29th August 2000 Histon Res. (A) Drew 0-0

So Great Paxton in the Kershaw Premier, who would have thought that possible eight years ago when we were struggling in Hunts Division 2.

And first game up it is away to Histon Reserves who with Over Sports have dominated the division for the last few years. After some 'less than inspired' pre-season performances this was going to be a tough test.

Histon started brightly and it was easy to see that they were no mean opponents but the Paxton defence, with James Fieldhouse re-instated and Simon Anderson in the middle, looked solid. When it came to half-time it was difficult to remember any meaningful chances and the Paxton players were cheered off by their traveling support.

After the break it was much more of the same, Histon had more possession but Paxton, gaining in confidence, started to play and in the end could have won the match. Five minutes before the final whistle Matt Plumb stormed into the Histon area and shot powerfully but just over.

An excellent start to the Cambs Premier.

2nd September 2000 Newmarket Town Res. (A) Won 4-1

The second match of the season and another unknown quantity. In the pre-match warm-up Newmarket looked to be a young and skilful side and that is what they proved to be. However youth and skill are not always enough and some wise old heads can make all the difference.

Matt Plumb opened the scoring after eight minutes with a well aimed free--kick from just outside the area and 16 minutes later made it 2-0 direct from a corner. The home side seemed numbed by these events and even more so when Rob Worrall scored a far post header from another in-swinging Plumb corner.

Half-time and the Newmarket manager went ballistic at his players describing the visitors as 'a load of rubbish' ( a tad harsh maybe).

After the break is was just the same as before, Newmarket had possession, weaved a few pretty patterns but basically got nowhere apart from the 59th minute when a well struck free-kick found its way into the corner.

Mark Spavins brought himself off the bench for a late run and he Conbyned well with James Fieldhouse to set up Tony Knowles for the fourth with a minute left on the clock.

9th September 2000 Sawston Utd. (H) Drew 0-0

Great Paxton proudly hosted their first ever home Cambs Premier Division game against Sawston who brought a 100% record with them to the Recreation Ground.

It was a very tight game with the visitors shading the first half. However, despite superior possession, they created few chances and one good save by Andy Oxborough kept the scores level at the break.

With Rob Seal making his debut in the Paxton defence, the home side continued to smother the visitors best openings and another Oxborough save in the second half earned a share of the points in a 0-0 draw.

23rd September 2000 Wenden Wanderers (H) Won 4-0

Cambs. Saturday Challenge Cup (1st Round).

Wenden were convincingly beaten by their Premier Division opponents. The game started surprisingly well for the visitors and they played the better football in the early stages creating some decent chances, from the best of these Andy Smith was foiled by the Paxton keeper Andy Oxborough after a slip be Wayne Humphrey. A mix up in the Wenden defence lead to Paxton's opener, Humphrey setting up Simon Anderson to take advantage of the confusion just before half time and this clearly affected the visitors confidence.

Their second, a few minutes after the break from Danny Plumb, well engineered by his brother Matt and Joe Walsh knocked the stuffing out of Wenden and for the rest of the half they were left chasing shadows with damage limitation being the key. They survived until the last ten minutes but the 3rd goal came when Mark Spavins unsettled Phil Jennings who put through his own net. 

Late on Lee Clutterbuck grabbed another after good work by the impressive Walsh. Wenden manager Duncan Parrish was upbeat though, he said "Their superior fitness really showed in the end and it is up to us to reach that kind of standard. I was a bit disappointed at the result as I think we shaded it in the first half but unusually for us we gave away a couple of sloppy goals"

30th September 2000 Mildenhall Town (H) Drew 0-0

Gt. Paxtons unbeaten start to the season was continued with a tight game against fellow promoted club Mildenhall. First half highlights were few, Tony Knowles caused problems for the visiting defence but his crosses were not finding the men in the middle. At the other end Andy Oxborough had a shock when Nick Dyers attempt to cut out a cross ended up going in the corner but quick reactions from Oxborough saved the day.

Paxton dominated the second half without creating many clear cut chances, the best of which fell to defender Brian Kitchin who had more time than he realised. Simon Anderson, in his last game before transferring to Somersham, came on as a late substitute but couldn't manage to break the deadlock.

7th October 2000 Over Sports (A) Drew 1-1

Despite having a lot of first half possession Over found it difficult to penetrate the Paxton defence. Three times they managed to beat Andy Oxborough but Joe Walsh (twice) and Matt Plumb headed goal bound attempts off the line. After forty minutes Danny King broke the deadlock with a far post header and that was the half time score.

More pressure in the second half but slowly Paxton got more into the game and newcomer Ian Dawkes hit the base of a post in the 75th minute, fortunately the rebound went to Rob Worrall who crashed the ball home. The last fifteen minutes were far more even and Paxton might even have won it with Adam Swain twice troubling the keeper.

14th October 2000 Somersham Town (A) Lost 3-2

Somersham found Gt. Paxton more difficult opponents than they might have imagined in this Hunts Senior Cup match. Although having the greater possession early on they failed to trouble stand in goalkeeper Simon Oxborough. Paxton got more confident and it wasn't against the run of play when they went ahead after 37 minutes. Matt Plumb crashed in a shot from eight yards after brother Dan caused problems with an inswinging corner.

After half time Somersham came back strongly and equalised on 51 minutes, Jamie Donald heading in on the far post. Sixteen minutes later and a mis-head in the Paxton box allowed Clayton to volley home from a tight angle. Paxton Manager Mark Spavins threw caution to the wind and that positive approach was rewarded when in the 84th minute Danny Garbould turned in the area and fired past the keeper following a Stuart Harper long throw. Having turned down numerous calls for penalties at the other end the referee decided the outcome of the game when he awarded Somersham a penalty on 86 minutes when Seal nudged Clayton. Donald rammed home the advantage.

21st October 2000 Fordham (A) Lost 2-1

Cambs Premier Cup. 

A fairly even opening 20 minutes went by before Fordham opened the scoring, a close range tap in following a penalty area scramble. Eight minutes later Paxton were level when good work by Tony Knowles set up Danny Garbould to finish.

Thirty five minutes and Knowles pace opened up the defence before he was scythed down in the area, a definite penalty, not given.

Into the second half and chances at both ends not being taken, a corner in the 76th minute and Graham Akers is shoved over in his own box, appeals to the Referee who gives nothing, Akers selects a few ill chosen words and is shown the red card.

With half a dozen Paxton players carrying knocks the extra time was hard going and a 100th minute goal effectively sealed the outcome, another scrambled affair. Joe Walsh had a header hit the bar but Danny Plumb couldn't net the rebound and it was all over for Paxton

28th October 2000 Great Shelford (A) Won 3-0

Cambs. Saturday Challenge Cup (2nd Round).

In the battle of the Greats it was Paxton who came out on top. A windy miserable day didn't help the quality of the football, especially in the first half when, playing with the wind, Paxton found it difficult to play at all. The change around at half time made all the difference, Matt Plumb took control of midfield and the moves started to flow. It was no surprise when Tony Knowles 20 yard lob-shot beat the goalkeeper after Plumb had put him clear in the fifty first minute.

Two minutes later and Joe Walsh is up ended in the area by the defenders follow through after taking the ball. Very harshly the Referee awards the penalty but justice is done when Plumb hits the ball at savable height and the goalkeeper does well. Slight respite for Shelford as in the fifty fifth minute more good work by Plumb is followed by Adam Swains curling shot and two nil. 

Joe Walsh completed the scoring in the sixty fourth minute after linking well with Plumb and Swain. For Paxton, with seven first team regulars out with injury, it was a pleasing second half performance against fellow Kershaw Premier mid-table side Shelford.

4th November 2000 Foxton (A) Won 2-1

Despite having the largest part of the possession, and creating numerous half chances, the first half hour failed to produce a goal for in form Gt. Paxton. When Tony Knowles hit the post in the 30th minute followed by Foxton going ahead four minutes later it could have been just one of those days. The goal was a scrappy affair, a cross from the right, Rob Seal just getting a piece of it, flicked off to Tim Connelly who buried it in the far corner giving goalkeeper Simon Oxborough no chance.

In the 38th minute things seemed to have gone from bad to worse when a close range header made it two nil before the linesmans flag was noticed indicating offside.

The half time team talk in the Paxton camp was about just carrying on and playing the same way, the goals were bound to come. And so they did, in the 53rd minute Tony Knowles went on a good run down the right, was found with the ball from midfield and crossed well for Danny Garbould to slide in the equaliser. Nine minutes later a through ball from Ian Dawkes to Stuart Harper released the tall midfielder and he crashed the ball past the on-coming keeper for his maiden first team goal. Chances after that came thick and fast but all were spurned, it could have been 5-1 but it could also have been another draw, in the end three points earned was a job well done.

11th November 2000 Fordham (A) Lost 4-2

A fairly even first half with Fordham going ahead after six minutes, the ball broke loose to Danny Clemence on the edge of the area and he coolly slotted it past the oncoming keeper.
On 12 minutes it was all square, Tony Knowles passed to Joe Walsh who intelligently stepped over the ball leaving Danny Garbould a clear run on goal, a clinical finish and one all.
The half time team talk in the Paxton camp was about just playing the same way and the result would come. Unfortunately it didn't go that way. In the 53rd minute the folly of trying to play a defensive line too far up the pitch against quick attackers was demonstrated and Clemence broke away to score his second. Just to prove we can all have off days two minutes later and the same thing happened again, this time Matt Davison finished. A seventy sixth minute half way line free kick sailed over everybody to the back post and Davison rose unopposed to nod in his second. Paxton tried a late rally that produced a second Garbould goal when an Adam Swain pass found the striker and he knocked it past the keeper before running in and jabbing the ball into the net. A grim day with high winds, a bit of rain and awful defending, the only bright spark was the Referee who was tremendous and should have got ten out of ten from both camps.

18th November 2000 Great Shelford (H) Won 4-1

Returning players strengthened both sides and early on it did not look like Paxton were going to repeat their 3 goal win from the cup match 3 weeks previous. In fact it was only in the second minute when an unmarked Andy Henscher received the ball on the edge of the area strode forward and slipped it under the advancing Andy Oxborough to give Shelford the lead. 

After that Paxton pulled themselves back into the game and on 21 minutes Rob Worrall was on hand to sweep in an Ian Dawkes cross to level the game. An oddity in the 24^th minute when a cross/shot from the left bounced on the top of the Paxton crossbar twice before going safe.

