Football
Saints enjoy some action

WITH less than three weeks to go before the start of the new Midland Combination season, Southam United finally got some match practice under their belts on Tuesday night when they comfortably beat neighbours Priors Marston 5-0 in their re-arranged friendly.

Despite an improvement in the weather, the Priors Marston pitch was still waterlogged from last week and the match was switched to the artificial surface at Southam Community College.

Saints included former Leamington favourite Martin Thompson alongside Jim Graham and last season’s top scorer Simeon Smith in what could become a potent attacking force.

Smith has been training with the club since failing to secure a contract at Blue Square outfit Tamworth last week and weighed in with two of the goals. His re-signing would be a big boost to the club’s promotion hopes.

Manager Luke Fogarty was pleased with the workout and the way his squad is shaping up, as he looks to retain as many of his young guns from last season as possible.

Defender Marc Passey, who he rates as one of the best in the league, and midfielder Brad Rees have both re-signed.

“It was a tough call between Brad and Neil Stacey for my player-of-the-season award last time, so I am glad to have him back for the coming campaign,” said Fogarty.

Saints second match takes place tonight (Thursday) when they entertain Baker Joiner Midland Alliance side Heather St John’s at Banbury Road, kick off 7.45pm.

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