, Craig tomkinson Dean Sylvester, Howard Hall, Paul Moran, Dean till.
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HENDON & DISTRICT SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 - 16th Sept 07
ST ANDREWS FC, 6 – 0 WILLESDEN LEGIONAIRE
ST Andrews got there title defence off to a fine start on Sunday morning with a 6-0 demolition of league one promotion newcomers Willesden legion. From the start St Andrews showed there opponents no mercy, with wave after wave of attacking football it was only a matter of time before the goal 1st goal arrived. 12 minutes in and Aaron mc leish opened the scoring with a good finish after turning his marker. Willesden did battle hard to regain the ball and showed glimpses of a threat to get the equaliser but were well marshalled by the saints defence. 20 minutes gone and the second goal arrived for Aaron mc leish, good work at the back from Moran saw his cross field pass headed down by Tomkinson in to McLeish’s path to slot the ball in to the bottom corner. Mc leish then thought he had got a first half hatrick only to be ruled off side from a dubious decision from the linesmen when it seemed the defender was playing him on after the keepers save from tomkinson was spilled in to his path. Tomkinson did get on the score sheet 10 minutes later this time the keeper had no chance with a fine finish. Half time 3-0 Willesden came out the second half more determined with a 10 minutes spell of pressure Causing Paul o Connor in goal in to action on two occasions early on. Saints then had the opportunity to increase the lead from the penalty spot after a deliberate hand ball from a Willesden defender. With Aaron mc leish on a hatrick and ball in hand, James lynskey decided he wanted to get on the score sheet. Taking the ball from the striker and placing it on the spot, only for the referee who by now had got involved far too much in (stop starting play) to move the ball position in to a divot! With lynskey repositioning it. This happened 3 times before lynskey got the whistle to shoot and promptly hit the post and watched his chance for goal slip away much to his team mates roars of laughter. After missing the chance to get his hatrick McLeish took his next chance driving a left foot shot past the keeper to complete his hatrick. Sub Dean Sylvester then used his power and pace to make it 5-0, 10 minutes from time Then with Arron McLeish about to get his forth after a great save from the Willesden keeper sent the ball across goal up popped James lynskey to back heel the ball over the line and get the goal he craved. Giving a 6-0 finish to the game.
Saint Andrews – Paul O'Connor, Craig Elliott, James Lynskey, Paul Moran, Roman Ovidiu James Duncan, Craig White, Darren butler, Aaron McLeish, Carl mc cluskey, Craig tomkinson Dean Sylvester, Howard Hall, Mark Swift
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HENDON & DISTRICT SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
STONE MEMORIAL CUP FINAL
9th Sept 07
ST ANDREWS FC, 4 - 0, HAMPDEN FC
St Andrews carried on the winning in finals habit by retaining the Hendon & district league opener, the stone memorial cup on Sunday. On a warm sunny morning at Kingsbury town fc with the pitch in excellent condition for football it was last years league and cup winners against the runners up in both competitions hampden fc. St Andrews laid a marker that they will be the team to beat again this season after winning back to back trebles for the past 2 seasons and the Middlesex premier cup to add to the haul. They comprehensively took Hampden apart with breathtaking football, manager dean Townsend gave debuts to 4 new signings, and within 10 minutes saints lead 2-0 with 2 goals from Chris Henry the 1st one leaving a Hampden defender in knots and the second a simple tap after good work from Aaron McLeish. Aaron mc leish then scored a goal himself on 34 mins after another fine run and cool finish. Hampden being restricted to defending for a total half thought they had done enough to keep the score at 3-0 but 5 mins before the break Chris Henry completed his hatrick from a 25 yard screamer in to the top corner that had the crowd and bench off there feet in applauding a wonder goal. Going in at half time 4-0 The second half was always going to be a formality and so it turned out with the second half being as the 1st in terms of possession the saints seemed more interested in keep ball than scoring, but to Hamden’s credit they battled hard but any chances they did create were well handled by long serving players Craig Elliott Roman Ovidu and Paul Moran in defence and the midfield trio of Carl mc cluskey Craig white and James Duncan all impressed along with the danger men on the day being Chris Henry and Aaron McLeish who after there 1st half performance can be excused for not adding to the tally in the second half . The only slight concern was the thigh injury to James lynskey who was taken off at half time for precaution but he should be available for the league opener next Sunday. Man of the match- who else--- Chris Henry 1st half hatrick.