 After half an hour Paxton had a shout for a penalty when Worrall seemed to be bundled over but nothing was given, the trainer was called and Worrall came off with blood streaming from a head wound which required a trip to the hospital and four stitches. Before half time Paxton created a number of decent chances but all flew just wide. 

In the second half it was more of the same with Danny Garbould and sub Tony Knowles both going close and demanding good saves from the Shelford keeper. Maybe the pressure was too much for him as in the 70^th minute the keeper tried to come for a cross but only managed to bowl over Knowles for a penalty. Dawkes stepped up to score his first goal in Paxton colours and after that it was pretty much one way traffic. Dawkes netted his second ten minutes later after a fine run and shot and Knowles completed the scoring in the last minute sweeping in a fine Dan Plumb cross.

25th November 2000 AFC Newmarket (A) Won 8-1

Cambs. Saturday Challenge Cup (3rd Round).

When a team in the bottom half of Senior ‘B’ host one from the top half of the Premier Division then an away win is favourite and that is exactly what happened. 

Paxton had already created a couple of half chances before Tony Knowles opened the scoring on five minutes. A clever lob over the defence by Joe Walsh and Knowles ran on and tipped it over the advancing keeper. A powerful header by Rob Worrall crashed against the bar only minutes later but the reprieve was short lived as Ian Dawkes increased the lead in the 13^th minute evading several challenges before coolly slotting the ball home. 

The game was effectively over ten minutes later when Knowles collected his second after good approach play by Brian Kitchin and Dawkes. The rest of the half was more of the same but the closest Paxton came to increasing the lead was a Danny Plumb shot which hit the bar on the stroke of half-time. 

After a well earned cup of tea the players once again braved the wind and rain along with the very soggy spectators and they didn’t have to wait long before the goals came thick and fast. An enormous kick from goalkeeper Andy Oxborough cleared the AFC defence and Knowles pace took him clear, a clinical finish completed his hat-trick. Dawkes turned well on the edge of the area before notching number five and Worrall finally got his goal with a back post header. 

Seven nil on 69 minutes Danny Plumb sliding in a Walsh cross before the consolation goal for AFC, Charlie Reynolds well placed header evading Oxborough after less than totally committed Paxton defending. A rarity followed, a diving Danny Plumb header which slid past the far post preceded the final goal two minutes before time, a near post header by Matt Plumb from his brothers inswinging corner.

9th December 2000 Godmanchester Rovers (H) Won 3-0

Great Paxton started off brightly and within the first ten minutes two inswinging corners from Dan Plumb caused chaos in the Godmanchester defence but with no result. Stuart Harper also peppered the defence with long throws from the right. Tony Knowles speed also caused problems and it was no surprise when after twenty minutes a Knowles run into the box was ended with him being felled and a penalty awarded. Ian Dawkes stepped up and struck the ball well into the corner but the keeper dived the right way and made a fine save. The breakthrough came in the 36^th minute, Knowles hassled the full back and won a throw on, Harper quickly found Dawkes and he looked up, saw Worrall make his move, and found him with the cross, Worrall deftly glanced his header into the corner and one nil.

Half time came and went with little change in proceedings, Paxton having the lions share of possession and making most of the chances. Joe Walsh was felled in the 55^th minute when progressing down the left, he took the resulting free kick and the ball sailed towards the far post where it was about to be pouched by the waiting keeper, out of nowhere came defender Rob Seal who jumped high enough to unsight the goalie who missed the ball which then hit the inside of the post. The ball fell down and trickled along the line when Knowles ran in and tapped home from two inches. That seemed to knock the heart out of Godmanchester and five minutes later a Dawkes cross from the left found Worrall at the far post and he side footed his second home. The last half hour was all Paxton but the closest they came to increasing the lead was in the 82^nd minute when substitute James Fieldhouse took a pass on his chest, let the ball drop and hit it against the foot of the post.

16th December 2000 Sawston United (A) Lost 2-1

A fairly even first half with, possibly, Sawston enjoying slightly more possession. Half chances had occurred at both ends before, in the 24^th minute, the Sawston centre forward collected the ball on the half way line and powered towards goal, brushing past ineffective defending he got to the edge of the area and crashed a shot past the keeper. Parity was restored nine minutes later, Danny Garbould taking possession on the right wing cut inside and seeing Tony Knowles run picked him out with a superb cross field pass. Knowles still had plenty to do and took the ball on the volley and left-footed deftly lifted the ball over the keeper. Sawston came storming back and Andy Oxborough made a fine save tipping a Matt Plumb back header over the bar, shortly afterwards making another from an attackers unmarked head.

The second half was a different story, Sawston took the initiative and Paxton couldn’t put a decent move together. Time after time either Oxborough or poor finishing prevented them taking a deserved lead. It was amazing that it took till the 85^th minute for the winner to arrive, a left wing cross being headed home from six yards with three defenders spectators. After that Paxton rallied for one last attack but the only memorable thing was the unedifying row between Manager Spavins and temporary Captain Plumb.

23rd December 2000 Over Sports (H) Lost 0-1

A hard fought contest with little between the teams finished with a win for the away side. Despite having the bulk of the early possession Over could not create a decent chance and it was Paxton who should have taken the lead in the 20^th minute. A superb pass by Tony Knowles cut through the defence for Danny Garbould who should have done better than allow the keeper to save with his legs. The breakthrough came in the 43^rd minute, a low cross from the right found its way through a mass of players in the area and ended up in the far corner of the net.

In the second half Paxton had more of the ball and created more chances. After only 4 minutes Garbould seemed to be tripped in the area but the Referee disagreed. 56 minutes and Joe Walsh cleverly found Garbould but his shot was well saved and a minute later Knowles beat the keeper but his lob landed on top of the crossbar. A number of corners were wasted and it could have gone two nil but Oxborough made an outstanding tip over. Matt Plumb, in his last game before moving to St. Neots, came on as a late substitute with orders to get stuck in. In fact it was Plumbs aggression which infuriated Over defender Martin Wilson so much he ran 30 yards before grabbing Plumb by the shirt front. Referee Martin Griffiths had no option but to send Wilson for his second early bath in successive weeks.

The last 5 minutes were like The Alamo but Paxton couldn’t find the net and it was the Over players and supporters celebrating at the end. It is a sign of the progress Paxton have made when they are disappointed at having closely lost to last years champions.

13th January 2001 Girton (H) Won 3-0

Maybe it was a surfeit of Christmas pudding that was responsible for such a stodgy performance or maybe not playing for 3 weeks but whatever Paxton were not at their best. Despite a bright first 5 minutes they then struggled to put together much in the way of fluent football and it was quite a surprise when they took the lead in the 18^th minute. A right wing cross from Brian Kitchin was cleverly headed over the keeper by Graham Akers. It wasn’t until the 68^th minute that Paxton added the second, good work by Danny Plumb set substitute Lee Clutterbuck clear in the box and he coolly tucked the ball away. Four minutes later and Ian Dawkes added the third thanks to clever play by Danny Garbould.

17th February 2001 Cottenham (H) Won 2-1

Cambs Challenge Cup Quarter Final

This much delayed fixture finally took place on a damp Great Paxton pitch. Cottenham started the brighter and only two minutes had passed when James Fieldhouse had to make a last ditch tackle to prevent a goal. Paxton weathered that initial storm and began to put together a few nice moves nearly taking the lead when Stuart Harper hit the bar with a thumping header in the 13th minute. 

For the next quarter of an hour Paxton played their best football of the season and bombarded the Cottenham goal. In quick succession a shot was kicked off the line, Ian Dawkes fired just wide and Fieldhouse had a cross/shot tipped over the bar. It was no surprise then that Paxton took the lead around the 20 minute mark, Wayne Humphrey cleverly chipping over the defence and Danny Garbould beating the keepers rush with a backward header. 

After that Paxton kept up the pressure and could have gone further in front but Tony Knowles shot just wide. Cottenham clawed their way back into the tie but seemed to have been killed off when in the 44th minute an Ian Dawkes cross cum shot drifted in the top corner for two nil. There was still time for Cottenham to launch another attack and they should have done better when Humphrey was caught in a one on one situation but the forward fired just wide of Andy Oxboroughs post.

After beating Sawston United last week Cottenham had to be a good side and the way they took hold of the game in the second half proved it. However their possession and good movement failed to create any clear cut chances against a well marshalled defence augmented by the tigerish midfield play of Wayne Harris. 

Hitting on the break Garbould could have increased his tally twice, firstly missing out with his head from a Nick Dyer cross then on the ground after being set free by Danny Plumb. It was in the 69th minute that Cottenham finally created a decent chance and a left foot cross found Richard Burton who swept the ball home at the far post. 

After that it was more Cottenham pressure and Burton could have equalised but shot just wide. Two minutes before time and it should have been all over, substitute Adam Swain slipped the full back and crossed for fellow replacement Graham Akers but he could only scoop the ball over the bar.

The final whistle was greeted with equal amounts of pleasure and relief for the Great Paxton support who adjourned with the players to discuss next weeks semi-final over a well earned pint.

20th February 2001 St. Ives Town (A) Lost 3-2(aet)

Hunts Invitation Cup 1st Round 

Report by Rob Worrall

Great Paxton led UCL Division 1 side St Ives for most of this torrid Premier Cup tie, before losing to a goal ten minutes from the end of extra time!

Paxton had much the better of things in the first half with Ian Dawkes and Danny Garbould outstanding. Garbould started and finished the move that gave Paxton a deserved lead in the 20th minute, sweeping home a Dawkes cross which Adam Swain had cleverly stepped over. Just nine minutes later Dawkes turned from hero to villain, tripping Chris Ewles in the penalty area. However Ewles' spot-kick was well saved by Andy Oxborough. The Paxton keeper then produced an even better save on the stroke of half time to prevent the home side from drawing level.

Paxton were forced into three changes within the first ten minutes of the second half and lost their rhythm for a while. Dyer, Swain and Humphrey all had to be replaced and it was no surprise when St Ives leveled the scores thanks to a long range drive from captain Glyn Cooke after 70 minutes. However, Paxton restored their lead just two minutes later when substitute Graham Akers thumped home from close range.

St Ives striker Ewles made up for his earlier miss with a goal of true class on 82 minutes. His crisp turn and shot from 18 yards gave Oxborough no chance and at 2-2 the game went into extra time.

Both teams visibly tired in the heavy conditions but, five minutes into extra time, Dawkes somehow found the energy to go on an incredible run. He dribbled through at least 5 players before appearing to be brought down from behind in the area. A penalty surely, but the ball was scrambled clear and somewhat controversially, the referee gave only a corner!

