Fogarty happy to take a point and move on

On a day that saw goals galore elsewhere in the Midland Combination, manager Luke Fogarty took comfort from a point which stretched Saints’ unbeaten league and cup run to four games.

“It was a decent quality game between two evenly matched sides on a pitch that made reading the ball difficult,” said Fogarty.

“We looked solid defensively with Marc Passey back in the side after injury. We both played five across the middle, so chances were always going to be hard to come by.

“We are looking to keep our unbeaten run going and, with Dave Wilson also back in the squad, have plenty of competition for places.”

Southam’s first attack saw Leigh Phillips burst into the Athletic area, but experienced keeper Neil Leech made the save look routine.

In the 20th minute, the home defence failed to clear a free-kick and the ball fell to skipper John Blunsom, who beat Leech with a fierce drive that rattled the crossbar.

Blunsom then saw a second effort deflected for a corner after Quentin Townsend had headed a Jack Taylor corner back into the danger area.

Athletic replied through a David Glaze shot which keeper James Stott comfortably held on to.

After the restart, Andy Millan sent a deep crossfield ball to Robinson, who was hauled down in full flight, but Taylor’s free-kick was cleared, while Glaze broke through only to send his drive a yard wide.

Cadbury pressed for a goal to settle affairs and substitute James Fisher put in a fine cross from the left which Townsend headed away for a corner.

Then a high ball over the top saw Martin McGreevy beat Stott to it only for Blunsom to race back and avert the danger, ensuring the match remained goalless, just as it had been when the two sides met at Banbury Road in September.

Saints are without a match tomorrow, but return to action on Wednesday night with a trip to Nuneaton Griff (7.45pm).