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Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League
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SATURDAY
LEAGUE week-by week reports 2006-2007 |
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APRIL 2007 |
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April 28 Lincolnshire
Junior Cup Since 1994-95 Brumby Hotel or AFC Brumby as they are now
known, had won the Lincolnshire Junior Cup four times before meeting Croft
United at the tidy “Step 4” facilities of Brigg Town FC on a quite warm
spring day. Croft United played creditably and were the better team in the
first half-hour but poor defending at the near post from a low corner allowed
Brumby to take a 1-0 lead with a goal from inside the six-yard box. It was an
advantage the strong and somewhat uncompromising
team from the Scunthorpe and District League held to the interval. Much talk
at half-time was about how long Brumby’s No 11 was going to last before the
referee lost his patience and sent him off. Having been involved in a fight
with his own team captain in the first half, odds of even money were the best
available that he would last the full 90 minutes. But the player in question
calmed down a touch in the second half. It was in this second period that
Brumby made sure of lifting the silverware. Their second goal came from a
35-yard pile-driver that Nick Maddison managed to flick a hand at but without
being able to keep the ball out of his net. A powerful header from their
skipper sealed a 3-0 Brumby win 10 minutes from time. Despite losing, Croft
United had played the better football throughout and the man-of-the-match
award went to Croft United’s No.10 Kurt Crossley. But without
ineligible-to-play Mark Lovelace and with Lee Orrey struggling with heavy
strapping on one knee, Croft didn’t cause too many problems for Brumby’s
defence once their good midfield work, where Adam Broom impressed, got to the
penalty box. Croft United, though, can bounce back in the Boston
League Sports Cup final on Thursday May 10. Croft are the current holders,
but opponents Coningsby have ended the season strongly and earned their place
in the final with an excellent semi-final victory at RAF Cranwell and will prove
no walkover. On the night before (Wednesday, May 9) Chelsea v Manchester
United is an attraction on Sky TV but football supporters without satellite reception
might want to venture out to see a real live match and watch the final of the
Willoughby Cup. Like the Sports Cup, the trophy’s current holders, Billinghay
Athletic will be trying to overcome late-improving opponents, this time in
the guise of Wyberton in an attempt to hold onto one of the oldest trophies
still being competed for anywhere certainly in Lincolnshire and possibly the
country. The first winners of the Horncastle Parliamentary Division Football
Challenge Cup trophy were Alford United FC and they were presented with the
trophy at Willoughby 107 years ago. Both of the above finals in question will be at Boston
Town’s Tattershall Road ground. Admission each time is £1 for adults with
children under 14 admitted free. Both games kick-off at 7.30 p.m. Barclays Brokers
Willoughby Shield final Swineshead Reserves gained sweet revenge for their
Reserve Cup final defeat at the hands of Coningsby Reserves last Tuesday
evening at Boston Town’s ground. Even without the darting thrusts of Jack
Houghton, Swineshead deservedly lifted the trophy as strikers Ryan Barker and
Andy Thompson proved more than a handful for their opponents. After a scrappy
opening, Coningsby’s Sam Taylor missed a good chance with a close range
header. Referee Alistair Wilson dished out the first yellow card after just 10
minutes following a cynical challenge by Coningsby defender Sam Brader. Carl
Wilson then forced Swineshead keeper, Phil McAllister into a double save
while at the other end Andy Thompson steered a difficult cross just wide of
the left hand post on 20 minutes. Thompson, however, was not to be denied. And
after Swineshead had been awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the
striker curled a delightful shot into the bottom right hand corner.
Swineshead were in full flow now and Ashley Brighton sent a long range effort
just wide and Martin North screwed his shot wide after Nathan Stainfield had
set the flank-man free on the left. Swineshead went close to a second goal 10
minutes before the break but Ryan Barker headed over from a Martin North
free-kick. Coningsby responded five minutes later with a flicked header from
Richard Grimshaw-Else that flew straight into the arms of McAllister. The
second half continued in positive fashion with both sides providing quick ebb-and-flow
play. Three minutes after the break Swineshead defender, James Andrew sent a
clearing header just wide of his own post while Mark Ledger went close for
Swineshead when Martin North squared the ball for the midfielder, but the
ball flew wide of the left hand post. Swineshead went 2-0 up just two minutes
later when Ledger was on hand to smash home a loose ball and North almost
added a third but his raid down the left saw his rising shot just clear the
crossbar. Coningsby’s Gary Patrick had a snap shot fly just wide while Barker
shot wide from close range at the other end. It was Barker again who went
desperately close to another goal but again he was off target with a header
following Brighton’s inch-perfect cross. Graham McMahon almost pulled a goal
back with 15 minutes remaining but his dipping shot bounced over the bar.
