Southam lose Cole and let slip a point

In a week when manager Luke Fogarty learned he will be losing influential midfielder Josh Cole to neighbours Banbury United, a late strike from Rhys Morgan denied his side a deserved point at Bartley Green on Saturday, writes David Hucker.

Cole, who has scored five goals in nine appearances since rejoining the club from Stockton, was left out of Saturday’s side ahead of joining the Evo-Stik Southern Premier club.

But despite his disappointment at losing Cole, Fogarty said that he went with the club’s blessing.

“We hope that he makes a success of it at Banbury,”said Fogarty.

Reflecting on Saturday’s result, Saints third narrow defeat in a row, Fogarty added: “We created plenty of chances, without having much luck in front of goal.

“I felt that one goal would settle it and, after bossing the game in the first half, thought it would be us, but we let it slip right at the end.”

Also missing the unwell Neil Stacey and the injured Aaron Addison and Jon Grandfield, Saints welcomed back James Hardie on leave from university and experienced forward Robbie Beard in a line-up that was much changed from the side that lost to Henley Forest in midweek.

Hardie felt the force of a challenge from Dan Bryson in the 24th minute, but the Green defender escaped a booking before Beard almost opened the scoring with a shot that was deflected for corner.

With no score at half-time, Beard was again to the fore five minutes into the second half, but could not connect with a through ball.

David Wilson also failed to get on the end of a Jack Taylor pass before Beard set up Taylor, whose shot was saved by home keeper Adam Lane.

Another chance went begging when John Blunsom headed narrowly wide.

Green looked dangerous on the break but Saints should have scored when a shot from substitute Danny Bartle proved too hot to handle for Lane, but nobody was able to pick up the rebound.

Just when it looked as if the match would end in stalemate, a long ball caught out the Saints defence and Morgan beat Jim Stott with the deciding goal.

Tomorrow, Saints are at home to last season’s runners-up Nuneaton Griff (3pm).