1st September 1999: Gamlingay. (A) Won 1-0

The first game of a new season, Paxton newly promoted from Senior 'B' against Gamlingay last season relegated from the Premier Division.

Paxton started the more brightly with new signings Billy Foulkes and Nick Dyer settling in well and Tony Knowles disrupting the home defence with his pace.

In fact it was Knowles who was tumbled in the box to set up a 17th minute penalty which none of the home players or supporters disputed. Simon Anderson stepped up and buried the spot kick.

The second half was more of the same but no goals came, Paxton had two further shouts for penalties but neither was awarded.

4th September 1999: Comberton (A) Drew 3-3

The previous season Comberton has only missed out on promotion to the Kershaw Premier on goal difference so they looked like a stiff test for newly promoted Great Paxton.

That was to be the case, 3 times Comberton took the lead but Paxton showed their tenacious qualities by equalising each time through Tony Knowles and Billy Foulkes in the first half and then Foulkes again in the second.

18th September 1999: Hardwick (H) Drew 1-1

Great Paxton maintained their unbeaten record, coming from behind to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with Hardwick. Bob McGill put the visitors in front five minutes before half-time but Danny Plumb and Tony Knowles combined to set up Simon Anderson for the equaliser.

A bonus for Paxton was the debut of new signing Dave Goodall, formerly with Eynesbury, as he earned the man-of-the-match award with a solid performance.

22nd September 1999: Somersham Town Res. (A) Won 2-1

Things started badly on the night when Andy Oxborough declared himself unfit and player/manager Mark Spavins had to don the gloves, the way the game went it made little difference.

Both side started cautiously but Paxton had the better of the first half hour and were rewarded with the first goal. A long through ball from Dave Goodall was collected by Billy Foulkes he crossed from the left and the charging Simon Anderson rose to put a crashing header into the net.

The second half followed the pattern of the first, Paxton having the majority of the play and Somershams sporadic attacks being competently dealt with by a solid Paxton defence. The second goal was a touch of class, Tony Knowles speed got him to the byline and he hit a superb centre. Billy Foulkes soared through the air and headed a lovely goal.

The Somersham consolation goal came late in the game, Wayne Humphrey over-elaborating (that's code for making a complete balls-up) and Spavins was given no chance.

25th September 1999: Hemingford United (A) Drew 0-0

The previous time Paxton visited Hemingford the home side scored seven, what a difference two years made, the visitors came into the local derby match unbeaten and ended it the same.

Paxton dominated most of the midfield play and on the odd occasion that Hemingford managed to get past the likes of Simon Anderson and Matt Plumb they came up against a well organised defence.

Up-front Rob Worrall and Tony Knowles constantly worried the home defence but chances slipped by and when Knowles finally found the net it was disallowed for offside.

After the game Hemingford manager Tony Coulson said..."Paxton were much the better side and we were pleased to get a point from a game that we could have easily lost"

2nd October 1999: Whittlesford (H) Won 8-0

Rob Worrall led the way in this game scoring a hat-trick in just 22 minutes of the first half. With further goals from Simon Anderson, Tony Knowles and Dave Goodall it was 6-0 at half time. It was really one of those 'golden' halves and everything that was hit went in. The visitors came out more determined after the break and that, coupled with the home sides understandable lack of urgency, meant there were just 2 more goals. Matt Plumb and substitute Andrew Conway getting their names on the scoresheet.

9th October 1999:  Fulbourn Institute (A) Won 2-1

Great Paxton put on a good display and eased their way into the quarter-finals of the William Cockrell Cup. A sluggish start by the visitors saw Fulbourn doing most of the early attacking and a couple of long range efforts had to be dealt with by Andy Oxborough. 

Against the run of play Paxton took the lead, a well worked goal which started in the Paxton half saw Danny Plumb laying the ball to Simon Anderson who then found Rob Worrall with a precision pass, Worrall tucked a low slot into the corner. Plumb was injured in the play and could take no further part in the match.

Two minutes later and Worrall found the net again, this time Anderson got to the byline and centred straight onto the head of the advancing Worrall and 2-0. Just before half-time Simon Salisbury tried to play the ball across the park to Lee Clutterbuck but found only a Fulbourn player who stepped forward and took his chance well.

The second-half was a midfield battle, Fulbourn having little success in breaking down a stubborn Paxton rearguard although one chance scraped the bar and a second was well saved by Oxborough.

16th October 1999: Warboys Town (A) Drew 1-1

"This is the biggest game in the clubs history and we shall be ready for it. If you are looking for a Senior Cup upset it could come at Warboys next week"

    - Howard Fieldhouse, Town Crier, October 14th 1999.

Paxton put on a great display (in the Hunts Senior Cup First Round) at the home of Jewson Premier League side Warboys Town and earned themselves a replay. Paxton started as obvious underdogs but got stuck in early and Warboys were clearly knocked out of their stride.

