Johnston advanced through the first round of the 2nd Division Cup with a 2-1 victory over Monkton 2nds, coming out on top of a closely contested encounter at the Pembroke Leisure Centre pitch.
In a rematch of the 2024 cup final, the two sides faced up against each other with dogged determination and fiery spirit - with clear cut chances at a premium.
The hosts threatened in the first half down the right hand side, with the speedy Jack Clarke - up against makeshift left back Callum Rees in a lively battle - seeing two penalty claims waved away.
Charlie Hughes showed why he's hit the ground running with lively movement in the final third, but saw his finishing lacking, with a couple of half chances blasted over.
The Tigers best opportunity of the first period came from a set play, with captain Joey George's excellent delivery from deep met by Marcus Allen, who headed it back across goal only for Hughes to head over, colliding with strike partner Ryan Doyle.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with both teams contesting well in the middle of the park. Sensing the need to change things up to get the breakthrough, the visitors made two changes with Geno Cleal and Luke Hayward entering the play, with a tactical reshuffle to a 4-3-3, with Callum Rees moving to the right wing and Josh Knapp on the left.
The change immediately paid dividends, with Johnston finding a break through after good work from Charlie Hughes down the right, who played in a cross which took a slight touch off Callum Rees, before being fired home by Josh Knapp who timed his run well from the left.
Monkton were not going to lie down and responded with a new lease of life, the game becoming more open and direct with the hosts beginning to pressure high up the pitch.
Their efforts were soon rewarded, with a fantastic goal from substitute Aaron Parsley, curling the ball into the top corner with his left foot after a quick throw-in after Johnston had initially cleared away a dangerous corner kick - sending the home supporters wild.
The celebrations however were short lived, with Johnston hitting back instantly with the devastating pace of Charlie Hughes and Josh Knapp once again combining. Charlie this time playing a through ball along the ground to match Josh's well-timed run, with the winger smartly rounding the 'keeper before coolly finishing.
The hosts pushed for a late equaliser but it wasn't to be, with the Johnston defence standing firm to hold off everything thrown at them. Referee Richard Gwyther whistling the game to its finish after five minutes of additional time played.
Gwyther can be pleased by his efforts to manage the game's fiery atmosphere, opting to allow players to express themselves and recognising that the competitiveness of both sides was adding to the excitement of the contest - rather than opting to issue cards at every possible opportunity.
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