Report:
In a night of drama and controversy Blisworth gained a psychological edge going into Saturday’s championship decider with Welford Victoria by claiming the Division 1 Cup from their rivals on penalties.

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.