After 17 minutes a fine Simon Anderson through ball found Billy Foulkes who advanced onto the home keeper and coolly slotted the ball under him. Warboys came back strongly but had little success until just before half-time when Wayne Humphrey wrestled with centre-forward Cole and a penalty was awarded. Darren Clarke converted the spot kick and the sides went in level.

After the break Warboys had the majority of the game but, possibly, the best chance fell to Anderson but he headed over from a fine Matt Plumb centre in the 82nd minute. Warboys were denied by the woodwork on occasions but anything they got on target was easily dealt with by Andy Oxborough.

Neither side could break the deadlock in extra time and Paxton could look forward to the replay which because of limited facilities would have to be held again at Forge Way.

23rd October 1999: West Wratting (A) Won 4-3

With five regular first team players unavailable Paxton took on a difficult away fixture with some trepidation. One look at the pitch and the weather did nothing to raise their spirits, the weather was awful and the surface not much better with a considerable slope from one goal to the other.

Wratting settled quickly and put the visitors make-shift defence under pressure but against the run of play Paxton opened the scoring. Billy Foulkes found himself in the clear and rattled un unstoppable shot past the keeper. However after that everything went pear-shaped and Paxton conceded two sloppy goals to fall behind.

Playing well under pressure is a sign of a confident side and Lee Clutterbuck was put through to level the scores from a difficult angle. But just before half-time Wratting went back into the lead when a superbly placed shot defeated Andy Oxborough.

In the second-half Paxton had far more of the pressure but now the problem was converting any of the multitude of chances they created, then Wratting had an attack and nearly went further ahead but player/manager Mark Spavins cleared off the line.  Oxborough then made an outstanding save to keep Paxton in the game. 

Finally Paxton pressure paid off, a good move found Simon Anderson in the clear and he tapped in the equaliser. Now on top Paxton upped the pace and the winner was not long coming, a cross found Dave Goodall, he flicked on to Foulkes at the far post who smashed the ball home.

Wratting threw everything into one last flurry and again Oxborough was the hero with three magnificent saves to deny them a point.

30th October 1999: Mildenhall Town Res. (H) Won 4-0

Great Paxton went to the top of the Kershaw Senior 'A' division after a comprehensive victory over league leaders Mildenhall. Paxton went into the game as the only unbeaten side left in the league and that proud record never looked in danger. 

The game began at a frantic pace with both sides trying to get into an early rhythm, the visitors producing the first chance but Andy Oxborough tipped the ball around the post for a corner. Dave Goodall, playing up-front for the first time in a Paxton shirt, had a good chance after the visiting keeper had poorly cleared a back-pass but took too long on the shot and a defender cleared.

After 23 minutes a lovely ball from man-of-the-match Matt Plumb found Goodall in the clear and he coolly slotted the ball home.

Just before half-time things got worse for Mildenhall when a shot from Simon Anderson was handled deliberately on the line, denying a clear scoring chance meaning the referee had no option but to send the offender off. Anderson took the penalty but the keeper got down well to make the save.

At half-time Paxton had an enforced change with Tony Knowles replacing the limping Lee Clutterbuck. Into the second half and a Knowles header was pushed up into the air by the keeper allowing Brian Kitchin to head home the rebound. Later Mildenhall put themselves into even deeper trouble when a second defender handled on the line and joined his colleague off the field. Simon Salisbury took the second penalty giving the keeper no chance.

Mildenhall battled on bravely with only nine men but the home side were much too strong and the inevitable happened when Dave Goodall scored his second right on the final whistle.

Manager Mark Spavins rated this a good performance but still thought the team had another gear and the best was still to come.

2nd November 1999: Warboys Town (A) Won 2-1

"The most memorable night in the clubs history......."

"The biggest cup shock in the 110 year history of the Hunts Senior Cup"

"The toast of Huntingdonshire football"

"Paxton humble Witches"

Great Paxton rightfully received the praise, and all the headlines, after a wonderful night at Forge Way.

The game started slowly, neither side really taking the initiative and chances were few and far between. The first real chance fell to Paxtons' Nick Dyer but his shot sailed the wrong side of the post. Warboys also had their chances but lacked any real punch in front of goal. However after 23 minutes Paxton full back Simon Salisbury clumsily brought down John Setchell in the box and referee Wilkinson pointed to the spot.  Kevin Randle took the kick, keeper Andy Oxborough did well to get a hand to it but Randle followed up to score.

Manager Mark Spavins said, after the game, that the first-half performance was by far and away the worst for a very long time and a few choice words from him at half-time left the team under no illusions.

The second-half saw a totally different Paxton side and after only a minute they nearly drew level. Tony Knowles went clear only for John Gilson, the Warboys keeper, to bring him down. The referee was lenient and only showed a yellow card. Knowles got his revenge 10 minutes later when he met a Matt Plumb free-kick and his looping header found the net. 

