Football
Saints celebrate FA Vase victory

Pegasus Juniors 1 Southam United 2

TWO goals from hot-shot Simeon Smith saw Saints through to the second round proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase and continue Lee Knibbs’ perfect start as manager.

The early chances fell to Saints, with both George Curry and Simeon Smith shooting straight at keeper Mikael Corbisier, but it was Juniors who went ahead through a Tom Dawson strike in the 20th minute.

It started with Ollie Manuel tipping a shot from Sam Harrison over the bar and, with Saints failing to clear the corner, Dawson drove the ball into the net.

Saints hit back with Smith having an effort ruled out for offside, while Ryan Lynch took too long over his shot, allowing a defender to clear off the line.

As the second half opened, Saints went close again when Corbisier failed to collect a cross from Casey Caggini, but Lynch’s shot came back off the post.

The visitors finally got the goal they were looking for in the 55th minute when Smith turned and fired low into the corner.

Josh Cole could have added another four minutes later, but put the ball wide when clean through, before Smith appeared to be pushed in the penalty area, with nothing given by the referee.

Curry fired another shot wide, before Saints almost paid for their missed chances, being rescued by the woodwork.

Lynch headed onto the roof of the net from a Caggini free-kick and Smith again found Corbisier blocking the way to goal.

With Saints pressing for the winner, Gaggini almost turned the ball in after Corbisier again failed to gather from a corner, before Smith got his second with a powerful diving header from a Lee Thomas cross to seal the match.

Saints reward is a home tie against Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division outfit Long Eaton United in round two on Saturday, November 17.

Saints return to Athium Midland Combination Premier Division action on Saturday when they visit Brocton looking for their tenth win in a row in all competitions.

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