Saints progress in Senior Cup

Brennan scored from the spot kick with just under ten minutes before the interval, as Harlem Hale was fouled inside the penalty area.

The second against a strong Royal Navy side came through Saunders just after the break; a cross from right finding its way into the net to double the scores.

Saints wrapped up the occasion in the final minute through substitute Watts, who found space on the left-flank and slotted under Royal Navy’s Loz McCormick.

The opening quarter of the game was very evenly contested; Saints skill and ability proving a direct match for Royal Navy’s physicality.

The hosts went close in the 25th minute as James Morris and Harlem Hale combined before the latter’s shot was well blocked.

But the greatest chance of the first half so far fell to Roland Idowu in the 35th minute; hitting one from range after being laid off by Morris, forcing the Royal Navy keeper into a fingertip save over the crossbar.

Seconds later and the deadlock was finally broken, Hale running through on goal and being taken down inside the penalty area, leaving referee James Robinson with no option but to point to the spot.

Brennan stepped up and found the keeper’s left-hand corner with a clinical spot kick, giving Saints the lead after 36 minutes.

The visitors produced a superb effort two minutes from the break as they looked to respond; Danny Earl using his pace and skill to curl an effort and forcing Tommy Scott into a save on the stretch.

Saints certainly hit the ground running during the second half, Saunders adding a second from a right-sided cross within five minutes of the restart.

In the 63^rd minute there was a moment of individual brilliance from Hale; taking down a cross with a first touch which put the ball in his stride, he skips past Royal Navy keeper Loz McCormick and denied only by a last-ditch challenge.

Fitness levels played their part during the remainder of the half, Saints seemingly seeing out the occasion in a professional manner as the second 45 wore on. 

The hosts added a third in the final minute; substitute Watts finding space inside the penalty area and slotting underneath the Royal Navy goalkeeper to seal the result. 

Saints will play AFC Totton in the next round with the date soon to be decided.

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Feature interview: Danny Ings