After 74 minutes Paxton got the winner they, from the second-half performance, deserved, A free-kick was sliced onto his own goal-post by a Warboys defender but rebounded to Dave Goodall who smashed the ball into the net.

Warboys never really threatened the Paxton goal and the last 15 minutes were well controlled by the visiting team. At the final whistle the scenes were reminiscent of the Championship deciding win at Hardwick at the end of the previous season.

6th November 1999: Alconbury (A) Won 3-0

It just keeps getting better for Great Paxton! Alconbury, with home advantage must have felt confident about winning this Hunts Senior Cup Quarter-final, however they soon found out that the Great Paxton victory at Warboys was no fluke.

In a competitive first-half much of the possession was shared but the visiting defence was in a mean mood and apart from one mis-hit volley by Jardine Bell little was seen of the home attack.

Paxton had made just one team change from Warboys with Rob Worrall replacing Nick Dyer and it was the striker who squandered a chance to open the scoring as he dragged a shot wide after deceptively neat control by Wayne Humphrey.

Home keeper Dave Newton was in fine form with two important saves to deny Matt Plumb and Worrall and ironically the first goal came in injury time added on because of a knock to home skipper Steve Long. Plumb split the defence and Simon Anderson hit a great shot wide of the keeper just seconds prior to the half-time whistle.

After the break Paxton were much more composed and after an hour Worrall swept in the second after a good touch on by Anderson who completed the victory with his second goal of the game after a slick seven-man build up.

13th November 1999: Ely City Res. (H) Won 3-0

The first half was all about penalties. Firstly Ely gave one away and Simon Anderson gave the keeper no chance. Then, shortly after, a second was awarded, the offender shown a red card but this time Anderson gave the keeper a chance and he saved well.

But against 10 men Paxton were well in control and Dave Goodall added two more goals to his tally after the break.

20th November 1999: Linton Granta (A) Drew 0-0

"We were lucky!!"

That was the feeling coming out of the Paxton camp after the match after the William Cockell Cup Quarter-final at Linton.

Manager Mark Spavins said if it were not for Andy Oxborough the next fixture would be a league game and not a replay with Linton who he thought thoroughly deserved to win this match.

Oxborough was on top form and he had to be. Countless Linton attempts at goal were saved, punched and scrambled away. Paxtons' efforts in the first-half were few and far between, Rob Worrall had the best of them but keeper Budcock was equal to it.

Just before half-time the most controversial incident of the game took place, poor defensive work by Paxton allowed Linton to get behind them and a player lobbed Oxborough, somehow he managed to get back and claw the ball out. It was the view of the Linton players and supporters of both camps that the ball had probably crossed the goal-line but with no confirmation from the linesman the referee waved play on.

The second-half was similar to the first with Linton doing most of the attacking and Paxton trying to hit them on the break, the home side had the best chances but Oxborough was determined not to be beaten. Simon Anderson had the ball in the net deep into injury time but it was ruled offside and the match went into extra-time when Matt Plumb was also denied a goal by a mysterious refereeing decision.

27th November 1999: Linton Granta (H) Lost 2-1

William Cockell Cup Quarter Final

So what is it about Linton Granta?. That was the question being asked after this match by the defeated Great Paxton team. They just seem to have the 'Indian sign' over us.

A defensive error by Danny Plumb led to a 25th minute penalty that proved enough for the visitors to go in with a half-time lead courtesy of the Mark Critoph spot kick.

Dave Goodall equalised on the hour and then continued to push forward but couldn't find a way past Kieron Buddock in the Linton goal. With five minutes to go the visitors struck, a lapse in concentration in the Paxton defence allowed Keith Mannion to turn and score form a tight angle inside the six yard box.

4th December 1999: Fulbourn Institute (A) Won 2-1

Paxton took control of this game from the very first kick and were intent on putting last weeks cup defeat well and truly behind them. They dominated the opening play and on 18 minutes Simon (Geordie) Anderson combined well with Dave Goodall who played the ball through to Mat Plumb who went on to open the score for Paxton by sliding the ball under the advancing opposition keeper. Paxton kept up the pressure and went further in front on the half-hour mark when Billy Foulkes laid the ball into the path of Dave Goodall who rifled the ball into the net from 20 yards. A stunning effort to take the teams into half time with Paxton deservedly 2 – 0 up. The second half saw Fulbourn come more into the game and they created a few chances for themselves but it was only a rebound off two defenders that allowed Sean Frost to reduce the arrears by sliding the ball past Paxton keeper Andy Oxborough on 67 mins. The final minutes were fairly well shared and Paxton just about deserved their win to remain unbeaten in the League.

18th December 1999: Somersham Town Res. (H) Won 2-0

Paxton finished 1999 as they started it, unbeaten in the league. This was a solid performance and they never looked in trouble against a team struggling towards the bottom of the division.

