St George’s strengthened their grip on third place — and gave themselves something to build on for next season — after beating St David’s 3-1 at Lord’s yesterday.

The visiting side arrived at the ground knowing their hopes of promotion ended on Saturday when Somerset Eagles drew with Flanagan’s Onions.

But there was still pride to play for, with St David’s determined to get one over on their opponents in this battle between the third and fourth-placed teams.

Kontaicf Burton nearly gifted the visiting side an own goal midway through the first half when the ball sliced off his boot 25 yards from goal and just missed the far post.

Minutes later Jarreau Hayward, the St George’s captain, was sent clear of the St David’s defence before he steered his effort just wide of the far post as goalkeeper Kaylin Darrell narrowed the angle.

St David’s took the lead on the halfway mark when OJ Minors scored from a free kick, his effort getting past the wall and beating goalkeeper Charlie Marshall at the near post.

St George’s threatened more early in the second half and got their equaliser when Sinclair Smith nodded home from close range from a corner.

A cross from Jarazinho Bassett from a free kick on the left went untouched across goal as St George’s enjoyed a good spell. They took the lead in the 73rd minute when another ball from a free kick caused the St David’s defence some problems, this time from a Simmons cross.

The ball bounced inside the box and hit the crossbar before going over the line off defender Dimitri Butterfield.

St George’s, who thrashed St David’s 6-0 in their earlier league meeting and also beat them in the First Division Shield, made certain of win number three against their opponents when Bassett notched the third goal late on.

Turner supplied the cross and the ball reached Bassett who composed himself before driving the ball through the legs of Darrell.