Saint Andrews – Paul O'Connor, Craig Elliott, James Lynskey, James Duncan, Aaron McLeish Dean Sylvester, Paul Moran, C Craig , Paul killock, H Howard , Roman Ovidiu, Craig White, Carl mc cluskey, Chris Henry.
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Reg Ellis Cup Final - 27/05/07
(McLeish, Sylvester,
THE SAINTS MAKE IT BACK TO BACK TREBLES
On a miserable wet day for football, the Saints were aiming to match there previous season's exploits in the Hendon and District league by winning an unprecedented treble. With the league and challenge cup all ready secured, the Saints were looking to add the league cup aswell. They faced league and division one rivals Kingsbury Athletic, who they had taken maximum points off in the league games through the season. However, this final always promised to be a lively affair, and the spectators were not dissapointed. It was KAFC who started the brighter with there offensive trio looking to cause problems from the off and the Saints taking there time to get to grips. In wet and windy conditions, both teams to there credit both looked to get the ball down and play where possible and play to there strengths which on both sides were there attack. After hafl chances came and went for both sides Aaron Mcleish being guilty for the saints on a couple of occassions, KAFC opened the deadlock on about the 18 minute mark. A ball was whipped in from a corner and after the KAFC striker had lost his marker, he executed a header into the top corner leaving Jessop no chance. With KAFC thinking that this was perhaps there day, The Saints regrouped and straight away looked for the equaliser. Dean Sylvester, Aaron Mcleish and Adam Wallace were starting to get the better of the KAFC defence and Darren Butler was also a menace in midfield with both some hard tackling and some intricate footwork. It was no surprise when the equaliser came, some good play outwide put Mcleish on a run, the KAFC defender seemed to misjudge his tackle and Mcleish was one on one with only the keeper to beat from an angle. The finish was equisite and levelled the game at 1 - 1. The game continued in the same manner with KAFC going close again very soon after, there left midfielder cutting in on his right and unleashing a shot that somehow hit the inside of the post but didn't go in, the rebounded shot fell to the unrushing KAFC striker who volleyed the ball back to goal, only for Jessop to pull of a great reaction save and keep the scores level. Again the ST's went on the offensive and chances again came and went for Mcleish, Sylvester, Wallace and White. The potential turning point of the game was however soon to follow, after a long ball was played by the KAFC midfielder, the ST's defence seemed to switch off and the left winger took posession of the ball, from the by line he crossed and a small melee followed, as a KAFC player got a toe on the ball to knock it goal bound, Dean Till desperately recovered to clear his lines….Appeals from the KAFC strikers were waved away as both linesman and referee signalled that the ball had not crossed the line. Only a couple of minutes later, KAFC paid an even bigger price as the Saints went on the offensive and good work from Aaron Mcleish led to a cross and finish from close range by Dean Sylvester. As the half time whistle went, the Saints went in 2 - 1 up.
The second half started as the first with both teams entertaining with end to end football, However it was
Saint Andrews Team - Mark Jessop, Dean Till, Paul Moran, Craig Elliott, James Lynskey, Darren Butler, Craig White, Mark Swift, Aaron Mcleish, Dean Sylvester (Gregory Ngoyi) , Adam Wallace (Ben Cain)
Subs Not Used: John Mullen, Roman Ovidiu, Chris Henry, Paul Boateng, Paul O'Connor
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29/04/07
Challenge Cup Final
(
St Andrews looking to make it back to back Challenge cup successes faced there league foes Hampden at Kingsbury Town FC. With
The saints however were not made to wait long for the breakthough as on the half hour mark the Saints broke and as the ball was crossed in by Cain to Butler, the skipper evaded a couple of tackles before steadying himself to shoot, however after one dummy and a shimmy he left the kepper stranded and cooly slotted home the opener.
The saints pushed for a second with no real response from Hampden, and as the half time whistle went the St's were confident that this would be there day.
The second half started pretty much as the first with
Shortly afterwards ST Andrews had two breakaway efforts that they did not convert, however all that was left was for the ref to blow the final whistle as the Saints celebrated what is hopefully one of 3 trophies.
ST Andrews Team:
Paul O'Connor, Dean Till, Craig Elliott, James Lynskey, Paul Moran, Darren Butler, Craig White, Mark Swift, Aaron Mcleish (Chris Henry), Ben Cain (Roman Ovidiu), Dean Sylvester
Subs not used: Hussain Ali, Nick Airweleb, John Mullen, Paul Boatang