This was a direct freekick...so to the best of my knowledge the referee was perfectly correct in allowing the goal....just to be clear what is the exact ruling pertaining to this specific situation?
The goal should not have been given. As a matter of fact, St. Mary's should have been awarded an indirect free-kick.
Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area• all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play
• the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves• the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred or from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (according to the infringement)
Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeperIf, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)
• a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area