Academy
- Thursday September 4th, 2008 @ 9:52
SAINTS SNATCH ANOTHER WIN
A penalty four minutes from time completed a remarkable comeback from two-nil down and sealed a 3-2 win for our Under 14 squad in their game against Templeogue United last night. The win also maintained their 100% record.
However it had looked bleak for Pats as they had defended poorly and Templeogue United capitalized. Two goals had given the visitors a commanding lead. Their first on 15 minutes from a corner and an unchallenged header at the back post. Their second 5 minutes before halftime, a weak clearance was punished with a stunning drive.
The Saints went out for the second half and set about with grim determination to claw the game back. It didn't look like the pressure the Saints were building would yield dividends as Templeogue defended bravely. That is until Dean Bollard whipped in an inviting corner and Craig Smithers ghosted in at the back post to head home. Smithers had earlier missed a similar chance, however there was no mistake this time, 2-1.
The introduction of Jason Ryan and Shaun Saul kicked the Saints on again, and neat interplay between Ryan and Will McMahon left Ryan shooting strongly. The Templeogue keeper saved, but the ball spilled into Saul's path and now it was 2-2.
The Saints weren't settling for the draw and pushed for a winner. It came with the clock ticking down, a cross into the box was played by a defender's hand and the referee was in no doubt, up stepped Smithers to coolly send the keeper the wrong way and seal the 3 points.
