PREVIEW: Corby Town (H)
By Dan Sheward
Next in Quorn’s pre-season campaign, Corby Town. The familiar side from last season make the trip to the Stotto Stadium for the penultimate home pre-season fixture.
The Reds are getting closer and closer to commencing life in step 3, with fixtures set to be released this Friday at 1pm. Ryan Beswick’s side have put in some solid performances during the preparation for the new season, with the squad showing Quorn fans some promising signs for the upcoming, challenging season.
It was a somewhat belligerent game in Quorn’s last fixture, which ended in a 2-2 draw against familiar faces, Anstey Nomads. The referee ended the game having dealt four bookings as well as there being four players that ended up in A&E with injuries. After last season’s 3-2 win against Anstey, the away side clearly set out to try and make up for the defeat.
The Opponent
Corby Town are no strangers to Quorn, as they competed for the title with the Reds last season. They came second as runners up to Quorn in the Northern Premier League, with 85 points. Making the play off final they had the chance to be promoted and join the Methodists in step three however, fourth place Worcester City managed to get the better of them on the day, winning 2-1 at Steel Park.
Also known as the Steelmen, a nickname deriving from the old steelworks that were in Corby, Saturdays visiting side commenced their pre-season on the 9th of July. They took on AFC Welwyn, a Hertfordshire based side in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division.
They’ll be travelling to the Stotto stadium on Saturday however, Steel Park is home to the Steelmen. The £1.5m stadium was opened on 25th July 2011 ahead of a 2-0 win against now league two side, Notts County. It has a capacity of 3893, with the first competitive goal scored there coming from centre midfielder James Ozmen
Last Game
Last time out for the reds as mentioned, was a scrappy 2-2 draw against Anstey Nomads. The rain was falling at the Stotto stadium on Tuesday evening as well as the players with their being four subs for injuries by full time!
After numerous set pieces Anstey Nomads managed to take the lead and make it 1-0, following a corner which was whipped back into the box after being cleared, with Liam Murphy being the one to score the goal through a crowd of bodies. It was a disappointing first half for the reds but there were signs from Simeon Cobourne and Jordan Clarke that were positive. The two did well early on to combine and create some dangerous attacks, but Nomads did well to keep them out.
Quorn did well to come out the blocks in the second half, winning a penalty which Zak Goodson coolly took to make it 1-1.
Following a corner Mason Frizelle managed to put the reds 2-1 with what looked to be a winner in the 89th minute. However, due to the vast number of injuries and cards that were shown, there was a decent chunk of stoppage time. Nomads were awarded a soft free kick and managed grab an equaliser at the death making it 2-2, Liam Murphy the one to score the goal.
A disappointing end to the game but plenty of positives to take away from Tuesday night’s game to take away and into Saturdays fixture against Corby.
Head-to-Head
Quorn faced Corby Town twice in the league last year, winning both games. First time out was away at Steel Park, Quorn won the game 2-0 with goals coming from the gaffer, Ryan Beswick as well as Paddy Webb.
The reverse fixture as the Stotto stadium was even better for Quorn as the reds managed to win 3-0 in front of the home fans. Cain Noble scored a brace with Goodson adding a stunning third.
Ticket Prices:
Adults £8.00
Concessions £5.00
Under 16s Free