The first home game of the season, the second cup group game, saw the visit of St Johns. Affinity playing without a great deal of confidence knew that a good tight start was essential if the losing start to the season was to be addressed.
And with a start reminiscent of the opening game against LOWFORS Affinity took an early lead when Will charged down a clearance from the keeper then coolly finishing from just outside the area. The keeper spent some time recovering from his slip but I suspect he was recovering his pride which had taken a knock. In the minutes that followed the St John's keeper looked as unsure as he had for his mistake that caused the goal but Affinity were unable to punish him further.
St John's response was clinical and highlighted Affinity's lack of confidence in defence with two quick goals that had Affinity playing catch up after such a good start. Both goals came from headers that were nodded over an oncoming Steve R but in truth Affinity defenders should have been first to the ball on both occasions.
The momentum and possession were now with St Johns and Affinity were struggling to keep the ball, something that has eluded them for any consistent amount of time all season so far. Gary and Mike showed glimpses of the cool heads they have with James and Henry making headway down the flanks. During this phase of the half Henry found himself on the end of a pass from Gary but fired too high to test the keeper.
Third and fourth goals followed for St Johns before the break, the third a fine finish from their right as a free kick was met on the volley clearing Steve R into the right hand corner of the Affinity goal. The fourth summed up Affinity's first half with them unable to clear a corner and a unmarked attacker heading easily into the net.
The half time team talk was more of a rant with Steve W trying to inject some fire in Affinity bellies. Two changes saw the introduction of Steve G and Steve W into the defence.
The second half started with Affinity looking more focused and disciplined which in turn led to a greater share of the possession. Defensively there seemed to be just a little bit more time for Affinity with Steve W winning his fair share of headers and the cool head of Steve G uting most of his passes and becoming an attacking threat with his long throws.
With Ian now playing in the advanced striker role he was able to fashion a few half chances as well as bringing team mates into play. James and Henry had switched wings at half time and both made forays down the right and left sides with Sean and Steve G providing support.
St Johns, happy for the lead they had gained before half time, knew they were in a battle with Affinity now winning most of the 50/50 challenges. Steve R taking up a position closer to the edge of his area snubbed out a few breaks played over the top that bypassed the centre backs. With 15 minutes to go Affinity got a well deserved second goal with Ian nodding in a corner form James from the Affinity right. It was no more than Affinity deserved.
With a head of steam now up Affinity pushed for a third goal but with backs to the wall defending St John's shut up shop and saw out the rest of the game, limiting Affinity to a couple of other half chances from corners and shots from the edge of the area.
A far more positive second half but Affinity will need to ensure that their first half displays are more disciplined than in any of the games so far this season. Man of the match goes to Steve G for his second half display that limited St John's left side attacks to scraps and provided a foundation for Affinity attack. Also a mention for Steve W providing some composure at the back and Ian working tirelessly up front.
