December 30

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

Wrangle United travelled to play Sleaford Town Reserves at RAF Cranwell and came away with a surprise but well deserved 3-0 victory. Wrangle started strongly with their direct approach. And the pace of their strikers Nick Ward and Gavin Bell caused countless problems for the home defence. It was Bell who had the best two chances early on when he shot straight at the keeper and then rattled the crossbar. Richard Fenwick broke the deadlock midway through the first half when he tapped home from close range after a cleverly taken free-kick from Dave Robinson outfoxed the Sleaford defence. To make matters worse for the home side they had Liam Kishere dismisssed for two yellow cards just before the break. Wrangle added a second goal after the break when Richard Fenwick broke from defence before setting Gavin Bell free on the right flank and Nick Ward finished his cross in style at the far post. The visitors stretched their lead shortly afterwards to put the result beyond doubt when Ward slotted home his second goal of the game. So Wrangle finished 2006 on a high note with a an excellent performance made more satisfying by the fact that regular keeper, Dean Brian was absent. Thankfully for Nigel Birtwistle’s side, Luke Perkins donned the goalkeeper’s gloves and proved more than a capable stand-in.

Spilsby Town bounced back from their previous weeks defeat against Croft to record a 5-2 away win over Skegness Town Reserves. Goals from Jordan Wood (2), Lathen Tuplin, Dan Tuplin and Glenn Hislop gave Spilsby a end of year boost. Skegness replied through Paul Butler and Sean Chamberlain.

Adam Weston struck with a hat-trick in Billinghay Athletic’s 4-0 away win at Swineshead. Matthew Tuck completed the scoring. Weston had also been on the scoresheet seven days earlier in their 2-1 win over Wrangle (Sam Miller weighed in with the other goal).

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

West End Tigers suffered a stuttering end to 2006 when they recorded their second successive defeat. North Sea United were the victors on this occasion with a comfortable 2-0 scoreline. Sonny Cheema and Stu Kane grabbed the all-important goals for the Camp

Old Doningtonians held Westside Rangers to a 2-2 draw in their home fixture. Steve Burdall gave Old Dons a first half lead and Liam Pitts added another after the break as the home side threatened to put a dent in Rangers’ title hopes. Two late strikes, however, salvaged a point for the visitors. Goalkeeper Martin Lakin scored one of Westside’s goals when his amazing punt downfield caught out his opposing number and the ball bounced over his head and into the back of the net. James Pearson scored the other Rangers’ goal.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

A winning goal 10 minutes from time earned Black Bull United maximum points after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Park Road Old Boys. The Bull found themselves 2-1 in front at the break and looked well in control when they made it 3-1 shortly after the interval. Park Road stormed back, however, to level the scores with a two-goal reply. All the hard work from the visitors proved fruitless when Black Bull struck with that crucial winner. Ian Morris struck twice for The Bull while Paul Sims and Andy McGuire were also on target. Park Road went close with goals from Ash Allen, Ben Crane and an own goal.

Woodhall Spa United were forced to play for most of the game with just 10 men in their home match against Spalding Harriers when Jack Draper was dismissed by referee Derek Hodgson after just three minutes. The setback didn’t prevent the home side from recording a comfortable 3-0 victory with Lee Marshall proving to be Woodhall’s match-winner. The masterly Marshall struck all three of his side’s goals to ensure that the New Year celebrations started early in The Woodhall camp.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

Park United Reserves entertained Holbeach United Social at their Carrington ground but despite scoring twice through Steve Kime and a Simon Hyland penalty they went down to a 6-2 defeat. Holbeach’s goals came from Tom Panton who struck a fine hat-trick, Lee Smallridge, Shaun Brothwell and an own goal.

Freiston Reserves would have defeated Old Doningtonians Reserves by a more convincing margin had it not been for an outstanding display from goalkeeper, Mark Osborne. Freiston created numerous chances but couldn’t find a way through until the seventieth minute when Gary Hoyles finally forced the ball home following aright wing cross. Final score was 1-0.

