Southam’s late, late show picks off Pelsall

Saints’ revival continues to gather pace as Lee Knibbs’ side came from behind against Pelsall Villa to snatch three points with a late goal flurry, writes David Hucker.

Having gained just one point from their opening six league matches, Saints’ fortunes changed with their bank holiday win over Racing Club Warwick and new manager Knibbs has added to this with further victories in his first two matches in charge at Banbury Road.

Although leaving it late to secure the three points, Knibbs was pleased with the outcome and the way his side is shaping up.

“Villa came with a game plan and, after they scored, grew in confidence,” he said. “But it all changed after we equalised and we ran out worthy winners.”

Despite his good start as manager, Knibbs knows that there is more to do. “We have more shape and discipline now in the final third of the pitch, but still have to be more ruthless in creating and taking our chances.”

The Saints boss introduced two more new players into the team in George Curry, signed from Alvechurch, and Chris Hayden from Stratford Town. Midfielder Josh Cole returned from Banbury United along with the experienced Howard Forinton, who was on the bench.

After a lacklustre opening, Villa’s Nick Carter played in Kevin Humpage, but Saints keeper Ollie Manuel spotted the danger and raced out to clear. From a free-kick at the other end, Craig Watkin thumped the ball a yard too high.

Play swung from end to end as, first Simeon Smith cut inside his marker to shoot, with keeper Andy Hughes needing two attempts to claim the ball, and then Josh Small headed a Villa free-kick wide.

Matt Burns tried an over the shoulder effort that sailed beyond Manuel, but Neil Stacey was well positioned to head the ball to safety close to the goal-line.

Villa struck in the 41st minute when a mix-up between Stacey and Manuel allowed Craig Stevens to slide the ball home.

After the break, Saints came close to levelling when a drive from Pawel Tomczak shaved the angle.

With time running out, Villa dropped deeper allowing the home side to take control.

Southam equalised from a Watkin corner as substitute Martin Hutchcox headed home from close range.

Within a minute, Saints took the lead, Smith nipping in front of his marker to tap home Cole’s cross.

Pelsall tried stepping up a gear, but it was too late.

Forinton hit a rocket that rebounded off the post before Smith put the result beyond doubt in added time, rounding the keeper to coolly slot into the empty net.

 Saints’ home FA Carlsberg Vase second qualifying round tie against Continental Star has been brought forward to tonight (7.45pm).

 Saints’ youth team are still looking for their first win of the season after going down 2-1 at Coventry Copsewood on Tuesday.

Southam took the lead in the 23rd minute when Steve Thomas headed home Danny Wylde’s centre.

Saints’ Ross Knight had an effort ruled out for offside while keeper Andrew Skerratt made two excellent saves as Copsewood looked for a way back. However, in the dying stages he was beaten by a long-range strike and then conceded another in the next home attack.

Southam are at home to Kidderminster in the FA Youth Cup on Monday night (7.45pm).