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.
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.
Early 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.
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.
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.
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.
Medbourne 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
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
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
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
Rainbow over Hallaton Road
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