The long awaited return with F C Puma had finally arrived with both teams still with a chance of the championship.It was expected that a long break due to Festivities and the inclimate weather would mean that both teams would be a bit rusty. This proved to be the case with the game being very scrappy not helped by the pitch which was in dire need of a good cut and roll.
Having said that F C Puma were fast out of the traps and mistakes in the St Michael’s defence led to the opening goal for the away side within a minute. After 10 minutes St Michaels levelled the scores when a pass by Danny Baptiste was converted by Stuart Bird. 10minutes later Stuart Bird scored with a tap in for his 20th of the season. The game was flowing from end to end and 12 minutes later a good solo goal saw F C Puma level the scores at 2 – 2 which was the score at Half Time.
The second half continued with both sides pushing for the winner. Kevin Pinner was introduced for his debut on 64 minutes replacing Jack Jolly and immediately settled into the team showing great skill and pace. A minute later a corner from Danny Baptiste was flapped at by the F C Puma keeper who dropped the ball which was put in at close range by Sam Meade to make the score 3 - 2 to St Michaels. Arran Amer replaced Danny Baptiste on the 79th minute and St Michaels then played out the final minutes to ensure a thoroughly well earned 3 points.
A very satisfying win for St Michaels to get revenge for the 3 – 2 reversal against F C Puma earlier in the season. This result makes sure that the title is still up for grabs. A good performance by the team after such a long lay off. Special mention this week for James Mckerrell who had his best game in a St Michaels shirt with a great display in defence as well as proving a major attacking threat with his long throws. But the Man of the Match once again goes to Stuart Bird who was commanding up front, won every header and also scored a brace to take his tally for the season to 20 goals.