Coningsby gave themselves a lifeline in the dying minutes when Danny
Cottingham flicked the ball up on the edge of the box before firing high into
the net. The same player had the final chance of the game but his free-kick
was way off target and Swineshead played out the final moments before lifting
the trophy, which was presented by David Peatling. The man-of-the-match award
went to Mark Ledger whose tireless prompting and probing helped his side to
victory. Cropley’s Suzuki
Premier Division Croft United had a storming victory two days before
their Lincs Junior Cup final meeting with AFC Brumby. First they put Kirton
Town to the sword with a 9-2 thumping. Here Lee Orrey and Mark Lovelace both
helped themselves to hat-tricks while Scott Hutchinson, Kurt Crossley and
Greg Barker also got on the scoresheet. Skegness Town Reserves and Wyberton shared the points in
a 1-1 draw. Skegness looked like taking the three points as they entered the
final minutes leading 1-0 but Billy Shinn’s late equaliser denied the
Lillywhites maximum points. The home side had taken the lead five minutes
into the second half when Jamie Sleight crossed for Lee McCluckie to headed
his side in front. Liam Papworth struck twice for Spilsby Town Reserves in
their 3-0 away win at Gedney Drove End. Mark Ingram was also on the
scoresheet for the visitors who ensured the lengthy journey was a worthwhile
one. Andy Donnelly and Sundeep Singh scored the Wrangle
United goals in their home match against Coningsby but it was the visitors
who returned home with the three points following a 5-2 victory. The local derby match at Sleaford Town Reserves saw
Billinghay Athletic take the honours following a resounding 6-1 away win. Tom
Dickinson and Pete Dickinson both scored twice while Sam Miller and Jonathan
Fenton completed the scoring. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division One Two goals from Harry Houghton gave Swineshead Reserves
another 2-1 victory four days after their Willoughby Shield success when they
defeated Fishtoft at home. Pete Coonan grabbed the Fishtoft goal. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Two Coningsby Reserves made up for their earlier cup defeat
by securing the runners-up spot after a 1-1 draw at home to Wainfleet United.
Nathan Turner hit the all-important goal for Coningsby while Rob Jackson
levelled the scores for Wainfleet following a cross from Wes Sutton. Freiston clinched the Division Two title with a 5-2 home
win against Woodhall Spa last Friday evening. The home side settled well and
eased any early jitters with three goals in a blistering opening 10 minutes spell
with strikes from Jamie Skinner, Aston Chase and Dean Seiner. Woodhall then
produced a positive response but Freiston denied them any reward. Freiston
put the result beyond doubt with a fourth goal a few minutes before half time
when Jamie Skinner found David Harker who finished in style. Woodhall started
the second half on top and they were finally rewarded with a goal after
Freiston failed to cut out a through ball. The visitors then went close to
scoring again but goalkeeper Matthew Bainbridge produced two fine saves.
Jamie Skinner made it 5-1 with a low shot before Woodhall grabbed a second
goal when the keeper made an uncharacteristic error. Final score was 5-2.
Referee Nick Sleaford had a comfortable night controlling a very sporting
game. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Three Steve Wilcox plundered four goals for Billinghay
Athletic Reserves when they travelled to Mareham United Reserves. Jason
Davies and David De Benedicts were also on target for the visitors in a 6-1
away win. Daniel Hines replied for Mareham. Marshalls finished their successful debut season in fine
style when they defeated Park United Reserves 9-2. Ashley Murrell and Daniel
White both hit trebles for the Champions while Craig Spooner, Michael Gardner
and Mark Cosgrove were also on target. Paul Alexander hit a hat-trick for Wrangle United
Reserves in their 5-2 home win over Freiston Reserves. John Rutherford and
Jimmy Britton also got on the scoresheet for Wrangle as they attempt to grab
the runners-up spot following their tremendous run during the latter stages
of the season. Freiston replied through Troy Ayton and Danny Brewster. Swineshead Cup round two Swineshead played hosts to Horncastle Town and both
defences were in control during a goal-less first half. Swineshead enjoyed
the advantage of a brisk wind after the break and they pushed Horncastle back
on the offensive. Not surprisingly the home side struck first and two goals
in two minutes put them firmly in the driving seat. Chris Shipley fired home the
first with a 20-yard volley following a corner and then Benn Houghton scored
a superb individual goal when he collected the ball 40 yards out before
beating two defenders and shooting past the keeper. Swineshead had to endure
a nervous final five minutes after Horncastle reduced the arrears with a
header following a corner. Final score was 2-1. |
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April 21 Target
Newspapers Challenge Cup final
Two contrasting football styles were on display at
Tattershall Road last Thursday night as Third Division leaders Marshalls pitted
their wits against Wainfleet United from Division Two in the final of the
Challenge Cup. On this occasion Marshalls, who carried the more experienced
line-up and relied on the patient build-up, came unstuck against the more
direct approach of their opponents. Wainfleet opened the scoring after just
five minutes when man-of-the-match, Lee Johnson fastened onto a through ball
before shrugging off a defender and slipping the ball past the advancing
keeper. Johnson was to go on and provide two pieces of lightning-quick pace
before setting up the second half match-winning efforts. Marshalls striker,
Michael Gardner, another potential contender for the man-of-the match award
got his side back on level terms five minutes later when he swept the ball
low into the corner of the net after making room in the Wainfleet box.
