McGrath’s hat-trick sees Saints through to semis

Wednesday 26th January 2011, 2:29PM GMT.

Saints midfielder Kieran Mahon is closed down by Jonny Veron, who scored a cracking opening goal for Rovers last night at Blanche Pierre Lane. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 1082229)

St Martin’s 3, Rovers 2
A REAL humdinger of a cup tie last night eventually saw the competition favourites reach the last four.

It required a Marc McGrath hat-trick for St Martin’s to see off a Rovers side who had arrived at Blanche Pierre Lane intent on having a go at their league-leading hosts and they did just that.

Mac Gallienne knew his team had nothing to lose and so went in all guns blazing with a virtual four-man attack, with Jonny Veron and Richard Powell the wide men who seemed in constant support of forwards AJ Saunders and Blane Queripel.

With Saints opting for a back three containing just one out-and-out defender in island centre-back Tom Strawbridge sandwiched by attack-minded fullback Chris Mauger and midfield-regular Matt Warren, they always looked susceptible to their opposition’s attacks and that made for terrific entertainment.