Both sides started brightly and Somersham probably edged it on the early exchanges but they could not make that advantage pay with Wayne Humphrey and Brain Kitchin resolute in defence. Paxton then started to dictate the play and took the lead half way through the first-half when good work between Simon Anderson and Dave Goodall created the first goal for Billy Foulkes. Receiving the ball Foulkes calmly slotted it past the keeper from 10 yards.

Paxton then started to show why they had been so consistent over the year, playing some very good football and manager Mark Spavins was happy at half-time.

The second half was very much the same as the first, possession wise, Paxton dominated and chances came thick and fast. Wayne Harris had a header hit the post and Dave Goodall had a spectacular effort well saved by the keeper. Anderson bossed midfield and Paxton just eased their way towards three points. It was 10 minutes before the end when victory was sealed. Good work from substitutes Rob Worrall and Tony Knowles produced a chance for Danny Plumb who took it with glee.

8th January 2000: Comberton (H) Won 3-2

At 2-0 down at half-time even the most die-hard of Paxton supporters would have been forgiven for thinking that the 28 games undefeated league record was about to end. But once more the lads didn't lie down and they put on a great performance in the second half and pulled off a well deserved win.

Comberton, who gave Paxton one hell of a game at the start of the season, started well and took the lead after 11 minutes through Sam Holsworth. The home side were trying to get their game together but nothing seemed to be going their way and after 21 minutes their luck took a turn for the worse when the visitors scored their second a low shot from Danny Bayliss creeping into the corner of the net.

After half-time things picked up and the luck changed. A 47th minute Dave Goodall corner was not cleared and the impressive Simon Anderson crossed for Billy Foulkes to score. Comberton were on the ropes and struggling to contain a rampant Paxton team but for all the pressure the equaliser failed to materialise. Substitute Rob Worrall, within a few minutes of taking the field, turned and slotted the ball into the corner for a deserved 2-2.

Things got even better when Wayne Humphrey went on a Ginola-like run, his cross missed Foulkes and went under the keeper for Paxton to go ahead. After that there could have been more goals but a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing kept the score 3-2 and Paxton started the new century with a win.

15th January 2000: Hemingford (H) Drew 1-1

A local derby was always going to be a tough affair, and this was to be no exception, Hemingford were the last team to take points off Paxton when they held them to a 1-1 draw in the early part of the season.

Paxton though will be disappointed with this result as they totally dominated the first half, creating numerous chances but failing to convert cost them dear. Mark Spavins started with Tony Knowles on the right and Billy Foulkes up front, but this was obviously not working and within minutes of him swapping the players, Paxton scored.

A great through ball by Wayne Harris put Knowles in the clear and he calmly finished to put Paxton 1-0 up in the 28th minute. Chances were raining in on the visitors goal, Rob Worrall, restored to the side, had a great chance but delayed when trying to get the ball onto his left foot and this allowed the defender to get back and make a tackle.

Knowles again got clear after good work by Matt Plumb but he also failed to hit the target and another chance went begging.

At half-time the majority of the people watching probably thought the game was over but Hemingford had different ideas and came out battling. Mind you they were very fortunate not to go 2-0 down when a well timed jump by Worrall was penalised, and a perfectly good goal disallowed.

The last 15 minutes were really forgettable for Paxton, defending too deep and a total loss of shape allowed Hemingford back in the game. A terribly timed tackle by the out-of-sorts Goodall was punished by the referee awarding an 80th penalty which the opposition player gleefully dispatched past Andy Oxborough and they deservedly had their equaliser. In all fairness Hemingford could have gone on and won the game but a bit of luck and another good goalkeeping display saw the scores stay level.

22nd January 2000: Hardwick (A) Won 1-0

After the disappointment of a draw the week before, Paxton headed for a showdown with bitter rivals Hardwick. Manager Mark Spavins had earmarked this game as a very tough and difficult one and of course a potential banana skin. It did not help when influential midfielder Simon Anderson pulled out on the morning of the game with the runs and had to be replaced in the line-up at short notice.

The conditions were awful, a strong cold northerly wind blew across the pitch and everybody must have realised this was going to be no spectacle. Paxton should have scored from the kick-off, Rob Worrall received the ball in midfield, he moved forward and hit a shot but the ball sailed over the bar.

Paxton eventually took the lead after 25 minutes when a corner from Danny Plumb was met by the leaping Worrall and the ball squeezed into the corner. Hardwick then had a little spell of pressure before half-time but keeper Andy Oxborough made light work of a couple of shots and Paxton went in 1-0 up looking quite happy.

The second half started quite lively with Hardwick doing most of the work. Again Oxborough was equal to everything, then Paxton got back into gear and started to threaten the home goal. Danny Plumb again on top form, (he actually won four headers in one game) and everything Paxton did, that was good, came from him. Worrall threatened to score a second but his shot was easily saved by the home custodian and that was really the last worthwhile effort Paxton had.

