Match Report: St Andrews United 2-1 Sauchie Juniors

East of Scotland Premier Division

It was another lively night in the East of Scotland Premier Division as St Andrews United came from behind to beat Sauchie Juniors 2–1 at Clayton Caravan Recreation Ground in front of a bumper crowd and a terrific atmosphere.

If we’re being honest, the opening stages were very much Sauchie’s. The visitors started sharply and inside ten minutes a mix-up in the Saints box presented their striker with a big opportunity, but his effort drifted wide. Two minutes later another Sauchie corner was worked to the edge of the area, the shot just missing the post.

Saints goalkeeper Margetts was then called into action on 16 minutes, producing a solid save as Sauchie continued to press and look the more dangerous side.

Gradually Saints began to settle into the contest and by the 27-minute mark the game had evened out. Two minutes later a good ball into the area found Lumsden, whose effort forced a smart save from the Sauchie keeper.

The match had its first flashpoint on the half-hour when McManus was shown a yellow card for a strong challenge.

Sauchie continued to threaten, firing a shot over the bar on 37 minutes before loud appeals for a penalty were waved away shortly after. A huge chance came their way in the 41st minute when a ball into the box was ballooned over the bar — a real let-off for Saints.

However, the visitors eventually made their pressure count in the 43rd minute. A corner was played to the edge of the area and a superb looping header found the top corner to give Sauchie a deserved lead.

Right before the break Margetts produced another excellent save, tipping a shot behind for a corner as Saints struggled to really get going in the first half.

HT 0-1

The second half began with a bit more life from Saints. On 49 minutes Thomson produced a terrific run, beating three players before his effort was deflected behind for a corner, lifting the crowd.

Saints thought they might have a penalty in the 52nd minute when Dempsey was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away the appeals — much to the frustration of captain McManus.

Moments later Saints shuffled the pack with Craik and Cunningham replacing Graham and Dempsey.

Then came the night’s biggest talking point. In the 55th minute McManus was shown a red card for what many felt was a rather soft foul in the middle of the pitch, leaving Saints with ten men and a mountain to climb.

But football loves a twist.

In the 68th minute Sauchie’s number six received a second yellow card after a late challenge, bringing the sides back level at ten men apiece.

Saints took full advantage almost immediately.

In the 71st minute a corner was delivered into the box and Sneddon powered home a bullet header to level the match. The goal sparked wild celebrations as a few enthusiastic young Saints supporters briefly spilled onto the pitch — all good-natured, and adding to the carnival atmosphere under the lights.

With the momentum now firmly with the home side, Saints began to push forward in search of a winner.

Substitute Dunn came on for Tomany in the 81st minute and soon found himself involved. In the 83rd minute the ball broke to him on the edge of the box but he took one touch too many and was quickly closed down, prompting groans from the home support.

Thankfully for Saints fans, Dunn would soon get another chance.

In the 88th minute he was brought down in the penalty area following a late challenge and the referee pointed straight to the spot. A minute later Dunn stepped up and confidently converted, sending Clayton Caravan Recreation Ground into absolute bedlam!

After a tense final few minutes the whistle blew to confirm a 2–1 win for St Andrews United.

It may have been something of a lucky escape, with Sauchie playing well and perhaps deserving a point, but Saints took their chances when they came and kept their impressive run of results going in the East of Scotland Premier Division.

A special thank you also goes to all the supporters from Groundhop UK who came along to the Rec. They helped create a fantastic atmosphere and we hope they thoroughly enjoyed their visit to St Andrews.