Five minutes into the second period of extra time, St Ives took the lead for the first time in the match. A teasing cross was only half cleared by Oxborough and Ewles was on hand to stroke home what would turn out to be the winning goal.

The home side then had a player sent off for two bookable offences and Paxton threw caution to the wind in the final minutes. Matt Plumb and Danny Garbould both went close but perhaps the best chance of all fell to Dawkes. However his close range shot smashed against the post and it was not to be Paxton's day!

(Robbie Seal and Danny Plumb were booked for Great Paxton.)

24th February 2001 Godmanchester Rovers (A) Won 2-0

Much strengthened Godmanchester Rovers posed only occasional problems to a solid Great Paxton team. Tony Lynch had some early speculative pot shots at Andy Oxboroughs goal, 3 went high, wide and not particularly handsome but one in the 10th minute brought out a fine flying save. Paxton had troubles creating clear cut chances against a better drilled Godmanchester back four but three minutes before the interval Ian Dawkes set up Danny Garbould in the area. Garbould evaded a tackle and smacked the ball past the onrushing keeper only to see it hit the underside of the bar and strangely come back out into play.

The second half was only four minutes old when Dawkes went on a run past 3 players before being thwarted when the keeper dived at his feet. It was however only a three minute respite for the home defence. Oxborough took a free kick in his own half and knocked it over a static back line, Garbould ran through and headed the bouncing ball over the approaching keeper for one-nil. After that Paxton maintained a firm grip on the game but the second only came in the 89th minute. Matt Plumb hit a slightly off target pass to Dawkes who retrieved the situation with a 40-60 tackle and cut to the by-line, unselfishly he looked up and spotting Danny Plumb on the penalty spot picked him out, Plumb coolly finished despite being under pressure.

3rd March 2001 Debden (A) Lost 4-1

The bad day started early for Great Paxton when captain Wayne Humphrey pulled out through illness, it got worse when stand-in goalkeeper Clive Draper failed to show. With player/manager Mark Spavins forced to take the gloves in a team already shorn of midfield players Ian Dawkes and Wayne Harris, due to family events, it was going to be a long hard day.

So on a cold, windy, miserable day the game that was played on an understandably boggy pitch was not one to lift the purists heart.

Debden started the strongest, going close twice early on, and the home keeper had little to do until the 16th minute when a Danny Garbould header forced a regulation save. Despite Debdens dominance they couldn’t find the net and might have gone behind in the 39th minute when Garbould seemed to be tripped in the area, the referee waved away the protests.

Two minutes later Paxton took the lead, a fine pass from Garbould found Graham Akers who beat the keeper from the edge of the area. The lead only lasted 2 minutes though before a close range header levelled the contest.

Into the second half and it was not long before the strength of the Debden team bore fruit. Three goals in 18 minutes all of a similar nature, the Paxton defence, without their leader, was all over the place as the goals rained in after 52, 62 and 70 minutes.

Surprisingly they didn’t completely buckle and showed some spirit by taking the game to Debden in the last quarter of an hour setting up a couple of good opportunities, both efforts going close.

10th March 2001 Littleport Town (A) Lost 3-2

Cambs Challenge Cup – Semi-Final 

Needing to start quickly Great Paxton didn’t start at all. Two minutes was all it took for the home side to take the lead, Wayne Humphrey lost the ball in midfield, Nick Dyer managed to let it go for a corner, Andy Oxborough dropped the ball after a nudge and it was stabbed home.

Four minutes later and things got worse, an attacker was allowed to turn on the edge of the area and fire home the second into the corner. After that it was hesitant goalkeeping, dodgy defence, midfield mediocrity and unsupported attack. As a home team supporter cried "... come on lads, these are rubbish".

There was quite a wind blowing down the pitch but that does not excuse lack of effort and not existent passing. Things got slowly better and a few moves started to be put together culminating in Tony Knowles being scythed down in the box. A penalty then, NO, the referee agrees it was a foul but gives a free-kick outside the box against all physical evidence. Knowles expresses his disappointment and is lucky not to be booked. Like much that followed nothing came of the kick.

It was another free-kick, this time for a foul on Matt Plumb, which led to the first Paxton goal. Wayne Harris chipped the ball over beautifully for Danny Garbould to head home in the 41st minute.

Half-time came and went with Paxton making more of the running after the break. The equaliser came 12 minutes in when a penalty was awarded for hand-ball by a defender, it looked a fairly harsh decision from the sideline. Ian Dawkes smashed the spot kick down the middle and suddenly Paxton were back in the game. Five minutes later and the lesson of not defending too far up the park when opposed by a nippy attacker had to be learnt again. Not more than a punted ball out of defence caught three defenders square and the recent substitute sped on to give Oxborough no chance.

The game swung from end to end, Knowles hit the bar with a header and James Fieldhouse headed out from under his own before substitute Graham Akers headed just over at the other end.

The third controversial penalty decision of the match came in the 85th minute. Under pressure a home defender stuck his arm out to stop the ball and it hit him squarely on the wrist. The referee was excellently positioned no more than 5 yards away and looking straight at the defender. Before the screams came from players and supporters alike the referee put both hand behind his back and turned away. The body language seemed to be "I’ve given one penalty I’m not giving another".

As a Paxton player said in the pub later "we got what we deserved today, nothing".

24th March 2001 Debden (H) Won 6-2

It was Debden who started the more brightly on a difficult pitch forcing keeper Andy Oxborough to make 3 good saves in the first 10 minutes. After that Paxton got more into the game and started putting together some nice moves. It was from one of those that Tony Knowles forced a corner after 20 minutes. Dan Plumb put in an inswinger, two Paxton players stepped over the ball and left Rob Worrall with a tap-in. Worrall, having been out for 3 months with injury, was delighted.

More good moves followed, but it was quick thinking that set up the second, Ian Dawkes took a throw-on quickly, finding Knowles who turned past his marker and fired the ball into the top corner. Debden were stung by this and created a good chance which was kicked off the line. Two minutes before half-time Matt Plumb received a good pass from Dawkes and fired home the third.

The visitors must have got a roasting during the break and came out at full speed, quickly forcing a corner from which John Basford scored with the defence looking at each other.

Debden were encouraged by their success and started to look more dangerous but were scuppered when Graham Akers went into a tackle, won the ball but upon rising caught a back-hander in the face. The Referee consulted his assistant who pointed out the culprit and he was gone for an early bath. Three minutes later and the result was settled, Knowles flick header found Danny Plumb who went past a couple of defenders before squaring to Worrall who banged in his second from close range.

Knowles caused problems all game with his pace and it was no surprise when he sprung the offside-trap only to be felled by the keepers dive at his feet. Dawkes had problems spotting the ball for the penalty but no problem sending the keeper the wrong way and tucking it in the corner. Knowles was again involved in the sixth but it was Worralls replacement Lee Clutterbuck who benefitted with the tap-in at the far post. That left 22 minutes which Paxton coasted, the only flaw being caught out by a quick free-kick 10 minutes before time which took a luck deflection before allowing the visiting forward to score.

31st March 2001 Histon Res. (H) Lost 1-7

With their first team having no game Histon could field their strongest side for this fixture and it showed. Great Paxton have played worse this season and still won but on this occasion class told big-time.

From the first whistle the visitors had the upper hand and, although the home side pressed, it was in vain. Histon took the lead on 21 minutes, Zach Nedimovic banged the ball home from the edge of the area. Four minutes later and 2-0 Jamie Barker unmarked in the six yard box made no mistake. Paxton then had a decent amount of possession but could not convert that into a reasonable chance.

On the stroke of half-time there was controversy, the ball looked to have gone beyond the goal-line and a flag was definitely raised, the defence stopped, the attack didn’t and Peter Leete tapped in the net. Danny Garbould, in a perfect position to see on the half-way line, talked himself into the book.

Raised voices in the home camp during the break but in the second half more of the same. Benny Murray, unmarked on the edge of the box, turned to fire home number four before Paxton got their consolation, Matt Plumb sliding home a fine Nick Dyer cross.

After that it was the Alamo with Histon creating chance after chance. 62 minutes and a Murray lob bounces off the top of the bar, 65 and a 35 yard Nedimovic free-kick screams in for number five. 69 minutes and James Fieldhouse clears a header off the line, two minutes later and Andy Oxborough makes a great save, 76 minutes and Dan Plumb clears a shot off the line. 81 minutes and Murray lobs Oxborough for 6-1, 88 and he shoots just past the post, 89 and another good save from Oxborough denies Nedimovic his hat-trick and in the dying seconds Murray completes his own.

Recriminations turned into more reasoned thinking as the post mortem was conducted in The Bell, so we got stuffed by a very good team, next week it’s Cottenham and we start all over again.

7th April 2001 Cottenham Utd. (H) Won 4-3

These two teams battled out a tight cup game 7 weeks before and current form suggested another close contest. It was end to end from the opening whistle with the first goal coming after 5. A half-way line free-kick swung in the wind and deceived home keeper Andy Oxborough who ended up dropping the ball at the feet of Derrin Mappledoran for him to strike home from an acute angle.

Four minutes later it could have been 2-0 when a header flashed just over before Rob Seal did the same at the other end. Adam Swain, making his first league start, brought the game level in the 22nd minute. Back to goal, he dropped one shoulder, span, and left his marker for dead, strode into the penalty area and crashed a left footer just inside the far post. Five minutes later and it was Swain again, an enormous kick from his own goal line by Oxborough flew over a bemused defence and Swain outpaced them and the goalkeeper to finish in style.

33 minutes and Oxborough contributed to another goal, but this time at his own end. Kitchin played a slightly short back pass and a visiting player closed down the keeper who in his efforts to create an angle completely missed the ball, Mark Frohock tapped in for 2 all. Spurred on, the home side twice went close with Danny Plumb hitting the bar and Ian Dawkes drawing a good save from the keeper. In the fortieth minute Cottenham re-took the lead, Terry Davies rose unmarked at the back post to head home a left wing cross.

After the break things quietened down a lot with neither side being able to create a clear chance but a lot of fully committed play from both teams. It took the introduction of substitute Tony Knowles to liven things up and his pace unsettled the visiting defence. In the 79th minute he raced clear but crashed his shot against the foot of the far post. That could have been the end but 10 minutes later Paxton earned a corner and with just about everyone in the six yard box Danny Plumb swung in a left footer, the ball bounced around and went out to Danny Garbould who joyfully crashed home the equaliser.

