Saints march on in Vase thanks to deadly Cole

A first-half strike from Josh Cole was enough to see Saints home against West Midlands League Premier side Malvern Town in their FA Carlsberg Vase tie as Luke Fogarty’s team continued their fine start to the season, writes David Hucker.

Despite the win, Fogarty was disappointed at his side’s failure to convert the many chances that came their way, saying: “We had five or six clear-cut chances that, on another day, we would have taken and put the match beyond doubt well before the end.

“But, with four wins from our first five league and cup matches, I am really pleased with the start we have had.

“It is still early days and we are not making any predictions as the season will get tougher as it goes on.”

Saints put Malvern under pressure right from the kick-off, with Cole heading over the bar and Robbie Beard almost chipping keeper Ian Hill.

Beard went close again in the eighth minute, shooting over after Neil Stacey had flicked on Jim Stott’s long goal-kick.

Sloppy defending afforded Paul Edwards a chance for the home side before Saints forced two corners, with Cole shooting wide from the second.

Saints got the breakthrough they had been looking for in the 17th minute. Stacey picked up the ball from a Malvern throw on the halfway line and fed Beard who, in turn, put Cole through on goal and the midfielder made no mistake with a perfect lob to beat Hill.

Another long kick by Stott found Beard, who missed the target with Hill rooted to his line.

Captain James Hardie got in on the action with a powerful long-range shot that was only just wide before another effort from Cole was almost fumbled into the net by Hill, who injured himself in the process.

Stacey then headed over from a Jack Taylor corner and Saints went in at the interval with just one goal to show for their endeavours.

Saints picked up where they left off after the break and Cole was just wide with a header from a Taylor cross.

At the other end, Mark Briggs was forced to concede a corner before Lee Hooper missed Malvern’s best chance in the 60th minute, shooting straight at Stott.

With the clock ticking down, substitute Brad Rees could have settled Saints’ nerves with a second, but dragged his shot wide.

In the end, Cole’s goal was enough to see Saints safely through and set up a derby against Stratford Town in the second qualifying round.

Tomorrow, Saints return to Athium Midland Combination action at Brocton, the only other side with a 100 per cent league record.

John Blunsom is again suspended and former Alveston captain Briggs, who has impressed Fogarty in his two starts, is in line to retain his place.

James Hardie has started university and will be missing until Christmas.

A coach, provided courtesy of local firm Catteralls Coaches, will leave the ground at noon and there will be free places for supporters on a first-come basis.