Marshalls then went close on three occasions from corners as Wainfleet
struggled to deal with some excellent dead-ball play. Alex Leggatt and Ashley
Murrell both directed headers straight at the keeper while Gary Frost sent
his header just too high. It was all Marshalls during this midway spell and
Murrell curled a long range shot just over the bar before Daniel Warren drove
the ball at the keeper from an angle. At the other end keeper, Michael Willis
did well to block a shot when confronted with a one-on-one – Willis had been
drafted into the line-up after Ben Johnson had failed to show. Wainfleet
edged in front after 25 minutes when Royston Wilkinson was on hand to knock
the ball home at the far post after a right wing corner had caused confusion
in the Marshalls defence. Now it was Wainfleet’s turn to apply the pressure
and Wes Sutton went close with a twice taken free-kick and Michael Parnham
squandered a golden chance from close range after the ball was flicked onto
the lurking striker. Wilkinson almost added another but his header was
somehow scrambled clear as Marshalls lost their way during the latter stages
of the first half. The Division Three side almost levelled the scores within
a minute of the restart as Michael Gardner jinked his way through before his
effort was hacked off the line and Murrell went close but the flank-man
lifted his shot over when clean through. Wainfleet rocked Marshalls on 52
minutes when Lee Johnson danced his way through before crossing low for
Wilkinson to fire home his second goal of the game and the two players linked
up again minutes later but the goalscorer somehow glanced his header wide
after Johnson had supplied an inch-perfect cross. Marshalls were back in the
game on the hour mark when danger-man Gardner broke through the middle before
poking the ball past the advancing Perry and suddenly an equalizer looked on
the cards. Craig Spooner hooked a shot just over the angle and the same
player forced Perry into a smothering save minutes later. Tempers flared
momentarily midway through the second half as Melson and Johnson squared up
to each other as the ex-Boston man had cynically hauled back the speedy
Wainfleet striker. Wainfleet then scored a crucial fourth goal when the alert
Johnson slipped a superb through ball into the path of the marauding Adam
Swannack and the big midfielder strode forward before slipping the ball
coolly past the keeper. The game looked all but over but Marshalls set up a
frantic finish when they reduced the arrears to 4-3 five minutes from the end
when Craig Spooner turned in a low cross from the left. Wainfleet deservedly
held onto victory during the latter stages to lift the trophy, which was
presented by former league secretary Keith Harrison. Cropley’s
Suzuki Premier Division
The Premier Division’s form team, Wyberton, slipped up
in midweek when they played host to Gedney Drove End. The home side virtually
ended any hopes of an incredible last-ditch assault on the title race when they
went down 2-1 at home to their lowly visitors. Sam Louth grabbed the Wyberton
goal but the visitors took the points with strikes from Johnny Allen and
Simon Markham. Skegness Town Reserves held local rivals Croft United to
a 2-2 draw on the Tuesday night. Skegness trailed to a single goal at
half-time before rocking their opponents with a double-quick two goals in a
minute from Arron Taylor and Jamie Sleight. Croft salvaged a vital point to
make the final score 2-2. The visitor’s goals came from Kurt Crossley and
Mark Lovelace. Croft United got their title hopes back on track two
days later when they played host to reigning champions Billinghay Athletic. A
storming display by the home side saw them overpower their opponents with a
4-0 victory. Leroy Median was on target twice while Adam Broome and Mark
Lovelace wrapped up the scoring. Croft could even afford to miss a penalty
when Mark Lovelace squandered the spot-kick. Croft followed that win with
another three points when they entertained Coningsby two days later. Goals
from Kurt Crossley and Mark Lovelace kept them on course for the title. Skegness Town Reserves and Billinghay Athletic shared
the points in a 1-1 draw on the East Coast. Sean Chamberlain opened the
scoring for the home side before Sam Miller salvaged a point for Billinghay
with an equaliser on the half hour mark. Kirton Town missed a host of first half chances on their
travels to Gedney Drove End. Twin strikers, Richard Borrill and Simon Webster
missed some good chances for Kirton before Gedney took the points with goals
from Neil Armstrong who scored twice and Johnny Allen. Kirton replied through
Martin Durrant and Simon Webster but the visitors finished empty-handed
following a 3-2 defeat. The win was Gedney’s third consecutive victory and
their recent upturn in form has helped ease any worries of relegation. Spilsby Town recorded a 2-0 away win at Swineshead in a
game which the home side will regard themselves as being unfortunate at not