December 23

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

Wrangle United travelled to play champions, Billinghay Athletic on the Saturday before Christmas. But despite producing a tremendous team performance, the visitors returned home empty-handed. Wrangle rocked their opponents by opening the scoring after 23 minutes through a Tim Bell header and then proceeded to keep out Billinghay until 12 minutes from time. The home side levelled the scores following a goalmouth scramble and it was cruel luck on Wrangle when Athletic poked home the winner with six minutes remaining.

In the day’s big match, Croft United came out on top of their derby match against Spilsby Town. Lee Orrey got Croft off to a storming start with a first half opener and Leroy Medina made it 2-0 after the break. The final goal turned out to be the best goal of the game when Scott Hutchinson moved forward before unleashing a screaming drive from 35 yards that flew past the keeper. Victory thus went Croft’s way by a 3-0 margin.

Two goals from Craig Wells helped Sleaford Town Reserves to a 4-2 home win against Swineshead. Mark Leach and Iain Stewart hit the other Town goals. Chris Wing struck both of the visitors’ goals, but their misery was complete when Tony Bates received his marching orders.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

Swineshead Reserves pulled off the shock of the day when they inflicted the first defeat on leaders West End Tigers when the two sides clashed. Harry Houghton turned out to be Swineshead’s match-winner with a fine hat-trick in a 4-2 scoreline while Alex Kirkham was also on target for the home side.

Fishtoft were able to enjoy their Christmas break after a 3-1 home win against Holbeach Bank. Glen Smith, Aidy Almond and a Scott Wiseman penalty secured the three points.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

Wainfleet United and Mareham United shared the spoils in a 2-2 pre-Christmas draw. Rob Jackson opened the scoring for Wainfleet but Johnny Seymour levelled the scores before half-time. Another Seymour strike put Mareham ahead before Lee Johnson salvaged a point for the home side.

Park United gave themselves some early Christmas cheer when they recorded their first victory of the season following a 4-2 score-line at Carrington against fellow –strugglers, Sutterton. Adam Gallimore was Park’s goal-scoring saviour with a well-taken hat-trick while John McGarel also got on the scoresheet. Sutterton replied through Steve Kerslake and Wayne Lyon.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

The only pre-Christmas scheduled fixture in Division Three was called off on the previous night when Wrangle United postponed their home match against Billinghay Athletic Reserves. The freezing fog that persisted through Friday had convinced the home side that play would not be possible during the next 24 hours.

December 16

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

The big match of the day saw the east coast local derby honours go to Croft United as Skegness Town Reserves were eventually well beaten in the end. Both sides, as expected, produced a full-blooded, high octane encounter and Croft had to come from behind before Town finally succumbed to a 5-1 defeat. Skegness had earlier rocked their opponents when they took an early lead through Arron Taylor’s header following a corner but Croft levelled the scores just before the interval. The second half belonged to Croft United who stepped up a gear to overwhelm their opponents with a four-goal response. United’s goals came from Lee Orrey (2), Mark Lovelace, Dan Halliday and Louis Mill. Croft United’s Roy Smith was especially pleased with the result as he was minus the services of goalkeeper, Rick Lovelace, Adam Cowdell and Jack Hill.

Coningsby suffered another home defeat, this time, at the hands of Billinghay Athletic who returned home with the three points following a 3-1 victory. Lee Croft’s goal had kept Coningsby in the game and when Billinghay had their goalkeeper dismissed with five minutes left they failed to capitalise on their advantage and the visitors held on for the three precious points. Referee, Simon Howard, who had a fine game in the middle was forced to dismiss Steve Scott for some unnecessary remarks when a decision did not go his way.

Wyberton travelled to Graves Park with one of their strongest teams. And Kirton Town had no answer as they went down 5-2. Town were hampered by the fact that they had lost stand-in keeper, Nikki Himsworth at half-time and midfielder Jamie Cox was forced to take his place between the sticks. The visitors took the three points following goals from Mark Thompson, Jamie Khun, John Reeson, Sam Louth and recent transfer signing from Kirton, Chris Skinner. Town replied through Brian Cox and Simon Webster.

