As with every game this season Affinity would start the game with a different line up from the previous one. Josh P was back in the starting line up joined up front by Mike's mate Ryan helping us out in the absence of Will and Lee.
The opening exchanges suggested that the game would be a fairly open affair with both sides trying to get forward at every opportunity. As in previous games the Affinity defence struggled to find their shape and they had to act sharply to prevent St Johns' players finding the gaps and running through strongly from the midfield.
Affinity took the lead with a fine glancing header by Jamie from a cross by James from the right that followed a cleared corner which was headed back to James. The goal seemed to wake St Johns up somewhat and they pressed with good possession. An equaliser came straight from a corner swinging in from the left and looping into the far top corner of the net.
Affinity heads dropped at not having kept the lead for long and shortly after conceded a penalty which was put away with Gary B getting a hand to it but not able to keep it out. The rest of the first half saw Affinity trying to keep St Johns at bay with Ian leading from the front with his play and encouragement to his team mates.
Half time saw some soul searching for the Affinity team and a change between the sticks with Josh replacing Gary B who had taken a knock part way through the half.
Affinity's second half action plan took an early blow when St Johns scored a third direct from a free kick that sailed over Josh. The two goal cushion galvanised Affinity into action and they pushed forward to get back the goal conceded. During this period Affinity played with as much passion seen this season and Ryan put Affinity within one with a fine finish beating two St John's defenders and the advancing keeper.
A number of chances followed for both teams as they pushed forward to find the next goal. Josh pulled off a brilliant reaction save to push the ball over the bar and Steve, who had replaced an injured Gilly, had a couple of goal bound headers from corners saved by the St John's keeper.
Although it was another defeat the passion shown in the second half was encouraging for the important games to follow. Ian takes the Man of the Match award with a solid performance and inspirational leadership on the day. Special mention also to Jamie, Josh P and Ryan who made significant impacts in the game
