Josh Morgan was the star as he scored the perfect hat trick (header, right foot and left foot) to ensure all three points as the title race heads to its conclusion.
Following Saints 1-1 draw with title rivals Cardiff Airport, they knew the importance of all three points and despite an uncharacteristic display for some of the game, three points were obtained.
SP came in second bottom but played some decent football in the opening exchanges.
Saints created early chances with Jordan Mortimore heading against the woodwork and shooting two other half chances wide.
St Athan, though, were overall sluggish, their endeavours from mid week maybe catching up with them, and they found themselves behind.
A SP free kick struck the wall and the SP forward reacted quickest to score.
Saints were in a disarray now and were lucky not to be two done moments later when SP shot narrowly wide.
Enter Morgan. The 17 year old has top scored for the second team this season and earned a call up in mid week, his impressive display against Cardiff Airport saw him keep his spot and he repaid the faith.
Following a quick reshuffle of the midfield Saints looked more dynamic, Mortimore played Reece Lewis through and his cross from the right was met by a leaping header from Morgan directed across the keeper to score.
Five minutes later St Athan were in front, Sean Wilkin picked the ball up in midfield and slipped it out wide to Dave Geldard, his low cross was met on the half volley first time by Morgan, the ball nestling in the bottom corner.
Suddenly Saints looked themselves again, a tremendous passage of play ended in Reece Lewis playing a one two with Levi Watkins, his shot bouncing off the cross bar.
Saints went in leading but far from happy.
SP still played much better than their league position suggested and early in the second period they forced Paul Lucas into a smart save to keep the lead intact.
St Athan finally put some daylight between them and the opposition when Morgan completed his hat trick.
Nicky Cox switched the ball to Watkins, he skipped in from the left to find Mortimore, the skipper spotted Morgan’s intelligent run and found the young striker, Morgan then finished calmly with his left for his third of the afternoon. A traditionally perfect hat trick.
Deon Garrison introduced at the break then saw a header cleared off the line as it looked like the flood gates would open. They did not.
Saints took their foot off the pedal and the pace of the game slowed to a walking pace.
The home side were lucky not to have been pegged back as SP fired wide on two occasions, and possibly should have done better.
Saints did however see Mortimore and then Morgan head wide but they reverted back to first half mediocrity.
St Athan saw out the game and got the three points to keep ahead in this title race.
Following such a tremendous performance and result in mid week, Saints suffered a hangover. With four games to go their championship fate is in their own hands. A mid week against Island Marine is followed by a crunch title clash with Cardiff Airport next Saturday. Saints, though, cannot look any further than the mid week and must ensure a big performance and the all important three points as this exciting title race nears its conclusion.
St Athan : Lucas, Geldard, L.Lewis, Cox, Charles, Ashton, R.Lewis, Wilkin, Watkins, Morgan, Mortimore. Subs – Garrison, Goodwin, Pugh, Rogers.
We’d like to thank the many who came out to support us and our sponsors, Owens Motor Services, Llandow, Diving & Marine Engineering, Green Future Landscaping, Llantwit Valet & Car Wash and both the Three Horseshoes & The Four Bells pubs in St Athan.
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