Southam stumble to first defeat

IN-Form Saints received a huge wake-up call on Saturday when they were well beaten by Castle Vale, writes David Hucker.

After a bright start, Saints became disjointed, handing the initiative to the visitors and they were made to pay when Ahmet Bilgimer turned in a low cross from the right in the 19th minute to give Vale the lead.

Robbie Beard could have grabbed an equaliser before a mistake by keeper Jim Stott gave Bilgimer a clear chance for his second but, fortunately for Saints, he put his shot wide.

A good run and cross by captain John Blunsom set up Neil Stacey, whose shot was tipped over by Peter Maguire. Then, with two minutes of the half remaining, Jack Taylor drove in a free-kick which was well held by Maguire.

Saints were slow out of the blocks in the second half and, within two minutes, they went further behind, giving Danny O’Callaghan too much space to smash an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

It was all over with 15 minutes remaining when Stott again failed to hold on to the ball and Bilgimer turned in the rebound to make it 3-0.

It could have been worse as Bilgimer missed an open goal to claim a hat-trick, with Beard’s added-time strike mere consolation for Saints.