GOALS from Craig Russell and Mark Lucas took St Paul’s to a hard-fought 2-1 Wheway Cup preliminary round victory against Trinity last night.

On a good, fast surface at Les Quennevais, the teams served up some excellent football. But Trinitywill be kicking themselves after missing several gilt-edged chances from close range to have at least forced extra time, despite being at a numerical disadvantage for 35 minutes after James Hayward was sent off after allegedly back-heeling an opponent in the face.

Mark Lucas got round the back of Trinity’s defence early in the second half and his cross was eventually poked home following a mêlée by Russell. Ten minutes from the finish St Paul’s scored a controversial second goal through Lucas. The Saints had a player waved back onto the pitch after he had gone off and immediately the player latched on to a stray Trinity pass to then initiate the move for St Paul’s second goal.

To their credit Trinity battled back and got a goal they certainly deserved, Jon Fitzmaurice scoring into a bottom corner from a twice-taken free kick from 25 yards. Earlier Trinity, who conceded their first goals of the season after five consecutive wins, were also denied by two fine saves from St Paul’s goalkeeper Andrew Bird.

• Picture: Luke Watson of St Paul’s. Picture by David Ferguson (00587521)