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Magpies Stop Hares Run

26/11/2025

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This Tuesday I decided to head back into the United Counties League for my midweek game. I was tempted to visit GNG Oadby for the first time, but eventually I decided to make the shorter trip over to Northamptonshire for a very tasty looking clash between Moulton and March Town United. Both teams began the day in the top five, Moulton in fifth and March in second. A win for The Hares would take them above Nuneaton Town, into top spot. A win for the home side would put them level on points with March, albeit having played three extra games. This would be the first of three consecutive games, against the current top three, for Moulton. Following this evening's game they travel to Histon on Saturday before welcoming Nuneaton to Brunting Road on the 9th December.
The game promised to be a tight affair. Moulton had only lost once at home this season, 2-0 to Lutterworth Town, whilst a 3-1 defeat to Nuneaton was March's only reversal on their travels. When the teams met in The Fens last month, two goals in there second half minutes, from Florian Tsaguim and Daniel Emmington, edged out Moulton, who replied through Joshua Melling before succumbing by 2-1.
BotP last visited Brunting Road in August 2022, which was probably a lot warmer than this evening's weather. On that day the home side beat local rivals Rugby Borough 5-3 in a thoroughly entertaining Spartan South Midlands Division One game (Moulton Rock).

PictureNet issues
​Kick-off was slightly delayed when the assistant found an issue with the net at one end of the pitch. However, this was soon fixed and we were under way.  The Hares, who had won their last seven in the league were probably being shaded slightly by their hosts in the opening 10 minutes. Whilst certainly not one-sided in any way, shape or form, it was Moulton who looking the livelier of the two teams. However, as so often happens, slightly against the run of play, it was March who took the lead. The telling point was the defence-splitting pass between full-back and centre-half, that set Ben Tait free on the right. His low, driven ball across the face of goal, was perfect for Rio Henson who had the relatively simple task of applying the finish from close range. 0-1.
The goal changed the balance of the game. Suddenly it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous and, three minutes after going in front, they came close to doubling their lead. Henson was again on the end of a quick break but, this time, Magpies goalkeeper Adam North was able to make a good stop.
The game continued apace. Both sides fizzing the ball around on the artificial surface, which obviously suits a passing style of play. Having been rocked by going behind, it took Moulton a good ten minutes to regain a foothold. Just past the midway point of the half they managed their first really effort on target when Vincenzo Falcini volleyed a bouncing ball goalward. However, he didn't quite catch the shot and it was a relatively simple save for Jonah Gill. Nevertheless, the opportunity served to galvanise the home side as they began to force March deeper. Just past the half-hour mark. captain Dan White rose at the far post to power a header goalward, only for it to be cleared off the line.
Moulton were getting closer, and they came within an inch or so of equalising in the 38th minute. Falcini fired across the face of goal. The shot was going wide until Matty Long got the faintest of touches, only for the ball to come back off the inside of the far post. 
With time running out before the break, Moulton had to thank North again when he blocked a Toby Allen effort but then, with the clock ticking into the last minute of normal time, Moulton got back on level terms. March thought they had cleared the initial danger with a headed clearance but, as the ball bounced outside the box, Ed Odley stepped onto it, brilliantly controlling his first-time volley to send the ball flashing past Gill. 1-1

HT Moulton 1 March Town United 1. A thoroughly entertaining first half between two very good sides. The upper-hand passed between he teams but, overall, it was an even half. Two very different, but very well taken goals.

PictureMarch go close
The second half was a different affair in many ways. Credit to both sets of coaching staff who had clearly identified where the danger was coming from and taken steps to nullify it. The end result was that, whilst both teams continued to play some great football, they cancelled each other out for much of the second period. The game was nonetheless interesting to watch, but there was much less in terms of goalmouth action.
Having said that, if not for Jonah Gill's athleticism, getting across his goal save Odley's 49th minute free-kick, at full-stretch, it may well have been a different game. As it was, both teams looked like their main objective was not to lose the game.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium and even half-chances were fairly rare. When they did come around, such as Lewis Isom's sight of goal in the 78th minute, they weren't taken. Both goalkeeper's made routine saves, but neither had to unduly stretch themselves.