Wrangle United found themselves trailing 2-0 after just five minutes when they entertained form-team Spilsby Town. And things didn’t get much better for the remainder of the first half. Three more goals found the Wrangle net with the home side replying just once to make the half time score 5-1. United improved greatly after the break and they brought some respectability to the scoreline by scoring twice more in a 6-3 defeat. Spilsby match-winners were Dan Tuplin (3), Graham Blades, Jordan Wood and Rhys Fitzgerald. Wrangle United’s scorers were Richard Fenwick, Danny Keal and Nick Ward.

At last week’s management committee meeting, it was agreed to make a deduction of points to both Billinghay Athletic and Sleaford Town Reserves. Billinghay Athletic were stripped of the point they earned in their home draw against Croft United on November 18 owing to one of their players, James Corton, already being registered for Sleaford Town Reserves. The player was signed on the day of the match and took part in the game. The player was also issued with a £25 fine for signing two registration forms. Sleaford Town Reserves included, in their line-up at Kirton Town on the same day in November, Lee Llewellyn, who wasn’t registered for the club. The player scored in their 4-0 victory so the committee agreed that the decision had to comply with league rules and the club were deducted the three points gained.

Swineshead enjoyed a comfortable win at Gedney Drove End helped by a four-goal salvo from striker Richard Stukins. He grabbed his first after 18 minutes before Chris Wing made it 2-0 two minutes later. Stukins made the interval scoreline 3-0 with a close range effort. Gedney pulled a goal back shortly after the break through Deene McCracken before Stukins completed his hat-trick on 73 minutes. Martin North made it 5-1 with 10 minutes remaining before the game turned ugly five minutes from time when Deene McCracken and Andrew Stukins were both sent off. Richard Stukins carried on his goal spree with his fourth goal of the game a minute later before Gedney reduced the arrears when stand-in keeper, Andy Baker failed to keep out a free-kick from Johnny Warfield. Final score was 6-2.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

West End Tigers’ 100 percent record was finally broken on Saturday following a fantastic encounter with fellow promotion seekers Westside Rangers. The top-of-the-table clash lived up to its billing as both sides showed their potential at the Middlecott School. The first half was a tight affair, the only goal during that period coming from the visitors when Luke Brittain charged down a clearance from the keeper before coolly slotting the ball home. But Westside Rangers started much better after the break and they enjoyed their fair share of possession without creating many clear-cut chances. At the other end, Rangers keeper, Martyn Lakin had to be at his alert best to keep the Tigers at bay as Brittain threatened to add to his tally. But Lakin couldn’t keep them out for much longer, however, as the visitors doubled their lead when Nicky Syndercombe drove home a loose ball. This setback seemed to spur on Westside and they soon pulled a goal back through Will Scott’s close range effort following some sloppy defending in West End’s defence. Rangers made some changes and they had an immediate impact as Kev Manning levelled the scores with his first touch of the ball when a free-kick was awarded some thirty yards out. The mercurial Manning thundered home the dead ball past a bewildered Steve Busnall. The home side were now on a high and The Tigers were struggling to cope with the relentless barrage. The comeback continued as Westside then went ahead for the first time when Gavin Gregory crossed for Manning to ghost in at the far post and score to send the Rangers camp wild. West End’s response was almost instant as Westside’s celebrations were cut short when Steve Favell netted the equaliser following some good work from Brittain. Referee Tony Sharrock contributed to a game that proved thoroughly entertaining. Final score was 3-3.

The comeback kings of the day were Old Doningtonians who found themselves trailing 4-1 at Swineshead Reserves with just 15 minutes remaining. The defiant Dons somehow rescued a point with a blistering three-goal blitz to make the final score 4-4. Liam Pitts had earlier fluked Old Dons’ first goal but Swineshead appeared to be in total control with goals from Andy Thompson, Nick Wing, Jonathan Berry and Alex Kirkham until that The Dons masterminded their stunning fightback. Martin Fox scored twice after being thrust into attack while Wayne Foster snatched the other goal. There was still time in the dying minutes for both sides to have claimed victory but Swineshead had a goal ruled out and then at the other end their goalkeeper came to their rescue with a superb stop to prevent Dons from returning home with maximum points.

