Fogarty happy with Saints’ added depth

Saints had made it four wins from five matches with a comfortable success over a youthful Woodford United in their annual Friendship Cup match at Banbury Road on Thursday night.

Despite hitting the woodwork on numerous occasions, Saints still went in at the interval three goals to the good and, after conceding a goal against the run of play, scored again late on to make it 4-1.

Fogarty said: “While this wasn’t Woodford’s senior side, you can only beat the team in front of you and we did that comfortably.

“At this stage of the pre-season, it’s all about fitness and we are getting some good work-outs and scoring goals for fun.”

Despite losing midfielder James Hardie, who is off to university, and speedy winger Richard Robinson to Cradley Town, the squad appears stronger this year with competition for places in all areas.

Fogarty has been able to field two complete sides in every match and will have no easy time in choosing his starting line-up for the opening Athium Midland Combination match on August 13.

Neil Stacey’s return to the club has added height and strength to the attack and his partnership with David Wilson already looks promising, with both scoring against Woodford.

Midfielder Luke Swinnerton, who found it difficult to break into the side after signing from Racing Club Warwick last season, has rediscovered his scoring touch, while Tom Leaver, Danny Bartle, Connor Brown and Josh Cole have come in to add strength in depth.

“We’ve got a good squad and the lads are happy to stay and fight for their places,” said Fogarty. “It’s looking hopeful for the new season and we will see what happens when the real action starts.”

Having trained on Monday, Saints were in action again against Daventry United at Communications Park on Wednesday when they ran out 3-2 winners.

A penalty from Jack Taylor, following a foul on Ross Jackson, and a Stacey strike had given them a two- goal lead, but the home side squared the match before the interval.

Substitute Swinnerton scored the winner after the break.