Northamptonshire FA’s Representative squad made the short trip to Raunds Town FC for their league fixture against Birmingham FA on Sunday 14 January (2:00pm KO).

The game started at a fast pace with Northants having the early chances, but a mixture of good defending and goalkeeping heroics kept the hosts at bay.

Northants were left to regret those early misses when, in their first attack, Birmingham took the lead after 14 minutes. A good cross into the box eluded the Northants defence and the Birmingham forward finished with aplomb. 

The game was evenly balanced with both sides having chances, but Birmingham went into a two goal lead with a very well taken volleyed goal. 

Half-time: Northamptonshire FA 0-2 Birmingham FA

The second half started much like the first with Northants pressing right from the off, and they were rewarded when Sam Adams pulled a goal back after good work from Ben Fitzjohn. 

With the pitch getting heavier, both sides were finding it difficult to produce flowing football and the game became a scrappy affair. However, Birmingham made it three in the 82nd minute with another goal from the impressive Eesa Sawyers. As the game was petering out, a spectacular attempt from Birmingham made the final score 4-1 to the visitors.

To sum up – it was a good game of competitive football and a game that was closer than the scoreline suggests. Credit goes to the teams and officials from both County FAs and special thanks go to Raunds Town for their excellent welcome and facilities.