taking some reward from the game. Swineshead started the brighter and they
dominated the opening 20 minutes but chances went begging. Spilsby then got
themselves back into the game and they were rewarded with a goal right on the
stroke of half-time following a header from a corner. Swineshead put Spilsby
under some further pressure after the break before the visitors wrapped up
the victory with a second goal when the home defence were caught out after
trying to play their way out of trouble. Swineshead were unlucky not have
registered a goal after having chances cleared off the line and Benn
Houghton’s shot coming back off a post. Final score was 2-0. Cropley’s
Suzuki Division Two
Despite playing almost half of the game with just 10 men
after Paul Frestle was dismissed a few minutes after half-time, Freiston just
about secured the title following a 4-1 away win at Sutterton. Both sides had
problems controlling the ball on a hard uneven surface but chances were
created at either end. Poor finishing meant that there was only one goal to
show during the first half and that came from Freiston’s Jamie Skinner after
fifteen minutes. The visitors were forced into team changes following the
dismissal of Frestle but this only acted as a spur to Freiston as three
further goals found the Sutterton net. Skinner continued in goal-scoring mood
hitting all three second half goals for his side to take his personal tally
for day to four. His strikes came on 50, 60 and 65 minutes before Sutterton
battled back to score a consolation goal ten minutes from time. It was a weary
Freiston side at the end who were grateful to hear the full time whistle
after a hard fought encounter against a sporting Sutterton side. Final score
was 4-1. Wainfleet United, still in celebratory mood after their cup
final victory two days earlier, continued in positive fashion winning 4-2 at
home to Park Road Old Boys. Lee Johnson put his side 2-1 in front at the
break with a double strike before Michael Parnham grabbed two second half
goals himself. Fosdyke were desperately unlucky not to have taken all
three points in their home game against Mareham United after storming into a
3-0 lead following goals from Dean Fisher and Andy Brown, who scored twice.
Mareham struck twice late on during the first period to give themselves a
glimmer of hope – the second goal coming in first half stoppage time. Brown
made it 4-2 with his third goal of the game 25 minutes into the second half
and the lively striker should have made the game safe seconds later when he
dribbled round the keeper but then blasted his effort against a covering
defender. This miss proved very costly as Mareham netted twice to level the
scores at 4-4 before a highly controversial decision robbed Fosdyke of
victory. The home side scored what looked like to be the winning goal and the
teams were returning to the centre circle for the restart before some late
intervention persuaded the referee to consult the young linesman – the
outcome was, to the horror of the Fosdyke camp, a disallowed goal. Mareham’s
goals came from Johnny Seymour who hit a hat-trick and David Teague. Kirton Town Reserves enjoyed a fine home win against
Woodhall Spa United. Goals from Andrew Gilbert, Simon Collins, Chris Hilton
and new signing Danny Newton secured an excellent 4-2 victory. Cropley’s
Suzuki Division Three
Marshalls, still reeling from the exertions and
disappointment of Thursday night’s Challenge Cup final defeat, were forced to
take to the field at Wrangle United Reserves with just 10 men, including two
new signings. Seven players failed to make the Marshalls line-up because of
injuries and with Wrangle parading several first teamers there was only going
to be one outcome. Richard Fenwick (2), Daniel Fenwick, Lloyd Sanderson and
Jimmy Britton scored the goals for Wrangle in a comfortable 5-1 victory.
Michael Gardner replied for Marshalls and the striker could probably have
claimed a hat-trick having missed a penalty and striking the crossbar with
another effort. Mareham United Reserves were struggling to raise a side
for their home match against Friskney and the basement side will be pleased
to see the end of the season after another heavy defeat. Friskney had the
match won by half time after finding their opponents’ net four times without
reply. Daniel Redford, Perrie Dale and two goals from Gareth Williams put the
visitors well in control before the break. Further second half strikes from
Dale and Jed Stainton made the final score 6-1. Mareham’s goal came from Lee
Tennant. Billinghay Athletic Reserves were held to a 3-3 draw at
home by Holbeach United Social. Steve Wilcox, Alan Bayliss and Rick Harrod
were on target for Billinghay but Holbeach responded well to return home with
a share of the points. |
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April 14 Cropley’s Suzuki
Premier Division League leaders Sleaford Town Reserves made the long trip
to Skegness for a midweek clash away to County Cup finalists Croft United.
