Aubrey Cup First Round Cuffley 2 St Peter s 1 ST PETER S held Premier Division leaders Cuffley right up until the final couple of minutes before conceding a goal which saw the home side through to the second round. The Saints, fresh from last weekend s 4

Aubrey Cup First Round

Cuffley 2

St Peter's 1

ST PETER'S held Premier Division leaders Cuffley right up until the final couple of minutes before conceding a goal which saw the home side through to the second round.

The Saints, fresh from last weekend's 4-1 victory, set their stall out to frustrate their Premier Division opponents giving 100 per cent in commitment all over the park.

Fielding no fewer than six players under the age of 18, the Saints were far from intimidated by their senior opponents, who clearly had the edge in skill and strength.

Defending doggedly the Saints withstood everything Cuffley threw at them in the early stages, resulting in 'keeper Billy Barnes not having too many saves to deal with.

It certainly came as a surprise when the Saints took the lead on the half-hour mark. A half hit effort from Sam Mardle was poorly handled by the home 'keeper and as the ball ran loose Mark Savory followed up to lash the ball into the net.

Managers Dave Whitehead and Kevin Barnes demanded the same again for the second period, while the Cuffley management gave their squad a roasting.

This appeared to spark the home side into life and they responded early into the second half to equalise with a scrappy goal.

It wasn't all one-way traffic as the Saints continued to give everything, coming close on a few occasions to adding to their tally.

Barnes looked unbeatable in the Saints goal and was well supported by a resolute defence and midfield in front of him.

Just as extra-time was looming, Cuffley grabbed a last gasp winner, two minutes from time.

There was still time for Barnes to join the attack and from a set play his header struck the upright with the home 'keeper beaten.

The Saints will have to take this performance into their next league fixture at Allenburys Sports this coming Saturday.

St Peters: Barnes; J Hatchett, M Hatchett, T Gauthier, Wiltshire; Eames, Mardle, Stuart-Neal, Greaney; Burr, Savory. Subs: Laffoley, McDonald, Nicholls.