Southam’s dramatic rise stalls as cold takes hold

Saints currently lie in second spot, just one point behind long-time leaders Bolehall Swifts, who they were due to meet.

Having taken over the reins at Banbury Road ahead of the 2010/11 season, manager Luke Fogarty re-built the team with mainly young, local players.

Winning the Coventry Telegraph Challenge Cup gave him hope that, with a year’s experience behind them, the team could make an impact in the league this time.

“We finished last season well and carried that momentum into the new one,” said Fogarty.

“Although we wanted to do well in the cups, we set our stall out to challenge in the league and thought we had a good enough squad to make the top six.”

So far, results have exceeded Fogarty’s expectations, although with 14 matches still to play, the Saints boss is not taking anything for granted.

Fogarty has used 30 players this season, but the nucleus of the side has remained constant throughout.

Defender Quentin Townsend and forward Andy Millan, who have both been with Fogarty at previous clubs, provide experience, as does former Leamington forward Neil Stacey who returned to Saints this season.

Newest signing Simeon Smith, who opened his goal account in the 3-2 win at Racing Club, has been brought in to boost the forward line.

“We lost Josh Cole early on to Banbury United and then four more through long-term injury,” explains Fogarty.

“We’ve also had players in and out of the side with niggling problems, as well as some who weren’t able to command a regular place and moved to other clubs.”

Goalkeeper Jim Stott, signed from Coventry Alliance side Potters Green, was joint winner of the division’s player-of-the-season award in 2010/11, but injury has interrupted his campaign this time, restricting him to just 14 appearances. He is currently struggling to overcome a hamstring injury picked up in the warm-up at Racing Club.

Fortunately for Saints, they have been able to call on 21-year-old Matt Oliver, who was signed from Bromyard on Townsend’s recommendation, and has put in some impressive performances.

Another player who is struggling with injury is John Blunsom. Last season’s captain has not played since the 2-1 home defeat to Earlswood Town on December 3 and is still a couple of weeks off regaining fitness.

With the club announcing plans for a new sports and community hub facility, this could be the time for Saints to top their 31 seasons in the Midland Combination with promotion and a move up to the next step in the non-league pyramid.

But every point will have to be fought for, starting with their match against Pilkington XXX at Banbury Road tomorrow (3pm).