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3 February 2007

Controversy reins as Saints steal win

Northampton Saints 4th XI  2  Coalville Town 4th XI  1

DTZ Central League South East Division One

Coalville were controversially beaten by fellow strugglers Northampton Saints in this DTZ Central League South East Division One clash.

In a tight game, Coalville battled hard throughout without ever really deserving to win the match. Chances were few and far between, although Matt Howells saw an effort go wide and James Unwin was denied by the keeper.

Northampton snuck into the lead shortly before the half time whistle, and Town came out for the second half desperate for an equaliser.

Midway through the half Coalville did get level. A penalty corner was played out by Jordan Ward and Jason Sign was on hand to hammer home.

The controversy then started as Town were denied what they thought was a good second goal. Another penalty corner saw Dean Pallett hit a rocket towards goal, which flicked up off a defender, into the Northampton keeper and then off the crossbar before dropping down for Craig Deacon to turn home.

Northampton players appealed for an offence, and it was only at this appealing that the umpire gave a 16-yard hit out rather than the goal.

To rub salt in the Coalville wounds, Saints then grabbed a late winner to reduce the gap back to Town to just one point in the table.