Hardwick could has equalised near the end when Wayne Humphrey misjudged a corner and the resulting header hit a post but Paxton held on and picked up a deserved three points.

29th January 2000: Linton Granta (H) Drew 1-1

This was literally a game of two halves. A strong wind certainly did not help either side in this important league meeting. Linton, until last week, were the only side to beat Paxton and their confident attitude showed early on, Andy Oxborough quickly called upon to make vital saves. Linton had the chance to go ahead in the 23rd minute when a crude foul by Wayne Harris was punished with a penalty kick but Adam Normans penalty went miles over the bar and Paxton breathed a sigh of relief.

Tony Knowles, starting a game out wide on the right, was switched up front minutes later and the move nearly paid off immediately when he raced clear of the Linton defence and slotted the ball past Budcock but the ball went wide. Paxton had two or three chances to score but their efforts were poor and when Knowles went off injured before half-time Paxtons chances of scoring seemed to go with him.

The second half in the main belonged to Linton. They had chances to score but like Paxton in the first half, failed to find the net. But after 67 minutes they found the breakthrough they thoroughly deserved. Simon Salisbury missed a ball over the top and the ensuing ball into the middle caused havoc. Oxborough and Nick dyer both tried in vain to keep the ball out of the goal but Standons header found its way into the net and Linton were ahead.

This at last provoked a reaction from Paxton. Wave after wave of attacking football followed and chances came and went. Matt Plumb had a glorious chance but his shot was far too high and it looked like it wasn't going to be Paxtons day. However with 10 minutes left a Danny Plumb corner caused problems in the visitors penalty area, the ball flew to Brian Kitchin who was fouled as he was about to shoot. Dave Goodall, the new Paxton penalty taker, blasted the ball down the middle and the game was level. Paxton still had time to win the match, Rob Worrall had a header go over after an awkward bounce but at the end of the day a draw was a fair result.

5th February 2000: Whittlesford (A) Lost 1-0

32 games, 2 years and Paxtons proud record fell at Whittlesford. It was a game spoilt by petty, insufficient refereeing and some dubious line decisions but, that said, Paxton got on the day what they deserved. NOWT! Paxton started brightly enough, with the midfield bossing proceedings but on the quarter hour a stop in play for an injury to the home goalkeeper and Wayne Harris seemed to knock them out of their stride. 

Minutes after the restart Whittlesford scored. A poor refereeing decision, to allow play to continue after a tackle from behind, allowed a one-on-one opportunity and the home player took great pleasure in knocking the ball past Andy Oxborough. That really was the only thing worth reporting in the game. Paxton were clueless in everything they did and the chances they had were wasted. It was a sad way for Paxton to lose their record but maybe it was a lesson learnt.

A week after losing our first league game of the season at Whittlesford, we got back to winning ways against 6th placed West Wratting. After keeper Andy Oxborough had made an excellent early save, Rob Worrall broke down the left for Paxton and his cross was inexplicably handled by a Wratting defender. Dave Goodall stepped up to slot home the 10th and final goal he would score for the club from the penalty spot. 

Goodall then set up Matt Plumb for our second on the stroke of half time. West Wratting dominated the second half and perhaps deserved more than a 75th minute goal from the penalty spot after Simon Salisbury had handled.

19th February 2000: Brampton (H) Won 5-0

This was always going to be a game that Paxton needed to win and being a local derby you forgive the Paxton players for thinking it was going to be tough afternoon. But that is not the way it turned out, five goals, two sendings off (both for Brampton) meant that Paxton cruised to one of their easiest victories for some time.

With Brian Kitchin missing, Simon 'Geordie' Anderson stepped into the unfamiliar role of centre-half and the impressive Luke Catchpole kept his place from the week before. Paxton started unusually well for them, they came out of the blocks quickly, chances fell almost immediately for Tony Knowles and Rob Worrall but neither were able to convert. Knowles had the first one-on-one but his attempted chip was well save by King. Worrall was the next player to go through but his effort was also well saved by King and the scores were still level. It took nigh on 20 minutes for Paxton to break through, a push by a Brampton defender led to a free-kick just outside the area and Matt Plumb stepped up to score surely one of the best goals of the season, a superb shot with the outside of his boot flew past King giving him no chance. A minute later a comedy of errors in the Brampton defence saw a clearance by King smack Harris in the back of his leg and the ball rebounded into the net, 2-0.

Brampton were all at sea now and Paxton were pushing them onto the rocks. Knowles accelerated towards the box and was brought down, the referee pointed straight to the spot. A Brampton player protested too much, threw in a couple of 'F' words and was red-carded. Simon Salisbury stepped up and put the ball neatly into the corner. Just before half-time the visitors were reduced to nine men when Craig Northfield felled Knowles when he was clear on goal. Northfield, already booked for a previous skirmish with Nick Dyer received his second yellow card and walked.