FT Moulton 1 March Town United 1. Honours even and, over the 90 minutes, that's a fair result. Both teams had periods of dominance in the first half, but in the second they cancelled each other out, restricting opportunities at both ends. Two very good sides who will undoubtedly be there or thereabouts come May.
The result sees March miss out on top spot, but they are now in second, a point shy of Nuneaton Town. Moulton remain in fifth. They travel to third-placed Histon on Saturday. March, meanwhile, welcome seventh-placed Hinckley to Robingoodfellows Lane.
Check out the excellent match photos from Richard Eason Photography. There's even a few with yours truly in the background.


Moulton: North, Dicks, Osoimoejiokhian, Stevens, Melling, Odley, Falcini, Mensah, Long, White(c), Isom. Subs: Reza, Amaning, Kelly, Goodacre, Lagdon
March Town United: Gill, Francisco, Brumby, Hook, Emmington(c), King, Tsaguim, Foy, Allen, Tait, Henson. Subs: Hill-Seekings, Saunders, Cotton, Knowles

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 63
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £2.00

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Reversal Of Fortune

16/11/2025

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​This Saturday the plan was to watch my daughter's game in Northampton on the morning, followed by a leisurely drive up the M1 to Great Glen for Glen Villa v St Patricks. However, Storm Claudia had different ideas. Firstly my daughter's county cup game was called off after a 7:30 pitch inspection but luckily, as I prepared to write-off the entire footballing Saturday, I got an X message from Glen Villa manager Jonny Morgan telling me that their game was on, although it had been reversed and would now be played at St Patricks' Emerald Centre ground.
So, even though I was going to have to postpone the promised cup of tea at Glen Villa, I set off for North-East Leicester for what promised to be a very interesting Leicestershire Senior League Division One clash.
St Patricks and Glen Villa have followed the same path through the divisions in recent years. If we go back to the Covid-shortened 2020-21 season, both were still in the Leicestershire County League, St Patricks in the Championship (Level 15 of the pyramid) and Glen Villa top of the league below them. Glen were then promoted two divisions, so that, the following season they competed in the Premier League (Level 14). St Patricks won the Championship that season. So, in 2023-23 the teams were both in the same division. St Patricks finished 2nd and gained promotion. Villa ended in fifth spot. During the season the teams drew 1-1 at St Patricks, with the reverse fixture ending 5-2 to St Patricks.
The following season both teams gained promotion. Glen Villa won the County Premier and St Patricks finished second in the Senior League Division Two. Last season St Patricks finished fourth in their first season in Division One. Glen Villa were promoted via second place in Division Two. Which brings us to the current season. One or both of these teams has gained promotion in each of the past five seasons, an extraordinary feat, and who says int's not going to continue?
Going into today's game Villa sat in fifth spot with 17 points from their opening 12 games. However, top of the pile were St Patricks, who had accumulated 28 points from 12 games and had a two pint advantage in second paces Community Football Academy.
Many thanks to referee Lucas Bond for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick off.

PictureSt Patricks pack the box
​Kicking towards the clubhouse end, St Patricks made the stronger start, calling Ollie Jones into action as early as the 5th minute, when he got down sharply to stop a Niall McMahon effort. However, just a minute later, the Villa keeper was beaten by a precisely struck shot from Ryan Shilton, rifled into the top corner from the edge of the box. 1-0.
An ominous start for the visitors, but they rallied well and were only inches from getting back in the game on 15 minutes, when a free-kick was sent curling into the far post, only just evading the lunge of Cameron Grieff. A few minutes later Liam Morton went close with a header as Villa pushed hard for an equaliser.
The chances for the visitors continued to clock up. Top scorer Ira Castor was played in on goal only to be thwarted by Paul Davis sprinting off his line to narrow the angle. Then Liam Morton met a clearance with a superbly controlled volley from 25 yards. Davis was at full stretch to keep the ball out, pushing it wide for a corner. When this was delivered into the area, Jack Langton rose highest to power in the leveller. 1-1. A particularly pleasing goal for the gentleman standing next to me at the time, who just happened to be the father of the goal scorer.
Villa continued to look the livelier of the two sides, controlling midfield and looking the more likely to add to the goal tally. James Parker could have done just that on 27 minutes, but fired well over from a good position. Then, on the stroke of the half-hour, Castor burst down the right before delivering a lovely ball across the face of goal. Myles Cosgrove met it on the run, but couldn't control the effort, sending the ball well over the bar.
It was beginning to look as if Villa were not going to take full advantage of the dominance of the ball, and both myself and Mr Langton senior, were wondering if they might regret it in the second half should they not add to their tally.
However, with six minutes of the half remaining, Cosgrove and Castor switched roles. Cosgrove provided the cross from the left, which Ira Castor smashed past Davis. 1-2. The visitor's had their noses in front and, a minute before the break, only a very good save from Davis prevented Josh Wright's powerful drive from increasing the lead.

