The first meeting between the two sides took place at a blustery Racecourse. Watford had been flying high in the IFA League, completing their maximum of 20 fixtures and winning 17 of them, so the Shoemakers knew they were in for a tough game.

The first half was an entertaining affair as both sides created chances, Luis Pereira had a goal bound shot blocked on the line and Richard Fletcher was denied by a last ditch tackle after Sean Bellham's through ball. Watford enjoyed a lot of possession, but Matt Cockerill was rarely troubled in the Cobblers goal. He was beaten on one occasion, but Mark Kennedy was on hand to clear off the line. It was a rare occasion that a half ended goal less in fan teams football!

The Shoemakers kicked into a strong win in the second half and chances were a little more limited at both ends. Watford looked a strong side nonetheless and scored the only goal of the game around the hour mark. Matt Cockerill pulled off a wonderful point blank save but Rob Wenham was on hand to head the ball over the line from close range.

The home side were offered a glorious chance to equalise after a penalty award for handball, but Chris Marriott's spot kick was wonderfully saved by the keeper (who barely had to move).

Matt Cockerill made two further saves, first tipping a powerful shot onto the post before turning over a dipping shot.

Following the match, Dave Messanger of Watford IFC said
"We would like to thank Mark and the Northampton lads for the game. It was a good game, played in difficult conditions and a good spirit. We reckon we were just about good value for the lead when it came, but our new keeper Neil followed up a good debut at Hull with a penalty stop to keep us in front.

"It has taken us a while to get a date fixed up, but hopefully now we've got one game in, we can make fixtures between our clubs a more frequent occurrence. Northampton are a good bunch of lads and it was a pleasure to meet them. We might wait for the M1 roadworks to finish first before we come back though as we weren't back in Watford till just after 2pm!"

Shoemakers team - Matt Cockerill, Mark Kennedy, James Averill, Dale Smith, Luis Periera, Phil Monkey, Rob Ellam, Chris Marriott, Russ Rainbow, Sean Bellham, Richard Fletcher

As another season draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the fans team and for the lads who have turned up and travelled to away games too. Also to NTFC for their continued support, it is a real pleasure to represent the Cobblers in a positive way and to continue to build bridges between rival fans, many of whom have become really good friends of ours over the past few years.

Up the Cobblers

Mark Kennedy