In the second half it took the introduction of player/manager Mark Spavins to breathe a little life into a listless Paxton midfield and with his first touch laid the ball on a plate for Matt Plumb to score his second. Spavins also had a hand in the fifth when he played Danny Plumb in, Plumb squared for his brother who completed his hat-trick. In the end three easy points and a good win.

26th February 2000: Balsham (H) Won 2-0

Great Paxton's 2-0 win over Balsham took them back to the top of the table with Mildenhall having the day off. The visitors were denied by the woodwork after three minutes and this seemed to wake up the home side who scored five minutes later. Billy Foulkes and Danny Plumb combined for Simon Anderson to hit his first goal for Paxton since 13th November last year. On the half-hour Nick Dyer rattled the crossbar with a good shot but his disappointment was cancelled out six minutes later when he headed the second goal from a Foulkes cross.

After the break Paxton visibly eased down, perhaps in anticipation of their forthcoming Senior Cup semi-final, and they contained the visiting attack except for a free kick which rebounded from the crossbar.

4th March 2000: Somersham Town (H) Drew 1-1

It was the day the whole of Great Paxton had been waiting for, and it nearly became the biggest cup shock in 111 years of Hunts Senior Cup football. Four minutes stood between Paxton and the final of the Hunts Senior Cup. A tremendous cup-tie watched by a 250 plus crowd in bright spring sunshine saw Paxton dominate the early exchanges and Tony Knowles spring the Somersham offside trap , only to see his shot saved by Magnus. 

Paxton however did take the lead after seven minutes, smart work by Knowles left Billy Foulkes in the clear, his shot ran into the path of Danny Plumb who put the ball in the net. Somersham were shocked and never really got into the game until midway through the first half when a chance fell to Blackman whose shot was well held by Andy Oxborough. Somersham had another chance before half-time when Paul Hartley cleverly slipped Nick Dyer but shot straight at Oxborough.

The second half was dominated by the visitors and the Paxton defence was pushed back with every wave of attack. Simon Anderson was superb in the Paxton defence who along with Dyer, Wayne Humphrey and Brian Kitchin kept Paxton in the game. Oxborough enhanced his already big reputation even more with a string of great saves. It looked as though Paxton were going to hold on, but with four minutes left a corner from Jamie Donald was not cleared and the dropped kindly for Hartley who prodded the ball home from four yards. Most people in the ground felt that Paxton would fall to pieces and that Somersham would take them apart, but that was not to be the case.

Extra time proved to be Paxton doing all the attacking and Somersham struggling to get hold of Matt Plumb and Luke Catchpole who were running the midfield. Catchpole had Paxton's best chance in the first half of extra time when he made room for himself but shot just over the bar. The second extra time period was end to end stuff and two chances stood out in particular, a shot by Blackman hit the crossbar and a Matt Plumb effort curled just wide of the Somersham goal. All in all probably neither side deserved to lose and a replay at Somersham was the fairest outcome in the end.

7th March 2000: Somersham Town (A) Lost 4-0

After the efforts of the Saturday before, Paxton Manager, Mark Spavins, thought that this replay was coming a day too early for his side, and he was proved right, after a tired looking display by his side at Westend, Somersham.

The home side, hailing from Jewson Division One, proving how important fitness is to a side that wants to win things, dominated the early exchanges and could have been two up before the ten minute mark. Somersham looked a totally different side from the first game, not letting Paxton settle at all on the ball and using their possession effectively to pull Paxton all over the park. However it took them 15 minutes to finally break down the Paxton defence, a corner from Donald was not cleared and a scorching volley from Martin Parr screamed into the top corner.

Paxton were rocking and could not get a foot-hold in the game, Somersham used their experience and ability to tear Paxton apart time after time. After 30 minutes the inevitable happened when Wayne Humphrey was harshly adjudged to have fouled Boon and a penalty was awarded by referee McCauley. Paul Hartley stepped up and put the ball straight down the middle past Andy Oxborough, 2-0.

Spavins changed things at half-time, bringing Luke Catchpole on and moving Simon Anderson, who'd had another good game in defence, into midfield. This nearly paid dividends when a cross come shot by Nick Dyer flashed across the goal, just wide of the flying Tony Knowles who missed it by inches. Paxton then dominated proceedings for another 15 minutes until Ian Boon headed home Somershams third. Paxton continued to push and to their credit could have scored a couple, but strong defensive play by the hosts kept them at bay. In the end a fourth goal was always on the cards and it came 5 minutes from time when Baird cleverly scored from short range. At the end Paxton can be proud of what they achieved but on the night were no match for their hosts,

11th March 2000: Gamlingay United (H) Drew 0-0

This was always going to be a tough affair, and on the day, a splendid game of football was played out by these two sides, currently occupying two of the three top places.

