Football
Saints washed out again

SOUTHAM United’s frustrating run of postponements continued over the holiday period when both their matches were called off, meaning that Lee Knibbs’ team have played just four times in the last two months.

After Saturday’s home league encounter against Stafford Town was cancelled following an early morning pitch inspection, Knibbs took the players to Southam College for a training session in preparation for last night’s Birmingham County FA Midweek Floodlit Cup tie at Bartley Green last night (Wednesday).

The winners will travel to Nuneaton Griff in the quarter final on Wednesday, January 16.

The time out from competitive matches has, at least, given both Chris Hayden and Ryan Lynch time to recover from injury and Knibbs expects both to be back shortly. But, midfielder Luke Church, who was injured pre-season and defender Ash Buswell remain long-term absentees.

“It’s been a frustrating time,” said Knibbs. “The challenge is to get a balance between free time and intense training sessions, trusting the players do at least one fitness session a week on their own”

“A lot of games is a problem, but a nice one to have. I have trust in the strong squad we’ve got and, if we are playing three times a week come April, it will be a sign we have done well.”

Saints are also in three other cup competitions, as well as having 20 matches still to play in the Athium Midland Combination Premier Division. They are currently 12th in the table, having completed the least number of matches of all the teams.

Weather permitting, Blackwood are the visitors to Banbury Road this Saturday (3pm).

Regional sport »