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No.19 - Tues. 30th October 2007; United Counties League KO Cup Rd 1 7.45pm at Hayden Road, Rushden, Northants (Att: 40; Admn: £3; Prog: 24pp, £10) |
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View matchday images 01 02 03 04 Rushden & Higham United (1) 2 ON Chenecks (0) 2 AET - ON Chenecks win 3-1 on penalties Late Chenecks rally spot ON! What a cracking cup tie this was! Spectators at Hayden Road were left quite breathless after watching this pulsating United Counties League Knock Out match contested between two sides from the First Division. It was exciting end to end stuff played at a frantic pace with plenty of chances created by both teams. But nobody in the ground could have predicted how the match was going to unfold. United took the lead on twenty minutes when Steve Ainge's powerful header from Gary Broadway's cross gave the keeper no chance. The visitors equalised on the hour mark when Steve Allen converted a penalty. Cheneck's influential Ciaran White was sent off ten minutes later and this allowed hosts to take control of matters. However despite going close on a couple of occasions they just couldn't finish the game off and with Chenecks defending doggedly the match not surprisingly went into extra time. As expected a goal came within ten minutes when United striker Dave Townsend fired home giving his side the lead again. It was definitely a case of deja-vous though as ON Chenecks mounted a late surge. With only seconds left tricky front runner Danny Webster effortlessly jinxed his way through the home defence to restore parity and, much to the chagrin of United fans, took his side into a penalty shoot-out. Spurred on by this the lads from Northampton were spot-ON netting three times to book their place in the next round. With the time fast approaching 10.30pm it was certainly late night drama!
Amazingly my last visit to Hayden Road was over sixteen years ago when Rushden entertained Burton Albion in a Beazer Homes (Southern League) Premier Division fixture on 16th February 1991 (res. 1-1). Since the recent merger between Rushden Rangers Football Club and neighbouring Higham Town there have been some ground improvements with the addition of some new terracing and a small seated cover on the far side. This has come about to meet league demands as the old wooden main stand on the near side is sadly now a safety hazard as it sits forlornly derelict and is very much out of bounds to the public. Travellers to the venue will appreciate its enclosed feel being bordered by houses and trees and will immediately notice the steep end to end slope on what is a superbly manicured playing surface.
A splendid 24 page programme complete with glossy colour cover was issued for the game. It includes all the essential material with plenty of club news, stats and line ups. I particularly like the use of colour team photographs which supplement the content. Well done! Hot food and drinks were available from the Rangers' Social Club near to the main entrance.
The club is easily reached from Northampton and the East by taking the A45 to the junction with the A6. Follow signs for Rushden coming off at the Newton Bromswold roundabout. Continue along Newton Road before turning right into Hayden Road. There are plenty of parking opportunities in the streets near to the ground.
My trip to Rushden was particularly rewarding as I met several fellow hoppers who had travelled down from Yorkshire and the East Midlands to visit the ground. Old mates Pete and Frank from Sheffield were well chuffed to get in a new tick at this level and asked me to mention that Sheffield FC are due to play Inter Milan in an 125th Anniversary International Match at Bramall Lane on Wednesday 8th November with a 7.45 kick-off (see the Sheffield FC website for details).
FGIF Rating: 5*
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edited on 07/11/07 |
