CORBY Town won their penultimate pre-season match in style after beating a team of ex-Premier League Legends in Marathonbet’s #NonLeagueChallenge – the competition that saw them win £10,000.
The Steelmen ran out impressive 6-1 winners on Sunday against a star-studded team including Eidur Gudjohnsen, Emile Heskey, Nigel Winterburn, Dion Dublin and William Gallas.
Corby’s Steel Park saw its second biggest crowd just short of 2,000 watching on from the stands, the hugely-anticipated match was the club’s additional prize to winning the nationwide #NonLeagueChallenge competition – Marathonbet’s search for lower-league football‘s greatest goal celebration.
Sam Mulready and Olly Brown-Hill put the hosts 2-0 up in the first half before former Ipswich Town, Charlton and Republic of Ireland star Matt Holland pulled one back for the Legends before the break.
In a second half telling of fitness, Mulready bagged his brace for Corby alongside further goals from Shay Brennan, Jordan O’Brien and man of the match Jordon Crawford.
Ex-Manchester City and England man Trevor Sinclair missed a penalty won by Emile Heskey when the Legends were 4-1 down.
Managerial legend Peter Reid prowled the touchline for the Legends while TalkSport’s Ian ‘Moose’ Abrahams and BBC’s Mark Lawrenson – an ex-Corby man himself – took up commentary duties.
The match was a huge success for both the The Steelmen and the Corby community. Hundreds of fans grabbed autographs and pictures with their Premier League idols while Corby pocketed 90% of the gate receipts. The other 10% went to #NonLeagueChallenge’s charity partner Prostate Cancer UK.
Marathonbet was on the hunt for non-league football’s best celebrations for months.
This year Corby trumped more than 40 other clubs thanks to Jason Lee’s brilliant pint-swigging celebration. After his side netted against Mickleover Sports in the Northern Premier League Premier, Lee cheekily pinched a fan’s beer before downing a few gulps and running off again. His effort encapsulated all that’s great about non-league football.
Corby can spend their £10,000 cash prize and gate money on anything from players to stadium improvements.
Next season’s #NonLeagueChallenge is going to be bigger and better than ever with a huge £20,000 prize fund. The fun starts again on August 5.