Fishtoft made the short journey to Freiston Shore to take on North Sea Camp but the prison side failed to continue their recent good run, going down 4-0 to a rampant visiting side. All four goals came in the second half with two players doing the damage for Fishtoft as Ady Almond and Dec Wilson both scored twice. The Camp were foiled on several occasions by keeper, Ben Shaw who was in fine form. North Sea entered the fixture in a competitive but sporting manner.

At the management committee meeting last week, North Sea United were awarded the three points for their scheduled game on December 2 when opponents, Tydd St Mary failed to appear.

Two goals from Rob Staples helped Old Leake to a 4-0 home win against Spilsby Town Reserves. Greg Brown, with a penalty and Bobby Smith were also on target for Leake. Spilsby’s best spell came just after the interval when, for 10 minutes, they had two golden chances when the lively Chris Dunn set up Pete Collins eight yards out but somehow the shot was screwed wide. Then Des Rook saw a 30-yard shot fly inches wide. Old Leake had dominated the first half but, surprisingly, only had one goal to show for their domination. Spilsby goalkeeper, Mike Emery, a new signing on the day, helped keep the score down with some fine saves.

Shane Hughes also scored twice when Holbeach Bank defeated Tydd St Mary 3-1 at Home. Cymon Lambe scored the other goal for the Bank.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

Wainfleet United looked dead and buried at half-time in their home fixture with Kirton Town Reserves. The visitors, 3-0 ahead through strikes from Hakan Darici, Mark Richardson and Richard Marriott, appeared to be well on course for victory while, on the other hand, Wainfleet, lost their goalkeeper due to an injury and with no available substitute to help their cause were forced to pitch striker, Matt Crowson between the sticks and soldier on with just 10 men. Amazingly, the home side’s attitude seemed to spur them on as, with nothing to lose, they threw caution to the wind. Firstly, Lee Johnson pulled a goal back with a header and then Shaun Drury converted a penalty to put his side right back into the game. The unbelievable happened with 15 minutes left when Lee Johnson grabbed his second goal of the game to salvage a most unlikely looking point. Final score was 3-3.

Goals from Gary Ling, who grabbed two and Tim Rowland secured a 3-2 home win for Black Bull United against fellow pitch-sharers, Fosdyke. Andy Brown and Simon Chambers replied for Fosdyke.

Mareham United and Park United produced an eight-goal pre-Christmas thriller. Mareham needed two own goals, however, to help overcome their opponents in a 5-3 victory. Johnny Seymour, Matthew Pilcher and Alan Williams were also on target for the home side while Park replied through John McGarel, who scored twice and Martin Penson.

Spalding Harriers and Park Road Old Boys shared the points in a 3-3 draw. Steve Carn, Rafal Hebda and Nathan Gurbutt were The Harriers’ scorers. Park Road looked to be well in control at the halfway stage and found themselves 2-0 up at half-time with both goals coming from Ben Crane who was relishing his new pairing up front with Ben Kinnear. The Harriers pulled one back early on in second half, but Ben Kinnear restored their two-goal margin. Spalding Harriers threw everything at their opponents during the last ten minutes and earned the draw with two late strikes.

In another local derby at Woodhall Spa the outcome was exactly the same as Coningsby Reserves earned a valuable point in a 3-3 draw. Woodhall’s goals came from Jonathan Kerry, Lee Marshall and an own goal.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

Nortoft United came up against a strong Freiston Reserves side when they made the journey to the Danny Flear Centre. Aston Chase (2), Dean Seiner and Nikki Whiley all got on the scoresheet for the home side in their 4-1 victory. Dean Stevens replied for Nortoft.

Park United Reserves went down 3-1 at their Carrington ground against Westside Rangers Reserves. Although Rangers probably edged the possession stakes, they rode their luck at times with new signing Spencer “The Cat” Bowman coming out of retirement after 16 years and rolling back the years in goal. The forgotten man pulled off several fine saves to keep his side in the game. Park’s Steven Kime grabbed the opening goal for the home side before Rangers were soon back on level terms when Danny Brigginshaw scored. A draw looked a sure bet as the game entered the final ten minutes with Park’s defence standing firm but an own goal edged Ranger in front and with just four minutes remaining, John East powered home a header, his third in as many games, to make the final score 3-1.

