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 Bobby Hancocks Park crowd, Southam United drew with unbeaten leaders Bicester Hallions, who now need just one point to secure the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier title. Southam twice went close in the opening 10 minutes, first through Kieran Brady, whose shot hit the post only for the ball to roll across the face of goal, and then a good effort by Jay Lawes which was well saved by visiting keeper Reece Green. Bicester themselves had a good chance to open the scoring when a through ball found the lively Ryan Brooks, but Ryan Harris made a timely intervention. They didn’t take long to find the net, however, as Piers McGlynn struck a low shot from outside the penalty area past the outstretched arm of keeper Lewis Hudson to give them a 13th minute lead. 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 fine solo run from Ricky Barby ended with his shot landing on top of the crossbar before a good passing move set up Lawes whose shot hit the outside of the post. It was Hallions who finished the half stronger, however, and captain Stuart Bridges blasted over from a good position. Saints could have gone behind again early in the second half, as a Jamie Munday free kick went just wide and were then indebted to Neale for clearing off the line after Hudson had saved a shot from Brooks. With 15 minutes to go, Sam Dunn made a good tackle to deny Brooks again and Hudson was back in action to save another chance from a

corner. As Hallions continued to press for a second, McGlynn pulled his shot wide, but it was Saints who went closest to scoring the winner as Green dived late to his left to scoop an Alfie Speed shot out from under the post. Jay Lawes had a goal disallowed late on, but it ended all square with Saints extending their unbeaten league run to seven matches. “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. What an atmosphere at BHP - the best since we re-launched. Thank you to the locals for coming out and your tremendous support.”

Southam United: Lewis Hudson, Sam Dunn, Alfie Speed, Adam Neale, Ryan Harris, Simon Barby [Captain], Kieran Brady (Daniel Long 80), Pat O’Brien (Ashley Knights 62), Jay Lawes, Ricky Barby, Shane Osborne (Wendel Moyo 62) Subs not used: Scott Lindley, Matt Pemberton

Booking: Adam Neale

Bicester Hallions: Reece Green, Wayne Blossom, Chris Schooling, Liam Godin, Tai Thomas, Jamie Munday, Callum Tighe, Piers McGlynn, Dan Bone, Ryan Brooks, Stuart Bridges [Capt.] Subs not used: Dan Smith, Nick Neale, Sam Graham, Lewis Bland, Ronnie Donaldson

Booking: Jamie Munday

Player of the Match: Ryan Harris

Referee: David Burns

UNITED

COMPANIES SUPPORTING

SOUTHAM UNITED

Southam United First Team would like to thank the following companies who have supported the club this season

Aaron Lane

LANECommiercial Ltd.

EDGEWAY(Warwick) LTD

We would also like to thank our dedicated player and matchday sponsors Dave Carter Paul Kay David Hucker Paul Knights

To help support Southam United FC First Team and add your company or name to the list please contact rkcoaching@hotmail.co.uk