16
SOUTHAM UNITED
SOUTHAM UNITED HOLD SECOND-PLACED KENNINGTON by David hucker
Kennington Athletic 1 Southam United 1 Oxfordshire Senior League half gone and they could have added another in A Simon Barby penalty, his sixth of the season,
the 55th, but Hudson smothered another
earned Southam United a point at second-
Kennington goal bound header. He was called on
placed Kennington Athletic, but it took a first-
again in the 73rd as Saints had to withstand the
class performance from keeper Lewis Hudson
force of Kennington’s high-scoring attack.
to keep the home side at bay.
“It was very much about not losing the game
Kennington had the first chance on goal in
today” said manager Richard Kay.
the 5th minute, but Hudson parried the shot to
“To be 1-0 up and then draw was disappointing
his right, the first of a number of saves he was to
but, at the end of the day, it was a decent result
make during the afternoon. Saints could have
against a top side. Barring a 15 minute period
opened the scoring in the 18th minute when
when we lost control of the game and conceded
Melvin Mauritson’s cross into the box found
the goal, we played and managed it well.
leading scorer Jay Lawes, but his header went just over the bar.
We are at home for four of our next five matches and have to back this up with more points.”
A minute later, Ricky Barby’s shot from
Despite the point, Saints slipped to sixth place,
outside the box caught the home keeper off-
although have games in hand which could take
guard and was pushed over the crossbar. The
them up to second, but unbeaten Bicester
ensuing corner also hit the bar, but the ball fell
Hallions, held to a home draw by Cropredy, are
harmlessly and was cleared. Hudson was back
looking odds-on for the title with nine matches
in action, saving from a Kennington counter-
remaining.
attack before Southam took the lead in the 38th minute from a Simon Barby penalty after
Southam United: Lewis Hudson, Sam Dunn, Alfie
Shane Osborne was brought down in the box.
Speed, Adam Neale, Ashley Knights [Capt], Scott
Hudson saved a free kick with four minutes of
Lindley (Pat O’Brien 65), Melvin Mauritson
the half remaining and then, in added time,
(Wendel Moyo 76), Simon Barby, Jay Lawes, Ricky
was in action again to keep Saints’ lead intact at
Barby (Matt Pemberton), Shane Osborne
the break. It didn’t take long for the home side to get back in
the
game,
however,
Matty
Crossan
equalizing with just six minutes of the second
Subs not used: Kieran Brady Player of the Match: Adam Neale Referee: John Boodell