December 9

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

One of the early-season favourites for a serious title challenge, Coningsby, seemed to have lost their way a little during recent weeks. A recent slump in form has seen them slide down the table — their latest defeat coming at home against struggling Kirton Town. Both sides were forced to field rookie goalkeepers in their line-up with Nikki Himsworth donning the No.1 jersey for Town while player-boss Carl Wall thrust himself between the sticks for the home side. Michael Collins opened the scoring for Kirton before Sam Taylor levelled the scores just before the break. Coningsby then went 2-1 ahead through Dave Hone following a corner only for Kirton to snatch the points with goals from Matthew Crunkhorn and Simon Webster. Final score was 3-1.

Wyberton chalked up their first points of the season when Wrangle United were the visitors to the Causeway ground. A decent home line-up secured the three points with a goal after just six minutes when Mark Thompson scored what proved to be the only goal in a 1-0 success.

Skegness Town Reserves scraped through at Gedney Drove End with a 3-2 victory that sends them to the top of the table. John Jeffery got the visitors off to a flying start with a goal after just three minutes. That was the only goal of the first half as Gedney squandered a couple of decent chances. And Town were often caught in the home side’s offside trap. Gedney stormed back after the break and two quick-fire goals from striker Danny Goddard put the home side ahead. It could have been worse for Skegness as their opponents broke through on a couple of occasions with one-on-one’s against Jason Smith in the Town goal. Luckily for the visitors Smith was alert and kept his side in the game. Josh Bartlett headed Skegness level with twenty minutes remaining following a Sean Chamberlain cross. The winning goal came with seven minutes left on the clock when Nathan Hancock got on the end of a John Jeffery flick to slot the ball home. Final score was 3-2.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

West End Tigers remained top of the table with their 100 percent record still intact following a 2-0 home win against Spalding Town. Paul Vaughan and Martin Jolly scored the all important goals.

Goals from Neil Sinha and Jody Betts helped Westside Rangers defeat Fishtoft 2-1. Ady Almond replied for Fishtoft.

Holbeach Bank made the lengthy journey to Spilsby Town Reserves and a 5-2 defeat made it seem a much longer journey home. Spilsby started like a train. Their opening goal came after just two minutes when Des Rook headed home a Phil Roof cross. That early goal was all Town had to show for their efforts during the first half and the slender lead was cancelled out early in the second half when the Bank were awarded a penalty for handball by the aforementioned Roof. Spilsby responded in style by regaining their lead a minute later when the raiding Rook converted a flick-on from Ryan Johnson. The visitors refused to concede defeat however, and they stormed back to equalise once again as the game became more evenly balanced. A crucial substitution did the trick for the home side when Glenn Hislop was introduced to the action and his impact was instant as he volleyed his side back in front. Minutes later Hislop was instrumental once again squaring the ball for Rook to complete his hat-trick. Rook was still not finished as Roof crossed for the in-from striker to net his fourth goal of the game. Final score was 5-2.

A superb individual goal-scoring performance from Old Leake’s Greg Brown helped secure three valuable away points at Old Doningtonians. The deadly goal-grabber hit all four of his side’s goals in a 4-2 victory. The home side replied through Liam Pitts and Scott Ekins.

Tydd St Mary, still looking for their first victory of the season, started the livelier in their home game against Swineshead Reserves before the visitors gradually took control of the game. Two goals from Ryan Barker gave Swineshead a two-goal cushion at the interval His first was a header from a Mark Ledger cross and the second was a well-executed volley. Another two-goal blast, this time from Ashley Brighton, sealed a 4-0 win for Swineshead. His first followed a goalmouth scramble and the second was slotted home in style. Barker had a golden opportunity to claim a hat-trick, but he missed out from the spot.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

Sutterton had a disastrous day when they played hosts to Wainfleet United, although they did contribute to what proved to be an eventful game. A totally one-sided opening period saw Wainfleet carve out numerous chances but the visitors had only first half goals from Lee Johnson and Royston Wilkinson to show for their superiority. Sutterton keeper, Graham Nicholls was in inspired form during the deluge as he pulled off several fine saves including a penalty stop. Three more goals followed after the break although Nicholls was again performing heroics with yet another penalty save. Shaun Drury and a second for Lee Johnson made it 4-0 before Wainfleet were awarded a disputed third penalty late on when an attacker appeared to go to ground much too easily. Substituted full-back, Ben Smalley vented his anger too profusely from the touchline and was yellow-carded. Wainfleet goalkeeper Joe Perry was summoned forward to take the spot-kick and he made no mistake to make the final score 5-0. Unfortunately for Sutterton, keeper Nicholls also let his frustration get the better of him and the referee called him over before dismissing him from the pitch.

