Saints’ second-half dominance helps maintain fine form under Knibbs

Saints’ climb up the Athium Midland Combination continued on Saturday as goals from leading scorer Simeon Smith and midfielder George Curry, his first for the club, saw them record their fourth league win in a row, writes David Hucker.

Manager Lee Knibbs introduced two more fresh faces in central defender Ash Buswell, signed from Stratford Town, and midfielder Casey Gaggini, on loan from Barwell.

Missing were the unavailable Lee Thomas and defender Neil Stacey, who became ill during the warm-up.

“It was a bit of a patched up side, but we were still good value for the win,” said Knibbs.

“We started off well and had four or five chances to put the match to bed early on. But we only took one of them and then a lack of concentration allowed them back in.

“We changed things around at the break and dominated the whole of the second half, even missing a penalty.”

Saints had the first chance of the match when Smith was clean through, but the striker delayed his shot, allowing the defence to scramble the ball clear.

Pawel Tomczak then headed wide from a Craig Watkin free-kick before City almost scored when, from a cross, Ollie Manuel dropped the ball under pressure, but Saints were able to clear the danger.

Brad Rees then set up Tomczak, whose shot was deflected wide and Smith latched onto a poor back-header to get a shot over keeper Chris Butler, but the ball went just past the post.

A good move involving Watkin and Smith ended with Curry having a shot saved by Butler.

Saints got their noses in front in the 23rd minute as Martin Thompson brought the ball out of defence and played it to Curry who set up Tomczak for a shot that came back off the post, with Smith poking home the rebound.

City levelled in the 36th minute when a corner was deflected home, with Liam Holt being credited with the goal.

Saints could have gone back in front within a minute of the restart only for Smith’s shot to find the side netting.

A good run from Ross Briscoe almost gave Smith a clear sight of goal, while at the other end, Jacob Snape shot dangerously across the six-yard box.

Josh Cole set up Curry to make it 2-1 for Saints in the 64th minute. and it should have been three, but having been brought down by the keeper, Smith missed the resultant spot-kick.

Saints might have paid the price in stoppage time, but Manuel produced a fine save to preserve Knibbs’ 100 per cent record.

Tomorrow, Saints are at home to Potters Green in the Coventry Telegraph Challenge Cup (2.15pm), before taking on Nuneaton Griff in the league on Tuesday night (7.45).