Townsend rockets spurs Saints on to a second-half revival

An interval rant from manager Quentin Townsend inspired Southam to overturn a half-time deficit and beat Pilkington 4-2 on Saturday.
Mark Bellingham scored twice as Southam recovered from two goals down to beat Pilkington XXX.Mark Bellingham scored twice as Southam recovered from two goals down to beat Pilkington XXX.
Mark Bellingham scored twice as Southam recovered from two goals down to beat Pilkington XXX.

Tom Cross had already been forced into a good save before a defensive lapse saw Kyle Turner convert a cross unchallenged in the eighth minute for the hosts.

Pilks went two up on the half-hour when Odane Barnes strolled through the Saints defence and fired low past Cross.

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Townsend said: “I do not usually raise my voice in the half time interval, but did so today.”

Whatever he said certainly had the desired effect as Saints came out a changed team in the second half.

Mark Bellingham poked home a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble and Southam were level when Kevin Spencer opened his account for the club, sweeping home Chris Bright’s corner.

The home side did have a chance to retake the lead but Turner shot weakly when well placed.

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The visitors went ahead in the 79th minute with Bellingham heading in at the far post and Bright made the game safe four minutes from time.

With Tom Cross unavailable and reserve keeper Simon Heath a late withdrawal, Townsend was forced to play himself in goal in the 2-0 win at Littleton on Wednesday.

Saints took the lead just before the interval when Myles Jones and a Littleton defender challenged for a Joao De Sousa corner and the ball ended up in the net. The advantage was doubled shortly after the interval as Bellingham headed a De Sousa free-kick back across goal and Bridges headed home.