Corby Town beat Notts County 2-0 on Monday evening, in the first game ever to be played at the newly named Steel Park.

The Steelmen were the better side throughout and two goals in two minutes ensured a fair result against the npower League 1 outfit.

Neither side had created any clear cut chances up until the 57th minute when Corby striker Nick Rogan picked up a through ball from midfield and found himself through on goal. Keeping his nerve, he calmly chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper and wheeled away in celebration.

Steelmen fans had just finished celebrating the first goal when they were sent into raptures once again two minutes later. Sam Ives found himself in a similar position to Rogan but chose to duly pass the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

It was no more then the home side deserved as they bettered the Magpies in all areas of the pitch straight from kick-off. The Steelmen could have had an early penalty after County defender Nicholas appeared to handle the ball in the box within the first five minutes. Despite lengthy protests from the Corby faithful the referee shook his head and allowed play to continue.

The ball was in the Notts County net ten minutes later, after Paul Malone managed to smash home a poor clearance from Magpie ‘keeper Burch. Unfortunately for the Corby defender, team-mate Andy Hall was judged to have fouled Burch in the lead-up and the goal was disallowed.

Rogan and Ives both gave the home fans two reasons to cheer mid-way through the second half, as they scored the only goals of the game in quick succession.

Despite their best efforts, the Magpie’s didn’t threaten Chris Mackenzie’s goal after the Steelmen went two up and they looked relieved to hear the final whistle.

Corby manager Graham Drury will no doubt be delighted with the result, after a less then perfect pre-season. He and the fans will also be hoping the Steelmen can continue through pre-season in this vein of form, with a tricky trip to the Vic Couzen’s Stadium to take on AFC Stamford on Saturday 30th July.

Report By Kelly Cornwell