Competition: FA Carlsberg National League System Cup - Prelim Round
Tuesday 10th March 2009 played @ Raunds Town FC

Northants Combination - 2
Goalscorers -
Paul Bennett/Tom Liversedge
Peterborough & District League - 1
goalscorers - OG

Last night saw us participate in our first game of the FA Carlsberg National League System Cup, which the Northants Combination is very proud to be part of. 44 teams from across the country, with the senior leagues of Guernsey, Jersey & Isle of Man, compete in a competition which will see the eventual winners go on to represent England in a UEFA competition played in Europe. We also welcomed the Chairman of the leagues committee to last night’s game, Brian Walden, who is responsible for the FA Carlsberg National Systems Cup.

Last nights squad had some changes to the game against the Town League, in particular 2 very “last minute.com” call ups, both lads excelled in their performance

We also added to the backroom staff in Lee Deakin as Goalkeeping Coach, Lee Mayes to assist Steve Herring and we welcome back Martyn Mills as Physio.

We started the game well, and the lads dominated the first half against a good footballing team. If we had been a bit more clinical in front of goal we would have gone in 3 – 0 up at half time. A superb cross from Daryl Birch picked out Paul Bennett who put away probably the hardest opportunity of the first half with a great header from just inside the penalty box.

It was imperative we started the second half as we ended the first, and we did just that. The exceptional work rate of Tom Liversedge and Carl Barrick up front paid off with good territory and pressure which lead to a penalty, which Tom put away with confidence. After this I felt we looked comfortable but were not able to kill the game off with a third goal, despite 2 more great opportunities. It was disappointing to concede a scrappy goal, with virtually the last kick and particularly after an impressive performance.

Peterborough are well known for their good footballing sides and Paul Humphries continued this with a team that played good passing football, so we are delighted with this result and look forward to the draw in May.

 I would like to thank everyone who showed their support last night and hope to see you again next Tuesday away at Bedfordshire in the “4 counties league.”

Team:  Aaron Evans (Kislingbury), Ian Boon (Harpole), Alex Deakin (Harpole), Adam Knight (Brixworth All Saints), Michael Parkes (Brixworth All Saints), Joe Judge (Ranelagh),Carl Barrick (Harpole), Daryl Birch (Brixworth All Saints), Greg Ling (Kislingbury), Luke Chalmers (Harpole), Mark Brown (Wollaston Victoria), Danny Wright (Harborough Town),Tom Liversedge (Harpole), David Woods (Wollaston Victoria),Dave Barrick (Harpole), Paul Bennett (Brixworth All Saints)