Hinckley AFC provide stern opening-day test for new Southam boss Townsend

After a mixed bag of results in pre-season friendlies, new Southam United manager Quentin Townsend leads his side out for what will be a tough opening Midland League match tomorrow when Hinckley AFC are the visitors to Banbury Road, writes David Hucker.
Tunde Ajibade has returned to Banbury Road.Tunde Ajibade has returned to Banbury Road.
Tunde Ajibade has returned to Banbury Road.

Rising from the ashes of Conference side Hinckley United, the newly-formed AFC have seen many players, including former Leamington midfielder Avun Jephcott, follow manager Carl Abbott from Wolverhampton Casuals.

Last season promised much for Saints but, following the sudden departure of manager Lee Knibbs, things fell apart as the majority of senior players followed him out of the door, leaving youngsters from the reserve and youth teams to complete the fixtures.

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Despite their endeavours, poor results in their last ten matches meant Saints failed to qualify to play in this season’s FA Cup.

Townsend has moved to bolster the squad with experienced and proven players, including a number from his former club Pershore Town.

Striker Mark Owen, who manages Worcester City’s academy and has represented England at non-league level, goalkeeper Matt Oliver, central defender Matty Hunt and forward Louis Bridges have all signed on.

There have been two new signings from Earlswood Town in the shape of central defender Myles Jones, who will be first-team captain, and midfielder Chris Bright.

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More locally, both Andy and Calum Yeates have joined from Leamington Hibernian and Tunde Ajibade has returned.

After a bright start to pre-season, Saints were undone at Fairfield Villa on Saturday, contributing to their own downfall with some poor defending when going down 2-1. The only bright spot was a goal for striker Simeon Smith, who made it two in two since his return from Bolehall.

But they finished on a high on Tuesday when coming from behind to beat Coventry Alliance side Brinklow 2-1 at Banbury Road.

Brinklow had shown good form this campaign, winning 3-1 at Midland Football League side Coventry United on Saturday, and they took the lead when capitalising on a Michael Clough backpass that fell short of keeper Matt Oliver.

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Bridges equalised three minutes before half-time and Andy Yeates pounced in the 74th minute to snatch victory.

Saints play their second league match on Tuesday away to Alvis Sporting.

Having failed to install their planned floodlights, the Coventry club will groundshare with Saints this season so the match will take place at Banbury Road (7.45pm).