Men’s Masters through to the Semi-Finals

Men’s Masters 2-2 Witham Masters

(Saints won 4-3 on penalties)

Goals: Guy Roberts (2)

In front of a good crowd at Moulton for the national masters quarter final – the Saints were slow of the blocks. In fact Witham dominated the first 20 minutes and took the lead through a well worked short corner. Only the tireleess work of Darbyshire , Morris , Hillier and Dave Wennington in front of the peerless Pete Adey in goal kept the Saints in it. Gradually the saints started to grow into the game and the forward line of Deekes, Askew and Noble started to create pressure as the half wore on. 1-0 down at half time – it was a case of keep believing, push further up the pitch to support the forwards.

Unusually for a Saints side the half time team talk was heeded and Saints continued to dominate and put together some real pressure on the Witham defence. This pressure was rewarded by two short corners in the space of a few minutes both expertly put away by Guy Roberts. The next 5 minutes were crucial in protecting the lead – unfortunately the Saints switched off  – allowing a free hit to be taken quickly and a Witham forward converting well. 2-2 with 10 minutes to go the game started to become really end to end stuff as nerves and tiredness started to play a part – chances came and went at both ends, Mike Darbyshire earning an almost obligatory yellow card for a “tired” tackle but the Saints managed to hold out with 10 men to see out the game

All eyes to penalties – surely the saints held the edge with the 5 quality volunteers of Darbyshire, Roberts, Noble, Askew and Phil Knight backed up by the excellent Pete Adey in goal. After the first round of strokes 3-3  – into sudden death. Pete Adey saves – Jon Noble grabs the ball and slams the ball home emphatically to send the Saints Masters through to the semis for the first time in their history.

This was a great game – played in the right spirit with good umpiring followed by excellent teas and entertainment at the Telegragph. The semi finals are 6th April

Squad: Pete Adey (GK), Jim Phipps (capt), Jason Hillier, Steve Morris, Mike Darbyshire, Tim Daverson, Guy Roberts, Gary Paterson, Trevor Fidler, Dave Wennington, Phil Knight, James Askew, Paul Denton, Jez Deekes, Jon Noble.