Match Report - Clanfield 85 22.10.22

MATCH REPORT

by David Hucker

Hellenic League Division 1, Bobby Hancocks Park, 22.10.22

SOUTHAM UNITED 1

(Dixon 55’)

CLANFIELD 85 0

Southam United came out on top in a hard-fought contest against third-place Clanfield 85 FC with a second half goal from leading scorer Josh Dixon clinching three valuable Hellenic League points.

A long Southam clearance in the 17th minute set up Shane Osborne with a chance for the lead, but his shot was smothered by visiting keeper Luke Haley. It was Clanfield who then went closest in the 32nd, Southam being rescued by the crossbar and, despite plenty of action by both sides, it was still all-square at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, Dixon broke the deadlock for Southam, his shot from the edge of the box taking a deflection on the way to the net. As the visitors pressed for an equaliser, Southam were indebted to keeper Lewis Hudson for keeping them in the match with a fantastic fingertip save in the 65th minute, followed by another three minutes later to stop a fierce shot from outside the box.

With a minute to go, Hudson was again on hand to

gather a high looping header and Southam held on to inflict just the third defeat of the season on Clanfield and lift themselves to 11th place in the table.

“Absolutely fantastic result and performance today to beat a

side in the top three” said manager Richard Kay. “The lads have been unbelievable since the end of August with everyone working tirelessly on and off the pitch,”

In midweek, Southam had gone down 2-0 to Midland Football League division one side Smethwick Rangers in the Birmingham FA Midweek Floodlit Challenge Cup. Having conceded two early goals, they dominated the second half without converting their chances in what has become a familiar story this season.

Southam are at home again on Wednesday when they will be looking to complete a league/cup double against Kidlington Reserves (kick off 7.45pm) and, on Saturday, are away to Hartpury University.

Southam United: Hudson, Harris, Tennant, Neale, Watkin, O’Brien, Dixon (Dunn 90+2), Ellis Champkins, Osborne (Mauritson 71), Barby [Capt.], Ethan Champkins (Goddard 83) Subs not used: Bloomer, King

Clanfield 85: Haley, Isherwood, Weller, Llewelyn, Dickinson, Pirie, Robinson, Sheppard, Seacole Fullerton, Wyatt Subs: Taylor, Moore, Tinsley, Gibbens, Harry

Player of the Match: Craig WatkinAttn: 60

SOUTHAM UNITED: Hudson, Harris, Tennant, Neale, Watkin, O’Brien, Dixon, Ellis Champkins, Osborne, Barby (c), Ethan Champkins Subs: Mauritson, Dunn, Goddard Subs not used: King, Bloomer

PERSHORE TOWN: Haley, Isherwood, Weller, Llewelyn, Dickinson, Pirie, Robinson, Sheppard, Seacole, Fullerton, Wyatt. Subs: Taylor, Moore, Tinsley, Gibbens, Harry