After their heroics of the week before, Paxton started in their normal slow pace and never really threatened the Gamlingay goal. The first real chance fell to the visitors, Adam Mayhew, their lively midfield played, worked his way through the Paxton defence, he squared the ball to Steele who shot over the bar. After 15 minutes Paxton worked the ball well, and a pass into the feet of Billy Foulkes was brilliantly controlled by the forward, a smart turn left Kieron Brace stranded and the defender tripped the wizard like forward, a penalty was awarded. Dave Goodall, normally so reliable from the penalty spot, fired a bullet towards the left hand corner only for Paul Murtagh, the Gamlingay keeper, to get down and push it round the post.

Gamlingay kept pushing Paxton back and again should have scored when a corner when a corner was met by Barker at the near post but his header went wide. Paxton had one more chance before half-time when Foulkes worked an opening but a smart shot from Plumb was straight down the keepers throat.

The second half was a different story, Paxton started very quickly, pushing the Gamlingay defence back and creating chance after chance, but good defending and poor finishing allowed the score to stay at 0-0. With ten minutes left Paxton nearly got the break they deserved for their second-half pressure when a superb effort from Matt Plumb hit the underside of the bar and bounced down to safety. Gamlingay had their best chance in the last couple of minutes, a ball from Knibbs found Mayhew in space on the right, his cross to the far post found Barker and, with the keeper just to beat, he shot wide after good goalkeeping from Andy Oxborough who closed him down quickly. The game finished 0-0 but it was one of the best scoreless draws for a long time at Paxton.

18th March 2000: Cherry Hinton (H) Lost 2-0

Going into this game the team had gone nearly five hours of league and cup football without scoring a goal, by the end it was nearly six and a half. Short of confidence and ideas Paxton were never in the hunt and 2-0 did not flatter the visitors.

Needing points to stave off relegation, Cherry Hinton were always the more determined and scored two goals in the 10th and 35th minutes to take a hold on the game that never looked in danger of being prised away.

Meanwhile championship rivals Mildenhall were winning two games in four days to take a seven point lead at the top of the table.

25th March 2000: Ely City Res. (A) Won 3-0

After the week before you would believe, reading the papers, that Great Paxton were about to be relegated, and that a deep rot had set into the club that was incurable. But a team currently in second place, and having only lost two games in the league all season, were bound to have a bad spell sooner or later, and it was down to Mark Spavins to do something to pull it round. So he called Graham Akers and the wandering Lee Clutterbuck into the squad, and it seemed to give the side the lift it needed.

Mark named Lee in the starting eleven, on the right hand side of midfield and James Fieldhouse returned at right back. Paxton started well but without really threatening the Ely goal. Matt Plumb playing up front was lively but never got the service he required. Clutterbuck looked like a player who had not played for four months as his first five or six touches were poor and could have given two goals away. Nigel Smith, the Ely manager, guilty of missing a glaring header and Andy Oxborough pulling off two terrific saves. 

Clutterbuck though got better as the game went on and his brilliant ball control, and his continual running at the Ely defence unsettled the home side, but Paxton could not get the breakthrough they required. Early in the second half Paxton won a free-kick just inside the Ely half, Fieldhouse floated the ball the ball towards Wayne Humphrey, his flick-on found Simon Anderson who volleyed past the Ely keeper. Over seven hours had passed since Paxton had scored a goal and the relief was evident. 

Paxton now started to play confident flowing football and it was not long before Danny Plumb added a second, good work from Clutterbuck who centred the ball, it fell loose to Plumb whose precise shot found the net. But the goal of the day (or even the season) was just round the corner, a great move between Wayne Harris and Danny Plumb with the latter slipping the ball neatly into the corner. Paxton went on to dominate the second half and this was three very vital points for them.

1st April 2000: Fulbourn Institute (H) Won 5-1

Paxton completed a hat-trick of victories over Fulbourn having already beaten them away in both league and cup. The 5-1 home victory was easily the best of the three results and it was inspired by a tough half-time critique of the first half performance from manager, Mark Spavins.

Paxton gained a corner straight from the KO. The corner kick was headed to the edge of the 18 yard area and Danny Plumb’s fierce shot was deflected into the net by Rob Worrall. Half time score 1-0 to Paxton. A similar event occurred at the start of the second half but this time Matt Plumb scored a header from Danny Plumb’s corner. Matt again scored on 51 minutes when he slid the ball under the keeper after a good interchange of passes by Danny Plumb and Lee Clutterbuck. Fulbourn pulled a goal back when Gary Davey shot from the edge of the area on 62 minutes. Tony Knowles increased Paxton’s lead on 75 with a tremendous curling volley and the same player was upended in the area to gain a penalty which was converted by Simon Anderson in the 77th.

8th April 2000: Soham Town Res. (A) Won 4-1

Great Paxton maintained their promotion push with a useful 4-1- victory over Soham Town Reserves.

Three goals in the first half hour laid the foundation for the victory with Lee Clutterbuck setting up Danny Plumb for the first and Billy Foulkes assisting Tony Knowles with the second.

