Richard Kay tells Southam United to start taking their chances after narrow defeat to Cheltenham Saracens

Southam United 2-3 Cheltenham Saracens

AFTER last week’s big cup win over Shipston Excelsior, it was back to league action for Southam United on Saturday when, despite taking an early lead, they lost by the odd goal in five to Cheltenham Saracens, writes David Hucker.

Two points separated the teams at the start of the day and, under a bright blue sky on a gloriously sunny autumn afternoon at Bobby Hancocks Park, it couldn’t have started better for Southam as Melvin Mauritson put them ahead in the fifth minute.

However, it didn’t go according to plan after that with the visitors striking three times to lead 3-1 and, despite a second goal from Ryan Harris, Southam came out on the wrong end of the scoreline, with their cause not helped by a host of missed chances and the second-half sending off of Andy Yeates.

“We had enough chances to win three games but we need to be more clinical in our finishing,” said manager Richard Kay.

“Despite playing with ten men for a lot of the second half, we kept having a go and the lads went right to the end, showing a lot of character and heart. That’s what pleased me the most and, if we can turn our chances into goals, we will be in a position that truly reflects our play.”

Saints are at home to Cirencester Town Development on Saturday (3pm kick-off).