Football
Saints suffer title blow

Walsall Wood 2 Southam United 1

SAINTS saw their Athium Midland Combination Premier Division title hopes disappear after slumping to a disappointing defeat at rock-bottom Walsall Wood on Saturday.

Saints travelled to the basement-boys knowing they had to win all three of their remaining matches to secure their first Athium Midland Combination title but, after going into the lead, they lost out to two second half strikes and Continental Star could have wrapped up the championship if they beat Castle Vale last night (Wednesday).

It had all looked to be going to plan as Saints settled into game with an early chance falling to Neil Stacey, who shot over from Jack Taylor’s corner.

The visitors took a 20th minute lead when keeper Dale Faultless tipped a Taylor free-kick over the bar and, from the corner, Simeon Smith headed in his 21st goal of the season.

They should have added a second in the 36th minute as Oli Manoochehri beat the offside trap, but failed to make the most of his clear run on goal and saw his shot blocked.

Stacey also went close with a free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

But Wood stepped up a gear and two goals inside a minute turned the match upside down.

The hosts equalised from a 64th minute corner and scrambled another sixty seconds later after keeper Matt Oliver had fumbled the ball.

Manager Luke Fogarty sent on Ross Jackson to increase the Saints strike force and it nearly paid off when, after a good run down the left, he sent in a cross that was only just cut out by the Wood defence.

Substitute Andrew Aiton then hit a swirling shot that was well saved by Oliver before another good cross from Jackson just eluded Smith.

Jackson then lobbed over the bar from a Taylor cross before Daniel Rock was booked for time wasting.

Jackson also headed over an Andy Millan cross but, with Saints steaming forward in search of an equaliser, Wood could have added a third when Andre Gonzales hit the post.

Saints were left to reflect they just did not do enough in the second half to secure the points they needed.

Saints entertain Brocton this Saturday (3pm).

Regional sport »