AFC Rhoose 0-1 St Athan
Lewis scores again in narrow win
One nil to Saints was the cry as St Athan produced a superb team performance to shut out Rhoose and see through a 1-0 victory.
Leigh Lewis’ cool first half finish was the difference as to a man St Athan shower determination, grit and desire to achieve all three points in battle of a game.
Saints came into the game missing five players through injury, suspension and international duty, including skipper Jordan Mortimore. Mark Drysdale, Tony Charles, Josh Harfoot and Brad Young all came in to form an all new back four from last week with Deon Garrison donning the gloves. Jonathan Ashton secured a well deserved recall to the starting eleven and James Austin was named captain.
Saints were shaky in the opening stages as Rhoose looked impressive and attempted to impose themselves early. The home side worked a great chance but their forward blazed over from six yards out and then minutes later an effort was fired wide from inside the area.
St Athan began to settle and soon took the lead. Drysdale strode out of defence and the Irishman’s sublime scooped looping pass alluded the Rhoose centre halves for Lewis to latch onto to. Lewis raced away to calmly side foot past the keeper for his sixth of the season.
Saints grew in confidence and began to create, young forward Josh Morgan saw a left footed effort held by the home keeper before Harfoot cut in from the right to flash a left footer from distance agonisingly wide.
Saints were good money for their lead now and should have doubled it when Karl Steel found Lewis, his exquisite flick found Morgan but the keeper produced two saves to deny the number 9.
Rhoose for all their hustle and bustle couldn’t quite carve out a clear cut chance as the teams went in at half time.
Rhoose laid down their marker early in the second period as they saw a long range strike narrowly over.
The home side began to throw caution to the wind and began to create more and more. But Saints defended gallantly throwing their bodies on the line.
The midfield three of Ashton, Austin and Laing were simply majestic as they chased, tackled and headed any ball that came their way.
Rhoose, however, never gave in and carved out their best chance but Garrison palmed it away.
St Athan continued to hassle their opponents but also looked to exploit them on the break, Austin, Morgan and Steel all having effort wide of the mark.
As the clock ticked down Rhoose piled on the pressure but this wasn’t Saints first rodeo and they repelled anything hurled in their 18 yard area.
St Athan saw out the game to claim a fine victory and a tremendous team display that each man can be proud of.
St Athan: Garrison, Harfoot, Young, Drysdale, Charles, Ashton, Laing, Austin, Lewis, Steel, Morgan. Subs – Watkins, Pugh, Robinson.
Meanwhile, St Athan B played out freak scoreline by being defeated an incredible 10-5!! Aaron Rogers and Colin George both notched doubles and Shane Campbell converted from the penalty spot.
We’d like to thank those who came out to support us and our sponsors, Owens Motor Services, Llandow, Diving & Marine Engineering, Green Future Landscaping, Llantwit Valet & Car Wash and The Four Bells in St Athan.