Match official Ray Larcombe had a fine game in the middle.

Fosdyke’s leading goalscorer Andy Brown grabbed both of his side’s goals in a 2-2 home draw against Woodhall Spa United. The visitors almost snatched victory late on but they missed from the penalty spot.

Freiston had their goalkeeper Matthew Bainbridge to thank for their precious point earned in a 2-2 home draw against a good Mareham United side. Freiston took the lead after five minutes when Aston Chase prodded home a loose ball and after they had soaked some early pressure from the home side, Mareham gradually got themselves back into the game. Bainbridge was forced into making three vital saves as Mareham forced the pace. United levelled the scores two minutes into the second half when Freiston failed to deal with a long throw and the ball was slotted home. The home side edged back in front on the hour mark when Jamie Skinner headed home a Dean Seiner cross. The lead was short-lived, however, when Mareham equalised following a good break down the left flank ending with a low shot into the net. Both sides tried desperately to grab a winning goal but both defences stood firm.

A Simon Collins goal earned Kirton Town Reserves a share of the points in the local derby encounter against Black Bull United at Graves Park.

Park United hit three goals in their home match against Spalding Harriers but still ended up empty-handed. Luke Odlin hit two while David Gosling also scored for Park but it was all to no avail.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

Marshalls lost their 100 percent record when they visited Billinghay Athletic Reserves. The home side paraded a strong side to take on the league leaders and Alan Bayliss netted twice in a 4-0 victory. Paul Miekle and Jason Davies also got on the scoresheet for Billinghay. Marshalls missed the dominant midfield trio of Beeson, Dixon and Melson, who were all unavailable for the trip and the shape of the side was clearly disrupted. Credit to Billinghay, however, who produced some good football during the 90 minutes.

A local derby encounter at Friskney saw the home side come out on top in a thrilling 4-3 score-line. Jimmy Brittain put Wrangle ahead with a 30-yard drive and the visitors went 2-0 ahead shortly afterwards. Jonathan Redford pulled a goal back for Friskney just before the break to set up a storming comeback for the home side. Daniel Fletcher brought the scores level and Gareth Williams put his side ahead for the first time. Another Jimmy Brittain strike in the dying minutes made the final score 4-3. Referee Ross Muirhead had a fine game in the middle.

An Anthony Tiffen hat-trick helped Nortoft secure all three points in their home match against Westside Rangers Reserves. Sloppy defending from the Nortoft defence gave Westside the lead before Christian Parker’s intelligent passing started to unlock the opposition. It was from one of the midfielder’s passes that allowed Tiffen to score his first goal of the game from close range. Dean Stevens the put Nortoft in front from 25 yards following a quick free-kick from Wes Hunt. The home side went further ahead in the second half when a fantastic cross from Richie Barker to the far post was dispatched by the lurking Tiffen. Another fine far post cross, this time from Hunt, allowed Tiffen to tap home from close range to complete his hat-trick. Rangers reduced the arrears for a final score of 4-2. Nortoft were lifted by the return of Richie Barker who played a major role in the victory.

Holbeach United Social and Freiston Reserves took their time in coming forward with a stand-in match official before the visitors’ Lee Hoff assumed control in the middle. Although Freiston only had one substitute, it didn’t prevent them from taking all three points in a high-scoring 7-4 victory. Dave Leggate hit a hat-trick for the visitors while Jamie Button grabbed a double. Joe Deamer and Gary Huskisson were the other Freiston scorers.

Tim Billingham was, once again, on target for Park United Reserves when they travelled to Mareham United Reserves. The visitors also scored courtesy of an own goal to record a hard fought 2-1 away win.

