12
SOUTHAM UNITED
SAINTS GAIN VITAL POINT IN PROMOTION PURSUIT by David hucker
Southam United 1 Bicester Hallions 1 Oxfordshire Senior League In an all-action match in front of a good size
the outside of the post. It was Hallions who
Bobby Hancocks Park crowd, Southam United
finished the half stronger, however, and captain
drew with unbeaten leaders Bicester Hallions,
Stuart Bridges blasted over from a good position.
who now need just one point to secure the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier title.
Saints could have gone behind again early in the second half, as a Jamie Munday free kick went just
Southam twice went close in the opening 10
wide and were then indebted to Neale for clearing
minutes, first through Kieran Brady, whose
off the line after Hudson had saved a shot from
shot hit the post only for the ball to roll across
Brooks. With 15 minutes to go, Sam Dunn made a
the face of goal, and then a good effort by Jay
good tackle to deny Brooks again and Hudson was
Lawes which was well saved by visiting keeper
back in action to save another chance from a
Reece Green.
corner.
Bicester themselves had a good chance to
As Hallions continued to press for a second,
open the scoring when a through ball found the
McGlynn pulled his shot wide, but it was Saints
lively Ryan Brooks, but Ryan Harris made a
who went closest to scoring the winner as Green
timely intervention. They didn’t take long to
dived late to his left to scoop an Alfie Speed shot
find the net, however, as Piers McGlynn struck
out from under the post. Jay Lawes had a goal
a low shot from outside the penalty area past
disallowed late on, but it ended all square with
the outstretched arm of keeper Lewis Hudson
Saints extending their unbeaten league run to
to give them a 13th minute lead.
seven matches.
Southam were soon back on terms as Bicester failed to clear a corner and defender Adam Neale was on hand to bundle the ball home to make it all square on 20 minutes. They almost got a second soon after when a
“It was a pulsating game in which we couldn’t have done more” said manager Richard Kay. “We now look a proper team with depth, having hit a post three times and the bar twice and also had a last-minute winner chalked off for offside.
fine solo run from Ricky Barby ended with his
What an atmosphere at BHP - the best since we
shot landing on top of the crossbar before a
re-launched. Thank you to the locals for coming
good passing move set up Lawes whose shot hit
out and your tremendous support.”
