INJURIES and unavailability hampered Southam’s progress again in the Midland League Division One after they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Littleton on Saturday.
The Saints travelled to Littleton with a squad of only 12 players and a ninth defeat in 11 matches leaves them stranded at the foot of the table.
Despite starting the game brightly, Southam were to face further difficulty after 22 minutes as experienced defender Alex Baird crashed to the ground following an innocuous coming together with a Littleton striker.
Regretfully a serious looking knee injury resulted in the game being held up for just over 30 minutes as an ambulance was called and treatment administered on the pitch with Alex subsequently being taken to hospital.
With Southam being made to reshuffle, the home side soon took full advantage of a moment’s hesitancy in the visiting defence as Judd’s unchallenged cross from the left fell invitingly for Dan Carter to rifle home.
Southam played with great spirit but with the home side becoming ever stronger it took a number of fine saves from keeper Nathan Carro to keep the margin down to one at the interval.
The second period saw Southam continue to battle well and despite suffering some further less serious injuries they began to press forward in search and of an equaliser.
With the game becoming more open they were unfortunate to concede a late second from a right wing corner which saw Littleton sub Connor Perry-Holmes fire in off the underside of the bar.
“Despite losing again and finishing the game with one in hospital and three walking wounded, I was proud of the attitude and spirit shown by my players,” said Southam boss Ian Ray.
“We will look to build on this in the coming weeks and we all wish Alex all the best for a speedy recovery.”
The Saints will be hoping to pick up their first league win of the season when they travel to Hinckley this Saturday (3pm).