A corner by Plumb led to the third goal by Simon Anderson and after the break Paxton continued to dominate and Matt Plumb scored the pick of the four after 66 minutes.

19th April 2000: Linton Granta (A) Drew 3-3

It was to be a night of high drama at Linton. Paxton have played them three times this season and have failed to win on all occasions. Paxton, chasing the championship, knew they needed some sort of result to keep their challenge on target. Once again Linton were to be a bogey side. Paxton started well with Billy Foulkes having the first chance, he was put through by Danny Plumb, but his effort was superbly saved by Babcock in the home goal. 

Paxton's attacking play was again causing problems, but on this occasion it was their undoing, a ball over the top caught out the Paxton defence and Flack latched onto the ball and slotted it past Andy Oxborough. Paxton were taken aback by this and seemed to lose their shape forgetting how to play the football that had got them to the position they were in. Again a bit of sloppy play allowed Linton to break and score a second. It was a copycat effort, Humphrey lost the ball in the middle of the park and with two at the back Flack once again latched onto the ball and planted it past Oxborough.

Half-time came and Manager Mark Spavins told certain players where their faults were and this seemed to have the desired effect. Ten minutes into the second half a cross was met by Rob Worrall whose header reduced the lead to one. Within a minute Linton were 3-1 ahead, a mix-up between James Fieldhouse and Graham Akers let Flack in for his third and to complete a superb hat-trick.

Spavins then threw himself into the midfield and put Simon Anderson up front, this seemed to cause Linton great problems as they could not handle his height. Poor refereeing decisions and a total lack of control by both teams seemed to take the game over but it worked in Paxton's favour. A huge kick by Oxborough found Lee Clutterbuck whose first time shot sailed into the top corner. It was surely 'goal of the season' and put Linton onto the back foot. With ten minutes left Spavins put the injured Matt Plumb up front and within five minutes impressive work by Anderson saw the ball scrambled into the net by Plumb and deservedly Paxton had levelled. Both sides went looking for the winner and it was great to watch but in the end both sides settled for a point and a few bruises.

29th April 2000: Mildenhall Res. (A) Lost 1-0

So it was all set up, seven games undefeated (5 wins) had left Great Paxton on top of Kershaw Senior 'A' on goal difference from Mildenhall. One game to go for either team after this top of the table clash, Mildenhall were going to be stronger than the team that came to Paxton earlier in the season and got brushed aside 4-0.

And so it worked out, Mildenhall were much stronger on the day and although Paxton created some half-chances it was always the home side that looked the more likely. The only goal came with 15 minutes left on the clock, Kevin Sobeosski ran clear of a defence too far up and finished clinically.

Back to The Bell and drown some sorrows but to achieve promotion in our first season in Senior 'A' is a tremendous feat,

6th May 2000: Cherry Hinton (A) Won 5-2

The amazing news had come through on the Tuesday night, Gamlingay had gone to Mildenhall with a weakened team and got a 3-2 win. It just couldn't be true and all sorts of phone calls were made to establish that it wasn't a wind up.

But it was true and all Paxton had to do was win at, already relegated, Cherry Hinton to be champions. Perhaps the home side didn't think the game was going to hold such significance because it seemed they had forgotten to mow part of the pitch.

It, unsurprisingly, was the visitors who made all the early running but it took 23 minutes to establish a lead, Matt Plumb setting up brother Dan for the first. Seven minutes later and Simon Anderson nodded the second from a corner. In the 38th minute the home side were awarded a free kick just outside the area and scored with a strong shot, this seemed to unsettle Paxton who conceded the equaliser a minute before half-time.

Manager, Mark Spavins, had some strong words to say during the break and in the second half Paxton came out all guns blazing. It took only a minute for Rob Worrall to score the third after good work by Matt Plumb but then a further 35 minutes to make the game safe. Graham Akers set up Billy Foulkes for 4-2 and five minutes later Spavins put Anderson through for number five.

Back in the pub it was celebrations all round with quite a few salutes to Gamlingay.

4th December 1999: Mepal Sports (H) Drew 0-0

Great Paxton should have won this game at a canter but wasted chance after chance and nearly conceded a late goal but Dave McIntyre made two acrobatic saves to keep the game scoreless.

8th January 2000: Wilbraham (A) Drew 3-3

Paxton Reserves were 2-0 down at half time but staged a spirited fight-back. Manager Phil Shepherd brought Alan Chambers on at the start of the second-half and the player repaid him as with his first touch of the ball he scored. Simon Oxborough then levelled the scores with a well taken header. The home side regained their composure, after losing a two goal lead, and scored again for 3-2. Paxton didn't give up and they were deservedly awarded a penalty when the impressive Chambers was felled inside the box. Captain Alan Cullum stepped up and stroked the ball past the home keeper and Paxton came away with well earned point.