Football
Saints frustrated by postponements

SOUTHAM United manager Lee Knibbs saw his side denied some vital practice ahead of Saturday's Carlsberg FA Vase tie as both Saints matches this week were called off.

Tuesday's match against Pershore Town was postponed following an afternoon inspection after heavy rain in the area during the previous 48 hours left parts of the pitch unplayable.

The Saints manager had been hoping for some match practice for Simon Proctor, Marc Passey and Ross Briscoe, who are all fit again after injury, but all three will still be in contention on Saturday.

After a 3-0 home win against Lincoln Moorlands and a 2-0 victory at Radford FC in the qualifying rounds, Long Eaton beat Midland Football Alliance side Heather St John's in the first round proper.

Although they suffered a 2-1 home league defeat to Parkgate FC last Saturday, Saints will need to be at their best against a team that plays a step higher in the non-league pyramid in the Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Saturday's Coventry Charity Cup match was cancelled after opponents Highway Coundon withdrew from the competition when they could not raise a full side of eligible players.

Saints now go through to the second round, when they will be at home to Brinklow on a date to be confirmed in December. The winners will be away to Brooklands Jaguar in the quarter-finals.

Regional sport »