Southam continue their progress thanks to Smith brace

Hotshot Simeon Smith struck twice in the second half as Saints came from behind to reach the second round proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase, writes David Hucker.

The victory maintained Saints’ 100 per cent record under Lee Knibbs and they will now entertain Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Long Eaton United on Saturday November 17 for a place in the third round.

“I am really proud of my players who trained hard in appalling weather on Thursday and got the result they deserved against a club that has only lost once in their league.” said Knibbs.

“We were a bit sloppy for their opening goal, but, although we went behind, I didn’t worry we could still come out on top.

“Apart from one chance that hit the post, they didn’t really get into our half after the break and, on another day, we would have scored a lot more than we did.

“Southam is a good place to be at the moment, with the players happy and a real buzz around the club. If we can progress further in this competition, they can make a bit of club history.”

The early chances fell to Saints, with both George Curry and Smith shooting straight at keeper Mikael Corbisier, but it was Juniors who went ahead courtesy of a Tom Dawson strike in the 20th minute.

Ollie Manuel tipped over a shot from Sam Harrison and, with Saints failing to clear the corner, Dawson drove the ball into the net to give the home side the lead.

Saints tried to hit back, with Smith having an effort ruled out for offside and Ryan Lynch delaying his shot and allowing a defender to clear off the line.

As the second half opened, Saints went close again when Corbisier failed to collect a cross from Casey Caggini but Lynch’s shot came back off the post.

They finally got the goal they were looking for in the 55th minute when Smith turned and fired low into the corner.

Josh Cole could have added another four minutes later but put the ball wide when clean through, before Smith appeared to be pushed in the penalty area, with nothing given by the referee.

Curry put another shot wide before Saints almost paid for their missed chances, with the woodwork coming to their rescue.

Lynch headed on to the roof of the net from a Caggini free-kick and Smith again found Corbisier blocking his way to goal.

With Saints pressing for the winner, Gaggini almost turned the ball in after Corbisier again failed to gather from a corner before Smith got his second with a powerful diving header from a Lee Thomas cross.

Saints return to league action on Saturday when they visit Brocton.