The Referee was determined to make sure the spectators got completely soaked and played on well after the 90. In fact it was 3 minutes into added on time when Swain should have wrapped it up. Dawkes again caused problems and with the keeper on the floor Swain just had to dink the rebounded shot over him but couldn’t manage to get his foot enough under the ball. For another 5 minutes the game flowed to and fro but with just 11 seconds on the Refs watch he awarded a free-kick in the Paxton area. Oxborough launched one down the middle and Dawkes knocked it wide to Plumb who ran into the area and delivered a great left footed centre. Rob Worrall and two defenders tried to get a piece of it but failed and Knowles turned up at the far post to head home from 2 yards, chaos ensued. Knowles was buried by joyous team-mates and all Cottenham could do was kick off and immediately shoot at goal, Oxborough watched the ball drift wide and the referee blew for time.

As the happy home support went for the dryness of their cars they shared the same thought as the players of both teams, we play each other again on Tuesday!

Paxtons Man of the Match: Ian Dawkes

10th April 2001 Cottenham Utd. (A) Won 4-1

Team selection went out of the window for the visitors when a car containing four starters was held up by an accident on the A14. There were nine players present plus manager Mark Spavins plus Billy Foulkes (home from Canada for a couple of weeks), who had come to watch. So that was it, Spav up front, Billy in at centre-half, Lee Clutterbuck at full-back, a midfield containing Danny Garbould and Rob Worrall, this was going to be fun!

It must be that Dunkirk spirit thing because Paxton started the better and gave the home side no chance to settle. Eight minutes gone and Spavins hit a hopeful cross in from the left, defender and goalkeeper each left it for the other and the ball crept in at the far post. Cottenham were stunned but five minutes later left bewildered, Worrall fed Garbould on the half-way line, he strode forward unchallenged and hit a mighty left-footer from 25 yards, bang, into the corner and 2-0.

The rest of the half was end to end without any decent chances being created, the home side reduced to long range shots easily dealt with by Andy Oxborough. Half-time and time to re-think. Ian Dawkes and Adam Swain replacing Spavins and the injured Wayne Harris. The strong wind blowing straight down the pitch was going to aid the home side, it was going to be hard work in the second period.

Five minutes in and Clutterbuck picked up an injury, James Fieldhouse took up his customary position but this meant all substitutions used and that Worrall and Foulkes would have to last the whole game, oh dear. Sixty five minutes gone and Nick Dyer seemed to have made a good defensive play by blocking a shot with his nose only for the referee to signal hand-ball and award a free kick on the edge of the box. Dyer was incensed but the decision stood. Oxborough arranged his wall but despite getting a hand to it couldn't stop an excellent curling shot into the corner.

Suddenly Cottenham had faith and suspicions were that the visitors could crumble but that wasn’t to be. Six minutes later a long Oxborough kick was chased by Worrall and three defenders, Worrall headed on to Swain and then collected the first-time return before stroking home. The home side threw caution to the wind and four or five up front, leaving themselves open, and were caught again in the seventy sixth. Tony Knowles pace created confusion, he linked with Danny Plumb before the ball found it’s way to Worrall who stabbed home from a couple of yards.

Again and again Cottenham attacks were stoutly defended with Paxton looking dangerous on the break, Garbould only denied his second by a fingertip save shortly before the final whistle.

14th April 2001 Girton Utd. (A) Lost 0-1

    After some recent good performances this was a real disappointment, a decent crowd made the journey to Girton only to see an insipid display. The game started slowly with the home side looking to contain but as the visitors floundered Girton slowly gained confidence.

The first chance fell to Adam Swain who had his 20th minute shot well saved by the keeper. Three minutes later and Girton created their first opportunity following a corner but the shot was just over. It was another 14 minutes wait for the next ‘chance’ an inswinging Lee Clutterbuck corner being headed off the line.

Into the second half and only two minutes had passed when a dodgy off-side trap exposed further sloppy defending, the ball ran loose and Mark Arkesden, falling as he shot, hit the inside of the post and the ball trickled over the line to put the home side in front.

Manager Mark Spavins started to make changes, firstly replacing Clutterbuck who alone had looked like the player who could open up the 10 man Girton defence. James Fieldhouse came on for 3 minutes before going off injured (one throw-on, one kick and one mis-kick being his contribution).

Despite continuous possession, and a succession of right-wing corners, Paxton couldn’t create a chance worthy of the name, Nick Dyers 20 yard drive in the 79th minute going closest but well pushed over. The resulting corner was again headed off the line before an 83rd minute volley from Tony Knowles skimmed the crossbar for the last of the significant action.

 17th April 2001 Newmarket Town Res. (H) Won 4-0

Great Paxton started the better and might have taken the lead on a few occasions in the first half, but Newmarket kept them out and created some half-chances themselves.

Danny Plumb hit the near post with an inswinging corner in the eighth minute and crashed a shot against the bar in the nineteenth. Tony Knowles pace got him to a ball that no one else could have reached but his lob over the keeper went agonisingly wide just before half-time. There was still time for Newmarket to create a chance and Andy Oxborough made an outstanding save from a close range header.

After the break it only took a minute for the home side to break the deadlock, Ian Dawkes supplied the cross for Rob Worrall to climb above the defence and head for goal, the keeper made a good save but Knowles acrobatically volleyed home. In the 58th minute the keeper made another good save to deny Knowles his second. Plumb, who had a superb match, then took over, firstly in the 68th he cut inside a defender and fired home between the keeper and his near post. Then Danny Garbould again had a shot well saved before Plumb notched his second, Knowles hit the bar and Plumb finished the job.

Three minutes later, late substitute Adam Swain sped into the box with a defender at his side, a good tackle seemed to have won the home side a corner but the referee saw it differently and awarded a penalty. Normal taker Ian Dawkes deferred to Plumb who smacked the ball into the corner to complete a seven minute hat-trick.

Due to the night drawing-in the game was ended after 80 minutes thus saving the visitors further pain from a rampant Paxton team.

Man of the Match : Danny Plumb

21st April 2001 Mildenhall Town Res. (A) Won 1-0

   Paxton looked good in the opening minutes against a young Mildenhall side but couldn’t create any decent chances early on. It was the home team that had the first real crack at goal bringing a good save from Andy Oxborough who then launched the ball downfield. Rob Worrall went up with the centre half but although the defender won the challenge the ball went backwards, no real danger thought the full-back but he didn’t account for the pace of Tony Knowles. Suddenly Knowles was there and the defender panicked, toe-ending the ball over his own keeper and into the net for a 12th minute own goal.

The end-to-end slope favoured Mildenhall as Paxton had difficulty in clearing their lines and in the 17th minute a free-kick dropped on top of the visitors bar before being cleared away to safety. Five minutes later and again Oxborough came to the rescue with a fine diving save in the bottom left corner.

In the 31st minute Danny Plumb won a midfield challenge and timed his pass to Knowles perfectly, the speedy striker raced into the box where a panicked defender scythed him down. Ian Dawkes, carrying an earlier injury, took the kick but it was a weak effort easily stopped.

After the break it was the visitors with the advantage of the slope but without the injured Dawkes and the flu-ridden Rob Seal they failed to make it count. Although enjoying much more of the possession Mildenhall couldn’t penetrate the well marshalled defence and their nearest chance to score was provided by a visiting defender. A 71st minute cross was cut out by a flying Brian Kitchin header but the ball arrowed towards goal, fortunately Oxborough was alert and again saved the situation.

The introduction of substitute Will Harding provided some penetration down the right and it was after good work by him that the best chance of the half fell to Mark Spavins who saw his 89th minute shot cleared off the line. That was the last significant action in a disappointing game.

23rd April 2001 Waterbeach (A) Won 4-0

For the third week in a row Paxton scored four in a mid-week win, the victims this time were Waterbeach who certainly contributed to their own downfall. Due to injury, illness and traffic the visiting line-up was once again experimental.

The first significant action was in the eighth minute when Tony Knowles had a 20 yard shot tipped over the bar. The resultant corner was swung in at the near post by Danny Plumb where the home goalkeeper fumbled the ball and only managed to push it into his own net. Eight minutes later and visiting keeper Andy Oxborough showed how it should be done with a fine save before setting up an attack. Stuart Harper lobbed the keeper, after being put through by Plumb, but the ball just skimmed the top of the bar.

Neither side could create another solid chance till just before half-time, Rob Worrall turning his marker before shooting across the goal. A routine take for the keeper but again he fumbled and dropped the ball at the foot of a defender who involuntarily steered it into the net. Amazingly that meant that Paxton had earned 3 consecutive own goals in a 3 day span.

After the break Paxton took a solid grip on the game and the home side rarely threatened a defence well marshalled by captain Wayne Humphrey. 10 minutes in and Dan Kennedy (making his Premier Division debut) took the ball in his stride and banged a 20 yard shot straight into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. After that it was a matter of containment with only the occasional foray up-field, one of which producing panic in the home defence resulting in a goal line clearance. Five minutes to go and an Oxborough kick sent Knowles on a run with Plumb supporting, an interchange of passes and two blocked shots later Plumb tapped in with goalkeeper and defenders bodies strewn around.

So a very pleasing result only marred by four silly bookings, all deserved, but none for Kennedy who took his opportunity and showed the manager his better side.

27th April 2001 Great Shelford (A) Won 1-0

Paxton looked very lively at the start and created some half–chances early on, the best falling to Danny Plumb who should have done better than allowing the keeper to save at his near post. A 25th minute chip by Tony Knowles nearly caught the keeper out but he recovered to tip over.

A minute later and the lead was established, Danny Garbould springing the offside trap before getting to the by-line and knocking the ball over to Rob Worrall for a tap-in. Instead of going on and imposing themselves on the game Paxton seemed to decide that that was enough and allowed the home side far too much possession. Andy Oxborough making a fine save on the half-hour tipping over a close range header.

Just before that the most stunning event of the evening occurred, in front of reliable witnesses Dave Hampton yelled "well done Rob Worrall". Honest, he did.

After the break the game continued in the same vein, Paxton dropping back and allowing the home side to come at them with the occasional fast break from Knowles. Oxborough was kept busy with shots and crosses making another good save four minutes in, a dive across the goal and gather at the foot of the post. When Oxborough was finally beaten the 61st minute shot hit the bar and was scrambled to safety.

This was interspersed with activity at the other end but promising moves broke down and only Knowles managed a shot on target, forcing a good save from the home keeper. In the end it was 3 points earned and with five games to go Paxton could still improve on their current sixth place.

