Smith gives Saints a lift by rejoining from Bolehall

Townsend used 18 players in last week’s match at Woodford United where Saints ran out 1-0 winners and a surprise inclusion in the squad was striker Simeon Smith, who left towards the end of the season to rejoin his old club Bolehall Swifts.

Having scored 50 goals for Saints over the last two seasons, Smith is a proven matchwinner and his return will be welcomed by Saints fans.

“Sim and I go way back and I always knew he would re-sign if I got the job,” said Townsend.

“He does have a problem with travelling back home from training late at night and I have been sorting out lifts for him.

“It isn’t something that I would normally do, but I feel he is more than worth it.”

As well as the experience Townsend has added to the side, he will also be looking to give youth a chance, saying: “All of last year’s crop of youngsters have returned in good spirits after the experience of playing first-team matches in less than ideal circumstances at the back end of last season.

“I expect them to be all the better for that experience and push for regular first-team spots this season.”

There was bad news, however, with the notification from the Football Association that the club’s application for entry into the FA Cup had been rejected.

As the competition was oversubscribed, applications from clubs at Step 6 were considered based on the points per game achieved for last season.

With Saints only picking up four points from their last ten matches following the sudden departure of manager Lee Knibbs, they will miss out this time around.

Tomorrow, Saints travel to Fairfield Villa before completing their programme at home to Brinklow on Tuesday (7.30pm).