St Cadoc’s edge out Harmony Row in five-goal affair

Harmony Row’s U13s welcomed St Cadoc’s to a rainy Sir Alex Ferguson Park on Saturday morning. For both teams, it is their first season playing 11-a-side football, but that did in no way harm the quality and entertainment of the game. 

The visitors went two in front although just before half-time, Harmony Row got one back. St Cadoc’s then scored just after the break and despite a late goal for the hosts, it was the team in red who ran out 3-2 winners.

The Match

Harmony Row kicked things off although it was St Cadoc’s who went closest early doors, Joseph Igoe heading just over from a corner.

Max Moffat, who was a standout throughout the game for St Cadoc’s, looked to threaten down the left-hand side. The tricky winger constantly aimed to get forward and pulled numerous tricks out of his box on several occasions.

Harmony Row, though, began to grow into the game. Elijah Ajisafe had a shot saved which went for a corner. From said set-piece, Louis Fisher had a strike from the edge of the box blocked. 

The hosts looked to get mount pressure from here, whipping some dangerous balls into the box. It was St Cadoc’s, however, who scored first. 

In the 20th minute, Moffat worked his magic yet again on the left. The youngster with visible talent beat two men and cut back for his teammate Samuel Chambers. The wide-man was on hand to rattle into the top corner and give his side the lead. 

To going behind, Harmony Row responded rather well. Wingers Riley McLafferty and Aijsafe were lively, but it was not long before their opponents doubled their lead. 

Moffat was central once more. Down the wing, he was here, there, and everywhere, showing utmost skill and power. This time, his cut-back reached Igoe who, similarly to Chambers, found the far corner.  

Going into the break, life was not as plain sailing as St Cadoc’s might have expected it to have been. Indeed right on half-time, the Row got themselves back in it. 

It was a brilliant breakaway from the hosts as Max Mullen rounded the keeper and tapped into an empty net. Deficit halved. 

In the second 45’s infancy, St Cadoc’s came out flying. A strike that flew high into the sky came in from the edge of the area and deflected into the Harmony Row net via the goalkeeper Oliver Logan. 

After this, chances were limited. There was nothing of note created from either side, but that was a testament to how stoutly they defended each other with both teams matching up well.  

Harmony Row knew they had a mountain to climb going into the closing stages. Similarly to the first half, they got themselves a lifeline in the dying embers. A cross came in from wide and on its way through, took a nick off a red shirt and ended up in the back of the net. 

At 3-2 down with little left, Harmony Row had to go all out for a leveller. St Cadoc’s, however, defended stoutly and managed to professionally see out the win to secure three vital Paisley Johnstone and District League Division 1 points. 

Harmony Row Player of the Match: Elijah Aijsafe

Aijsafe undoubtedly passed the eye test out on the wing for the hosts. The number 25 was never afraid to take on his man, and his role was key in getting the ball clear for his side’s first goal of the game. 

St Cadoc’s Player of the Match: Max Moffat

Before coming off with a knee injury, Max Moffat was an utter standout in this match. The winger was lively throughout his time on the park, continually showing his elite skill, power, dribbling, and crossing ability. He registered two assists here, and it appears this young man has a big future ahead of him.

Harmony Row Magic Moment: Strike from range

When they needed to give themselves a platform late in the first half, the Row did precisely that. A shot came in from far out, and it dipped into the net via St Cadoc’s’ keeper. It was a strike that certainly gave the hosts some hope. 

St Cadoc’s Magic Moment: Chambers opener

Opening the scoring 20 minutes in, Samuel Chambers brilliantly rattled into the top corner for his side. Credit has to go to Moffat for his work down the left, but take nothing away from Chambers.