1st May 2001 Foxton (H) Won 2-1

It is notoriously difficult to play against a team reduced to 10 men so Foxton arrived with a cunning plan and started with nine.

Instead of retaining their normal formation Paxton adjusted and that might explain the disjointed play that followed. The visitors could have gone ahead after only 3 minutes, an uncharacteristic weak back-header from Rob Seal allowed the forward to get to the ball before Andy Oxborough but the lob cleared the bar as well.

After that early scare, Paxton took possession of the ball and passed it around creating an easy 10th minute chance for Lee Clutterbuck who sadly missed it. Three minutes later and the lead was established, good work by Danny Kennedy and Clutterbuck setting up Tony Knowles who crashed his shot into the corner. There then followed a succession of chances all well saved or wasted before the unthinkable happened in the 35th minute. A rare Foxton foray into the Paxton half ended with the defence in tatters and the ball in the back of Oxboroughs net.

Just before the break Knowles spun on the edge of the area and fired a bullet which the keeper spilled but no Paxton player had anticipated this and the Foxton defence held firm.

One-all at the break was not in the home teams game plan and some harsh words were exchanged, captain Wayne Humphrey, out injured, explained some of the shortcomings in no uncertain terms.

The second half was probably worse than the first, time after time Paxton wasted possession and potential opportunities by sending long-shots flying over the bar, the large home crowd was unamused. Things got so desperate that Manager Mark Spavins brought himself on for the last 20 minutes but even he caught the bug and blazed over from 25 yards.

Foxton, now up to 10 men, had a number of breakaways and should have done better from a four on two situation but Oxborough kept them out every time except once when Danny Plumb had to head off the line. In the last minute the visitors gallant performance was laid to waste. A long Oxborough kick cleared the defence, Danny Garbould ran on and carefully put his left-footed shot into the corner, the Referee barely allowed the restart before blowing the final whistle.

3rd May 2001 Fordham (H) Won 2-1

Two of the form teams battled hard on Thursday evening in a close match of few chances. Fordham won a free-kick after 10 minutes and even though it was 30 yards out a fine strike had to be well pushed over by Andy Oxborough. Three minutes later and Tony Knowles twisted and turned in the area before seeing his shot slide by the far post.

It was in the sixteenth minute that the first goal was scored, home skipper Wayne Humphrey trying to be too clever on the edge of his own box, being dispossessed and then watching in horror as Oxborough was beaten. Adam Swain made a chance for himself on the half-hour but the visiting keeper did well to palm the shot round a post.

After the break manager Mark Spavins made an inspired substitution, bringing on Lee Clutterbuck. Within three minutes he had scored the equaliser, stabbing in at the far post after Nick Dyer had made a good run and crossed. Two minutes later and a Clutterbuck corner was met by a well placed Humphrey header right in the top corner.

After that the game swayed to and fro but neither team could create a chance worthy of the name. Danny Garbould came closest with three minutes to go, his strong 25 yard effort being well saved.

Paxtons sixth consecutive win in a 17 day period guarantees a top six finish in their first Premier Division season.

Addendum

'Hope you were joking about missing my, swivel on the ball, change of direction (and pace!!! - yes pace!!) surge through two players and cross into a dangerous position.....where someone SHOULD have been!'

Yes Rob, and then you woke up!

5th May 2001 Bassingbourn (H) Won 3-1

Paxton got a dream start when after only 4 minutes Graham Akers hit a shot through a crowded penalty area, Tony Knowles stuck out a boot and the ball ended in the net. On the quarter hour it was 2-0, Lee Clutterbucks inswinging corner bouncing on the line, a defender tried to clear but again the ball found the back of the net.

It sounds like Paxton were well on top but Bassingbourn had major spells of possession without looking very likely to breach the home defence, until the 28th minute that is when Andy Oxborough pulled off a good reaction save to a close range header.

Two ahead at half-time would have been very satisfactory but a minute before the break a misunderstanding between Oxborough and Rob Seal allowed the visitors to pull one back.

In the second period Akers had a glorious chance to extend the lead just seven minutes in but contrived to hit it wide of the far post. Still dominating possession Bassingbourn could have got level in the 67th minute, another Oxborough/Seal mix-up resulted in the visitors hitting the post.

Knowles killed the game off 14 minutes before the end, Clutterbuck hit another inswinging corner, the keeper palmed the ball to the back post where Knowles had a simple header.

Oxborough was again called into the action shortly after but made a great save to prevent a late rally. Paxton, with seven wins in a row, are now looking capable of a top five finish.

8th May 2001 Waterbeach (H) Lost 1-2

Despite being without a number of first choice players this was a disappointing performance from the home side. Having beaten the visitors 4-0 two weeks previously the substantial crowd were looking for a repeat. In fact it was Waterbeach who looked the most threatening from very early on.

In the sixth minute Will Nitch-Smith, who was a threat all match, burst through but put his shot wide with only keeper Andy Oxborough to beat. A few minutes later and Lee Clutterbuck crossed but neither John Goodchild nor Adam Swain could get a strike on goal. On the quarter hour Jason Cowling had another chance to put Waterbeach in front but clean through he also shot wide. Two minutes later the inevitable happened, Ian White walked past a couple of non-tackles and beat Oxborough at his near post.

Home manager Mark Spavins re-arranged his troops but only three minutes it later it should have been 2-0. Nitch-Smith again burst through but in beating Oxborough he only managed to hit the bar. After that it was end to end stuff but the nearest to another goal was when Danny Garbould hit a post.

Heated comment at half-time seemed to galvanise Paxton and they dominated the early part of the second half. Danny Kennedy nicked the ball from a throw-in and burst into the box, his shot being well saved by Williams before Swain beat the offside trap but was also foiled by the keeper. The pressure paid off in the 54th minute, a strong run from Garbould to the by-line and a fine pull-back to the unmarked Rob Worrall who crashed his shot home off the inside of the post. Just four minutes later and a superb Clutterbuck run was completed by a shot just wide.

Waterbeach re-established their lead on the hour, a defensive misunderstanding gifting the forward with a tap in. That seemed to knock the stuffing out of Paxton and what followed was no feast for the eyes, passes continually going astray, missed tackles and all round poor football, it was amazing that the visitors didn’t increase their lead. In fact the best chance for an equaliser came in the last minute, goalkeeper Oxborough coming up for a corner got in a good header but the ball was cleared off the line.

15th May 2001 Bassingbourn (A) Won 4-2

What with players on holiday, away on business and injured, Great Paxton put out another experimental side for the season finale at Bassingbourn.

Lee Clutterbuck opened the scoring after only four minutes, firstly he dispossessed a defender before going past a second and then toe-ending a shot against the far post, collecting the rebound he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Paxton were well on top from that moment and two minutes later could have had a second but a well hit Danny Garbould shot was pushed round the post.

Tony Knowles finally got the second stabbing home from close range in the 21st minute after another Garbould shot was saved.

Although dominating the game for long periods the visitors couldn’t add to their tally before the break. Manager Mark Spavins allowed the players to play where they liked in the second half. Andy Oxborough came out of goal to go up front with Knowles donning the gloves. central defender Rob Seal joined Oxborough in attack with mid-fielders Garbould and Ian Dawkes forming a new central defensive partnership. Captain Wayne Humphrey went into mid-field and showed off his passing skills to the small crowd of supporters.

Not surprisingly it was Bassingbourn who got the next goal, a strong run down the left and crisp shot past Knowles into the corner in the 56th minute. Knowles made a fine save at his near post eight minutes later to prevent the equaliser. A minute later and Humphrey chipped the home keeper from inside the box, his dipping curling shot a demonstration in cool finishing. At this point Clutterbuck took the gloves off Knowles for his stint between the sticks. Brian Kitchin had a chance to get the fourth after a strong run and cross by Oxborough but blazed his shot over from 10 yards.

Graham Akers made up for that a few minutes later, exchanging passes with Seal before slotting the ball home. Clutterbuck did not look very safe in goal and it was no real surprise when Bassingbourn got their second. Clutterbuck caught the ball OK but panicked by the onrushing attackers turned, slipped, and threw the ball into his own net. That completed the scoring but Alan Tate should have made the final score closer but wasted the chance after a good run that got him clean through with only Clutterbuck to beat.

2nd September 2000 Eaton Socon Res. (H) Lost 3-4

Eaton Socon started well and scored first very early in the first half but, under new Manager Alan Cullum, Paxton stuck to their task and equalised through Ian Gabriel. Three defensive errors then allowed Eaton Socon to take a 4-1 lead and a stranglehold on the game.

However Paxton showed they were made of tough stuff and fought hard to reduce the deficit. First of all substitute Andy Cummins scored to make it 4-2 and then Dan Kennedy scored his first goal since rejoining the club to make it 4-3. Unfortunately there was too little time remaining to force an equaliser, so despite a spirited performance the season began with a home defeat.

9th September 2000 Hemingford Res. (A) Lost 3-6

Paxton took the lead after 15 minutes, Simon Oxborough powering in a fine headed goal from along cross by Martin Hunter. However Dave McIntyre and his defenders conspired to concede two goals to leave Paxton 2-1 down at the break. 

When Oxborough was brought down in the box, Player/Manager Alan Cullum coolly slotted home the spot kick to level and Oxborough again scored to level at 3-3 after Hemingford had gone in front for the second time. The game was in the balance but further defensive frailties meant Hemingford scoring late goals to run out 6-3 winners.

23rd September 2000 Mepal Sports (A) Won 4-3

Early setbacks left Paxton two goals behind before Adam Swain reduced the deficit in this John Ablett Cup match. Mepal again took the initiative with a third goal before Swain again netted, this time from the penalty spot, to leave the visitors trailing by the odd goal in five at the break. 

Paxton then took command in the second half, as the belief that a victory was on the cards began to sink in. Despite ignoring the boss' demands to shorten the game up with the wind at their backs, Paxton firstly equalised and then went in front for the first time with two speculative, if spectacular, long range efforts from Andrew Conway and Dan Kennedy. Despite pressing for further goals the game petered out into a comfortable 4-3 victory to see Paxton safely through to the first round proper.

30th September 2000 C.U.P. Res. (H) Won 4-2

Two goals from Adam Swain and one apiece from Ian Gabriel and Dave Smith were enough for victory.

Eight of the starting line-up were 21 or under and the win was a testament to the new managers 'youth policy'.

7th October 2000 Fenstanton (A) Won 4-3

Hunts Lower Junior Cup

Two up inside ten minutes, through Simon Oxborough and Lee Clutterbuck, Paxton should have romped home but sloppy defence either side of half time allowed Fenstanton to take an unlikely lead. The last half hour was all one way with Stuart Harper equalising and Oxborough netting the winner with 10 minutes to go.

