Cov Saints don’t normally concede many goals but an indifferent start to their league campaign and an early cup exit at the hands of Second Division Queens Road would give Affinity some confidence that they could push on after their own cup win the previous week.
Cov Saints started the game with ten men and Affinity controlled the early exchanges playing some nice passing football. A few half chances were created before the Saints’ eleventh man levelled the playing field. Affinity continued to pass the ball well with the space being used well on both flanks with Luke causing Saints’ right back all kinds of problems.
Ian scored Affinity’s first goal with a well taken shot after a great first touch opened up some space to place his shot. Saints were still in the game but weren’t able to create any clear cut chances because some tight defending across the back four by Steve M, Jordan, Tom and Josh P and midfield pressure giving them little time on the ball.
The last five minutes of the first half would be pivotal with two further Affinity goals being scored. The second scored by Lee from a from a very tight angle; reward for not giving up when it looked like the ball was heading out of play for a goal kick. The third came from James whose goal bound shot collected a couple of deflections before nestling into the bottom left corner.
The half time team talk was an easy one for Affinity; keep doing what you have been doing. The third quarter of the game was more end to end than the first two with a strengthening wind giving Saints an advantage. Affinity continued to create good chances with Lee and Gary going close with some lovely solo efforts.
A forced change with 12 minutes to go saw Lee replaced by Steve W with Josh P moving up front. Josh who had had a fine game covering at right back capped a man of the match performance with a 12 minute hat trick, his first similar to Lee’s from a tight angle and two further well placed efforts wide of the keeper. Saints goal was a fine finish from the edge of the box giving Dale no chance.
A really good win with a second 6 goal haul should give plenty of confidence ahead of the next game with ARYPT. A hat trick of 6-1 away wins would be lovely please
