Shearsby seething after Pershire revival

Despite his side gaining their first point of the season, Saints caretaker- manager Barry Shearsby was in no mood to celebrate on Tuesday night, writes David Hucker.

“While it’s a point on the board, that’s not enough in our position,” said a frustrated Shearsby.

“We did well in the first half, causing them problems when we went forward, with Martin Thompson in cracking form. We knew they would come at us after the interval but, instead of standing our ground, just buckled, looking like we would let in a goal every time they attacked.”

Shearsby knows he needs to strengthen the defence, but feels the uncertainty over the long-term manager appointment is not helping attract new players.

“We’re in limbo and can’t make any decisions. Players want to know who will be in charge and you can sense the uncertainty in the dressing room.”

Pershore took the lead in the 18th minute courtesy of a penalty after a foul by Adam Hart and, although Saints thought they had equalised almost immediately from a free-kick, the effort was ruled offside.

They did draw level, however, in the 24th minute when Ross Briscoe fed Simeon Smith, who made no mistake.

Three minutes later, the lively Thompson was brought down by home keeper Matt Ramage who was initially shown a red card by the referee, only for it to be changed to yellow.

Craig Watkin calmly put away his second penalty of the season to send Saints into the lead for the first time in six matches.

Then, a powerful header from Briscoe was picked up by Smith, who laid the ball off to Thompson to open his account for Saints with a shot into the bottom corner.

Another penalty brought Pershore back into the game in the 61st minute and they equalised seven minutes later after poor Saints defending.

On Saturday, Saints had lost 2-0 at home to Coventry Copsewood, with second-half goals from Curtis Jackson and substitute Petajon Gordon giving the visitors victory.

Despite no score in the opening 45 minutes, there were plenty of chances for both sides in an end-to-end encounter, with the best falling to Copsewood’s Petajon Gordon, who lobbed over an empty net with just three minutes of the half remaining.

It took two good saves from Ollie Manuel to keep Saints in the match at the start of the second half, but Copsewood took the lead in the 58th when a low cross from the left was turned in by the unmarked Curtis Jackson.

Saints were almost level within a minute, but Smith was denied by the crossbar, before Brad Rees shot straight at Obimpeh.

Copsewood made Saints pay by doubling their lead through Gordon.

Smith was again denied by Obimpeh before glancing a header just wide from a Marc Passey cross with ten minutes to go.

Tomorrow, Saints are away to Premier Division leaders Walsall Wood, who dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw at Bolehall Swifts on Tuesday.

They then entertain Racing Club Warwick at Banbury Road on Monday (3pm).

 Saints’ youth team opened their Midland Floodlit Youth League season at Banbury Road on Monday, going down to 5-3 defeat against Earlswood Town.