14th October 2000 Littleport Town Res. (H) Lost 2-8

A disorganised Paxton defence was no match for league leaders Littleport. Clutterbuck and Moore scoring consolation goals in a performance described by Manager Allan Cullum as "*&%$# awful.

11th November 2000 Cherry Hinton (A) Won 5-3

John Ablett Cup (3rd Round)

There were sniggers when the 73 year old strike force of Ian Gabriel and Rob Worrall was announced but both proved there was life in the old dogs yet. First Worrall set up Gabriel for number one then Gabriel returned the compliment for 2-0. Second half goals for Luke Clutterbuck, Will Harding (on his debut) and a last minute penalty from player/manager Alan Cullum sealed the victory with Cherry Hinton getting three goals but always being a bit behind.

18th November 2000 Hemingford United Res. (H) Drew 1-1(aet)

Hunts Lower Junior Cup 

Injuries, suspensions and the unavailability of players who were cup tied meant that manger Alan Cullum went to Hemingford with a bare 11 players. With neither regular keeper nor backup available it was left to Carl Harker to don the gloves which he did with distinction (Harker has previously played in defence, midfield and up front this season).

 Hemingford had the greater possession in a goalless first half with only Martin Hunter seriously troubling the keeper. Around fifty minutes had passed when a John Plows corner fell loose in the Paxton box and the ball was bundled home by Chris Meeds. Ten minutes later a superb Luke Catchpole shot was well saved but the loose ball was stabbed in by debutant Kev Fisher. It was then backs to the wall but with Harker outstanding Paxton held on to get a creditable draw with their high flying neighbours.

25th November 2000 Hemingford United Res. (H) Lost 3-6(aet)

Hunts Lower Junior Cup Replay

Carrying on from last week these well matched sides battled out a 90 minute 3-3 draw before Hemingford came through in the second period of extra time. Hemingford scored on the half hour and took that lead into the interval. Goals from Kev Fisher, Luke Catchpole and Gary Sayer followed but they were interspersed with further Hemingford strikes. In extra time a bit of sloppy defending allowed Hemingford to take the lead once again and there was no way back for Paxton.

23rd December 2000 Eaton Socon Res. (A) Won 4-3

Eaton Socon completely outplayed Great Paxton early on and took a 10^th minute lead. Against the run of play Adam Swain scored an opportunist goal to level but Eaton Socon were back in the lead soon after. Manager Alan Cullum must have said the right things at half time because after the break it was all Paxton. Goals from Swain again, Andrew Conway and Simon Oxborough established a 4-2 lead before Eaton Socon scored a late consolation. Hopefully this win will be the spur to moving the team up the league.

13th January 2001 Hemingford Utd. Res. (A) Won 3-2

John Ablett Cup Qrtr Final 

The third meeting this season and Paxton managed their first win over previously unbeaten Hemingford. In what was the original ‘game of two halves’ Paxton dominated the first period and were three up at the break. Goals from Adam Swain, Ian Gabriel and then Swain again seemed to have sewn the game up although Hemingford did miss a penalty when it was 2-0. But in the second half it was all Hemingford and they got two back to set up a very edgy last 15 minutes but Paxton showed a lot of grit and determination and held out till the end.

27th January 2001 Papworth Res. (A) Won 6-3

It was truly ‘men against boys’, Paxton (average age 23) tore apart Papworth (probably nearer 33) from the opening moments. It was amazing that they couldn’t find a way to score and even more amazing when Papworth took a 12^th minute lead with a well struck free kick. 

John Goodchild hit a post seven minutes later and it could have been ‘one of those days’ but in the 22^nd minute Graham Akers got the equaliser after good set up play by Adam Swain and Ian Gabriel. More Paxton pressure followed with Swain outstanding but again a rare Papworth attack was rewarded when a penalty was given following a sloppy challenge. Keeper Harker did well to get a hand to Cooks strike but it still found the net and Papworth re-took the lead. Two goals in the last five minutes of the first half finally turned the scoreline around. Firstly Swain fired home after good work by Simon Oxborough and then Gabriel benefited from Swains determination to tap in the third.

Into the second half and more of the same, Paxton dominating but occasionally Papworth breaking out and creating a chance. 6 minutes in and only a great save by Harker kept the lead but 4 minutes later and defender Andrew Conway was fouled in the box and Swain stepped up and smacked home the penalty. Drama followed as the Referee (keen to be in the action all game) ordered a re-take after encroachment. Again Swain stepped up and smacked the ball home. 

65 minutes and Conway sent Swain away down the left, his pace taking him away from the defence and drawing the keeper, he then unselfishly slipped it across to Gabriel who side-footed home. Papworth by that time reduced to ten then started to play and got their 3^rd in the 76^th minute before nine minutes later Goodchild completed the scoring with a left foot drive after being set up by Gabriel.

In a game of perhaps half a dozen bad tackles the Referee managed to book about ten people including a spectator at half time!

3rd February 2001 Littleport Res. (A) Drew 2-2

A strong wind blowing straight down the pitch made it difficult for Paxton in the first half. After only four minutes they went behind to a crashing shot from centre forward Talbot and for much of the first 45 minutes were under pressure. 

In one of their few excursions into the Littleport area Adam Swain was hauled over by a defender and Swain stroked home the resultant penalty for a 32^nd minute equaliser. After that good work by Swain and Simon Oxborough set up Ian Gabriel but he fired over from close range. 

In the second half the roles were reversed, the wind making it difficult for Littleport to clear their lines and Paxton created a number of chances but all went begging. Then as sometimes happens a breakaway resulted in a goal and keeper Harker was given no chance by a 70^th minute shot from the edge of the area. 

A scorching 30 yard free kick from Danny Kennedy was well saved by the keeper and it looked like it wasn’t going to be Paxtons day but in the 86^th minute Oxborough got away down the right, he looked up and picked out Swain with a fine cross to the far post. Swains first touch killed the ball and then he swept it in for a fine finish.

 Paxton Manager Alan Cullum expressed his pleasure after the game with a point well earned.

17th February 2001 C.U.P. Res. (A) Drew 1-1

A fairly even first 15 minutes before Paxton started to take control, some nice moves but lacking penetration and over elaborating at the back. Around the 35th minute a defensive mistake was punished and CUP took the lead. Five minutes later and Danny Kennedy seeking retribution for an earlier bad challenge got him self sent off for the second time this season.

 Even with 10 men Paxton dominated the 2nd half and deservedly, all be it fortunately, got an equaliser in the 67th minute when an in-swinging John Goodchild corner found it’s way straight into the net. Ten minutes to go and all was comfortable then debutant Chris Bingham thought he was fouled, the Referee didn’t agree and Bingham's choice of language led him to be the second player to go for an early bath. Nine men then fought out a rearguard action to hold out for a point.

24th February 2001 Barrington (A) Abandoned 5-4 up

Paxton started brilliantly with two Andy Cummins goals in the first five minutes as Barrington found no answer to the pace of the Paxton forwards. After that Barrington got more into the game but it was still a surprise when they got one back with half an hour gone. Paxton, spurred into action, immediately got their third when Ian Gabriel slotted home. Barrington then lost a player who had used inappropriate language to the referee and Paxton went on to claim their fourth when Cummins completed his hat-trick just before the break.

With nothing to lose, and all their substitutes on the pitch, Barrington threw caution to the wind and were rewarded with their second only for Adam Swain to get Paxtons fifth from the re-start. But again Barrington's 10 men came storming back and Paxton wobbled when two goals brought the difference down to one. However around the 75th minute tragedy occurred when a Barrington player went down with a suspected broken leg. The Referee decided not to wait for the ambulance and abandoned the game saying it would all start again next week.

3rd March 2001 Barrington (A) Won 4-2(aet)

The previous week this fixture was abandoned due to a serious injury and so it was all start again.

The first 20 minutes were very cautious, both sides perhaps remembering that 9 goals went in last week and that defence was important. A corner, unnecessarily conceded in the 25th minute, led to Barrington taking the lead from a far post header. Ten minutes later and an Adam Swain cross found last weeks hat-trick man Andy Cummins and the sides were level.

Two minutes before half time the home side re-established their lead and the Paxton Manager Alan Cullum had plenty to think about. The visitors came out for the second-half with a different formation and nullified the 5 man Barrington midfield. A set piece let to the second equaliser, a Martin Hunter header from close range.

With the 90 minutes up the game went into extra time and the younger visitors seemed to have the edge in fitness. It only took 2 minutes for Paxton to take the lead for the first time in the match, the Barrington defence gave Dan Kennedy an opportunity to shoot from the edge of the area and he buried the ball in the corner.

By now the crowd had been swelled by the Paxton 1st Team players on their way home from Debden and they roared on the visitors. Two minutes from time a Kennedy free-kick was well met by Cummins on the near post and his header settled the tie.

24th March 2001 Gamlingay Res. (A) Won 7-1

This game was a dress rehearsal for the John Ablett Cup final to be played a month later and if any psychological advantage was gained it was by the visitors.

Ian Gabriel scored the first and strike partner Adam Swain made it two before the interval with a left-foot shot from the edge of the box. After the break Swain went one-on-one with the keeper and shot past him into the corner before the home team got a consolation.

Defender Brian Kitchin got on the end of a corner for number four before Swain completed his hat-trick going round the keeper and side-footing home. In 10 starts for the reserves this season Swain has now scored 17 times. Dave Smith set up Martin Hunter for number six before Simon Oxborough came on, after a seven week injury lay-off, to score the last with his second touch of the ball.

27th March 2001 Brampton Res. (H) Drew 2-2

Due to a waterlogged Great Paxton pitch this game was played at Brampton on a cold and wet evening. Paxton had the edge in the first half but couldn’t turn that into goals, Adam Swain missing the best opportunity just before half-time.

In the second half the goals came, Danny Plumb netting after a melee in the box to put Paxton one up after 50 minutes and just 3 minutes later John Goodchild getting the second following a sweeping move. That should have made the game save but Brampton came battling back and a simple ball over the top caught the Paxton defence square and it was 2-1. 90 seconds later a free-kick proved difficult to hold and suddenly the game was level.

After that, chances came and went at both ends with Paxton having the most but it seemed that the game was destined for a draw then Plumb was felled in the box and an last minute penalty was awarded. The usually reliable Swain stepped up but the keeper made a good save and that was that.

