Regardless of the result, Saints had cemented their spot in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League top two and it showed.

“Unfortunately it felt a bit like a trial match – a bit of a nothing game – and that’s meant with no disrespect to Forster,” Goodman said.

“It was one of those matches that didn’t concern us too much if it was a win, a draw or a loss so it was a bit of an experiment where we could try a few things.

“It was the first game we’ve played all season where there was no pressure on us.

“I think the experiment worked even though we lost the game.”

Saints had the luxury of trying new formations and giving players match experience in positions they rarely played.

Bailey Pascoe and Griffin Goodman came off at half-time and never returned, leaving an even more youthful Saints side to play the second half.

“We had two 15-year-old’s and a 22-year-old running the midfield and I thought they had pretty good games,” Goodman said.

The Saints coach admitted it would be the last time his team would play on Findlay Park for the season despite securing a home semi-final in two weeks.

“The field was diabolical – almost to the point where it’s unplayable,” Goodman said.

“I’m happy we won’t play there again this year, we’ll look at booking the stadium or even Wayne Richards for the semis.

“It’s nice to have home ground advantage, but not when you don’t know what the ball will do.”