Match Report - Bobby Hancocks Cup

MATCH

REPORT

Bobby Hancocks Cup, Bobby Hancocks Park, 3.08.22

SOUTHAM UNITED 2

(Barby 47’, Drummond 72’)

BISHOPS ITCHINGTON 0

We began our 2022/23 season in style with a deserved 2-0 win over Bishops Itchington in the Bobby Hancocks Cup.

The match marked a very special occasion as the club celebrated both Southam legend, Bobby Hancocks, and local non-league super-fan, Wayne Rutter, and the impact they had on the greater Southam community. Hancocks’ family was in attendance as both teams marked the beginning of the match with a moment of applause.

The match then started slowly as both sides intended to feel out the other and find the spaces to make their mark. After almost 40 minutes Saints forward Shane Osborne worked a great shot on goal but after a touch from a Bishops defender the attempt went just over the crossbar.

Things started to heat up in the second half when Simon Barby scored from inside the box just after the whistle and gave Southam the lead. After a few substitutes from Head Coach Richard Kay the Saints could be seen playing some of their best football we’ve seen all season.

After being on the pitch for less than 10 minutes one of those substitutes, forward Theo Drummond, got into a

great position one-on-one with the keeper and found the back of the net for the team again to double the scoreline.

Not long after the goal the referee blew the final whistle and the celebrations began. Captain Simon Barby and the team lifted the trophy and could be heard celebrating from the changing room long after the match had concluded.

SOUTHAM UNITED: Hudson, Bloomer (Boe 74’), Speed (Green 85’), Neale, Fitzmaurice, Barby (c), Ellis Champkins, Ethan Champkins, Osborne, Lawes, Mauritson (Drummond 68’). Subs not used: Skidmore