Reports 03-04

First game of the season and a local derby to start of plenty of incident and entertainment in this fixture with Paxtons' new management team coming up against their "old" team. Paxton started very slowly and found themselves 2-0 down within 10 minutes after some sloppy defending. For the next 80 minutes Paxton totally dominated with chance after chance going begging.

Paxtons' Matt Plumb had nearly a dozen free kicks in the second half putting dangerous ball after ball into the opponents box but to no avail as Paxton couldn't get a decisive touch on target. they had a clear cut penalty turned down for handball and a goal line scramble that looked to have gone over the line.

In the end they got a consolation goal through Adam Swain. Paxton can heart from the fact that they probably will not play like this again this season without getting a result.

A slow start again by Paxton without any major scares on the home goal. Paxton started to get into the game after the fifteen minute mark and with some tidy football started to get at the visiting defence, with the midfield taking control against a very good Tuddenham side. After twenty five minutes Paxton got the first goal as a cross from the right was only half cleared to the edge of the area where Blackhall hit a cross shot into the bottom corner. For the next ten minutes or so it was end to end stuff until eight minutes before half time the goal of the game was scored by Paxtons player manager Matt Plumb, who picked the ball up outside his own box and ran through the home defence and finished in style. After half time it was quite tense until Pete Wallis and Plumb combined for Wallis to side foot home. Everything looked good at 3-0, but as usual Paxton fell asleep for five minutes and allowed the visitors to score two quick goals. Paxton did have the last laugh as the impressive Kevin Lamb took a quick free kick and put in the lively Wallis to flick the ball over the oncoming keeper.
MOM Kevin Lamb

The previous couple of seasons have seen Paxton struggle against a well organised and disciplined side and Saturday was no different in the eyes of the manager. Paxton changed formation for this game and their opponents didn't disappoint loading out their midfield. The game for the first twenty minutes or so was very untidy with Cottenham having the upper hand until a long through ball from Darren Fairbrass caught the visiting defence napping and Pete Wallis ran through to lob the advancing keeper. Paxton settled after the goal and looked more assured five minutes before half time when another lapse in defence allowed the Cottenham striker in to score.

All square at half time the second half began in much the same way with the visitors on top and for the next fifteen minutes Paxton did well to stay in the game and as if by magic they again took the lead with Scott quince breaking down the right and crossing into the box for the ball to take a big bounce straight over the keeper into the far corner. Five minutes later it was 3-1, Adam Swain breaking down the right taking on two or three defenders and crossing for Wallis to finish smartly past the keeper and score his fourth in two games. This should have been game over but from a corner the Paxton defence stood rooted to allow a Cottenham player a free header and two minutes later it was 3-3.

The score line does not reflect a very close game. Yet again Paxtons' failings to stop conceding sloppy goals continues. The game in the first half was very open in which Paxton could have easily taken the lead, with Pete Wallis and Andrew Conway looking lively, having opportunities to score. All the action was then in the second half from the kick off when the home side lost the ball and stood still as the visitors ran through to open the scoring 1-0. This made the game more open with end to end stuff. Paxton equalised through Wallis as Luke Swain put over a great ball to the far post for Wallis to run in and get a good enough touch. the home side then hit the post, bar and had a couple of good chances again but a sloppy back pass put Shelford back in control, Paxtons' heads dropped as it was the dreaded 70 minute mark again. Then as if by miracle Paxtons No10 tried to play a clever ball back only to split his own defence and send Shelford into a 3-1 lead. Two minutes it was game over as Shelford took advantage of more sloppy defending and with the help of "David James" keeping made the score 4-1. Another day for management to pull their hair out and wonder what to do next!

Like the week before Paxton missed many chances in front of goal and should have won easily. Paxton already missing players through injury were forced to make 2 early changes because of violent conduct from the opposition players. Despite this Paxton took the lead thanks to a Pete Gibbs goal kick bouncing twice over his opposite number. The second half was much of the same. Paxton missing chances and a St Ives team intent on kicking a young Paxton side up in the air. 2 late goals from St Ives still couldn't kill off a brave Paxton side. Hill pulled one back to set up a tense finish. St Ives however held on for a win and achieved what they set out to do, kick, and punch their way to a win.

Paxton had a welcome break from the league and got their cup run up and running. With the 1st team squad down to a bare minimum, they got of to another slow start with the visitors having nothing to lose, streaming forward and causing unrest in Paxtons backline, but for keeper Andy Oxborough the home team could have been a goal or two down in the first ten minutes. Paxton slowly got into the game and started to carve open a couple of chances then after twenty minutes, Andrew Conway was sent through and as he ran into the area the oncoming keeper made a rash challenge.

The referee had no choice but to offer a penalty, so up stepped Matt Plumb to make it 1-0. This should have settled the home side but within two minutes Ely equalised after more bad defending. As both sides looked to go in level at half time Paxton had another attack and Adam Swain pulled out left to receive the ball before cutting inside and slotting the ball in off the far post. 2-1 at half time. The second half was really all the home side and they took a deserved lead as Mayhew followed up good work by Plumb, Kevin Lamb, Swain and Conway to finish neatly past the keeper. Conway who looked sharp up front could have got himself on the score sheet but just lacked that finishing touch. Again Mayhew was the man following up as the ball found its way to him, he finished it in style a yard out. The goal of the game was yet to come as time was running out, Mayhew received the ball down the right and fed Swain who pulled the ball back just outside the area to Matt Plumb and with the keeper a couple of yards off his line proceeded to lob him, this was the icing on the cake and finished the day off nicely for Paxton. if they want to progress however they must wake up before the 15 minute mark.

