Knibbs and a youthful Southam learn useful lessons from Spencer draw

Speaking after the 1-1 draw at the United Counties Division One side, Knibbs said: “Today was a physical test for a youthful Saints team.

“We could have easily turned the draw into a win and the players continue to learn from every match.”

Brad Rees played his first game of pre-season, captaining the side as Knibbs adopted a 4-4-2 formation with Simeon Smith and Oli Manoochehri spearheading the attack.

There were few clear-cut chances for either side in the opening 25 minutes and the first real scoring opportunity fell to Spencer when, with the Saints defence stretched, they squared the ball across the face of the goal, but nobody could get a touch.

For Saints, a cross from Chris Wilson King was just deflected away from the well-placed Smith, with the ball falling to Robbie Stephans whose curling shot went just wide.

Saints broke again in the 29th minute and Wilson King’s powerful shot was only inches off target.

Saints opened the scoring a minute before the interval, George Curry netting a quickly taken free-kick from 25 yards.

The home side were back on level terms three minutes into the second half with a shot from the edge of the area.

Smith then had an effort cleared off the line before setting up a chance for Manoochehri, whose shot was bundled away for a corner.

The visitors should have gone ahead again in the 76th minute, but Smith delayed his shot when clean through and the chance went begging, while at the other end, 16-year-old keeper Michael Ojeil denied Spencer late on.

Tomorrow, Saints are at home to Ardley (3pm) before travelling to Lutterworth Athletic on Tuesday (7.45pm).