Jackson to the four as Saints rack up nine

With the Banbury Road pitch given the all-clear following a mid-morning inspection, Saints ran riot against JKS, chalking up their biggest league win since beating Kenilworth Town 10-0 12 years ago, writes David Hucker.

The writing was on the wall for the visitors from the kick-off as Saints took control of the match, mounting a series of attacks.

Andy Millan went close, heading a Jack Taylor free-kick just over and, after great work by Luke Church down the right, Brad Rees volleyed wide.

James Hardie, back from university for the Christmas break, also went close before Ross Jackson saw his shot tipped on to the post by JKS keeper Alex Page.

But Jackson was to break the deadlock in the very next attack, firing under Page from the edge of the penalty area to give Saints a 16th-minute lead.

A four-man move cut open the JKS defence to set up Neil Stacey, whose close-range shot was kept out by Page.

But there was no stopping Saints and Millan doubled the lead when heading home from a corner in the 28th.

Jackson then fired high and wide when well placed, before making amends with Saints’ third in the 35th minute.

With half-time approaching, the returning Jim Stott bundled a JKS free-kick around the post before Jackson completed his hat-trick to send Saints in at the interval four goals to the good.

There was no let-up for the visitors after the break as Saints kept up the pressure, with Stacey getting the fifth within three minutes of the restart.

Church then made it six with a header in the 53rd minute, before Hardie got in on the act with a long-range effort that beat the keeper.

Saints were still not finished as Jackson, who had only previously found the target once this season, took his match tally to four with a well-placed shot into the corner, before being denied another at the far post by a great save from Page.

Not even a rare penalty miss by Taylor could spoil the Saints party as defender Matthew Ross powerfully headed in a right-wing corner to score his first for the club and bring up goal number nine with two minutes remaining.

With no fixture over Christmas, Saints are back in action on New Year’s Eve when they take on Cadbury Athletic at Banbury Road (12.30pm).

Saints are hoping to attract extra support from Leamington fans, who can take in the match before going to the New Windmill for the encounter with Frome Town.

Members of the Vice Presidents Club, season-ticket holders or Brakes Trust members will receive a free programme on presentation of their passes.