Manoochehri is Saints’ hero

A late goal by substitute Oli Manoochehri avenged the recent 2-1 defeat to Copsewood in the Birmingham County FA Midweek Floodlit Cup and took Saints up to fourth in the Midland Combination Premier, writes David Hucker

Manager Luke Fogarty was delighted with result, saying: “It is always a tight game against Copsewood and we showed a lot of character.

“We learnt from what happened last time, playing well throughout the team. James Hardie was awesome for us and I was pleased for Matt Oliver as he has had to wait his turn and took his chance well.”

Both Jamie Coleman and Andy Millan were in the starting line-up, having rejoined the club in the week and Millan had a chance to open the scoring after just two minutes, but put his shot wide. He did the same later in the half when let in by a defensive mix-up.

Quentin Townsend set up man-of-the-match Hardie, whose long-range shot went just over, while Copsewood had their first chance on goal in the 11th minute, with a header that cleared the bar.

The hosts should have taken the lead mid-way through the half when an attempted back-header from John Blunsom fell to Rickie Cutting, but his powerful shot was well saved by Matt Oliver.

Millan attempted a spectacular volley from Jack Taylor long ball that went wide before a shot from Ross Wimbush was scrambled away for a corner by the Saints defence.

Playing down the slope, Copsewood started the second half strongly, forcing two early corners before Wimbush again went close.

Saints had another chance when Luke Church set up Robbie Beard, but his shot was saved by Scott Furlong at the second attempt.

Oliver again kept the home side out as the pressure mounted, before Manoochehri got his first goal for Saints since signing from Henley Forest, scoring with just eight minutes to go.

The goal proved to be enough, but it took further good saves from Oliver to preserve the three points.

Saints are at home to Pershore Town tomorrow (3pm).