The home side, who play on the same step of the non-league pyramid in the West Midlands Premier Division, dominated the first half of this preliminary round tie against a lacklustre visiting outfit who seemed not keen to play on the Sabbath.

The match was moved owing to a clash with cricket at Stourbridge Road.

Poor finishing and some desperate Saints defending kept the game goalless until the 38th minute, when Newell headed in a corner from the left for Lye.

Southam had offered precious little going forward and were second to virtually every ball. They received the widely anticipated half-time rocket from manager Barry Shearsby and assistant Wayne Goss.

It clearly had a galvinising effect as Saints were level within 36 seconds of the restart. Alex Unitt's powerful shot from the right was only parried by the keeper and Danny Adams rushed in to head the rebound home.

From then on it was Southam's turn to dominate. Although keeper Ollie Manuel and his defenders had to be on their toes, the force was with the away team and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 65 minutes.

Lewis Scott headed Andy Mckinley's long free kick back accross the box and substitute Chris Hanrahan rose high to head powerfully into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Stef Jones missed a glorious chance to add a third six minutes later when one-on-one with the keeper, but he pushed the ball too far ahead him and was then rather harshly booked for a dive from the keeper's challenge.

Saints continued to play good passing football as Lye grew frustrated. Home striker Leigh Pardoe was sent off after yellow cards for separate volleys of verbal abuse.

Shearsby said: "After a poor first-half display the lads performed much better in the second half and I thought we were good value for the win."

Saints' FA Cup adventure continues at Gornal Athletic, another West Midlands Premier Division side, on Saturday week (September 13, 3pm).

The club will again run a players' and supporters' coach, with seats costing £5. Call Charles Hill on 07802 949781.

Next game: Knowle home (Saturday, 3pm).