URGENT UPDATE: Just minutes into his debut, 17-year-old Konnor Higgins scored a stunning winner for Market Drayton Town, propelling the team to a decisive 2-1 victory over third-placed Barnton in the North West Counties First Division South. The match, held at Greenfields on December 16, 2023, marked another strong performance for the Gingerbread Men, who have now lost just once in seven games.
Introduced by manager Dan Dawson with the team already leading 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Jack Finney, Higgins left an immediate mark nine minutes from the end. He received a swift pass after a chain of quick touches and delivered a clinical finish into the roof of the net, showcasing his potential on the senior stage.
“It was the most route one you will see,” Dawson commented on the goal. “Our goalkeeper’s banged it upfield and striker Harry Minshall helped it on with his first touch and our winger assisted Konnor, who was in behind the center-halves, middle of the goal, 10 yards out, and he smashed it in the roof of the net with his first touch. It was a really nice little finish.”
The victory was not without drama, as the match ended with both teams reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Drayton’s Archie Russell. Despite this setback, the team held on to secure an important win, lifting them to 13th place in the league ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Dawson expressed great confidence in Higgins, highlighting his work ethic and potential to become a key player for the club. “He’s a lovely kid, and his family supports him at every game. We want him to be the future of the club,” he said. “He is really coachable, polite, works his socks off. If he carries on doing that, he’ll be the future of Drayton at step six, five, four, whatever it may be.”
The Gingerbread Men will not play this weekend as they take time off for a Christmas gathering in Manchester, but the spotlight remains on the emerging talent of Konnor Higgins, whose debut goal has fans excited about what lies ahead.
With his impressive start, Higgins could be the spark Market Drayton Town needs as they continue to compete in the league. Fans and officials alike are eager to see how his career develops in the coming months.