31st March 2001 Milton Res. (A) Won 3-2

Given that the mid-week ‘home’ fixture was actually played at Brampton this was the 10th game in a row ‘on the road’ and the 10th undefeated. Manager Alan Cullum has forged a good team of youngsters with the sprinkling of old heads.

Paxton dominated the opening 20 minutes without creating much in the way of chances but a fine move down the left allowed Simon Oxborough to open the scoring in the 25th. The game was more even after that and the home side equalised before half time, sloppy defence contributing to their own downfall.

In the second half Paxton had the advantage of the wind and started to knock the ball around with confidence, on the hour a Luke Catchpole shot was deflected home by Adam Swain and the visitors went 2-1 up. 10 minutes later and it was all square again, a simple lob over the top caught the defence napping and a header made it 2 all.

In the last 20 Paxton pressured for the winner and it came from Ian Gabriel who came off the bench to notch. Great work from Dave Smith set up the chance and ‘Gabby’ turned and tucked it past the keeper. After that it was about containment and the home side had no answer.

Commenting on goalkeeper McIntyre's performance a defender (who wants to remain anonymous) said afterwards "Macca came off his line twice, once at half-time and once at full-time".

4th April 2001 Fenstanton (A) Won 10-2

Paxton started very brightly and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the eighth minute just how they did it. A good Simon Oxborough cross beat defence and keeper alike and Adam Swain scored (the surprise is, that it was with a header).

After that the visitors had the better of several exchanges but the home side got on level terms with 20 minutes gone, a 25 yard free-kick was crashed into the top corner by Gareth Bridges, keeper Carl Harker clawing at thin air.

Another eight minutes and Paxton took the lead they were never to relinquish, Will Harding picked out an unmarked Danny Plumb with a cross-field pass and Plumb went on to slide the ball past the keeper with his right foot (yes, I did say right!). Four minutes later and Plumb turned provider setting up Andy Cummins for number three.

It was now really one way traffic, the pace of Swain and Cummins constantly exposing the home defence with the midfield prompting of Luke Catchpole and Andrew Conway free-kicks causing untold problems. In the 35th minute an astute pass from James Fieldhouse put Swain clear, he set up Cummins who hit the post, Swain gathered the rebound and fired home. The post saved Fenstanton twice more in the next three minutes, first Cummins again then Oxborough.

After the break it was more of the same with Paxton attacking in waves but Fenstanton breaking occasionally and it took a good save by Harker to keep them out in the 50th minute. Then after 53 Plumb had a shot diverted just past the post, from the resultant corner Brian Kitchin was presented with his first when the keeper fumbled.

Then Paxton hit three in four minutes, Swain flicking on for Plumbs second then setting up Kevin Fisher (playing now more left wing then left back) for his first then Plumb providing Swain for his hat-trick. It was a whole eleven minutes before Kitchin headed home a Fisher corner and then in the 76th substitute Gary Mansfield had a shot deflected for double figures.

Four minutes from time and Simon Badell completed the scoring for the home side beating Harker with a good strike from inside the area.

7th April 2001 Hardwick Res. (A) Won 3-2

Paxton took their 12 match unbeaten run to the team immediately above them in the league and extended it, although you wouldn’t have thought that possible early on. The visitors just seemed to be going through the motions and it took a 10th minute soft goal to galvanise them into action. They then took control and a clever 25th minute finish by Dave Smith brought the scores level.

Fairly even from that point till half-time but after the break the pressure and pace of Andy Cummins broke the deadlock on the hour mark before lethargy crept in again. Sloppy defending on the right side and the home team were gifted an equaliser. Cummins pace again caused trouble and he went clear of the defence and one-on-one with the keeper before slotting home the 75th minute winner.

The teams meet again two weeks on Monday, should be interesting.

11th April 2001 Gamlingay Res. (H) Won 3-1

This game started with a bang, literally. Thirty seconds in and Martin Hunter knocked a simple ball over the Gamlingay defence, Adam Swain ran on and with his left foot, crashed the ball home from the edge of the area. So that the scene for a goal fest which strangely failed to materialise, the home team had bags of possession but couldn’t turn promising moves into scoring opportunities and the visitors gained confidence.

With thirty five minutes gone a hopeful ball lobbed into the Paxton penalty area caused indecision, Paul Knibbs gave Dave McIntyre no chance and evened the score with a shot into the top corner. A minute later live-wire Andy Cummins nearly restored the lead but a good save thwarted his goal bound effort.

The second half was more of the same, wave upon wave of Paxton attacking play with the occasional break out by the visitors. It took the introduction of substitute Dave Smith to decide the match. Simon Oxborough put an 70th minute corner over the defence and Smith volleyed the ball in from an acute angle. Buoyed by this, Paxton attacked again and again, three minutes later Adam Swain went past two defenders and into the area before being scythed down from behind. Swain dusted himself off and stepped up to coolly slot the resultant spot kick into the corner before coming off to a standing ovation.

More attacking play followed with Cummins running the opposition ragged but no further goals. Gamlingay left the field knowing that the cup final between these sides on the 25th is going to be a good game.

14th April 2001 Mepal Sports (A) Drew 1-1

Manager Alan Cullum described his teams performance as well below par and was not happy with them despite their extending the unbeaten run to 14 league and cup games.

The first half was fairly even with neither side able to create much more than half-chances and even few of those.

After the break Cullum departed from his normal 4-4-2 and went for a more exotic 3-5-2, this seemed to open the game up but the home side benefitted most creating the majority of the chances. It was the 65th minute when the breakthrough came, a good, accurate 25 yarder giving keeper Harker no chance. With that Paxton threw men forward, leaving themselves exposed to Mepal counterattacks but in the 86th minute got their reward. A foul just outside the box gave Andrew Conway a chance and he smashed the free-kick towards goal. The ball took a deflection but found the corner and the visitors celebrated. It wasn’t all over because Mepal created a chance to win the game before the final whistle but it was wasted.

18th April 2001 Milton Res. (H) Won 5-3

It was one of those April evenings, in the space of half an hour we had all four seasons and the match we watched was just as changeable.

Paxton started well and created two good chances in the first eleven minutes, both falling to Martin Hunter, the first well saved by the keeper and the second whistling past the post. Hunter and Luke Catchpole were running the mid-field and it was Catchpole who set up Gabriel for the first goal in the 17th. Milton had a throw in their own half but it was mis-directed, Catchpole rose and headed the ball over the last defender, Gabriel ran on and despite the attentions of both defender and goalkeeper stabbed the ball in from six yards.

Milton came much more into the game after that and might have equalised in the 22nd minute, a close range header was well saved by Carl Harker. The game was then end-to-end till the 35th minute before Gabriel again did the damage. Andrew Conway took a free-kick in his own half and found Adam Swain, back to goal, on the six yard line, Swain deftly flicked the ball to the far post and Gabriel tapped in number two.

Five minute later and surely, game over, Simon Oxborough won a header and sent Swain free, he burst into the box, outpacing the defence, and crashed the ball into the far corner.

After the break Paxton immediately went on the attack, John Goodchild saw a strong shot well saved and the resultant corner created a scramble with the ball being kicked off the line. Milton didn’t lie down though and created a great chance on 62 minutes, a free header from six yards going into the corner before Harker made a superb save, pushing the ball round the post one handed. No lesson was learnt from this experience as eight minutes later Terry Dean was given the same opportunity and he made no mistake. In the 79th minute determined tackling from Will Harding won the ball for Swain who cleverly set up substitute Dave Smith for number four.

Five minutes later and another defensive error allowed Mike Holden to pull back Milton's second. Two minutes from time and Swain again caused chaos before notching his second (his 25th in 15 games for the reserves this season). There was still time for another when Oxborough scythed down an attacker in the area, Keith Wells giving Harker no chance from the spot.

21st April 2001 Fenstanton (H) Won 3-2

Paxton had put 10 past the visitors only 17 days previously but, maybe with one eye on next Wednesdays cup-final, they put in a scrappy display. Adam Swain opened the scoring just before the half-hour with an opportunist strike but that was about the only good moment in the first half.

Ten minutes after the break Luke Catchpole showed his class with a clever 20 yard chip over the out of position keeper for 2-0. Instead of going on and dominating the game Paxton fell back into bad habits and sloppy defending allowed Fenstanton to pull one back shortly after. It took the introduction of substitute John Goodchild to sew up the points with a 75th minute strike before more poor back-play allowed the visitors to grab a second. It was then a case of hanging-on and the Referees final whistle was greeted with relief.

28th April 2001 Papworth Res. (H) Won 3-1

A strong wind blowing corner to corner, Conbyned with a bumpy pitch, did not help the home sides passing game but quality shone through. Eight minutes gone and Kev Fisher exchanged passes with John Goodchild before releasing Simon Oxborough in the area. Oxborough struck a firm shot which took a deflection before neatly finishing in the far corner of the net.

The home side continued to dominate possession and Oxborough went close again after a Will Harding pass split the defence before a Fisher shot was well saved at the expense of a corner. In the 28th minute Paxton bundled the ball home but the effort was disallowed for a foul on the keeper. Seven minutes later and a Trevor Barnes header was kicked off the line.

The game changed in the 39th minute, a rare Papworth excursion into the Paxton half saw Fisher being pressurised from behind before going to ground. Realising that a foul had not been given Fisher reacted badly, abusing the referee loudly, Mr Goldsmith had no choice but to dismiss him. Suddenly the visitors perked up and it was no surprise when only two minutes later they equalised after a goalmouth scramble.

At half-time player/manager Alan Cullum rallied and re-arranged his troops and despite their man disadvantage Paxton went on to completely dominate the second half. First Goodchild had a shot well saved, then a superb Dan Kennedy pass found him in space but Goodchild could only shoot over the bar. Then Harding had a chance but again it went over before Goodchild had his third excellent opportunity within five minutes, again it was wasted.

Paxton heads seemed to droop a little and Papworth created their only two chances of the half but both times were thwarted by excellent goalkeeping from Carl Harker. Paxton came roaring back creating more good chances, a sixtieth minute Andy Cummins shot shaving a post, and then just two minutes later the same player lobbing just over. 63 minutes was on the clock when the home side finally made their dominance count, Barnes putting the speedy Cummins through and he made no mistake neatly slipping the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Paxton were now camped in the Papworth half, Oxborough crashed a shot over, Luke Catchpole lobbed the keeper but just too high and Harding again overhit his shot. A 73rd minute corner saw Barnes win a header, Cummins drop backwards and bicycle-kick the ball home. It was now set up for a piece of Paxton history, 99 goals had been scored by the reserves in the season and long-time club top scorer Ian Gabriel came off the bench. In a nine minute period Gabriel had three excellent chances but like his team-mates previously, he couldn’t find the telling strike.

