Saints pay penalty for a sloppy half

The hosts’ goals all came before the break, with a missed penalty just before half-time not helping Saints’ cause.

Manager Quentin Townsend was pleased with his side’s reaction after the interval, however.

“We looked very disjointed in the first half, but I put that down to throwing five new players together for the first time,” said Townsend.

“We had a good reshuffle of the formation at half-time and it had the desired effect.

“I was pleased with the response from the players and it was a good workout for us fitness-wise.

“In particular, Brad Reece Jones looked very composed in a new role in the centre of midfield.”

Saints entertain Stony Stratford at Banbury Road tomorrow.

 Saints will be looking to improve on their sorry record in the FA Cup after being drawn at home to AFC Wulfrunians in the extra preliminary round.

Southam have been knocked out in the extra preliminary round in the last five seasons.

It is the first time Southam have met the South Staffordshire-based Midland League Premier Division side in cup competition.

The tie will be played on Saturday August 15.

Meanwhile, Townsend’s side will kick off their Midland League Division One campaign at Bromsgrove Sporting on August 8.

Racing Club Warwick open up at home to Pilkington XXX.