FOOTBALL: AN UNBEATEN run of four matches in the Midland League Premier Division came to an end for Highgate on Saturday after they lost 5-3 at home to St Andrews in what was an eight-goal thriller at Tythe Barn Lane.
St Andrews came away with all three points on their first visit to Highgate, but they were helped out by poor defending by Ashley Pulisciano’s side.
The hosts were on top in the opening stages but they were unable to make any pressure count and instead it was St Andrews who went in front on 29 minutes when Joseph Latham headed home from a corner.
The lead did not last long however as Highgate pulled level when Dale Edward’ cross causes confusion inside the area and Isaac Jagroup was on-hand to poke the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Just two minutes later the visitors went in front again and the goal came courtesy of a poor throw out by Brendon Bull. The ball came back off Thomas Lacey’s back and into the path of Ryan Hodkinson who calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net.
Highgate will have been disappointed to have gone in at half-time 2-1 down after enjoying the majority of possession but they were soon level again four minutes into the second half.
Lei Brown broke clear and was hauled down inside the area and Jagroop calmly converted the resultant spot kick.
Another defensive lapse allowed St Andrews to take the lead for a third time in the 56th minute as a misdirected header allowed Shay Brennan to score all alone inside the box.
Five minute later Rob Morgan doubled their advantage after beating Bunn with a neat finish
Dave Edwards reduced the arrears with a powerful header on the hour mark and with Joshua Michael Hawker and Marco Adaggio introduced, there was hope of a comeback.
Butlin made an outstanding reflex save to tip Jagroop’s goal bound volley over the bar and the visiting keeper did well to deny Brown too.
Despite the continuous pressure hopes of a late recovery became a seemingly lost cause when Bunn flapped at a corner and a header over the face of goal was lashed in by Toby Warner.
Butlin smothered the ball at Brown’s feet late on and Hawker fired over from 20 yards but despite all their efforts Gate came away pointless from a contest in which for long periods they were far the the better side.
Highgate are without a fixture on Saturday but entertain Stourport Swifts on Tuesday evening in the semi final of the Worcestershire Senior urn (7.45pm).
