Saintfield out of luck in Intermediate Cup

23 October 2019

SAINTFIELD United travelled to Seagoe in the first round of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday, but were beaten in a penalty shoot-out.

Breezy conditions and a heavy pitch meant that playing attractive, free flowing football would be difficult for both sides.

Despite the conditions, Saintfield started quickly, putting the hosts under pressure early on and forcing a few saves from the Seagoe ‘keeper.

But it was the hosts who took the lead with their first attack of the game when the attacker was the first to react to a parried save from Harper to tap home.

Saintfield looked to get back on level terms and when James Sofley latched onto a short pass back to the ‘keeper, he was dragged down unceremoniously and the defender was rightfully shown a straight red card.

Saints continued to push and drew level when a familiar corner routine from Ryan Sofley allowed Andy Clarke to smash his ninth goal of the season into the top corner.

Soonafter they took the lead when Nick Ross found James Sofley on the edge of the box, and he tucked it into the bottom corner and that completed the scoring in the first half.

The second half went back and forth, Saintfield perhaps opting to try the killer pass rather than retaining possession and tiring their depleted opponents and were almost punished when a slip at the back allowed Seagoe a one-on-one with Harper.

The attacker beat the ‘keeper, but couldn’t beat Nick Ross who cleared it off the line. But this reprieve was short-lived as the same man got in behind again, but this time finishing well to bring the scores level.

Both teams had openings, where a better pass or better cross could have led to a winner, but the game went to extra-time at 2-2.

The heavy ground seemed to have taken its toll on both teams as an uneventful 20 minutes meant the game went to penalties.

The hosts scored their first three spot kicks and Saintfield missed their second and third.

The Saints scored their fourth and Harper made a save to give the visitors some hope, but the Saints hit the bar with their final penalty to go out of the cup at the first hurdle.

Seagoe FC 6

Saintfield United 4

(2-2 after extra-time)

INTERMEDIATE CUP 2ND ROUND

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