30th April 2001 Hardwick Res. (H) Won 6-0

With top scorer Adam Swain restored to the side Paxton found their shooting boots late and buried poor Hardwick. Within the first ten minutes both Swain and strike partner Ian Gabriel wasted good chances before the visitors had their first opportunity, Carl Harker pulling off a tremendous reaction save from close range. That was to be the last chance Hardwick had for over an hour as wave upon wave of Paxton attacks swamped the visiting defence and tested keeper Ray Lavin to the limit.

A super cross from Dan Kennedy provided Swain with a 23rd minute free header but, heading not being his strong suit, it went wide. Three minutes later and a fierce strike from Kennedy was deflected just over the bar. It was on the half hour mark before the scoring started, a long Harker clearance was allowed to bounce and Swain neatly lobbed the onrushing Lavin. This was the 100th goal Paxton Reserves had scored in the season, a club record. Further chances fell to both Swain and Gabriel but on both occasions Lavin saved well. Six minutes before half-time a corner deflected off a defender and John Goodchild stabbed home the second from close range.

After the break it was one-way traffic, first Swain missed from three yards after a superb turn and cross by Gabriel, then Kennedy unleashed another rocket but it went just over. Smith had a snap-shot just past the post before the third arrived on the hour. Kennedy hit a free-kick to the far post and central defender Andrew Conway ghosted in to deftly side foot volley the ball into the corner. Hardwick heads went down after this and only four minutes later Conway found Swain on the run and he buried his second.

Manager Alan Cullum then got all his substitutes on, Kev Fisher, Will Harding and Andy Cummins, all normal starters. In the 68th Swain should have completed his hat-trick but was again denied by Lavin who then thwarted Kennedy moments later. Fisher got the fifth, his inswinging corner eluding everybody. Cummins electric pace caused even more problems for the besieged Hardwick defence and he was denied once by Lavin before putting a header wide. Kennedy had yet another shot well saved just before Simon Goodchild put a good effort wide.

Eight minutes to go and Hardwick broke out winning a free kick to the right side of the area, Steve Thulborn struck a good shot that dropped onto the top of the bar with Harker a spectator. In the last two minutes John Goodchild had another chance but Lavin saved before Swain netted his third of the day and 29th of the season. A sublime swivel and turn on the edge of the box before crashing a bending shot which Lavin got a piece of but couldn’t prevent going in.

An oddity of the match was the difference in ages of the first-half linesmen, Hardwick supplying a 16 year old and Paxton 69 years young, sponsor, Tony Baxter.

2nd May 2001 Hemingford Res. (H) Won 8-2

Nineteen games and over 5 months ago Hemingford were the last team to defeat Great Paxton but they never looked likely to repeat that feat.

The home side took instant control and could have been ahead in two minutes, Dan Kennedy’s strike just skimming the bar. Four minutes later and Luke Catchpole sent a shot crashing against the foot of a post, Simon Oxborough was first to react and slipped the ball across goal for Will Harding to tap in.

In the 10th minute Adam Swain picked up a short back pass, rounded the keeper and made it 2-0. The same player should have had his second only a minute later but after beating the offside trap shot over. It didn’t take long for that to be rectified, John Goodchild and Oxborough Conbyning to set Swain up for number three.

Controversy in the 23rd minute, the home linesmans flag was raised for what looked a clear offside, the Referee overruled him and waved play on, the player now 10 yards behind the defence crossed the ball and despite a mis-kick it ended in the net. Keeper Andy Oxborough was furious and demanded the Referee consult the linesman, the Referee declined but issued a caution to Oxborough, the first he has ever received. Great Paxton Chairman, Howard Fieldhouse, was incensed and he also received a caution.

Four minutes later and Goodchild fed Swain, his clever back-heel set Oxborough free and it was 4-1. Hemingford made a substitution and steadied the ship for a while but a minute before the break Michael Moore went on a run and crossed for central defender Andrew Conway to guide the ball into the corner.

It didn’t take long for the 2nd half to be like the first, Kennedy retrieving the ball on the by-line and picking out Goodchild with a superb cross, Goodchild rose to head home at the far post. On the hour Swain again beat the offside trap, chipped the keeper, ran round him and headed the bouncing ball home for his hat-trick, his 32nd goal for the team this season. Swain could have had two more soon after but a couple of good saves denied him. A rare foray upfield brought about Hemingfords 75th minute second, a rare Oxborough fumbled presenting the forward with a simple chance.

There was still plenty of time for Paxton to create some more chances, but it was the visitors who created the best with another poor back pass, Simon Oxborough gleefully accepted the gift.

5th May 2001 St. Ives Rangers (H) Won 2-1

In the reverse fixture six months previously St. Ives had hit nine but Paxton taking a 19 game unbeaten streak into the game are a much better side now.

The scoring opened in the 12th minute when an indirect free-kick was awarded just outside the area. Dan Kennedy nudged the ball to John Goodchild who frankly mis-hit his shot, but a deflection and a lot of spin took the ball in at the far post. Four minutes later and top scorer Adam Swain should have made it two but failed to get his shot off when clean through.

In the 23rd minute the visitors were level, a right-wing corner being volleyed in at the near post. St. Ives were dominating possession but looked vulnerable to a quick counter-attack. A minute before half-time and the inevitable happened, a failing offside trap not capturing Swain who got on the end of a Simon Oxborough kick before crossing for Andy Cummins to finish.

The second half started with a bang, a touch forward then back to Kennedy who hit a fifty yard screamer, swirling in the wind the ball arrowed towards goal before striking the top of the bar. It only took St. Ives four minutes to threaten, first hitting the post then watching Kev Fisher clear off the line. Ten minutes later and Fisher was at the other end hitting a strong shot that was well saved. The visitors having long spells of control without finding a way past a resolute back four well protected by Kennedy and Luke Catchpole.

Swain had two further golden opportunities to score when his pace took him through but the first was pushed onto the post and his last minute run didn’t produce a shot on goal.

10th May 2001 Mepal Sports (H) Drew 2-2

Maybe this was just a game too far but Paxton couldn’t reproduce the form that took them to six wins on the trot, still a draw stretched the unbeaten streak to 21 matches.

Mepal got a dream start, after only two minutes Mark Salmons punted the ball into the box, player/manager Alan Cullum left it for his keeper but looked on in anguish as the ball took a freak bounce and ballooned over Carl Harkers head. Although enjoying the majority of possession Paxton failed to create any clear cut chances and it was the visitors who came closest to getting the second goal. On the quarter hour a 40 yard curling free kick just eluding the post.

After that there were a number of chances, the best falling to Cullum who managed to head over from three yards out. Just before half time and the home defence was left in tatters but Harker kicked away a weak effort.

After a half-time roasting the home side came out all guns blazing, Adam Swain raced past defenders before crossing, to strike partner Andy Cummins, who should have done better from close range. But with only three second-half minutes gone a typical defensive misunderstanding left a visiting forward with the simplest of chances and he gave Harker no chance. Paxton fell to pieces and two more golden chances went begging shortly after, Harker saving one and the other going wide.

Swain then gave the home side hope, a simple ball over the top and he raced on to flick it past the onrushing keeper and into the net. That was the prelude to a period of intense pressure on the visiting defence with another Swain shot deflected over and substitute Simon Oxborough having a great strike well saved. Parity was restored in the 69th minute, a free-kick just outside the area was crashed into the top corner by Danny Kennedy.

After that it was more of the same, Paxton having most of the ball but giving it away too often to create any meaningful chances and Mepal hitting on the break but weak finishing letting them down.

Two minutes from time another substitute, Will Harding, thought he’d won the game but a stunning one handed save thwarted him and Mepal went away with a point they richly deserved.

16th May 2001 Gamlingay Res. (At Histon) Lost 3-2(aet)

John Ablett Cup Final

So Great Paxton Reserves wonderful run of 21 games unbeaten came to an end in a cup-final. Gamlingay, having been beaten twice this season by Paxton, called on previously hidden reserves to win the final in extra time.

Gamlingay had the first shot of the match in the 3rd minute but it went just wide of the post, after that half chances were created at both ends before Adam Swain opened the scoring after 16 minutes. A defensive slip allowed Swain to go free and he slotted the ball home for his 34th goal of the season. A minute later and Gamlingay should have had a penalty when Simon Oxborough handled in the box but it was unseen by the officials. Over the next ten minutes Gamlingay had two golden opportunities to equalise, firstly a free header on the far post went over the bar then a fine point-blank save by Carl Harker denied them.

Swain was, as usual, causing problems and he should have doubled the lead when he exchanged passes with an offside Ian Gabriel before putting the ball wide. Controversy in the 35th minute when Swain robbed the Gamlingay Number Six (Keely Ridge?) and the defender seemed to swing a punch, neither Referee nor assistant, although well placed acknowledged the incident although the vociferous Paxton support were in no doubt. A minute later Kev Fisher went on a fine run before presenting the ball to Dan Kennedy who shot wide.

Four minutes before the interval the game was tied, a long ball over a napping defence allowed the forward to chip over Harker. Just before the whistle and another punch was thrown by the same player as before, this time at Kennedy, but again only the players and crowd reacted.

Shortly after the break and Gamlingay took the lead, it looked as if the attacker had lost control of the ball but Harker stayed at home and was beaten by a shot into the corner. Paxton’s normal passing game was spoiled by the inferior pitch and they struggled to create another meaningful chance for some time. It took a 62nd minute injury to veteran Ian Gabriel, which let Andy Cummins on, to liven up proceedings. Cummins pace and tenacity causing problems and chances but Andrew Conway, John Goodchild and Trevor Barnes all spurned good opportunities.

With fourteen minutes on the clock Cummins flicked the ball on for Swain who ran on and notched his second, nine minutes later and Swain was upended in the box but again the Referee gave nothing.

Into extra time and Swain had another chance but scuffed his left foot shot wide. Disaster struck Paxton in the 105th minute, firstly Harker dropped a cross which bounced over his line for the third Gamlingay goal. Then within moments of the restart Kennedy went into what looked like a fairly innocuous challenge, the Gamlingay player reacted aggressively and Kennedy laughed him off, the Referee then called Kennedy over and to the stunned surprise of the crowd sent him off.

With only 10 men it was tough for Paxton to get another equaliser and Gamlingay held out to lift the cup.