In hard conditions for both sides the game took a while to get going and in the 20th minute James Halls had the first shot on goal after good work by Blackhall. Barton then had a couple of chances. Paxtons best fell to Halls in the 29th minute, but Barton got the 1st of the game. The forward rounding the oncoming Pete Gibbs to score. The rest of the half was end to end. Barton began the second half brightly and scored their second to make it 2-0, then they had a goal disallowed. With time running out Paxton put the pressure on and Halls hit the bar, but 5 minutes from time Chris Hill scored to make it a nail biting finish. Kev Shotter had one more effort on goal but was narrowly wide. The 1st cup game ended in defeat and was a disappointment for Leroy and the team, who also had a depleted squad, but was proud of the players that were there.

Again the cutting edge in front of the goal let Paxton down and the back of the net needs to be found more often if we are to progress. Paxton found themselves 2 goals behind before they decided to play some football. The changes at half time seemed to get Paxton going at last and they dominated for most of the second 45 minutes. Chance after chance was spurned until Chris Hill scored a superb 20 yard dive which the keeper didn't even see. Hill then let all the good work go to waste with the ref sending him and a Barrington player for early showers. An own goal levelled the game thanks to some good pressure from Blackhall forcing the right back to put it past his own keeper. Paxton had some chances to win the game, but it wasn't to be and Barrington won in ET. The potential is there and we are sure it will come together soon.

Paxton started the game more lively and had the home side on the back foot from the start. They went ahead after a rare Ian Dawkes header from a fine Gareth Peck cross. Paxton continue continued to dominate but the home side did create one chance in the first half with a free header 7 yards out. Andy Oxborough making a good save low to his right. Paxton went further ahead with an Andrew Conway screamer, when he hit a 25 yard half volley into the top left hand corner leaving the home keeper no chance. Before half time Conway added the third after good work from Adam Mayhew and Dawkes. The second half was a different story with Waterbeach pressurising the Paxton defence for the 1st fifteen minutes and scoring when given time and space to pick out the top corner. Paxton responded and scored a fourth with Peck again supplying a good ball for Adam Swain to side foot home. The fifth and final goal was scored by Luke Swain when he lobbed the keeper after being put clean through. Manager, Matt Plumb said it was the best performance of the season.

On another day, against a better side, Paxton could have found themselves a couple pf goals down in the 1st 10 minutes, but for once luck was on our side and we took the lead on 14 minutes thanks to James Halls.

This seemed to give Paxton the confidence that had been missing and at the end of the 1st half Darren Blackhall scored with a spectacular scissor kick to put Paxton 2-0 up going into half time.

The second half produced much of the same when at times Paxton playing some great football leaving the Hemingford players frustrated and their only reply was dirty and reckless tackles. The game was then put out of Hemingfords' reach with the best goal of the game with some superb vision from debutant Danny Gilson, breaking the off side trap and Blackhall finishing neatly. Hemingford did get a goal back but within minutes Halls grabbed his second with a far post header. With the game nearing the end both teams had a player sent off, but there was still time for Blackhall to get his hat-trick from the spot & for Hemingford to also score from the spot.
A much better performance all round, and the only thing missing from the day was Blackhalls' jug of fosters!!!

An early kick off meant a couple of changes in the Paxton line up because of work commitments, with Joe Walsh coming in for Chris Bingham and Luke Swain coming in for Adam Mayhew.
The visitors, struggling in the league, were never going to be an easy pushover. The first half was a tight affair with both sides creating a couple of half chances. Paxton were struggling to get any sort of groove. the biggest talking point of the first half was the home side losing Gareth Peck to injury, maybe 2-3 weeks on the sidelines.

Paxton came out at half time much the better side playing some fluent football and began to take control of the game with Pete Wallis coming on as a sub they got their first goal with good work down the right with Darren Fairbrass and Adam Swain, the ball was delivered into the box where Wallis scrambled the ball in from all of a yard. With Paxton pressing they begun to open the visitors at will. Swain going close twice and Kevin lamb hitting the bar, then yet another attack this time down the left. Ian Dawkes found himself six yards out and smashed the ball home.

Game over! Paxton had 2 or 3 more chances but at the end it was a job well done and our cup hopes are still alive and kicking.

MOM Adam Swain

In a game Paxton felt they could have got three points they needed the win to get them back on track in the league. The first half was a close affair with Richard Conby coming closest with a shot that hit the upright. 0-0 at half time and for the start of second half the home side started the more positive and it wasn't long before Paxton conceded then they promptly conceded a second to go 2-0 down.

Soon after Blackhall was put through one on one but squandered the chance. Paxton introduced Jon Goodchild who made things start to tick for Paxtons Conby to come up with the goal to get the visitors back into the game, but it was too little too late. There was no comment from the management after the game but I'm sure plenty will be said before next weeks game.

A trip down the road to Over has always been a disappointing one for Paxton having never come away with a single point since joining the top flight.
Paxton had four key players missing so had to play players out of position. The game started with the home side looking the more positive and hitting nearly every ball wide to the head of their wingers without trying to play any real football. Paxton then started to to get into the game and playing some neat football causing the home defence some problems without putting in any telling shots on goal, and this was the case for most of the half as it was a 'ding dong' battle in midfield.

The second half continued in the same vein, not much goal action as both sides struggled in the final third until midway through the half when Simon Johnson mistimed a header to put the home side forward who side stepped the keeper. but somehow spooned the shot wide. This only woke Paxton up and with time running out they got themselves a number of corners with the final corner coming in straight on the head of player/manager Matt Plumb but his header went narrowly over the bar, a real chance to take the three points. At the end of the day a well earned point.

The visitors started brightly and could have scored twice before deservedly taking the lead in the sixth minute. Galvanised, Paxton fought back and James Halls equalised with a header from a corner just seven minutes later. The game was held up when the referee had to leave the field for treatment but continued afterwards with him limping along. On twenty minutes Richard Conby netted a rebound and Paxton went ahead for the first time, however a few minutes later the referee decided he couldn't continue and after a bit of indecision the game was abandoned.