HT St Patricks 1 Glen Villa 2. A very good response from Glen Villa after going behind early on. They responded brilliantly, and deservedly took an advantage into the break. St Patricks, after a good opening 5 minutes, looked to be struggling to get out of first gear but, as league leaders, you'd expect a response in the second half.

PictureVilla looking for more goals
​Sure enough, the home side looked to be much more fired up at the start of the second half. With only four minutes played after the restart, Kyle Nicholls showed their intent, bringing a good save from Ollie Jones. However, Jones was beaten for the second time ten minutes in. Elijah Morton created the opportunity down the right flank, sending over a dangerous cross that was converted at the far post by Nicholls. 2-2.
Suddenly the pendulum looked to have swung. St Patricks had a spring in their step now and it was Vila's turn to have their backs to the wall. Having said that, a slip from Jamie Pelos, just before the hour, presented Castor with an opening but the striker, not realising how much time he had, could only fire straight at Davis.
That, and the missed chances in the first half, were starting to look as if they may be costly as the league leaders began to assert themselves on the game more and more. To Villa's credit, however, they dug in and, even though they were ceding possession now, they restricted the clear-cut chances.
Then, after soaking up plenty of home pressure, Villa hit St Patricks with something of a sucker punch. Substitute George Parker did brilliantly on the left, driving to the goal-line before cutting the ball back into the path of Ira Castor, who smashed it past Davis. 2-3
That goal, in the 77th minute, took the wind out of the home sails and, in the final minutes, the visitors were once again taking command of proceedings. Parker came close again after bursting through and rounding the onrushing Davis, only to be forced too wide to get a strike on goal. A few minutes later, the Parker and Parker combination almost paid dividends again, but Davis was again quick off his line to force the shot wide of the mark. However, with almost the last kick of the game, the same link-up did pay off. James Parker fed in George Parker, who drove in on the angle and squeezed a shot in past Davis at the near post. 2-4. Game over.

FT St Patricks 2 Glen Villa 4. A hard-earned but, over the 90 minutes, thoroughly deserved three points for Glen Villa. The result sees them climb a place to fourth, and close the gap to St Patricks, who stay top, to eight points. Community Football Academy closed the gap to a point after a draw at home to Heather St Johns Reserves. Loughborough Dynamo moved to within three points of the top, with a game in hand, after beating Barrow Town 3-2.
Coming up next week. Glen Villa take on second from bottom Barrow Town at home. They've played twice already this season. Villa won 3-1 at Riverside Park in the league. They also won a League Cup clash 5-4 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, St Patricks are back at home as they welcome third-bottom Sileby Town Reserves to The Emerald Centre.

St Patricks: 1.Davis, 13.Pelos, 4.Ridley, 3.Darji, 2.Byron, 14.McMahon, 12.Higgins, 5.Morton, 8.Doherty, 30.Nicholls, 16.Shilton. Subs: 15.O'Donovan, 10.Makombe, 6.Doy, 9.Taylor, 11.Godhania, 7.Brennan
Glen Villa: 1.Jones, 4.Langton, 5.Inskip(c), 6.Payton, 7.Castor, 8.Greiff, 9.J.Parker, 11.Morton, 12.Wright, 16.Stephen-Hales, 17.Cosgrove. Subs: 2.Morrish, 10.G.Parker, 14.Mason, 15.Burke 

