Southam are unable to build on dream start at Coventry United

Southam United manager Lee Constable, centre, oversaw his seventh successive loss in midweek.

On a rain-soaked evening, Southam got off to the brightest possible start when a fine move down the right finished with Charlie Cook sliding the ball home in only the first minute – Southam’s first goal in more than nine-and-a-half hours of football.

On a fast, zippy surface, both sides were attacking with intent and Coventry equalised in the seventh minute through Errol Douglas after some carelessness in the Saints defence.

The home side then quickly established a two goal-lead through Muziwandile Nduna and Douglas again before a pacy Southam attack in the 25th minute saw the subsequent cross clearly handled for the easiest of penalty decisions to be awarded.

Unfortunately, Cook was unable to double his tally against his former club, crashing the spot-kick off the top of the crossbar and over.

With the floodlights failing on the stroke of half-time an elongated interval ensued before play was able to resume.

Southam battled well in an evenly matched second half but there was to be no further scoring, with Saints debutant Matt Archer making a number of notable saves in the visitors’ goal.

The result saw Coventry United return to the top of the league.

Saints, who are without a match this weekend, return to action at home to Coventry Copsewood on November 14.