James and Rulloff defy the years as Johnston hang on for the win (From Western Telegraph)

James and Rulloff defy the years as Johnston hang on for the win

Johnston 2 Milford Athletic 2

Everyone knows that you cant go on in sport forever. You begin as a promising player and before you know it some hack describes you as a veteran.

This can have two effects on the said player. Firstly, you realise you are getting on and logic tells you to pack it in, or secondly, you use Glyn Ruloff and Steve James as an example, refuse to give in to father time, and inspire those around you by showing them how it should be done.

Ruloff and James were quite outstanding on Saturday, in this Second Division Cup tie against Milford Athletic. The former was a colossus in defence, denying any visiting attacks the time and space needed to threaten his team mate in goal.

If the defence was breached, then James had the measure of anything that was thrown at him, pulling of a series of amazing saves, one of which was a powerful second half penalty by Carl Lees.

In truth, Milford had their chances to take the spoils. They had enough attempts at goal, especially in the second half, but just couldnt find the back of the net.

Johnston however, were more abrasive in attack and took their chances well, even if lady luck played its part.

Milford could have taken the lead within five minutes of kick-off but Jamie Davies shot flew past the post and Danny Arnolds header sailed over the cross bar. Martin Davidson also had a chance following a good build up but his effort just skimmed past the post.

If this was frustrating for the visitors, then Johnstons first goal would have made them sick to the core.

Powerful midfield general Peter James, produced a pin-point pass that flew over the defence into the path of right wing Mark Sture. Playing wide on the right, his cross was carried by the wind and ended up in the back of the net as unlucky Milford keeper Steve Rodriguez, frantically tried to stop it.

Milford re-grouped, took the ball down field and Jamie Davies shot the ball powerfully at goal, only for James to deny him with a wonderful, diving save.

Johnstons second goal came ten minutes before the break. The ball was sent in to the box and somehow, among the melee of players and flying boots, centre forward Jim Payne got hold of the ball, turned in one movement and slammed the ball home. It was an outstanding effort by the tall striker who proved himself to be a real menace all afternoon for the visitors.

The second half virtually belonged to Milford as they benefited from the wind at their backs.

Jeff Smith almost pulled one back following a Danny Arnold cross but the shot was saved and Martin Davidsons cracking shot powered over the bar.

Milford then had a golden opportunity to grabbed their first, after Ruloff inexplicably fouled Dai Davies in the box and a penalty was awarded. Carl Lees struck it well and on another day he probably would have scored, but James had other ideas.

Belying his 42 years, he dived low to his right and not only stopped the shot, but held on to the ball so that no-one could score from a re-bound. It was a remarkable save that lifted the spirits of the home side and visibly took the life out of the visitors.

They had further chances, but Ruloff made amends for his misdemeanor in the box with a collection of strong tackles and useful headers and although Lees had one final attempt with a well-struck volley, it summed up Milfords day by flying over the bar.