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The Emerald Centre pitch
The Ground
The Emerald Centre is a community sports and social hub situated to the North-East of Leicester City Centre, supporting the local Irish community. There's a small car park just off Gipsy Lane but beware. If you park here, don't expect to make a quick getaway after the game. You will get blocked in. Parking in the local vicinity isn't too easy either because it's mainly double-yellows in the surrounding roads. However, you can find spots a little further up Gipsy Lane and off to the right.
Adjacent to the car park is a large, curved building that houses the clubhouse, bar and all of the changing facilities. There's a patio at the front of the clubhouse that looks out over the main sports field. Both football and Gaelic football are played on the same pitch, although the Gaelic version uses a longer pitch and, of course, has very different goalposts. There are no dugouts or spectator cover around the ground. However, they do have floodlights. The pitch itself, whilst not having any noticeable slope, could benefit from a trim. All n all, considering the recent heavy rain, it looked to have drained very well and didn't cut up too much during the game.


Ground Number: 471
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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Done For Possession

9/11/2025

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​This Saturday, after watching an extraordinary 16-goal match in the morning in which my daughter's came out on top, I immediately headed off up the M1 towards Leicestershire and in particular the village of Hathern. My destination was Pasture Lane, home of Hathern FC, and the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division clash between Hathern and Magna 73. It was the ideal opportunity to catch a couple of teams I had never seen before and visit a ground that I'd never visited before. Prior to kick off the home side were in 12th spot with 12 points from their 10 games. Magna were eight places higher and twelve points better off, although they had played three extra games.
Recent meetings between the sides suggested that his games was destined to be fairly closely contested and would either be a home win or a draw. Neither team has registered an away victory in this fixture over the past three seasons, in which Hathern have won two, Magna have won two and there have been two draws.
Many thanks to the match officials for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off.

PictureWard about to make it 1-0
​Magna, in their Inter Milan-esque change kit, began well, as you would expect for a team fourth in the league. However, possession counts for nothing when you go a goal behind after three minutes, which is exactly what happened here. The home side earned a corner on the left, delivered into the heart of the visitor's penalty area. Home captain Jake Maden rose highest, heading the ball down into the patch of Lee Ward, who swept it past Harry Johnson. 1-0
Magna, unshaken by the goal, continued to play the tidier football in the centre of the park, but never managed to cause any great problems for Dan Owen between the home sticks. Hathern's biggest threat looked to be from set pieces. In fact, they came close again in the 16th minute when another corner from the left caused more problems in the Magna defence, but coming to nothing on this occasion. Aidy Kilby then had Magna's best chance so far with a header that wasn't too far off target.
However, despite continuing to have the lion's share of the ball, the visitor's found themselves 2-0 down after 25 minutes. An initial attack down the left was cleared but the ball was picked up by Jack McLachlan on the right. He sent over a beautifully flighted ball that Liam Bailey attacked with a stooping header. The connection wasn't clean, but it was enough to send the ball past Johnson for the second time. 2-0
A few minutes later it could easily have been three when Magna gave the ball away on the edge of their own box when trying to play out from the back. Somehow they managed to escape from the mess, but were lucky not to be further behind.
Just past the half hour mark, Reegan Lawrence, who had been buzzing around the Magna forward line all game and had already been involved with a couple of robust challenges on home defenders, cut inside from the left, beat two defenders but then skied his drive well over the bar and into the cricket ground opposite. That miss proved very costly just a minute later when Hathern left-back Anthony Berridge sent over what looked like an intended cross from way out on the left. The slightly miscued effort drifted over Johnson's head and nestled in the far corner. 3-0.
With six minutes of normal time remaining in the half, Matt Savage picked up a yellow card for scything down Lawrence as the striker tried to break free. Probably setting a score from Lawrence's foul on Niall Henry earlier in the half, that went unpunished. Archie Allen then went close for Magna, cutting in and hitting the target, but not troubling Dan Owen. Then, three minutes into added time, Magna did have the ball in the home net but the assistant's flag had been raised. To be fair, there was no complaint from the Magna players.

