The result was colourful and impressive, as were the 18 players competing for the 11 positions on the field, with the boys playing some disciplined and often an organic-style of soccer.

The Saints missed Wayne ``Coaltrain'' Devlin, ``Fryertuck'' Nulty and Brett Fern and welcomed new players Alexandro Cimera and Dale Trotski.

The team was boosted with the return of the motivational speaker Dwight ``Poppa'' Beare, who was back from billycart racing duties.

The Saints started powerfully with chances to Toneka Costa and Dylan Nulty early, who came very close on a few occasions.

Both chances were from brilliant runs in midfield from Zoran Dragiski and Matt Sutton, who were both playing with flair.

The Saints' first goal came from a brilliant effort from Dylan Nulty, after Jack Nulty returned to form and again broke down the wing, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Dylan's head, who placed the cannon ball firmly in the net.

The Saints were winning more of the ball than North United, and could have scored a few more goals.

The defence was holding up well, with Dragi Koleski, Beare, Ivan Carter and Trotski playing a tight ship.

The half-time score was 1-0 to the Saints.

Cimera was also having a top game and sent the crowd into rapture with a left-footed cannon into the bottom corner.

North United pushed hard in both halves, playing well in midfield and defence and forcing Nick Jansen into a few saves in the second half.

Koleski was outstanding in defence, reading play like a tarot, and was well-supported from the pace and drift of Carter and Trotter.

The team sits in third position, and will face the two leaders in the next month, with a full squad of 18 players.

Goals: Dylan Nulty, Cimera

Best: Koleski, Dylan Nulty, Jack Nulty, Dragiski, Sutton, Cimera