But the lengthy haul didn’t appear to affect the visitors as they secured a
2-0 lead thanks to goals by Ben Elkington and Liam Kishere inside the first
quarter-of-an-hour. Croft rallied after the break and grabbed a point
courtesy of goals from Joe Harris and Mark Lovelace (penalty) in a 2-2
scoreline. Referee Andy Redgard had a fine game in the middle. Elsewhere in midweek goals from Lee Croft and Matthew
Lucas gave Coningsby a 2-0 success away to near neighbours Billinghay. But a
few days later, the latter bounced back with a 3-1 win against Swineshead
Institute — their goals coming from Richard Meldrum and Pete Dickinson (two).
Coningsby, meanwhile took a quick dip in fortunes when tumbling to a somewhat
surprise 2-0 home loss against lowly Gedney Drove End. Elsewhere, Wyberton kept up their excellent run of form
in the second half of the season with a 2-1 win over Croft. Skegness maintained
their title hopes with a 4-3 win against Wrangle United. Two goals from Gary
McGilloway helped Spilsby Town to a 2-1 win against Kirton Town at Graves
Park. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division One Spilsby Town secured their Division One
future with a 5-4 success over Spalding Town for whom the defeat spells
almost certain relegation. A hat-trick by Liam Papworth plus goals from Jamie
Ospray and Des Rook settled the points in favour of Spilsby. In midweek,
already-relegated Tydd St Mary put up a great fight away to Swineshead
Institute Reserves and earned a point from a 2-2 draw. This result promoted
Westside Rangers as runners-up to West End Tigers. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Two Three goals from Richard Grimshaw-Else
played a big part in Coningsby Reserves earning a share of the spoils in a
3-3 draw against Fosdyke. Elsewhere, Black Bull United were looking for
victory spoils to hoist them up to third place in the table. But they were
undone in a 6-1 mauling away to Park Road Old Boys. There was also a six-goal
return for Wainfleet in their match against Woodhall Spa at Carrington where
the home side raced into a 4-1 interval lead. But Wainfleet hit back well to
record a 6-4 success. Wainfleet had earlier enjoyed a 2-0 success
away to Kirton Town Reserves thanks to goals by Royston Wilkinson and Matthew
Broome. It was a result that kept Kirton near the foot of the table.
Meanwhile, Sutterton kept up their recent run of improved form with a 3-1 win
against Mareham. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Three Marshalls were crowned Division Three
champions after their 5-1 demolition of Old Doningtonians Reserves. Goals
came from Daniel White (two), Daniel Warren, Michael Gardner and Craig
Spooner. Runners-up spot is still up for grabs and Wrangle United Reserves
kept up their charge with a 6-3 victory over Nortoft United. Elsewhere,
Mareham United Reserves were only able to field 10 players and crashed 5-1 at
Friskney. Billinghay Athletic Reserves went down 3-1 to Freiston Reserves. |
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April 7 Cropley’s Suzuki Premier
Division Premier Division leaders Sleaford Town Reserves, with a
last-minute equaliser, earned a draw at Skegness Town Reserves. At 1-0 down
to a Jamie Sleight goal, the table-toppers snatched a point and are now four
clear from the current champions Billinghay Athletic who moved into second
spot after winning 2-0 at Wrangle United. But significantly, the current
title holders have five games in hand on their higher-placed rivals. Wyberton won their seventh match on the trot when
beating Swineshead Institute 3-1 at the Causeway in Swineshead to take all
three points. By virtue of this win, Wyberton have now moved into fifth
place, just behind their latest opponents. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division One Swineshead Institute Reserves have two remaining fixtures
both at home against Tydd St Mary on Saturday and against Fishtoft on April
28. And they will need to win them both if they want to claim runners-up
spot. A goal by Martin Fox was enough to earn Old Doningtonians a deserved
1-1 draw and a point at home to their high-flying visitors but it wasn’t
enough to save Old Doningtonians from relegation to Division Two because
their closest rivals Spilsby Town Reserves beat Old Leake 3-2. Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Two Cropley’s Suzuki
Division Three Marshalls’ fifth goal in their victory at Carrington
against Park United Reserves was their 100th of the season. And they still
have three games left to play. Steven Kime scored for Park United Reserves
but the already-crowned champions ran out easy 8-1 winners. |
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