Lincoln Co-op Lincolnshire Junior Cup

Both of the Boston Saturday League’s last remaining hopes came through unscathed as both Spilsby Town and Croft United secured their places in the next round of the competition.

Spilsby Town squeezed through to the next round with a 2-1 away win at Louth AFC although it needed an extra time winner from striker Jordan Wood to settle the tie. Liam Papworth had scored Town’s earlier goal during the first half before Louth responded to take the match into extra time with the scores locked at 1-1. Penalties beckoned until Jordan Wood thundered home a 25-yard drive to send The Spilsby camp in raptures.

Croft United had a more comfortable victory when they played hosts to Long Sutton Athletic. Goals from Daniel Starkey (2), one of which came from the penalty spot, Lee Orrey, Scott Hutchinson, Kurt Crossley and Leroy Medina saw Croft coast through to the next round. Unfortunately the two Boston League survivors have been drawn against each other in the quarter-finals to be played on January 13.

December 2

For the second week running the Saturday League lost three games — two to the weather and one due to lack of players. Wyberton’s pitch hadn’t recovered sufficiently enough to stage their home game in the Premier Division against Swineshead Institute and it was much the same story at Graves Park where Kirton Town Reserves’ cup-tie against Swineshead Institute Reserves failed to go ahead. Meanwhile, Tydd St Mary decided not to make the lengthy journey to North Sea United for their Division One fixture owing to a lack of players. The management committee will discuss the matter at their next meeting on Wednesday December 13.

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

Gedney Drove End’s marathon journey to Skegness proved fruitless as Croft United hit top form. The visitors were forced to include a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds in their line-up. So it was always going to be difficult. The league leaders have been threatening, for some time, to dish out a dose of goal-power to some poor unsuspecting opponents. Unfortunately for Gedney they were the chosen ones although they didn’t help themselves when they had their goalkeeper dismissed for handling outside his box when the score stood at 4-1 just before half-time. The keeper had a rush of blood as he raced out to deal with a through ball aimed at Croft striker Lee Orrey. He unfortunately slid a couple of yards outside his area on the greasy surface and couldn’t resist handling the ball. The colour of the card was inevitable. The visitors were left with a hopeless task and they conceded eight more goal as Croft ran out 12-1 winners. Lee Orrey hit four of the home side’s goals while three other players grabbed doubles, they were Mark Lovelace, Dan Starkey and Kurt Crossley. Adam Broome and Steven Murphy were also on target. Gedney’s goal came from Gary Disdel who lofted his shot over the keeper to bring the scores level early on at 1-1.

There was another five-star performance at Sleaford Town where their reserves side clicked in all departments when they played hosts to Coningsby. The visitors had no answer to Sleaford’s superb display as five goals flew into the Coningsby net. Despite being only 1-0 in front at the halfway stage, Sleaford turned the screw after the break to run out comfortable 5-0 winners. Daniel McCormack and Liam Kishere both grabbed two goals apiece while Craig Wells was also on the scoresheet.

Kirton Town manager Dale Atkinson was a disconsolate figure on Saturday night after seeing his side produce an encouraging performance away at Skegness Town Reserves before returning home empty-handed. His side deserved some reward for their efforts and it looked as if they were going home with at least a point as the game entered the closing stages with the score standing at 0-0. Kirton were dealt a cruel blow, however, with just two minutes remaining when Skegness struck the winning goal. Chris Hillard was the hit-man to spoil Kirton’s day striking home the late decider. Kirton had gone close during the first half when striker Simon Webster spurned two golden opportunities.

