With the shadow of the ARYPT defeat in memories it was good to have an early opportunity to put things right.
The Grace Academy pitch was in surprisingly good nick considering the recent weather; the top bend of the athletics track running through a goal mouth wasn't particularly helpful though!
Both sides started the game with the clear intent on attacking and Saints fashioned a couple of early chances one bringing a terrific full length save from Aaron. Affinity were moving the ball around with some confidence with the final ball more often than not being swept up by a tight Saints defence.
Affinity took the lead with Gary heading in a long Jamie throw in beating the goalie at his near post. Unfortunately the lead was short lived with Saints punishing Affinity for not being able to clear a corner effectively. A number of other chances followed an open first half with Saints taking the lead for the first time 10 minutes before the break.
The second half was equally as open as the first with Affinity taking the game to Saints with an equaliser from Josh P who finished well at the near post from a cross from Mike A from the right. Saints looked a little rattled at this point and seemed to resort to the long ball game which given the strength of wind behind them required more accuracy than they were using.
Affinity took the lead again with Lee prodding home a beautifully flighted free kick taken by James from just inside the Saints half. Although Affinity were in control at this point they were again unable to keep the lead for long with the pace of the Saints’ attackers becoming a factor now that they were playing the ball to feet.
An equalising and then a fourth Saints goal knocked the wind out of Affinity but they continued to attack in the expectation of getting something out of the game. A chance dropped to a visiting Mike C whose left footed shot was too close to the keeper to test him.
With 10 minutes to go Saints scored a somewhat controversial fifth goal. With Affinity players stopping momentarily with Steve winded on the floor Saints mercilessly and effectively finished the game off.
Affinity piled on the pressure from this point onwards with chances fashioned by Sean cutting in from the right and Ian hitting the bar with the goalie beaten meaning that it wasn't going to be Affinity's day. A better performance all round but still areas to improve on.
Man of the match goes to Aaron who made a number of excellent saves. Also mentions for Sean who continues to impress in his first full season, Gary who won more than his fair share of headers in the middle and Josh P who was a nuisance all game
