Saints Put Garsington to the Sword

by David hucker

Southam United 9 Marston Saints 1 Oxfordshire League, Premier Division

A second half onslaught by Southam United saw them comfortably through to the next round of the Oxfordshire Senior League Presidents Cup with a 9-1 victory over Garsington at a cold and blustery Bobby Hancocks Park. Saints had won 5-0 in a league encounter earlier in the season and Jay Lawes set them on their way here with a 12th minute strike, but it took two good saves from keeper Alex Skidmore to keep them in the match, the first on 20 minutes low to his right to stop Callum Lucas’ shot from the edge of the box and the second ten minutes later. Saints could have doubled their lead in the 36th when Ricky Barby and Lawes combined well, but the latter’s shot was smothered by Garsington’s keeper George Baker. It was the visitors who scored next, however, in the 37th minute to level the tie, but Saints restored their lead on the stroke of half-time when Ricky Barby’s corner found captain Simon Barby, who headed home. Adam Neale increased the lead in the 49th minute and then the goals rained on Garsington. Five minutes later Lawes set up Ryan Harris who tapped in before Brad Dolton put the ball into his own net in the 56th to make it 5-1. Lawes got a second on the hour and then substitute Daniel Long fed Ricky Barby from just inside the box and his shot carried perfectly into the top corner. With ten minutes remaining, Long’s shot on goal was stopped, but not held, by Baker and Ricky Barby was on hand for another tap-in. Garsington’s misery was compounded by a second own-goal near the end. Saints are at home Saturday to local rivals Cropredy in the Oxfordshire Senior League, kick off at 2.00pm.

Southam United: Alex Skidmore, Sam Dunn, Alfie Speed, Adam Neale (Kieran Brady 62), Ross Feasey, Scott Lindley, Ryan Harris, Simon Barby [Capt] (Ashley Knights 62), Jay Lawes, Ricky Barby, Wendel Moyo (Daniel Long 73)

Subs not used: Lewis Hudson (GK), Luca Lenihan Player of the Match: Jay Lawes Referee: Mark Stanistreet

We’re still unbeaten, but our performance levels need to be better