St Michaels F C 3 Reynolds F C 1 Game played on 24/3/13
St Michaels were drawn against a strong Premier side in Reynolds F C in the Betts Cup semi final. The previous season Reynolds had inflicted on them 2 heavy defeats, 7 – 1 in a Pre-season friendly and 5 – 0 in a Cup Match. Because of this and Reynolds form in the Premier division this season St Michaels started the game as massive underdogs.
As in the previous weeks St Michaels started brightly and in the 1st minute a good header from Dan Tarrant was tipped over the bar by the Reynold’s keeper. A minute later St Michaels struck the first blow when a well directed corner from Adam Fahy was brilliantly headed into the net by Stuart Bird for his 25th of the season. St Michaels continued to press against their Premier opposition and on 24 minutes a great through ball from Danny Baptiste saw Dan Tarrant calmly strike into the net to make the score 2 – 0 to St Michaels.
St Michaels were well on top and in the 33rd minute Adam Fahy was brought down in the box and a penalty was given. St Michaels record with penalties this season was once again emphasised when Tom Pexton saw his weak effort put over the bar by the keeper. Thankfully this was not to matter when the resultant corner from Adam Fahy was once again headed in by Stuart Bird to make the score 3 – 0 to St Michaels.
This unexpected scoreline meant that Reynolds had to up the pressure and in trying to do so they lost their composure and discipline and on 52 minutes were reduced to 10 men with one of their players sent off for dissent. The game was now flowing from end to end and with 10 minutes to go Stuart Bird unluckily missed his hat trick when he saw his header hit the bar. Reynolds were still pushing for a goal and they achieved that when a mistake at the back by Connor Reardon saw Reynolds reduce the deficit.
With 4 minutes to go another Reynold’s player was sent off and the remainder of the match was played out without any further incident.
This sees St Michaels getting to their 2nd Cup Final in 2 years. A massive achievement for a club that is only in it’s second season. I cannot praise all the boys any higher than say that they all were magnificent and a credit to themselves and St Michaels Football Club. Special mentions this week go to Dan Tarrant for a tireless display behind the striker, Sam Meade and Connor Reardon who threw back everything Reynold had to offer with interest and Ryan Nibbs with his non stop battling and non stop verbal encouragement. Man of the match however for the 4th time this season goes to Stuart Bird who was a constant thorn in Reynolds side which was even admitted by them. It was not just Stuart’s 2 goals but the fact that he won every header and every battle with a solid uncompromising Reynolds defence.
