Newmarket Town avoid Isthmian League North Division relegation after 1-1 draw at Concord Rangers

It all got very nervy late on, but Newmarket Town secured their Isthmian League North Division status for another season thanks to this afternoon’s 1-1 draw at Concord Rangers.

The Jockeys went into today’s campaign-ending clash at Thames Road armed with the knowledge that a victory would end any worries over relegation, as would a defeat for Haringey Borough, who were one point adrift, at Brightlingsea Regent.

And with less than 20 minutes remaining, it was the perfect scenario for Newmarket as they led 1-0, while Haringey trailed by the same scoreline in their fixture.

However, come the final whistle, both sides were locked at 1-1 – leaving nervous Newmarket supporters glued to their phones for updates before the travelling faithful could celebrate it being job done.

The main talking point of a scrappy first half was the sending off of Concord’s Evernage Nyahunda in the 29th minute. The Newmarket players were clearly unhappy with the defender’s challenge on Henry Hall and referee Kane Dempster shared their viewpoint.

That aside, clear chances were at a premium. Bobby Kelman called Newmarket goalkeeper James Young into action early on when he fired goalwards through a crowded box, while Concord left-back Liam Jones dragged a 19th-minute shot across the face of goal.

Newmarket’s best opening dropped to Josh Lee shortly after Nyahunda had been given his marching orders but he could not keep his effort on the turn down.

The second half followed a similar pattern, although this time it was Newmarket – with their numerical advantage – that carved out the better of the few opportunities.

And their big moment came in the 72nd minute. Having seen one header loop just over and another saved by Harry Seadan, it was a case of third time lucky for Leech. The combative centre-forward made a move to the near post, where he got in front of his marker to glance Lee’s right-wing cross inside the opposite upright.

However, any hopes of Newmarket easing to safety in comfortable fashion were ended when they failed to deal with a high ball into their box and Stephen Cawley got the better of Young with a header.

To Newmarket’s credit, they did not wobble – even when news filtered through of Haringey’s stoppage-time equaliser at Brightlingsea. Another goal for Haringey at that point would have seen Newmarket drop into the bottom four, but it is the London side that ultimately drop out of the division.

Newmarket: Young, Hall, Williams, Walter, Chivers, Dean, Maynard, Romanos, Davidson (Mingay 65’), Lee, Leech.