An uninspiring performance from the Saints but we still got the job done and have progressed into the quarters to face either Berlin B or Rathcoole YM. It was pretty much a dull affair in freezing conditions at Loughside with little goalmouth action as both teams cancelled each other out. We took the lead in our first attack after just 4 mins when Aaron pounced on a thru ball from Geordie to stab it home 1-0 to the Saints, 10 mins gone and York Rd had a chance when Simon miskicked a back pass but they shot wide, they had another chance on 15 mins but were once again of target and on 25 mins came there best opportunity of the game when there forward shot on goal only for Simon to pull off a great save and turn the shot round the post, and on 40 mins York Rd had another chance when Daryl was left day dreaming allowing there winger to bear down on goal but once again the big man pulled of another great save to thwart their effort, we struggled to create any worthwhile chances in a poor first half. The second half started as the first ended with us failing to get the ball down to feet and playing the good football that’s seen us rack up 12 wins on the bounce, our first opportunity came on the hour mark with good work from Gazza down the right, he fired in a fine cross for Boot who headed wide, Boot had another chance 5 mins later only to pull his shot wide of the target and Geordie picked up a throw in from Winky before shooting on goal and clipping the post, we were searching for the killer second goal to put the game beyond doubt and Aaron almost got it when a fine team move put Aaron in only for him to shoot narrowly wide with 10 mins to go, it looked like we had done just enough when York Rd were awarded a free kick in the last minute, there player curled in a lame shot which looked in no danger of going in, that was until Simon left his near post unguarded and by the time he reacted the ball was in the net 1-1, I was cursing him even more than normal as his error meant another 20 mins of not feeling my toes, extra time came and went with both teams having one clear chance of winning it, first on 95 mins York Rd had the ball in our box and as it bounced around there player hit a shot which rattled the cross bar, on 105 mins Aaron played the ball to Boot who hit his shot past there keeper and as we watched agonisingly from the side-line it seemed an eternity for it to roll over the line to give us a 2-1 lead one which we managed to hold onto to grind out a hard fought victory. A great end to 2011 for us as we reach the quarter finals of the cup and sit second in the league with the Berlin looking over their shoulders. All that’s left for me to do is wish everyone at St Andrews C a very Merry Xmas and look forward to the challenge ahead in 2012 for our wee team, common the wee Saints!!!
