Match Report - 15 March 2003

A match between the second and third place teams saw St Andrews beat Headstone 3-1 for the second time this season. But this was a closely fought game and St Andrews better finishing was the key difference between the sides. The game was played at Broadfields on an excellent pitch on a fine sunny day.

St Andrews came into the match with six wins in seven matches. They started confidently but the first clear chance fell to Russell who was put clean through on goal after an excellent long pass out of defence by Kushal. Russell raced through but his shot was pushed wide by the keeper. Jordan Wright, in goal, was busier than he had been in any of the last three games but he made three excellent first half saves. In front of him Kushal and Daniel were strong in defence.

Thomas, George, Conor and Russell very nearly gave Headstone the lead. Thomas's corner from the left was flicked on by George onto the inside of the far post but the ball bounced out and was cleared. Thomas and Conor also had good shots but couldn't find the net. Three minutes before half time St Andrews took the lead. One of their players won the ball from Jordan Wright's clearance and then ran through the Headstone defence before shooting into the corner.

At half time Brett came on for Russell and Michael replaced Kushal. Three minutes into the half St Andrews doubled their lead with a goal from inside the area. Brett's pace got him clear of the defence a few times but he was unable to finish. George and Conor also had chances at the edge of the area. In the 38th minute St Andrews broke away on the right from a throw in, their header beat Jordan Wright and Michael's header off the line looped up and dropped into the corner.

At 3-0 up St Andrews win looked secure but Headstone never gave up and they were rewarded with a goal from George after a fine passing move with Thomas, Conor and Brett. George shot from close range and the keeper watched it go in. Headstone created a couple of scrambled chances towards the end but couldn't add to the score. Brett was man of the match for the first time for a determined performance up front.