St Andrews Ama 1-0 Kirkcaldy Rovers

Saints dominated for most of the tie but missed enough chances to have secured a far bigger margin.

Todd and Shields were inspiring for Saints in midfield as they both worked hard to create opportunities.

A good passing move between McFadyen and Todd enabled the latter to cross but Watt was inches away from connecting at the back post.

Kirkcaldy Rovers were rarely seen in the final third of the park as their moves broke down.

Saints kept up the search for the opener and Shields bemused the Kirkcaldy defence with a clever backheel pass to set up Watt but Kaye reacted to make a great blocking save.

Just on half time Saints had a great opportunity to open their account when Anderson charged down Crawford’s attempted clearance on the half way line to race through on goal, but ‘keeper Kaye was quickly off his line to make a terrific save.

Kirkcaldy enjoyed their best spell in the tie with some decent possession but found Saints defence strengthened by the inclusion of Grogan and Smart who were in top form.

Saints should have taken the lead when a neat piece of football and a pass from Watt sought off Anderson whose angled drive broke off the ‘keeper and Gorgan cracked the loose ball off the post.

On 70 minutes the elusive opening goal eventually arrived when a clever run from Grogan saw him play in Watt on the left and his cross was met by Anderson who volleyed home from 10 yards.

As Kirkcaldy fought back Sullivan kept Saints hopes alive with a superb point blank save from Cunningham in a breakaway.

Saints almost doubled their lead in the closing moments when substitute Johnson showed good footwork to leave Mullen trailing before Kaye touched his goalbound volley over the top.

In the final minute substitute Walker missed a sitter from a few feet from McFadyen’s cross.

The Rule Man of the Match - Liam Todd.

Saints - Sullivan, McFadyen, Duthie, Grogan, Smart, Shields, Todd, Mackie(Walker), Watt (G Rennie), Anderson (Johnson), Gorgan (W Rennie).

On Saturday Saints travel to meet Glenrothes Athletic.