Southam make winning return

Pawel Tomczak returned after a five-month lay-off to score in Southams 3-0 win over Blackwood.

Manager Lee Knibbs welcomed back Pawel Tomzcak after more than five months out with injury and new signings Tom Cross and Danny Gordon, together with the returning Martin Hutchcox.

Gordon, signed from Long Eaton, almost made an immediate impact when his second-minute inswinging free-kick landed on top of the crossbar.

After this initial scare, Blackwood took the game to their visitors with a lively spell that saw Cross have to punch clear to avert danger.

Saints had another scoring opportunity in the 13th minute following a foul on Chris Wilson-King but Holford sent the free-kick wide.

Leigh Phillips set up Tomczak with a low cross from the right but keeper Shaun Edwards denied the striker with a brilliant save.

However, he was powerless to prevent Saints taking the lead in the 35th minute when, after good work by Phillips, Holford unleashed an unstoppable shot.

Four minutes later, Holford split open the home defence for Tomczak to beat Edwards from close range and give Saints a two-goal interval lead.

They could have scored another within five minutes of the restart when Wilson-King beat two defenders, but his shot curled wide of the far post. Another chance went begging as Edwards was left on the floor after colliding with Tomczack and Gordon blasted wide of an open goal.

Blackwood had plenty of possession of their own without making the most of their opportunities. Gareth Evans won a corner off Jamie Coleman and, with Cross failing to gather, the ball was hacked clear from the crowded goalmouth.

Tomczak and Phillips combined well and, with Tomczak heading for goal, he was brought down from behind by Steffano Abonandi for what looked a certain penalty, but the referee waved play on.

The match was then held up twice as Holford went down with cramp, to be replaced by another new signing in Luke Wilson.

Blackwood almost pulled a goal back, but Cross saved well at the foot of the post from Hill, before Saints put the match beyond doubt with nine minutes to go as Cross sent a long clearance upfield to Wilson-King, who controlled the ball well before lobbing Edwards.

“We’re just glad to be back playing,” said Knibbs. “The new players all fitted in well in what was a good team performance.”

Tomorrow, Saints visit Pelsall Villa, before hosting Atherstone Town in the semi-final of the Birmingham County FA Midweek Floodlit Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm).