12
SOUTHAM UNITED
A VICTORY TO MOVE INTO SECOND by David hucker
Hales United 0 Southam United 1 Oxfordshire League, Premier Division There was just one Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division fixture on Saturday, but it proved to be an important one for Southam United, as a Jay Lawes strike in the 54th minute was enough to see them to a 1-0 win at second-placed Halse United and leapfrog them in the table. Southam welcomed back Pat O’Brien after suspension and Lawes, who was missing from the previous week’s side, amongst a number of changes. After a goalless first half, Saints struck early in the second period through Lawes, as the former Rugby Borough striker pounced from a corner after Kieran Brady’s shot had been tipped over the bar by home keeper Ryan Watt. Saints keeper Lewis Hudson kept them in the match with a good save from a free kick on the hour and, despite a late rally from the home side, they held out under pressure for the win that sees them sit four points behind unbeaten leaders Bicester Hallions after seven matches. “That was a very pleasing performance and result” said manager Richard Kay.
“We have played some tough away games and come through a tricky period when we have been depleted and, at times, down to the bare bones. Our back four were brilliant today and that makes four clean sheets from seven.” “Although we lost to leaders Bicester Hallions last week, the gap is down to four points and we still have to play them at home.” Southam United: Lewis Hudson, Ryan Harris, Kieran Brady (POTM), Adam Neale, Ashley Knights [Capt], Scott Lindley, Wendel Moyo (Luca Lenihan 68), Pat O’Brien, Jay Lawes, Simon Barby, Ricky Barby Subs not used: Alex Skidmore Halse United: Ryan Watt, Benjamin Lloyd, Jack Purnell [Capt], Cameron Harris, Jack Hamblin, Ryan Murphy, Oliver Read, Adam Hilton, Liam Simpson, George Kingham, Dean Ingram, Callum Humphries, James Hackett, James Keen. Referee: Grant Cross
•