HT Hathern 3 Magna 73 0. A strange half. Hathern go in three goals up but it doesn't feel like there's three goals between the teams. In fact, Magna have had more of the ball but haven't been able to create too many chances. It just goes to show that the possession statistic is probably the most over-rated in the game. It means nothing.

PictureMagna looking for a goal
​Magna came out for the second half looking fired up to get back in the game. Just three minutes in they came within inches of getting back into it when Lawrence's excellent first-time cross from the right was just slightly too high for Carlton Beardmore to get a clean connection with his header, sending the ball lover the bar. However, Magna kept pushing and were probably seeing more of the ball than they did in the first half. The difference now was that Hathern had a three goal lead and were seemingly fairly content to let Magna have the ball, especially as they were still not managing to seriously trouble the home goal.
Just past the hour a superb cross-field ball found Spencer Beck on the right-hand edge of the box. His well-controlled, first time strike beat Owen but also flashed wide of the far post. As the second half wore on, the visitors began to get a little closer, finally making Owen earn his corn, especial in the 78th minute when the home stopper had to throw himself across goal to keep out Beardmore's well struck free-kick.
Hathern's goal attempts were few and far between in the second half but they came close to a fourth with five minutes to go when Ward's poked effort almost caught out Johnson, who just managed to readjust his feet and push the ball away for a corner.
Finally, with a minute of normal time on the clock, Magna got themselves on the score sheet. Hathern failed to clear their lines, allowing substitute Chay Stanley to nip in, round Owen, and slot home. 3-1. However, despite throwing everything at the home side in the 12 minutes of added time, Magna couldn't find another goal.

FT Hathern 3 Magna 73 1. A good three points for Hathern who you could say had a little fortune, certainly with their third goal, but used that to their benefit. They defended well throughout the game, until the late consolation goal and managed the game effectively. Magna played some good football, especially in the middle third, but, for all their possession, didn't cause the home side as many problems as they should.
The result leaves Magna in fourth spot but Hathern jump up to 10th, still nine points adrift of today's visitors, but still with three games in hand.
Next up for Hathern is a home league encounter with FC Khalsa GAD who are one point and one place above them. Hathern have already lost 3-1 at home to them in the Leicestershire Senior Cup. Magna are at home to Aylestone Park Reserves who sit 8th, two points below them with two games in hand. The sides also recently met in the Senior Cup with Aylestone running out 6-1 winners.

Hathern: 1.Owen, 2.Henry, 4.Savage, 5.Maden(c), 3.Berridge, 6.Bailey, 8.Waldrum, 10.Davis, 7.McLachlan, 9.Alleyne, 11.Ward. Subs: 12.Halford-Harding, 14.Gee, 15.Botfield, 16.Musson, 17.Thom, 18.Tormey, 19.Peganov
Magna 73: 1.Johnson, 2.Beck(c), 3.Hicking, 4.Brookes, 5.Beasley, 6.Kilby, 7.Lawrence, 8.Beardmore, 9.Govia, 10.Starbuck, 11.Allen. Subs: 12. Weatherill, 14.Richardson, 15.Stanley, 16.Fairhurst, 17.Marrell, 18.Ward, 19.Rolison

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Pasture Lane
The Ground
Situated on the North-Eastern edge of Hathern Village, Pasture Lane is the road that leads to the village sports and leisure activity areas with Hathern Park (cricket) and the park play area on the left, and Hathern FC on the right. There's a fair amount of parking available inside the ground with further spaces available on Pasture Lane. Entrance payment is either via the car park attendant or by card at the snack kiosk, which is located just beyond the main building that houses the changing rooms and toilets.
The playing area is surrounded by fairly new-looking white plastic fencing. Dugouts are on the far side of the ground and there's now a new wooden covered standing area on the car park side. The pitch doesn't have any discernible slope and looked to be in pretty good condition.

