SECOND-HALF substitute Chris Melly played a major part in ensuring holders St George's readied their season's final of the Cu Plas FA Cup during the semi-final against Michael at Glencrutchery Road.
The tall striker supplied the pass that allowed Calum Morrissey the chance to equalise before converting an Alex Harrison through ball to win the game with just 10 minutes to go.
The exciting second period was, however, in stark contrast to an ope
ning half that lacked any real excitement at all.
The home side pressed from the outset but a stubborn Michael defence was in no mood to allow any clear opportunities on goal. The closest the Saints came to breaking the deadlock was a Sean Quaye header from a Chris Bass free kick that skimmed the crossbar.
But the second half was only moments old when the visitors struck. Stand-in keeper Michael Jackson lost the ball in the area, which allowed Richard Crowe the chance to score with a well-placed shot.
The goal certainly changed the pace of the game, with the home side stung into action.
Bass found Jack McVey on the edge of the box and his well-struck effort was superbly saved at full stretch by the highly impressive Gary Burgess.
Bass began to make a real impression on the game and a well-flighted free kick to the far post was firmly headed home by Quaye, only to be ruled offside.
However, as the half progressed, the visitors' rearguard of Keiran Quinn, David Reynolds and Nick Hurt continued to frustrate the St George's attack.
Then, with little more than 15 minutes remaining, the inspired Melly fed Morrissey and his cleverly played chip levelled the game. Suddenly the Saints smelt blood.
A Bass effort was well-saved before Harrison found Melly, who cleverly guided the ball past the advancing Burgess to win the game.
St George's: Michael Jackson, Julian Ringham, Michael McHale, Robin Bates, Sean Quaye, Conor Doyle (Chris Melly 61m), James McStay, Jack McVey, Alex Harrison, Chris Bass, Calum Morrissey
Michael: Gary Burgess, Kevin Pulman, David Reynolds, Kieran Quinn, Robert Faragher, Kenny Diack, Richard Crowe (Michael Quine 81m), Nick Hurt, Jamie Moffatt, Dean Wales (Paul Corlett 45m), Michael Perks
Referee: Kevin Giles
Assistants: Mike Crabtree, Gerry Thomson
Man of the match: Chris Melly (St George's)
Match rating: 3*
Attendance: 76
