Northamptonshire Combination League

Division 1

Tuesday 16th April 2019

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.26

Higham Town 3 Weldon United 2, attendance 26

8’ 0-1 (pen)

18’ 0-2

46’ 1-2

57’ 2-2 (pen)

60’ 3-2

@ Lancaster Park

Newton Road

Higham Ferrers

NN10 8HN

No Admission or Programme.

Weldon United came into this match in second place in the league table, 7 points behind leaders James King Blisworth Reserves who have completed their fixtures. Weldon still had three matches to play, but could still win the league if they won all three. The fact that their goal difference was so inferior meant that 2 wins and a draw were very unlikely to be enough.

This match was actually scheduled to be played two weeks ago. It did take place, but having been scheduled to kick off at a ridiculously late18.30, just 3 days after the clocks changed, it is not surprising that the match was abandoned after 65 minutes due to bad light, (even though they were only playing 2 x 40 minute halves) with the score being 1-2 at the time. Apparently Higham were happy for the score to stand, despite losing at the time, but the league ordered the match to be replayed.

Despite kicking off four minutes early, the Referee decided to play 2 x 40 minute halves for some reason. Having scored an early penalty, then adding a second goal ten minutes later, Weldon were coasting it and were very comfortable going into the break 0-2 up. Higham had been very poor in the first half and looked no better early in the second half. Out of nothing, they pulled a goal back and the match turned on its head. They levelled it up at 2-2, with a penalty, quickly followed by what turned out to be the winning goal, when they headed in from a corner on the hour mark.

So, the title has gone for Weldon, but at least their guaranteed second place will see them promoted at the end of the season.