Ground Number: 470
Att: 
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A
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Medded Blis

2/11/2025

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This Saturday I decided to dip back into one of my favourite leagues, the Northants Combination, although I was actually travelling to Leicestershire, and the land of bottle kicking. Medbourne, despite being over the border, play in the Northants Combination League and have been in the Premier Division since promotion in 2023. After I had earlier posted that I was planning to attend this game, @CEtchingham77, who had his wedding reception in Medbourne, asked if I knew why they played in the Northants League, a question I couldn't answer at the time. However, after a very pleasant conversation with Medbourne substitute Joel Konteh (sorry for disturbing your warm-up), I learned that it purely a matter of geography. Despite being just inside the Leicestershire boundary, the majority of Northants League sides are much closer to Medbourne than many of the teams in the Leicestershire Senior League.
Blisworth are the reigning champions having won the title for the first time since 2019, last season. However, they came into this match in fifth spot with 19 points from their 9 games, six points behind leaders Road but with a game in hand. Medbourne sat in third position, four points ahead of their visitors but having played three extra games. Maybe significantly, both sides had already suffered heavy defeats to Roade this season. Medbourne losing 5-0 at home last week and Blisworth being beaten 6-0 in August. In meetings between Medbourne and Blisworth, the visitors just about held sway. Last season they won 5-3 at home and drew 2-2 in this fixture. The previous season saw both games end in home wins, 4-0 for Blisworth and 4-1 in this fixture.
Thanks to the member of Medbourne's coaching staff for sharing their team sheet and to referee Gary Gurney for the Blisworth sheet.

PictureEarly Blisworth attack
​Medbourne, kicking towards the clubhouse, quickly identified a chink in the Blisworth armour. The ball over the top, particularly down Medbourne's left flank, was clearly causing some issues for the visitors. As early as the 8th minute they were almost undone by this ploy, Aiden O'Neill latching onto a pass and hitting the side netting.
However, it was a break down the opposite flank that caused the first moment of controversy when Matteo Falcini appeared to be pushed in the back when clean through on goal. Nothing was given, but that was a let-off for Blisworth. It looked to be a clear foul and, as it was a goal-scoring opportunity, could easily have been a red card.
Blisworth's first real attempt at goal came just before the quarter hour when Adefolarin Ademidun as put through on the right before dragging his shot wide of the far post. A few minutes later following a Blisworth clearance that was headed back over their defence, Ben Wellicome won the race to the ball against Josh McAdoo, but lifted hist shot just wide of the mark. 
At the opposite end, Blisworth were managing to get themselves caught offside multiple times, much to the ire of the visitor's bench and players, who were getting increasingly frustrated with the home linesman (remember, this is step 7, there's no official assistant). I have to say though, many of the decisions were pretty much in line with my position and, whilst I can understand the Blisworth frustration, I felt that 99% of the decisions were spot on. The Blisworth forward line like to play right on the shoulder of the last man and, on this day, were just taking that one step too far. However, as a neutral, it was certainly making for an entertaining game with temperatures neginning to rise.
It could have got worse for Blisworth on 33 minutes when Wellicome sent a dipping drive over Mcadoo only to see if crash back off the bar. The visitor's, however, did have the final say in the half. First Ademidun cut inside form the right before sending a left-foot strike just wide of the neat post. Then the same player was sent clear only to allow a loose touch to give home keeper James Hurrell the opportunity to race off his line and get in a tackle. The ball span loose only for Morgan Littlejohn's lunge for it to catch Hurrell and earn the Blisworth player a yellow card. There was no malice in the challenge, purely slightly late.

HT Medbourne 0 Blisworth 0. No goal at the break, but a really good game of football to watch as a neutral. Medbourne had the slightly better chances and possibly could feel that they should have gone in a goal ahead. However, Blisworth clearly have the ammunition to hurt the home team if they could time their runs that little bit better.

