YFS
A one-sided West Region Cup final between Harmony Row and St Andrew's BC ended in a 5-1 success for Harmony.
First-half goals from Thomas Seagrave and Chrissy Drennan were added to by strikes from Charlie Freedman, Ross MacKenzie, and a late Ben Harwood penalty to secure the trophy in convincing fashion. Aiden Robertson notched a late consolation for St Andrew's, who just couldn't keep up with Harmony Row as the game went on.
Yet, despite the convincing fashion of victory, it was a very competitive first 45 between the two sides.
Harwood was a live wire throughout, and two early runs down the right saw him cross into the area with nobody there to attack the crosses. It was an impressive start for Harmony, who were often looking down their right flank for inspiration.
St Andrew's were quiet in the early stages, but did get their first opening on 10 minutes when Adam Houlihan rattled a half-volley off the bar. The rebound fell kindly for Ryan Dickson, but he could only head straight at Dylan Austin.
It was a signal of intent from St Andrew's, but they also had to heed the warning that Seagrave was giving them up front. Twice he seemed to get in behind the St Andrew's defence with ease, but was either let down by his control or an advancing Declan Tinney.
Seagrave, however, wouldn't be denied for a third time. A simple long ball saw him run beyond the defence, and there a was a swagger to his stride as he ran through on goal and calmly slotted Harmony Row in front.
The next five minutes or so saw a good response from St Andrew's. Robertson nearly came close after collecting a spill from Austin, but he was quickly shutdown. Meanwhile, Dickson thought he had equalised when he towered home a header from a terrific Robertson cross down the left. However, unfortunately for Dickson, he was flagged for offside.
Robertson was looking like St Andrew's most likely influence, having a couple more moments down the left that could've reaped rewards had their been a better final ball or killer touch.
St Andrew's should've levelled just before the 40 minute mark, when an incredible series saw Robertson glance a header onto the bar before a rebound effort from Jay Devlin was somehow stopped by Austin. The rebound looked certain for the net, and massive credit must go to Austin for how he got himself up from Robertson's header to beat the ball away.
And it would pay off just moments before the break as Harmony Row extended their advantage. Their didn't seem to be a lot on for Drennan. However, after weaving past several challenges into the penalty area, the winger slotted home confidently with his right foot to give Harmony Row a strong lead heading into the break.