On a bitterly cold evening at the University fields, STM cruised to victory with a five star performance against relegation threatened Caerleon, as they came out 5-2 victors.
The misery began early for the visitors when after just three minutes Chris Worsley fired low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. 10 minutes later STM had doubled their lead from the penalty spot following a foul on the pacy Lammin Conteh. The referee had little option but to point to the spot and Curtis Scotto doubled the lead from the resulting penalty.
The pressure on the visitors goal continued unabated and it came as no surprise when the impressive Worsley bagged his second of the game, latching on to an inch perfect pass and sweeping the ball home in the 35th minute.
STM continued to press although at times were guilty of overplaying, such was their dominance. The hosts were given a wake up call when, on the stroke of half time, the Caerleon left back unleashed a venomous 25 yard shot into the top corner of the net to reduce the deficit and give the visitors a glimmer of hope going into half time break.
Any thoughts of a comeback were short lived as the irrepressible Conteh embarked on one of his trademark runs, cutting the ball back from the byeline for Scotto to apply the finish and make it 4-1 in the 50th minute.
The goal fest was far from over and just five minutes later Caerleon midfielder Jamie Davies scored the goal of the game with a curling 35 yard strike which gave the home goalkeeper no chance.
Once again, STM responded and Conteh capped a fine performance with goal of his own on the hour mark, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to head into an empty net.
The final 30 minutes followed a similar pattern to that of the previous 60, STM dominated the midfield with their slick passing and continued to create and ultimately spurn a number of good chances to add to their lead. That would have been somewhat harsh on the youthful Caerleon side who, buoyed by their two long range goals, continued their shoot on sight policy but could not add to their tally.
On this evidence it is clear that STM possess the quality to challenge for promotion although much will depend on how they can adapt their expansive passing game from 3G to grass. For this young Caerleon side, relegation six pointers will be the key to their survival and with a little more experience, they should be safe from relegation.
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