The final two games in the senior football league have now been played. Before we broke up for half term we played a strong QEII side. The Saints started well and pressed QEII high up the pitch which gave us a real foot-hold in the opening 15 minutes. James Leece headed home to put us 1-0 up, with a second coming a few minutes later after some great build up play down the right eventually finding Chris Karezis to tap in. The Westerners then came back and scored just before half time, 2-1. In the second half, QEII continued to dominate possession but Ben Cowin, Noah Vowels, Dan Kinrade and Cam Strickett-Morling were resolute at the back, as was keeper Ben Wilkinson making some important saves. The game was wrapped up however, when Zak Watterson found space on a breakaway and slotted home for a Saints 3-1 win!
The B Team suffered their first defeat of the season losing 4-2 to fast QEII outfit. Goal scorers were Josh Modin and keeper Sam Barnett(!) who scored from the half way line!!
This week we entertained Castle Rushen in the final league game where a loss might mean we wouldn’t qualify for the semi-finals. Castle Rushen started strong and quickly went 2-0 ahead. After half time the Southerners added a third which looked like it could be game over. However, you should never write off St. Ninian’s, as James Leece was fouled in the box and converted his own penalty to give the Saints’ hope. Zak Watterson then scored a superb individual effort, squeezing the ball home from a tight angle – and the comeback was on! After an inspired tactical switch from Mr Kelly, captain Ben Cowin went up-front and within a minute was through on goal and finished well to complete the comeback, 3-3! However, it wasn’t over yet, as Castle Rushen scored from a rare 2nd half attack to go 4-3 up with just 5 minutes to go. But like I said, never write off St. Ninian’s, as in the last minute Dillon Barton was flattened in the box and the (excellent) referee pointed to the spot. Dillon stepped up to take the crucial penalty and scored to send the side-line supporters wild with celebration! Final score 4-4.
The B Team played out a high scoring match, and after coming back from 5-1 down almost replicated the A team’s heroics, but just fell short losing 6-5. Goal scorers were Sam Barnett, James Edmonds, Josh Kelly, Alex Greensides and Tom Corrin.
Next for the Senior Team will be a semi-final away to either QEII, Castle Rushen or Ramsey (depending on the Ramsey v Balla result).
Mr M Kelly
Assistant Head of PE