The Year 10 Football season was a mixture of highs and lows throughout the campaign.
After a dramatic 4-3 win at the Bowl against Ballakermeen, the Saints comprehensively saw off King William's College 10-0 away from home. Next up was a strong Ramsey side. The team showed immense character to retain their unbeaten run after coming back from behind twice to take a point late on. A penalty converted by Bellew tied the game at 2-2. QEII were the next outfit to visit the acclaimed Bemabeu. A Johnston hat-trick and clean sheet saw the Saints take all 3 points once again in a convincing 6-0 win. The highlight of this game came from Wilson, who performed an outrageous overhead kick to beat the QEII Goalkeeper (Puskas Award nominee potential, but for the celebration that followed!). The final league game saw the Saints needing 3 points to top the table, however, playing against a well-organised Castle Rushen proved difficult for most of the game. With 1 minute of normal time remaining, the game was even at 3-3, a long ball forward dropped kindly for Johnston who lashed the ball home into the corner, to seal an important victory at the death.
Top of the league, and unbeaten, a fantastic achievement, yet the boys knew they had work to do in the Semi-Final. The boys faced Castle Rushen once again.
The opening exchanges of the game were cagey with not much between the two sides. An opportunity arose for Cannon whose effort smashed off the crossbar, still goalless. Castle Rushen played to their strengths with dangerous long balls over the top of the Saints defence. A moment of magic from the Castle Rushen midfielder on the edge of the 18-yard box broke the deadlock with Bradshaw having no chance of stopping the strike. Changes were made to solidify the midfield area for the Saints, however, another dangerous long-ball from the opposition led to the visitors gaining a 2-goal lead advantage heading into half-time. The boys at half-time knew the tough task they faced in the second half, but believed they could turn game around. This belief was evident on the pitch with the Saints encamped in the Castle Rushen half. A cushioned header from Johnston halved the deficit. More chances came and went. As the clock ticked down the Saints began pushing more and more for the equaliser which left space in behind for Castle Rushen to exploit. A fantastic save from Bradshaw kept the Saints hopes alive but shortly after, Castle Rushen, with another long ball, managed to extend their lead to 3-1. Leece hit the post from a free-kick 2 minutes from time and it seemed it wasn’t to be, which would be the case. Captain Blake led a late revival with a header, and had an opportunity to force extra-time with a penalty which was saved. The whistle sounded, 3-2 the finishing scoreline.
Fantastic team spirit showed from the group in a game which could have gone either way. It’s not how we wanted the season to end, but the boys can be proud of their efforts and commitment. They played some excellent football at times and looked a class above, in flashes.