Rejuvenated Saints to return at full power

Manager Luke Fogarty was philosophical about the situation, saying: “While I am disappointed not to be playing, you have to accept some games will be lost during the winter months and it gives the lads a chance to recharge their batteries and, hopefully, be ready for tomorrow’s encounter at Fairfield Villa.”

Saints have been playing with confidence and conviction in recent weeks and the previous Saturday’s 3-0 win over Pilkington XXX was their sixth match undefeated in all competitions.

Fogarty has rebuilt the side this season and, in John Blunsom, has one of the youngest captains in the league who exemplifies the never-say-die attitude that has stood the team in good stead on more than one occasion.

Goalkeeper James Stott has made the step-up from Potters Green in the Coventry Alliance and is the last man in a defence that has conceded fewer goals than any other Premier Division team bar leaders Heather St John’s.

Fogarty has been pleased with the way the season has been going, saying: “We have a good mix of young lads, who we can develop for the future, and some old hands like Quentin Townsend at the back and Tim Pole in midfield who bring experience to the team.

“Our aim has been to prove difficult to beat away and go for a win at home and I thought we dominated the Pilkington match right from the start.

“The team is coming together now, although we are not yet the finished article and can do better.

“But, if we can keep the run going and win our games in hand, then we can climb the table, as well as progressing in the three cup competitions we are still involved in.”

For Fogarty, it has been a team effort off and on the field.

He added: “Although the manager is the public face of the club, I 
appreciate the support I have had from director of football Jason Withe, my father Alan, who has both league club and international roles on 
his CV, and recent recruit Andy Taylor, who joined us from Alveston.”

Weather permitting, Saints are away to Fairfield Villa in the Les James Memorial Challenge Cup tomorrow (1.30pm).