Red row prevailed in a pulsating cup tie as a Kevin Bell goal early in extra time finally saw off the challenge of the saints who had earlier fought back twice in a game of high drama. The quay made one change from last weeks win with new signing Michael Turner in for John Foggett at left back as they returned to the scene of a famous win in 2007 when Trevor Fords long range screamer settled a minor cup semi final in the saints favour. The game started in windy conditions with both teams struggling to play good football on a poor pitch and in a scrappy start to the game both teams had players booked for tripping opponents Turner the man booked for the saints. The first effort of the game saw a long range effort from Ryan Ferrier drift wide as the quay made a solid enough start with Ben Senior looking lively upfront and Matty Adams dominating in midfield. Red Row also looked lively and they nearly grabbed the opener as their centre half headed wide from a dangerous free kick into the box as the home side began to get a foot hold in the game. On the half hour mark Red Row took the lead as Kevin Bell pounced on hestitation from saints defender Dale Johnson and raced through one on one to clip the ball over Carl Mcguire and put his side ahead. That lead was short lived as the saints levelled the game just before the break as Stephen Kings's inch perfect cross was headed home by Andy Breheny who grabbed his 4th of the season and sent the teams into half time all square. Shooting with the wind in their favour second half the quay began to dominate but they struggled to create any clear cut chances with the Welfare restricting them to long range efforts one from Turner which flew wide and a better one from Ferrier that was spectacularly tipped over by the red row keeper. Finding it hard to break the red row defence down the quay brought on Liam Taylor for Gary Latimer to try and create some openings both Senior and Breheny found space in the box but couldnt get a shot away as the Welfare stood firm time after time. Unable to grab a second goal the Saints began to lose their grip on the game as Red Row started to look dangerous and they almost went ahead as winger Shaun Blacks shot was well saved by Mcguire. With 10 minutes left Welfare grabbed a precious lead, a long diagonal ball found their winger at the back post and his scuffed cross come shot was neatly tucked away by their substitute Baston who reacted quickest to turn the ball home before running to celebrate with the delighted home fans. Saints Manager Pete Donkin immediately threw on top scorer Glen Johnson for King as he looked for another equalizer with time running out, the move payed off with just 2 minutes remaining. Ryan Ferrier launched a free kick into the Welfare area and when their keeper didn't connect properly with his punch the ball fell to Johnson who took a touch before firing into the bottom corner sparking wild scenes of celebration from the players and away fans alike. The game went into extra time without anymore drama and both teams were glad for a breather after the frantic finale. Club Captain Mark Henderson made his return from injury coming on for Senior at the start of the first extra period as the Quay looked to build on the momentum of their late leveller. But that momentum was short lived as a shot on the turn from Kevin Bell squirmed under the diving Mcguire and into the net to give Welfare the advantage for the third time in the game halfway through the first half of extra time. The Saints looked tired and were struggling to respond to going behind, Red Row passed up 2 glorious chances to seal the game as Bell couldnt connect with the goal at his mercy and then firing straight at Mcguire from 12 yards. The Quay needed another late goal but were denied when Ferrier's shot was neatly saved at the front post after he was found by Taylor and when Matty Adams shot went wide time was up on the Saints cup run as Red Row got revenge for that 2007 semi final. An entertaining game on a terrible pitch the Saints will kick themselves for not scoring during their second half dominance but Red Row were the better side in extra time and go into the hat for the next round, good luck to them in the rest of the competition.
