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Thursday 6th MayJames King Blisworth 2 v 2 Welford Victoria AET
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Venue - Sileby Rangers FC - 19:30 KO |
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Report:
The early part of
the game was a cagey affair with both sides feeling one another out, but
without creating a clear cut chance on goal. That all changed on 26
minutes when Dale Lewis was tripped as he headed for the Welford penalty
area. The resulting free-kick was floated over and Richard Pannell
tapped home. However his celebrations were cut short when he spotted the
offside flag.
Mark Edge created
the first chance for Welford shortly after, turning on the ball to give
his marker the slip but his firmly struck shot was comfortably claimed
by Nick Bradshaw in the Blisworth goal. On 35 minutes Blisworth
midfielder Colin Cooper broke clear of the Welford defensive line who
were playing the offside trap high up the field, close to halfway.
Welford goalkeeper Craig Neighbour came out to narrow the angle as
Cooper penetrated the area, and it proved to be enough as Cooper’s
effort drifted past the post. Blisworth forced a corner a minute later,
but despite being unmarked, Ben Davies sent his header over the bar.
Despite dominating
the half, Blisworth found themselves going in a goal behind. Mark Edge
was tripped on the edge of the Blisworth area but the chance was wasted.
However a defensive mix-up from the restart gave possession back to
Welford. Iggy Mesias crossed the ball in to Edge. His flick on found
Scott Goodman who steered the ball home.
Eight minutes after
the restart Craig Neighbour found himself tested again. Having turned a
shot aside for a corner, he was beaten to the ball by Gary Jeffery. His
effort however was cleared over the bar at the far post. The corner kick
drifted outside the area to Jeffery, who unleashed a twenty-yard
blockbuster, which Neighbour claimed at the second attempt after
parrying the ball down.
Shaun Wilkes was
guilty of wasting two decent chances for Blisworth midway through the
half. Just after the hour he
burst through, beating the offside trap again. However with Neighbour
coming out late after hesitating Wilkes’ composure failed him and he
sent the ball wide of the six-yard line. Two minutes later he broke free
again, in much the same way as his previous chance. This time however,
Welford’s Danny Heavisides managed to keep pace with him and under
pressure he fired over the bar.
From there Welford
seemed comfortable in possession and looked set to close the game out
before a late double twist. Seven minutes from time Welford conceded
another free kick on the outside of their area. Marc Cross powered in
the free-kick which struck a Welford head and wrong-footed Neighbour.
Welford responded frantically trying to force a winner, but their cause
was dealt a major blow when Mark Edge saw red in stoppage time after
needlessly standing on Blisworth’s Simon Trussler who was prostrate on
the floor.
Despite their
numerical disadvantage it was Welford who drew first blood in
extra-time, albeit with a ting of controversy. The Blisworth defence
claimed an unfair push in the build-up, but there was no dispute about
the quality of Marcus Crone’s finish. His first-time hit on the
half-volley was sublime, a perfect contact lobbing Nick Bradshaw in the
Blisworth goal.
Blisworth recovered
from the setback quickly, and Welford barely had time to draw breath
from the end of their celebrations when Blisworth restored parity. Ben
Davies launched a clearance downfield from the edge of his own penalty
area. The ball found Shaun Wilkes allowed the ball to bounce once before
driving the ball low into the corner of the net.
With fatigue coming
into play, no further chances were created and both sides prepared for
spot-kicks. Blisworth opted to take first, and Lewis Trasler made no
mistake with his kick. Iggy Mesias took Welford’s first kick and he too
found the net. Dale Lewis, James Walpole and Shaun Wilkes each converted
their kicks, but there was heartbreak for Welford’s Tom Walpole as he
saw his shot clawed away by Nick Bradshaw. Bradshaw then dusted himself
off and fired in the next spot-kick. Danny Heavisides slammed home his
kick to keep Welford alive, before Colin Cooper scored with Blisworth’s
fifth kick to claim the prize. |
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![]() John Maynard, Rob Maynard (Referee), Bruce Stevens, Andrew Humphries |
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![]() Man of the Match Ignacio Mesias being presented with his bottle of bubbly by Division One Sponsor Keystone Roofing Supplies Managing Director Mr Glyn Simpson |
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![]() James King Blisworth with their silverware |
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Cup Final Results
Premier Division:
Queen Eleanor 2 v 1 Weldon Utd
Report & Pictures Click here:
Division One:
Welford 2 v 2 JK Blisworth
Blisworth won 5-3 on pens
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Division Two:
Burton United 0 v 1 Gretton
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Division Three:
Wboro Saxon 2 v 1 Wilby
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Division Four:
FC Higham 1 v 0 Walgrave Amber
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Reserve Premier Division :
Hboro Town 1 v 0 Bugbrooke
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Reserve Division One:
JK Blisworth 0 v 1 Brixworth
Report & Pictures
Click here:
Reserve Division Two:
Grammarians 0 v 3 Weedon
Report & Pictures
Click Here
NFA Area Cup:
Everards 3 v 2 LB Ravens
Report & Pictures
Click Here










