First clean sheet of the season for Addingham

Addingham kept their first clean sheet of the season with a fine win over their title rivals from last season.The two teams met three times last season and Addingham held the upper hand winning two and drawing the other.

This term Saints have struggled somewhat but playing an old rival always fuels the fire and Saints contributed to a cracking match. The first-half was in truth a rather frantic, uncomposed affair with neither side having any clear cut chances. Both 'keepers were rarely troubled and the midfield areas were congested to the point that they cancelled each other out.

Addingham made a tactical change for the second-half that gave them the edge. Skipper Si Collins was pushed forward from central midfield into the hole behind the two front men. This gave Saints a real headache.

Their midfield was forced backwards to deal with Collins' new threat and right from the start of the second-half Addingham were in charge.

Saints were under a constant barrage of Addingham attacks but their defence was coping well until they were ripped apart by a goal of the highest quality. Perkins, Kernick and Collins interchanged quick one touch passes before slide ruling a pass to Paul Shaw.

He played a one-two with Perkins and then from 18 yards out hit a screaming, curling shot into the top corner. Minutes later Addingham doubled the trouble for Saints. Another Kernick long throw caused havoc in the box. Saints stabbed the ball clear but Si Collins reacted quickest and smashed the loose ball through a crowd of bodies from 20 yards. Goal 27 so far this campaign for the diminutive midfielder.

Saints' heads began to drop but full credit must be given for the way they continued to battle on, sadly for them Wells, Mills and in particular Andy Collins were superb along with Dobson they totally deserved the clean sheet.

Addingham's superior fitness began to show and in Stevie Perkins they possessed a player with the flair and skill to torment the most experienced defenders around. Having run the full-back ragged all afternoon he took full advantage of Saints' disarray and ran at his man again.

Past one then two, he jinked into the box, side-stepped the centre-back and drilled his shot across the 'keeper. Smith saved well but could only parry the ball to Collins who tapped home.

The 16 year-old Tom Smith came on for Hutchinson and he and fellow wing back Tim Marriot were causing danger with every attack. The fourth and final goal was made by Ross Kennedy. Playing as the holding midfield player Ross has been superb of late and his displays have got better and better. Man-of-the-Match the previous week it was only Andy Collins' outstanding display that pipped Kennedy for the match point again.

With Saints gamely trying to muster an attack Kennedy snatched the ball and hit a delightful ball down the centre to Shaw. He timed his run to perfection, and as Smith came rushing out he slipped the ball casually through the 'keeper's legs.

l On Saturday Addingham visit Hampswaite. Meet in the Swan at noon.