Seven weeks previously these two teams had shared a 3-3 draw and everybody must have been expecting a similarly close match. The action started early, Paxton forcing a corner in the second minute and Simon Johnson hammering the ball home only to have it chalked off by the referee for, I suppose, a slight foul on the keeper. In one of their first attacks the visitors hit the post when a long ball over the defence took a strange bounce and allowed a shot at goal. Adam Mayhew was put through shortly after but saw his effort blocked by the keeper. Paxton took the lead on 11 minutes Ian Dawkes side-stepping a challenge before firing home from 20 yards. Cottenham came back with a header which just slid past the far post then Joe Walsh was put through but also saw his effort blocked. In the 21st minute it was 2-0, Dawkes picked up the ball on halfway and set off on a strong diagonal run before slipping the ball to Mayhew who crossed for Adam Swain to fire home at the far post. More end to end stuff after that with both sides going close but no further scoring.

After the break Paxton took control and were the only team looking likely to score but it took until the 82nd minute before the game was wrapped up, substitute Pete Wallis chasing a lost cause hurried the keeper whose weak clearance fell straight to Dawkes. Dawkes looked up and fired home inside the far post. Three minutes after coming on Andrew Conway got the fourth, chipping the keeper on a breakaway after Cottenham got caught up field.

This was never going to be an easy game with Paxton fielding a team with half its players playing out of position and playing in a mud bath, it wasn't going to be a game flowing with football. It was a scrappy affair with the ball running through to each keeper at every attack. the ball had to be kept out of the middle and the flanks had to be used, and the first time Paxton did this they took the lead thanks to Chris Hill who was braver than Buckdens' keeper and he poked the ball home.

Paxton went in 1-0 up at half time but knew the game was far from over. Buckden came out in the next half and piled on the pressure until half way through the second half their pressure told and a goal mouth scramble was fired home. Paxton did not let their heads drop and battled on and with 15 minutes left took the lead again thanks to Hill latching on to a Dan Kennedy free kick and firing in a shot which the keeper fumbled into his own net. Paxton tried their utmost to hold on but it wasn't to be and Buckden squared it again with minutes remaining. Overall a fair result and a valuable point in bad conditions.

MOM C. Hill

Two weeks previously these teams met, the visitors scored first, Paxton came back with two quick goals and the referee then got injured. This time the visitors scored first, Paxton came back with two quick goals and the referee got injured. Fortunately this referee was able to continue.

Apparently the first half was a pretty dire affair but the game picked up after the break. A 52nd minute goalmouth scramble saw Alconbury go in front but within 13 minutes Chris Hill had planted two headers into the net, the first from a Danny Kennedy centre and the second provided by Darren Blackhall. It was Blackhall who provided the third goal as well, skipping past two defenders before pulling it back for James Fuller.

Shelford, like Paxton, have been going well of late and so it should have been a close game to call, but Paxton just did not turn up in the first half. Shelford made them pay for this going in 2-0 up with Paxton having no shots on goal of any note.

The most significant moment for the visitors was an injury to keeper Andy Oxborough. A hip injury will see him out for up to three weeks. Ian Dawkes took over between the sticks and was the only player to take any credit from his performance.

The second half was a much closer affair, but the damage had already been done and Paxton just had to prove to there managers that they weren't a waste of space. Shelford did manage a third goal which was a bit undeserved, Dawkes hitting the ball into the legs of the on rushing forward and straight into the net. So a bad day at the Office.

On the back of Paxtons dismal display away to Shelford they showed a great improvement from the start. Paxton settled into the game quickly and soon had much of the possession. The first goal coming after 15 minutes when hard work and determination from midfielder Joe Walsh found him on the byline and as he pulled the ball back across the area, a home defender helped the ball into his own net. Paxton kept soaking up the pressure from the home side, and counter attacked at every opportunity. After 25 minutes the ball was fed into the box by Andrew Conway and found Dawkes who sold the defender a dummy and was pulled down, a penalty awarded to Paxton. Up stepped the boss, Matt Plumb to send the keeper the wrong way and made it 2-0.

Histon piled on the pressure but couldn't get by a very solid defensive line marshalled by Darren Fairbrass, and any shots were easily dealt with by stand-in keeper Pete Gibbs. Histon had no answer to Paxtons attacking prowess and just before half time Dawkes played a perfect ball into the box for Conway to get on the end of and neatly ship the ball under the on coming keeper. 3-0 at the break.

The second half started with Histon throwing men forward but much of the half was end to end stuff, Paxton continuing to play counter attacking football. The visitors got themselves a corner and the ball looped up on the edge of the area where Plumb mis-hit a volley straight to Walsh, who controlled and slotted the ball home. 4-0. Paxton then had a ten minute spell where they lost all concentration conceding 2 sloppy goals, but thankfully the damage was already done.

MOM J. Walsh

Paxton, looking to progress in the cup, went behind after 30 seconds, not a good start!!
Within 2 minutes Jon Goodchild made the scores level after good build up play. Paxton continued to dominate and and their possession told when Blackhall got himself on the scoresheet to put Paxton ahead and just before half time MOM Chris 'Irish' Egan made it 3-1 as Paxton went in at the break with a comfortable lead.

The second half began in much the same way as Paxton got on top again making it 4-1 which should have been game over. Huntingdon pressed for some kind of consolation and they got a second before the referee thought he would help the visitors and awarded a penalty for hand ball. The only problem being it was the attacking player who had handled the ball, this made the score 4-3 but for a brilliant save from Patrick Faulkner in the dying minutes the game could have gone into extra time, but in the end Paxton held on for an away tie at Yaxley.

