Saints beaten by league leaders (From Penarth Times)

Saints beaten by league leaders

Penarth Saints 0 Master Mariner 2

SAINTS met Mariner for the third time this season and, despite some late changes to the line-up, fancied their chances of finally beating the league leaders, having given them a good run for their money last time.

And although they didn't get the win, they again made the Mariner work hard for it, the game only being truly wrapped up in the last minute.

Saints had enough of the ball and enough chances to have got something out of this, but again their inability to convert the chances they made cost them.

They weren't helped, however, by a shaky start from the usually solid back four, who only woke up when they conceded a goal early in the first half.

The Penarth side then got into the game, Eran looking back to his best and Murray and Pembo linking up well, as usual.

Chances came and went, Jim unlucky with his header among others, and Saints were beginning to get the better of the visiting attack and Mariner knew they had done well to get in at half time a goal to the good.

The second half saw Saints take the game to the top-of-the-table outfit and at times it seemed inevitable that they would equalise.

The introduction of Alex made a difference, as did Eran switching to the left and Murray moving to centre, while Jim held it all together.

Shots from Eran and Pembo went narrowly wide and the Mariner keeper made a couple of excellent saves as time was running out, but still it seemed Saints would be the next to score, with the back four of Damien, Ben, Toye and Jeffo now back on top of their game and bettering the Mariner attack.

That was until the last minute, when a corner wasn't dealt with and a visiting striker slammed the ball home, leaving Saints deflated and Mariner elated.

Another hard luck story for the Saints, who must now concentrate on gathering points for a respectable finish in the league.

Saints thank Top House for their invaluable support.