Antigonish, NS - The StFX X-Men edged the UPEI Panthers 1-0 in a skilled and hard-fought battle on a fine Sunday autumn afternoon at StFX Oland Stadium.
The game was decided by a 37th minute penalty kick by StFX's Dan Hayfield (Exeter, UK). Blake Fenton's (Halifax, NS) cross into the box went off the side of the Jake Deighan's (Stratford, PEI) foot and high into the air. It was the one unfortunate blemish on what was a fine display by the centreback. Unfortunately, it found the arm of Lucas Ross (Vernon, BC), which was just a bit too far away from his body, and the referee had no choice to award a penalty. Up stepped AUS leading scorer Hayfield and there would be only one outcome.
If the game had ended in a scoreless draw it would have been a fair result. Both teams played well with the fullbacks impressive in both defence and attack. The play of Panthers Mon San Aung (Charlottetown, PEI) and Jack McKillop (Sydney, NS) was as skillful as it was sophisticated as they put a stop to the numerous StFX attacks. Josh Read (Bath, UK) had to be at his imperious best as he faced the Panthers strike force of Sam Smiley (Stratford, PEI) and Mohammad Jaber (Halifax, NS).
StFX were well led by the assured midfield play of StFX's captain Liam Elbourne (Halifax, NS) whose excellent positioning and superb display of passing were worthy of being named the Subway Player of the Game. UPEI midfielder Nacho Sanchez received player of the game honours for his squad.
UPEI will see AUS action again on Friday, September 28th when they host the Aigles Bleues at 7:15 pm. StFX will host Acadia in Antigonish next Sunday, September 30th for Homecoming weekend at 3:15 pm.
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Courtesy Bart Sears, StFX Sports Information