League joy follows cup win

A HAT-TRICK from man of the match Russell Davies inspired Great Paxton to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Wisbech St Mary’s last Wednesday to claim the Percy Oldham Memorial Cup.

A HAT-TRICK star man Russell Davies inspired Great Paxton to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Wisbech St Mary last Wednesday to pick up the Percy Oldham Memorial Cup.

Their stunning win at Histon FC was their first piece of silverware since 2001 and came on the back of their promotion to the Kershaw Senior A league for next season, having finished as runners-up in Kershaw B.

It was a closely-fought final with Kershaw B champions Wisbech having equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes to force the game into extra-time.

But Paxton scored early in extra-time through Davies and managed to hold on for a memorable victory.

Then on Saturday, the two sides met again in the final match of the league season but, even with title matters already settled, Paxton had to beat the champions in order to secure the second promotion place.

And they did that with a Mark Davies goal 20 minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory and earning second spot on goal difference from third-placed Debden.

Paxton finished the season three points behind winners Wisbech, which completed a marked turnaround in fortunes under the management of Mark Spavins, having been relegated from Kershaw A last season.

And, with the assistance of Simon Anderson, Paxton have set the club back on the right track.

The Reserves also had a good season, finishing eighth in BIS League 4A.