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Alfie Frayne opens the scoring
​Only eight minutes of the second half had passed when there was another moment of debate. Falcini broke down the right Medbourne before slipping the ball through to Alfie Frayne, who tucked the al under McAdoo, only to see the flag had been raised. The home team were convinced he was onside and that the flag was retaliation for the first-half incidents. It was impossible to tell from my position. Whatever the case, the referee signalled no goal, and temperatures were notched up that little bit more.
The game was really in the balance now. Stephen Grimly went close with a header for Blisworth before Medbourne captain Jack Burrows went even closer, almost putting the ball in his own net with a miscued back pass that beat Hurrell but rolled just wide of the post.
With under twenty minutes to go and with the game still goalless, the deadlock was finally broken in favour of the home team. They were awarded a free-kick some 25 yards out and left of centre. Alfie Frayne took responsibility, drilling the ball hard into the far corner. 1-0
After waiting 73 minutes for a goal, within four minutes Medbourne were at it again. Goal scorer Frayne launched a long throw into the heart of the penalty area. The ball was allowed to bounce and there was Aiden O'Neill ready to punce. 2-0.
The response from Blisworth was instantaneous. Joey Handley broke up the right before sending over a cross that an unmarked Jake Hogben launched himself at, heading beyond Hurrell. However, although the initial break was onside, Hogben had strayed ahead of the line and was in an offside position when he headed home. No goal.

PictureMedbourne looking for another goal
The visitor's annoyance and disappointment only last three minutes before Hogben played in Morgan Littlejohn, who rounded the keeper and slotted home. 1-2 and game now well an truly on.
Medborne substitute Joel Konteh then brought a superb save from Josh McAdoo when his first-time strike looked destined for the bottom corner before the keeper threw himself to his right and fingertipped it away. 
In a breathless finale, Blisworth captain Josh Sargent then planted a 90th minute header against the bar following a long throw from the right. It looked as if the home side were going to hang on for the win until two minutes into added time. With Blisworth pressing, a collision right on the edge of the home penalty area left both a Blisworth and Medbourne player down and sparked a small melee. When it finally calmed down the referee signalled a free-kick literally inches outside the box, much to the displeasure of both teams. Medbourne thought it should have gone the other way, Blisworth wanted a penalty. Joey Handley didn't care either way, stepping up to the dead ball and rifling a shot through the wall and into the corner. 2-2. 
What a finish to the game! There was just a minute remaining when the equaliser went in. A point salvaged from a seemingly hopeless position for Blisworth and disappointment for Medbourne, letting a two goal lead slip in the final 10 minutes.

FT Medbourne 2 Blisworth 2. From a neutral perspective, a superb game of football. Two good teams, four goals, a late equaliser, controversial decisions and a growing tension on the park. A perfect Saturday afternoon out.
The result leaves Medbourne in third spot, but now four points behind Roade, who beat Heyford Athletic 4-0. Blisworth leapfrog Burton Park Wanderers, who lost 6-1 at Stewart & Lloyds, into fourth place. Next weekend Medbourne have a week away from league action as they travel to Latimer Park to face Burton Park Wanderers in the Premier Division Cup. Blisworth, meanwhile, have the opportunity to close the gap at the top when they visit second-bottom Finedon Volta.

Medbourne: 1.Hurrell, 3.Kilgallon, 5.J.Burrows(c), 4.Traynor, 12.Watts, 10.Page, 6.Elwood, 7.Frayne, 17.Wellicome, 11.O'Neill, 9.Falcini. Subs: 14.Kinteh, 2.H.Burrows, 8.Maskell, 15.Stanton, 16.Panter
Blisworth: 1.Macadoo, 2.Sargent(c), 3.Bazeley, 4.Gartland, 5.Redding, 6.Martin, 7.Hall, 8. Grimley, 10.Handley, 11. Littlejohn, 9.Ademidun. Subs: Haines, Hogben, Stewart

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Handley rattles in a late equaliser
The Ground
Situated on Hallaton Road and just to the North of the village, Medbourne Sports & Social Club is a multi-sport  facility, that provides football, cricket and tennis to the local community. There's a small car park next to the clubhouse with additional parking available on Hallaton Road. The clubhouse features a bar and snack/tea bar and also has a covered patio area that overlooks the sports pitches. The football pitch runs alongside Hallaton Road, separated by a hedge and a public footpath. There are two permanent dugouts, labelled home and away, that sit on the opposite of the footpath from the pitch. The opposite side of the pitch is completely open except for the taped off cricket square, and looks out of countryside. The playing surface looked to be in good condition, even though the pitch slopes crossways, down from the road side to the cricket square. It's a great spot for watching a match. Thoroughly recommended.

Ground Number: 469
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
Picture
Rainbow over Hallaton Road
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