Saints score three but lose by one

St Martin's 1, Bels 2

ST MARTIN'S scored all three goals but Bels took all three C&W Priaulx League points at Blanche Pierre Lane on Saturday. The fact that the home side managed to score one in the correct net came as something of a surprise, coming as it did in the second of six extra minutes at the end of a frustrating game for them.

Their opponents were efficient, although certainly not spectacular, but that was hardly surprising considering that several had spent the previous evening helping Sam Cochrane celebrate his 21st birthday.

Playing into a strong breeze in the first half, Bels knew that they should come under considerable pressure and the ball was in their half for lengthy periods, but they created as many chances as their hosts on the counter-attack.

The first came on seven minutes when Paul Ramsden's through ball was chased down by Marc McGrath but he just failed to control his lob over Nathan Pattimore.

Five minutes later, Saints produced their only noteworthy effort of the opening period when Dominic Heaume's powerful header thudded off the crossbar.

Ben Thompson and Neil Clegg also had half-chances, but the period seemed destined to end goalless until 90 seconds from the break.

Cochrane won the ball at right back and soon it was with Charlie Pinsard who drove through midfield unchallenged.

Once within shooting range, he went for goal and although he miscued his shot, in an attempt to block, Richard Herpe could only deflect it past Pattimore.

Three minutes after the break, Saints shot themselves in the foot once more.

Joby Bourgaize picked out Pinsard's untracked run to the right flank and his cross was inadvertently turned home by Sam Rowe.

It took an outstanding save from Pattimore at close range to deny Clegg and keep Saints in the game with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining and moments later Pinsard had every right to look accusingly at the pitch when a horrendous bobble caused his shot to endanger the corner flag rather than the goal.

But with 92min. on the clock, Bels were given some cause for concern as Herpe rose at the far post to head home Chris Mauger's cross and set up a tense finale.

Saints could not capitalise on the lengthy injury time, though, and they drop to fifth in the table.

Bels remain in third as Sylvans defeated Rangers while Vale Rec were only able to pick up a point at Port Soif.