Heather and Hibs are hit by hot-shot Saints

Hibs, who play in Division Two of the Athium Midland Football Combination, were a late change from the original fixture against United Counties side Northampton Spencer.

All the goals came in the first half, with former Stockton striker Ross Briscoe among the Saints scorers, along with Luke Church, Simon Proctor and Marc Passey.

The match followed last week’s 5-4 home win over Baker Joiner Midland Alliance outfit Heather St John’s.

Defender Andy Gregory joined his former Leamington team-mate Martin Thompson in the Saints starting line-up, with Ollie Manuel making a return to the club between the sticks.

Two goals from last season’s leading scorer Simeon Smith and another from Gregory gave Saints a 3-1 half-time lead over the 2010-11 Midland Combination champions.

Not surprisingly, the match proved more competitive and physical than the previous week’s encounter with Leamington Sunday League side Priors Marston, but Saints continued to look sharp after the break and stretched their lead to 5-1 by the hour thanks to another from Smith, excellently set up by Brad Rees and Simon Proctor.

With Saints making changes and fitness telling, the visitors were awarded two penalties which helped them claw back the deficit, but Luke Fogarty’s side held on for the win.

Thompson had committed only to the pre-season campaign, but confirmed after Tuesday’s match that he will be signing for the club, increasing Saints’ attacking options.

Manuel, who has made appearances for Racing Club Warwick and Kenilworth Town since leaving Saints two seasons ago, could be competing for the goalkeeping position with Matt Oliver following the retirement of former number one Jim Stott.

Last night, Saints were at home to Whitnash Town and complete their programme tomorrow when they travel to Ardley United.

n Lee Constable will again be running a coaching course at Southam United during the summer holidays.

The course will be held from Monday August 20 to Friday August 24 (9am to 4pm), with each day costing £12.

All coaches are minimum FA Level 1 qualified and CRB-checked.

To book your place or to discuss further, contact Lee Constable on 07960 412347 or at lee.constable@
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