The tough games just keep on coming. St Johns' well oiled machine rolled into Coundon with lots more at stake than 3 points with Affinity trying to build on the positive performance against Cov Saints.
The early exchanges we're played mostly in Affinity's half with St Johns starting strongly. Affinity were well in the game though clearing their lines effectively. St Johns were awarded a controversial penalty with Gilly adjudged to have fouled a forward on the byline. A fine finish gave Gary B no chance.
With St Johns expecting to push on from this point they faced an Affinity side intent on keeping the ball and playing the game as simply as possible. Gary C playing a free role in a 5 man midfield appeared to be in more than one place at the same time offering a simple option to fellow midfielders as Affinity made controlled progress.
The Affinity defence were looking really solid with Ian and Gilly confident in the middle and Jobo and Sean covering effectively on the flanks. Affinity had the ball in the back of the net from a cross shot from Luke but he was adjudged to have handled in the build up.
Affinity feeling aggrieved over a number of key decisions pushed forward again with Gary C nearly finishing after a fine run which saw a nice exchange with Lee. It was hard lonely work for Will upfront as he held the ball up for team mates but he would play a key part in the equaliser with a lovely dummy leaving Lee free to finish off Luke's cross. An equaliser was the least that Affinity deserved. The half time whistle came at the wrong time for Affinity as they were well on top.
The second half was more a battle of contrition than a spectacle of football with both sides having chances to win the game. Jamie found himself one on one with the keeper whose outstretched foot prevented a goal and Gary B made a couple of fine saves to keep the scores level.
The Affinity defence led by Ian continued to impress with crucial last ditch challenges frustrating St Johns' forwards. The midfield continued to battle hard with Charlie showing some nice touches and Will and Lee leading the chase up front.
A great team performance with lots of energy and heart. Selecting the man of the match is the difficult part of this report and a case could be made for many of the performances today. Special mention to Gary C for a classy first half and Gilly for a full energy display with Ian taking the award for an inspirational decision to play 5 in midfield and a performance that oozed confidence, passion and the sheer will not to get beaten. BEC up next to finish the first half of the season