This proved to be a cup game in everyway, the visitors making all the running in the early stages. The game soon became very physical and the referee did well to keep control. The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes when a mix up between James Oxborough and Simon Johnson led to the visitors scoring from the penalty spot. Paxton then seemed to come alive and soon equalised when a bullet header from Andrew Conway drew them level. The second half was much the same with Newmarket again taking the lead from a well worked goal. Paxton made two changes with 15 minutes to go and this completely changed the game, Conway getting on the end of a shot come cross and forcing the game into extra time with just minutes to go.

Paxton looked the stronger in the first period of extra time and taking the lead when Adam Swain cleverly lobbed over the keeper from 20 yards. Paxton held on in the second period with some good defending and a superb one handed save from Oxborough. Paxton wrapped up the win and a semi final place when Conway completed his hat-trick with one minute to go!

Paxton had an ideal chance to turn their up form towards the league but came away with a share of the points because of complacency against a team yet to register any points, thinking the game was won before it started. When it was obvious it wasn't going to be a walk in the part Paxton were already a goal down and couldn't really find a way into the game and the home team showed all the determination to keep Paxton's chances to almost nothing.

Some of Paxton's players went missing all game and showed no passion and no will to win. It was left to others to inspire and the ever busy Chris Hill and Jon Goodchild showed the way forward. It was midway into the second half and Hill's ninth goal in as many games levelled things and Paxton now pressed for the points but had let their poor start ruin their chances of three points.

A great start to the game end to end, with Paxton making the early running, and after 15 minutes Matt Plumb put in a dangerous free kick which was met by Andrew Conway, but somehow the keeper saved it with his big toe as he dived the other way. Then Eynesbury had a couple of half chances but nothing of any major concern. Paxton then had a good 10 minute spell where they could easily have scored twice, first through Adam Swain, then a break away with Conway smashing across the face of the goal.

Eynesbury then took the lead, a corner was swung in and Morris had a free header which was helped on by Donald. 1-0 Eynesbury. Then within minutes Fisk ran with the ball into the box only to be scythed down by Bingham. Donald took the penalty but a great save down to his left by James Oxborough kept the score 1-0 at half time.

Paxton changed formation and that was a major mistake as the visitors never got going and within 10 minutes the score was 2-0. Another set piece resulting in Gibbs having a free volley at the back post. Paxton made a couple of changes but to no avail as the game was lost and sloppy defending let in Donald for his second. 3-0. So disappointment all round for Paxton, but there will be other opportunities I'm sure.

Paxton played Over for the second time in as many weeks, and the game ended in the same way, a stalemate.
Over played a very strong side and although early on there weren't many chances on goal they were the more dominant side, just as Paxton started to get themselves into the game, James Fuller gave away a needless free kick. This resulted in the first goal of the game with Scotty having no chance. 1-0.

After half time the home side moved up a gear and soon had Danny Kennedy hitting the post, then Johnny Goodchild hit the woodwork again but no goal! The introduction of Jules Gay-Mecca and James Halls gave Paxton more purpose and with time running out the latter made a run into the box and as the ball was whipped in Halls met it with a looping header giving the keeper no chance. So in the end a fair result.

A game Paxton felt they should win, and as we know that can be a recipe for disaster. Paxton never looked like losing even though the opening exchanges were scrappy. The home side created the openings and the first goal came after 11 minutes, Mansfield putting in a great cross, Ian Dawkes with the flick on and Matt Plumb coming in at the back post with a brave header. 1-0. This only made the visitors more determined and after 25 minutes the equaliser came. the home defence made a couple of errors letting in the forward who made no mistake in front of goal. 1-1.

Simon Johnson had replaced Aaron Fairbrass who had a hamstring injury, but Paxton got themselves going again and started to boss the game in patches, and leading scorer Andrew Conway got the end of a Swain through ball and finished with a lovely chip over the oncoming keeper. 2-1.

The second half went much the same way with the visitors throwing men forward in numbers only to be counter attacked by Paxton, and just as things were getting a little edgy, Paxton got the decisive goal. Conway going up with the keeper who fumbled the ball, falling to Conway who facing his own goal, scored with a cheeky back heel through the keepers legs. 3-1. Another Quarter Final away to Whittlesey on the 15th January.

MOM Andrew Conway

In a game Paxton had been looking forward to for weeks, but three silly goals, due to lack of concentration, cost them the game. With Paxtons top goalscorer and several other key players missing one of which had to play in goal they were up against it before a ball had even been kicked.

Paxton had their fair share of chances and played some decent stuff on a terrible pitch before the home side took the lead. It was soon 2-0 to Eaton and the frustration began to show, but Paxton still looked dangerous before finally pulling a goal back through Blackhall, due mostly to the hard work of James Halls in a superb first half display from him.

The second half produced more of the same with Paxton having the better chances but Eaton killed off the game thanks to more sloppy marking. On another day Paxton would of triumphed but it was not to be, the league must now be our priority. A special thanks to the self acclaimed "Prince" who did a great job between the posts.

MOM James Halls

Only one word to describe this performance 'RUBBISH'. From the first whistle Tuddenham were the better side with the visitors contributing very little to the game, 'turning up is the height of it'. The first goal came on the fifteen minute mark from a short free kick the ball was passed into no mans land, only for Paxton defenders to back off and leave it to each other, so the home forward took upon himself to gather the ball and lob the stranded keeper. 1-0. More of the same followed and within 5 minutes it was 2-0. A long ball was pumped forward and the unchallenged forward flicked it on for the ball-watching fullback to let his man get round the back and finish in off the near post.

Half-time could not come enough quick enough, so that the Paxton team could do something useful and try and listen to the half-time rollicking. Hopefully this would lift some life into them. Although Paxton huffed and puffed they still lacked any conviction and the third goal came through more careless defending and there forward finished well across the outstretched keeper. 3-0. That was it really as the scoreline flattered the visitors.

