Old routine does the Saints no favours (From Penarth Times)

Old routine does the Saints no favours

Cardiff Airport 1 Penarth Saints A 1

SAINTS have never gained a point beyond Barry, so in that respect this was a point gained - but on paper, and to anyone present, this was definitely two points lost.

The Penarth team should be winning these games, but ended up falling back into the old routine of creating chances but not finishing them.

And chances there were, especially in the second half, as Saints tried in vain to put a resilient Airport to the sword.

The visitors struggled for parity early on, giving the home strikers far too much time, and were unable to string any passes together. But they weren't really under any pressure and were using their pace to get behind the Airport back four.

Ginger Johnny was his usual self, running selflessly and Eran worked hard to find an opening, but the goal came from a free kick inside the home team's box, which rebounded off the wall to the feet of Damien just outside the box, who kept his cool and lobbed the keeper.

The right back deserved his goal, but Saints struggled to muster any more real opportunities in the first period.

Saints came out for the second half showing a determination which was lacking in the first and really should have scored, as numerous chances went astray.

Pembo was sent through, only to see his attempt go over, Murray sent over and Eran was unlucky to see his free kick go just past the far post.

Then the inevitable. Despite having looked comfortable throughout, the back four allowed the Airport striker to react first to a loose ball, which he dispatched easily.

Saints knew they shouldn't be in this position and fought hard to get back in front, Jim taking a boot to the face having battled throughout and having to go off, as the game became more tense.

Ginger Johnny went close and even Jeffo had a go, but fair play to the Airport, they had refused to allow Saints to get into their stride and the visitors had to answer to their physical approach.

This was another game where Saints' lack of composure cost them in the end and they need to get back to winning ways in their quest to climb the table and do themselves justice.