UPDATE: In an electrifying debut, 17-year-old Konnor Higgins scored the decisive goal just minutes after stepping onto the pitch, leading Market Drayton Town to a 2-1 victory over Barnton on December 2, 2023. This remarkable performance extends the Gingerbread Men’s impressive record to just one defeat in their last seven matches in the North West Counties First Division South.
Higgins, a former Market Drayton Tigers player, made his senior debut under manager Dan Dawson with the team already ahead 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Jack Finney. Just nine minutes from the final whistle, Higgins fired a stunning finish into the roof of the net, showcasing his potential and determination on the field.
The match, held at Greenfields, saw Barnton pull one back late, but the hosts managed to secure the win despite both teams finishing with ten players after Archie Russell of Market Drayton was sent off. The victory propelled Market Drayton Town to 13th place as they gear up for a break in the schedule, with Dawson and the team set to attend a Christmas event in Manchester.
Dawson praised Higgins’ performance, describing the goal as “the most route one you will see.” He elaborated on the build-up, explaining how the goalkeeper launched the ball upfield, leading to a perfectly executed strike from Higgins. “It was a really nice little finish,” Dawson noted.
The manager expressed confidence in Higgins’ future, stating, “He’s a lovely kid… He’ll certainly play for our first team. We want him to be the future of the club.” He highlighted Higgins’ work ethic and maturity, emphasizing that if he continues to develop, he could play at higher levels of competition.
Fans are already buzzing about Higgins and his potential impact on the team. His family’s unwavering support, with his mother and brothers attending every game, adds a personal touch to his journey as a young athlete. This debut performance not only marks a significant milestone for Higgins but also ignites hope for the future of Market Drayton Town.
As the team prepares for their next steps, all eyes will be on Higgins to see how his career unfolds in the coming weeks. The excitement surrounding this young talent is palpable, and fans are eager to witness more of his contributions on the pitch.