MOM - No One

It has taken a while but the Reserves finally put it together against Godmanchester Reserves and came out with an impressive and comfortable win.
With Hill back from suspension, Jon Goodchild back in the middle and debutant Peachy in the frame it gave Paxton the bite they have been missing and for once they started strongly. Paxton played some flowing football and had many half chances which they couldn't quite convert and kept their opponents chances to 25 yards.

All square at half time Paxton came out in the second half and threw it all at Godmanchester. The half chances still came, but when Hill had a clear chance he made no mistake with a cool finish under the keeper on 60 minutes. Defending solidly and looking dangerous at every attack Paxton made it 2-0 15 minutes later with Blackhall smashing home a sweeping move. Paxton never looked in danger and everybody's commitment in the tackle and hard work all round made sure of the points.

A turning point perhaps?

MOM - Jon Goodchild

Going into this game Paxton could be forgiven if for thinking this would be there toughest game of the season with Fulbourn reigning champions and sitting well clear at the top of the league! Paxton also short of a couple of key players.

The game started with Fulbourn in control and on 15mins taking the lead from a close range header. This seemed to spur Paxton into life and deservedly equalised on 20 minutes with a good interchange between Adam swain and Chris Egan set up Andrew Conway for an easy tap in! Paxton dominated the rest of the half but all the good work was undone when a simple cross was not dealt with and left the Fulbourn striker a simple tap in at the back post. The second half had barely got under way when Paxton again equalised with more good work from Swain and Egan producing a good save from the home keeper who could only fumble to the feet of Gareth Peck who made no mistake!

Paxton then had numerous chance to take the lead with Swain, Egan, Conway and Ian Dawkes all coming close. The win was rounded off with a great run from man of the match Egan who supplied Conway with a cross he only had to side foot home to give Paxton a much deserved win!

Paxtons first game back after the Xmas break, proved to be a smash and grab affair. The strong winds didn't make conditions suitable for free flowing football and both teams looked a little rusty in the first 20 minutes or so with Cottenham edging the possession. But Paxton took the lead on 30 minutes when a corner was awarded and Fairbrass curled one in at the near post for the keeper to punch into his own net. 1-0 Paxton The game opened up with both sides creating a couple of half chances, Paxtons efforts fell to Adam Swain and Andrew Conway but their efforts were wide of the target.

Just as Paxton thought they would take a half time lead a long clearance from the back caused confusion between Johnson and keeper Scott. The home forward somehow getting a touch across the area for the oncoming player to slam home. 1-1 at half time.

Paxton made a change with the player/manager coming off for the returning Rob Seal, before the manager had even reached the bench Paxton had taken the league through Swain after good build up play. Paxton then made it 3-1 soon after when a good move down the left involving Chris Egan, Swain and Joe Walsh led to a good cross which Conway dispatched with ease. Cottenham then threw the kitchen sink at the visitors but their defence held firm.

Against the run of play Paxton got a corner, Walsh hit the ball low and hard into the box, making contact with the a home defenders hand from which the referee awarded a penalty, (maybe a bit harsh). Conway stepped up to score his 13th of the season. Paxton held out for the last 10 minutes to record a good away win, and three vital points.

A semi final place for the winners, but for Paxton from the first kick to the last it never looked on the cards as they were never at the races.
The game did not really get going until the 15th minute when the home side received a corner which was hit into the box and a mix up between Simon Johnson and Scotty saw the former head into his own net. As the half wore on the visitors had a couple of half chances but never really put the home keeper into any serious action. 1-0 at half time. A serious rollicking at the interval made Paxton come out far more positive and within seconds had equalised after some good work by Joe Walsh and Andrew Conway sent Adam Swain through on goal and he slammed the ball home from 20 yards. 1-1.

Then the game became an open affair and within minutes the home side regained the lead, more sloppy defending allowed the home striker through one on one and he slid the ball under the on rushing keeper. 2-1. But again Paxton rallied on and again equalised through Walsh, Swain and Adam Mayhew put the pressure on and the ball came across the area and Walsh side footed home. 2-2.

Paxton then thought they had then taken the lead when Conway went through and slotted home, but the goal was disallowed for offside. unfortunately the linesman was a Club Linesman and to put it bluntly and without sour grapes was a CHEAT, constantly raising his flag.

The home side took the lead again as the visiting defence stood still and Scotty was beaten at his near post, 3-2. Then with virtually the last kick of the game a corner was swung into the far post and the incoming player headed home from under the bar. 4-2. A game to forget.

100% improvement on the previous week. Paxton did sit back and invite pressure without really looking in too much trouble but when they did get hold of the ball they played some good football at times.
2-0 up at half time probably a bit harsh on Waterbeach but two goals in two minutes from Dicky Conby helped Paxton relax.

More of the same in the second half until Waterbeach pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time to set up a tense last 10 minutes, but a good goal from Lee Clutterbuck and a good team goal slotted home by Peachy sealed a much needed win with Waterbeach still having time for the second on the final whistle.

Better but not great.

MOM Michael Peach

Always a tough place to visit and the last thing you need is to have a bare eleven two hours before kick off. As it was we managed to get twelve. The first half was pretty much the home sides, with the visitors crossbar being struck twice. To Paxton's credit they defended well and had a couple of half chances on the break. Conway and Walsh going close but the score remained 0-0 at half time.

The second half started with Paxton the stronger and livelier side and although not creating many chances, they looked in total control, then disaster as so often this season, a lapse in defensive duties, the home side took the lead.1-0
Then within minutes as Paxton pushed out as they cleared a corner, the ball was looked back over the top, the Sawston forward at least 10 yards offside sliced the ball into the side netting only for the ball to go through a hole and land in the back of the net, the goal stood even though the visitors protested strongly. It was only minutes later the ref checked the net, too late.

