Tomczak fires Saints into final

Saints started brightly against semi-final opponents Atherstone, forcing two corners in the opening four minutes before creating the first real scoring chance when Jamie Coleman’s long throw found Tomczak, but the striker’s header was easily saved by Phil Smith.

At the other end, Martin Hutchcox made a saving tackle to deny David Boal a scoring opportunity and Boal then headed over from a corner, while Simon Hicks made a number of clearances to break up what was becoming a wave of Town attacks.

Saints were awarded a penalty when Danny Gordon became the meat in the sandwich between two defenders but Joss Holford, who has been unerring from the spot this season, saw his well-hit shot saved by Smith.

After the break, Chapman hit a long-range shot wide of the post before Saints got the all-important breakthrough. Keeper Tom Cross sent the ball upfield and, helped by a miskick from a defender, it fell to Tomczak, who calmly slid it under Smith.

“This was another disciplined performance and the team is getting stronger by the match,” said manager Lee Knibbs.

“We kept a clean sheet for the third match in a row and I am pleased for the players that we have reached a cup final.”

On Saturday, a goal on the stroke of half-time from Joss Holford gave Saints all three points at Pelsall Villa to make it back-to-back league wins after their enforced six-week break.

The first chance fell to Tomczak in the fifth minute, but his effort was saved at the near post by keeper John Miller.

A long ball out of the home defence almost caught Saints on the hop and Cross was relieved to see the shot go over.

Danny Gordon went through, but could not get his shot in before Miller saved well from Martin Hutchcox.

Just when it looked like the half would end all square, Miller, who had looked assured in goal, dropped a long ball from Coleman and Holford pounced to put Saints ahead.

Saints opened the second half well with Leigh Phillips’ shot grazing the bar and Tomczak also too high with a header.

The match then entered a scrappy phase with Saints giving the ball away too easily beforeTomczak shot across the face of the goal and wide.

Tomorrow, Saints entertain league leaders Brocton (3pm) before travelling to Bolehall Swifts on Tuesday evening for their Les James Memorial Challenge Cup quarter-final.