Paxton then had a good ten minutes and when a free kick was whipped in, Peck got a flick onto Conway who controlled well and put away well. It looked like Paxton were now in control, but two more sloppy pieces of defending allowed the home side victory.

MOM: Chris Bingham

Like the first team the reserves had several players missing. It is true to say that the scoreline flattered the Littleport team, and it was not entirely deserved.
Jon Goodchild and Danny Gilson both looked sharp in the middle, and the reserves played some good football, but could just not finish. The Littleport keeper made some outstanding saves and prevented us getting any goals.

Littleport were more able to make something of their chances that they had when they came about.

There was an excellent debut performance from new boy Tony Beckett, who was providing plenty of chat to the team, something that maybe has been missing.

The first goal came from a defensive mistake and the second was through some sloppy defending by the home side. The third goal was a penalty, which should not have been given.

Overall another disappointing defeat, and some points are definitely needed.

MOM Danny Gilson

On a Thursday evening on a shocking pitch, Paxton made hard work of a game they should have won by half time. The game started well for the visitors and after a few missed chances a corner was whipped in by Darren Fairbrass and the keeper completely missed it for Gareth Peck to get the very slightest touch and give Paxton the lead. 1-0 at half time.

The second half began with half the Paxton team still in the dressing room as the home side pushed forward and within minutes, a Ramsey attacker ran into the box for Rob Seal to make what looked like a good tackle, only for the ref to point to the spot. 1-1.

Paxton then were put under enormous pressure, only to hold on and catch the home side on the break through a great finish from Lee Clutterbuck. 2-1. The visitors held on to earn an away trip at Yaxley, a UCL Premier side.

MOM L. Clutterbuck

The home team got off to a flying start, going 1-0 up after good work from Ian Dawkes and Andrew Conway, setting Chris Egan up for a great finish across the keeper. Then no more. Two minutes later Foxton equalised after slack marking in the home box, J. Flack finishing well. 1-1.

And then 5 minutes later a strange decision from the referee gave the visitors a free kick outside the box for Flack to curl home into the top corner. 2-1.

The rest of the half was pretty much a stalemate. The second half saw Paxton push for an equaliser but even with 75% of the possession they just couldn't find a finish to their build up play. So another bad result.

Probably the worst 45 minutes I have witnessed from a Paxton side for many years. Paxtons only moment of any note was after 10 minutes when Ian Dawkes got to the bye line, pulled the ball back for Andrew Conway to slot home, only for the linesman to give off side, do they not know the rules I asked myself.??

Then the fun started and Histon took the lead from a corner, the ball came in and Darren Fairbrass sliced straight to the forward for him to slam home. 1-0.

Within minutes it was 2-0, as again Paxtons defence were no where to be seen, again Fairbrass helped the ball into the path of the Histon forward who finished well.
The home side were all over the place and this time Simon Johnson walked straight into the visitors forward, who stole the ball played his team mate in who again finished well.

Just before half time the score became 4-0 and total embarrassment for the home management, another 'laughable error'. Only one thing could improve the second period and that is the home side would come out and gain some dignity.

This they did and they dominated large periods. Paxton had a clear penalty turned down by the referee even though the linesman gave the penalty, another shocking decision. Histon made it 5-0 at the death, Matt Plumb was kicked up the back side when controlling the ball, the ref played on and the visitors broke through and made no mistake.

Paxton reserves once again contrived to lose a game that they should have won easily. The Ressies probably fielded one of the strongest sides they have put out in months but never really got a foothold in this tough derby match.
However Paxton started the brighter and could have taken the lead when a Darren Blackhall corner was headed goal wards by Peachey, only for the ball to strike the underside of the bar and rebound back into the area. At the other end, a break down the Paxton right saw a ball squared to the Goddy striker who was clear in front of goal – however the player scuffed his shot over the bar and Paxton were reprieved. On 10 minutes Paxton won a free kick near the right hand corner flag – Darren Blackhall once again centred, only for Peterson to head into his own net to give Paxton the lead.
This lead though was short lived, a combination of bad defending and poor communication saw Platt clear through on goal, and he calmly slotted the ball pass the advancing Spavins. And minutes later the hosts were 2-1 up – again poor defending allowed Koouns to drive a low shot in the corner of the Paxton net.
The rest of the first half was dominated by Paxton – however they never really threatened the Goddy goal. Adam Swain and Danny Kennedy were busy but nothing seemed to click in front of goal.
The second half saw the return of Peter Wallis who partnered Adam Swain in attack and for the opening period seemed to worry the solid Goddy defence. However Goddy stretched their lead further when defender Cartwright tapped in at the far post. And when Platt raced clear and again placed the ball neatly past Spavins. Things did not improve for Paxton – Michael Moore made what looked a good challenge on the Goddy sub - only for the referee to book him for a poor tackle, Michael then gave him the benefit of his version of the event – and the yellow turned to Red…. Summed the day up

SPAVINS 6 ..PEACHEY 8.. BENNETT 6.. BAK 6.. S GOODCHILD 7.. BLACKHALL 6.. KENNEDY 8 ..J GOODCHILD 5 .. GAY-MECA 6 .. GILSON 7 .. SWAIN 6
Subs MOORE 6 .. COMBI 6 .. WALLIS 7

Having lost heavily the week before it was time that the team put together a performance of application, guts and determination which they did. With the boss away joining the ranks of the boy racers, Ian Dawkes away on family business, it's party time. Pete Wallis, Aaron still returning from injury and not available. Avon, 'ding dong' Brassy looking tired from selling his wares door to door, night after night and the heavy pitch more in tune with wellies than the bright shinny boots that some of our superstars wear , it could have been one of them days.

Giving debut to new signing Danny Ingram, welcome to the club, who I must say held the ball up well during the whole of the game and I am sure will be a great signing for us and who started to form a good partnership with Andrew, I laid out a keeper last week, Connors as well giving a 1st team place to Dan Kennedy to partner Brassy in the middle and with Scott Quince, Rob Seal, Chris Bingham and Joe Walsh in a rearranged back four it was always going to be tough at first as all units needed time to settle after the changes made.

And this proved to be the case during the first quarter in which Paxton were kept on the back foot against a speedy forward and a deceptive wind. Pat Kennedy, replacing Toddy, marshalled the defence well, we do seem to get through a lot of keepers. But to be honest Somersham did break through on a number of occasion but failed to find the back of the net.

That was until Lee 'it was nothing ref', Clutterbuck helping out the defence, to his credit, at about the mid point of the half blatantly pushed a Somersham forward, not, in the box. The Ref, who was the only one in the ground that saw the infringement, pointed straight to the spot. 1-0 Somersham.

We then started to take control with good mid field play from aggressive Brassy and tough tackling DK combining well. It was during this good spell that Lee, having had a number of innocuous free kicks given against him suggested the the ref might have gone to spec savers during the week and earned himself a yellow card for his comments, although it took the ref three attempts to get it out as he could not find his pocket!!

But the best was yet to come, a sweet move from defence through midfield from right to left found Chris Egan, who had skilfully lost his marker, free and he did not miss. The back of the net bulged, Chris turned, did an Irish jig and celebrated as did the rest. Brassy even offered him a free foam bath as a reward for scoring. Offer declined, not Chris's fragrance. He uses rose petal in his, followed by a cucumber mask. Well it is green.

And we did, the second half was all Paxton, with the woodwork being struck a number of times and with Connors heading just over. The only thing we did not do was score, sweet moves across the field and down the flanks, with good delivery in to the box, meant that we were encamped in the Somersham end for most of the half and very few chances being given to them but to no avail.

In the end Somersham held on for the draw. But the run of losses had been stopped and all the lads can be proud of what they had achieved even the comics on the bench.

Thanks to the subs Chris 'it's donkey' Hill, Simon 'pasta' Johnson, Andy 'I didn't get injured in this one' Oxborough, Glen, 'the quiet one' Grimes and Adam 'pass me my towel it's wet in the shower' Swain for the bench entertainment. It a team game and I know it's tough when you don't get on but thanks again.

The rot has stopped !!!! We have now gone 135 min without conceding a goal from open play and this must continue. Here comes the saying " if they don't score we don't lose." The next league game is at home, where we have won only one league game this season, we need to move forward even more so now and double that stat by taking the all 3 points against Fordham.

After a good win the week before the team were on a high, going out with high hopes, the start of the first half was very tight with both sides making chances. Dicky Conby broke the deadlock after about 30 minutes, heading home a cross from Chris Hill. It stayed 1-0 at half time.

For the first ten minutes of the second half Paxton were playing poorly, but after a firm word or two from Simon Goodchild, the team started to pick themselves up again, with a goal from Pete Wallis.
Dicky stepped up again for his second, finishing a cross in from Luke Swain. With about ten minutes to go Scotty with a long throw from goal put Dicky through again with a top class finish to claim his hat-trick.

MOM M. Moore for having the game of his life - well done!!!

A massive game for the home side and the last chance of any silver ware this season. The game got off to a flier with end to end stuff, but it was the home side that looked the more likely to score, and with fifteen minutes gone it looked like Paxton had taken the lead through Adam Swain, but the official had deemed his effort offside even though there were at least three players playing him on. Then within minutes Paxton scored again, this time another offside was given, Danny Ingram turning unmarked in the box and firing home but to no avail. The rest of the half continued in the same vein.

Half time and Paxton were told to carry on the same, and keep it tight at the back and making their chances count when they came. Then with an attack from the visitors the ball was allowed to be smashed across the face of goal with the oncoming midfielder being left unmarked he smashed the ball between keeper and defenders legs. 1-0 Histon.

With only fifteen minutes left it looked a big ask for the home side, with heads dropping to the floor. With the crowd behind them, Paxton pushed forward and with time running out they equalised through Ingram, somehow he turned in the box and squeezed the ball home after another goal mouth scramble. 1-1 extra time.

The game died a bit as both sides started to tire, but Paxton looked the more likely to score with Pete Wallis and Andrew Conway having good chances to score. Then in the second period Matt Plumb was put under pressure and played the ball back to Andy Oxborough to clear but he in turn tried to chip the ball to Chris Bingham who was robbed of the ball and the Histon striker smashed the ball off the underside of the bar. 2-1. Histon then scored with the final kick of the game. 3-1.
Very hard on the lads who gave it their all.

Paxton went over to, 2nd in the UCL Premier, Yaxley, and came away with nothing except a bit of pride. Yaxley scored after 2 minutes and again 15 minutes later. Paxton could have easily folded but plugged away, and youngsters Grimes and Luke Swain shone in midfield.

Yaxley made it 3-0 just before halftime. Paxton came out for the second half and a good 20 minute spell. Swain having a couple of shots on goal. Aaron Fairbrass was introduced and shone at right back linking well with Grimes down the right. Paxton conceded a 4th, but a good performance on the whole.

"Another performance like today's 1st half and Paxton will be relegated" said Paxton Joint Manager Matt Plumb.
Paxton now face an uphill struggle in the league run in, after under achieving in the 1st 45 minutes of this game. The home side went ahead after about 15 minutes and never looked back. Poor defending allowing the centre forward to break the off side trap, cut inside and finish neatly. 1-0. Within five minutes the score was 2-0, this time the ball was whipped in from a corner, a header was missed at the front post and the ball fell kindly and was smashed into the roof of the net.

Paxton then had their best spell with Andrew Conway and Adam Swain having two good chances to put the visitors back in the game, but to no avail. On the stroke of half time the score was 3-0. the visitors stepped forward to leave the two home attackers at least 15 yards off side, but as in previous games the linesman was too busy ball watching, and it was left to the Newmarket marksman to run on and score. 3-0 at half time.

Paxton came out in the second half a completely different team, they became encamped in the home sides half, chance after chance went begging with Conway hitting the woodwork twice and having a one on one saved. It just was not going to be our day. As Paxton pressed forward they were caught out when Quince tried to throw the ball to keeper, Paul Atkins, but his rushed clearance fell straight at the feet of the home player who again finished neatly. So, much to work on, for next weeks return fixture.

On the back of two great results, Paxton came into the game on a high, but starting the game with nine men while waiting on 2 players does not do much for morale of the rest of the team. Especially leaving one of the better players this season on the bench. Soham had '3' gilt-edged chances in the 1st five minutes. Paxton never really got going in this game but as a team they must finish the season on a high, and a lot of players must now push themselves for next season either to gain a regular starting place or propel themselves towards the first team which should be the aim of any second string player.

We are pretty much safe of the from the drop so the pressure is off in that department. Enjoyment is the key motivator for the remaining games so lets hope to see some exciting football and a few more players express themselves.

For the record the home sides scorers were Blackhall and Walsh.

A much needed 3 points and a better display. Paxton started like they meant business and within 5 minutes created 1 or 2 great openings, with some superb opening football, there seemed to be a confidence that hasn't been there for a while. Maybe this had something to do with the superb conditions, pitch and weather.

Wallis struck the 1st blow after some good build up play involving Adam Swain, Andrew Conway and Ian Dawkes. 1-0. Then came Conway with his 1st half hat-trick meant the game was safe. His 1st came on the 20 minute mark, a superb cross from Luke Swain into the box and Conway rose like a salmon, 2-0. Then within 10 minutes he made it 3-0, some more good work from the Swain boys, Bingham and Dawkes forced the ball through the middle for Conway to run onto and finish in style past the stranded keeper. Paxton then created chance after chance with the visitors only making one or two runs into the home sides half.

Conway completed his hat-trick right on the stroke of half time after a superb run and pass from Dawkes. 4-0 half time.

The second half was a bit of a none event with Paxton taking the foot of the pedal and allowing the visitors to score with 2 superb finishes to make it 4-2 and an uneasy last 10 minutes. With a break away gave Wallis the chance to get his second and he finished well 5-2. A good day at the office.

A bad day for the boys and a poor performance to boot. When you are playing the top side in the league you need to be at your very best to get any result. From the start Haddenham over ran Paxton in all areas with Paxton only rarely causing any damage to the Haddenham rear guard. Haddenham scored three goals in the 1st half and this caused Paxton to make a change in players and system at half time. With new signing Robert Davey coming on for the not so happy Chris Hill. The second half got off to pretty much the same as the 1st but against the run of play Paxton pulled back a goal through Richard Conby. But it was then back to normality as Haddenham added a couple of quick goals to make it 5-1. Then in the last 10 minutes Haddenham made it a rout to the embarrassment of the Paxton players.

Another 3 points lost. A completely unacceptable display. Pete Wallis's brace the only thing to come out of the game. - Embarrassing.

This was as they say a 6 pointer. Paxton knew they needed to win to give themselves a good chance of staying up.
The game got off to a good start for the home side and they dominated the opening exchanges having at least 2 or 3 good chances.
The 1st goal did not come though until the 20th minute. A great through ball from Rob Seal let in Adam Swain who lobbed the keeper. 1-0.
The theme for the next 10 minutes was pretty much the same and when Matt Plumb made a surging run into the box, he laid the ball off to Swain who crossed for Andrew Conway to get his 18th of the season with a good header. 2-0.

Half-time: the game was not over and who scored the next goal was all important in determining the outcome of the game. A great cross field ball from Plumb found Danny Ingram who took the ball into his path and found Swain who again finished well. 3-0.
Within minutes the home side had their 4th. A hand ball in the box resulting in a penalty. Plumb stepped up to make it 4-0. Swains hat-trick wasn't long in coming when a pinpoint pass from Plumb sent him in to make it 5-0. Paxtons final goal came from Ingram who got on the end of a long punt up field from keeper Atkins. Ingram hit a great half volley into the bottom corner, from just outside the box. 6-0.
The final word came all too late for Wratting, a great finish from Darren Lyons out on the bye line. 6-1. A great result for the home side.

This is the second match that Leroy and Andy have joined as a team, looking good over at Soham the week before, both managers were feeling good about taking on Buckden.

Paxton came out and started really poorly with big gaps in midfield and the back four getting pulled apart. 4-0 down at half time.

Paxton still didn't pick up there game letting in 2 more and with the managers walking away - they were not happy people

A game to forget I think

100% improvement on the previous game with a different formation playing 4-5-1.

Four goals in the 1st half with the first from Chris Hill tapping in a close range shot. The movement was good and using both wings with Egan and Askinasy running them well. The early cross was working well as Egan headed home to make 2-0.

Again using the wide men Glen Grimes heading in first. Jon Goodchild had a good opportunity with a powerful shot but hitting the corner post. A good bit of passing and moving from midfield which put Grimes in, heading in his second.

Paxton started to relax a little too much as Somersham pulled one back just before half time.

Ten minutes into the 2nd half Somersham got another, Paxton were sitting back too much. Somersham got there 3rd with 15 minutes to go. Paxton held on for a much needed win. Lets just hope that we can keep going for 90 minutes and not 45 minutes.

MOM Simon Goodchild