Spilsby Town are quietly going about their business and are sneaking up behind the leading pack almost unnoticed. They played hosts to reigning champions Billinghay Athletic last Saturday and a stunning three-goal salvo early in the first half proved that Town could be serious contenders for the title. Billinghay never recovered from the major setback and they finally succumbed to a 4-1 defeat. Dan Tuplin caused most of the damage with a fine hat-trick while co-striker, Jordan Wood helped finish off the visitors.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

West End Tigers’ 3-1 away win at Holbeach Bank meant the Boston side maintained their impressive 100 percent record. It was the home side who struck first, however, through Cymon Lambe. But this setback only urged the visitors into instant action when a forceful run from Paul Vaughan ended in Luke Brittain finishing in style for the equaliser. The Tigers pushed hard to edge in front but found the Bank defence in a defiant mood. Twice the Holbeach defence denied Michael Swain who had two headers from set pieces cleared off the line as the first half ended all square at 1-1. West End forced the pace after the break and they went ahead when Ben Parkinson’s audacious lob, following a quickly taken free-kick, caught out the Bank’s keeper. The Tigers brought on Favell, Orton and Kirk as they continued on the offensive. Luke Brittain squandered a penalty before Steve Favell completed the scoring when he bravely finished to make the final score 3-1. The fearless Favell almost added another shortly afterwards but his effort was ruled out for offside while Kevin Orton was foiled by a great save from the keeper.

Fishtoft entertained Old Leake in a game that produced an eight-goal thriller. It was the visitors who came out on top winning 5-3 with two goals from Chris Lawson, both penalties, and two goals from Greg Brown. Leake’s other goal came from Jason Keal. Fishtoft went close with goals from Dec Wilson, Nathan Taylor and Scott Wiseman.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

Despite being near the bottom of the table Sutterton made Freiston work hard for their 3-0 home win. The victory takes Freiston back to the top of the division replacing Coningsby Reserves who were otherwise occupied in the Reserve Cup competition. Play was fairly even during the first half before the home side took the lead after 25 minutes when Dean Seiner broke the deadlock. Sutterton rallied after the break and they controlled the opening stages of the second period but the home defence stood firm to prevent them getting back into the game. It was Seiner again who was on target after 65 minutes to make it 2-0 and end Sutterton’s hopes of returning home with any reward. Recent signing Jamie Skinner wrapped up the scoring with a third goal when he sent a shot soaring into the roof of the net with ten minutes remaining.

Black Bull United took the honours when they played hosts to Mareham United. Goals from Gary Ling, who scored twice and Matt Taylor secured the three points in a 3-1 victory.

Wainfleet United and Park United provided an entertaining game at the Magdalen School. Although Wainfleet took the lead when Jason Bond scored, the visitors bounced back before half-time to level the scores. Wainfleet appeared to have wrapped up the game with a three-goal burst after the break to lead 4-1. First, Lee Johnson made it 2-1 following good work from Wes Sutton and then Royston Wilkinson netted after good approach play from Michael Parnham. The home side looked out of sight when Jason Bond added his second goal of the game before Park stormed back to haul themselves right back into the game. The visitors struck twice to make the scores 4-3 and set home nerves jangling but Wainfleet eased the pressure with a fifth goal when substitute, Rob Jackson scored to make the final score 5-3.

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

In the day’s only fixture in this division, Nortoft and Friskney shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Rosebery Avenue. Chris Massingham and Jim Dowse earned Nortoft their point with their side’s goals. Friskney saved the day with goals from Neil Allen and Garth Williams.

Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup

There was a minor shock at the ground of Division One side Spilsby Town Reserves where Division Two outfit Coningsby Reserves were the visitors. Although the home side probably edged the tie in the possession stakes slack defending and poor finishing let them down. Coningsby snatched victory with five minutes to go to book their place in the next phase following their 3-2 win. Spilsby’s scorers were Pete Sampson and Dan Vines but the visitors went through courtesy of their three replies, which, coincidentally all came from corners. Spilsby also suffered with injuries during the tie as their casualty list lengthened with Ricky Allen and Gary Bush leaving the action because of serious tendon and ligament damage.

An all-Division Three clash at Wrangle saw visitors Freiston Reserves exit the competition following a narrow 3-2 defeat. Wrangle United Reserves started brightly and they had the Freiston defence under constant pressure early on. It therefore came as no surprise when the home side opened the scoring when Jimmy Brittain picked the ball up on the edge of the box before rifling home a superb shot. Wrangle soon went 2-0 ahead with the best goal of the game when Brendon Barnes flighted a superb lob over the keeper from fully 25 yards out. Freiston recovered from the early battering to reduce the arrears before the break. The visitors continued where they left off after the break and they deservedly levelled the scores midway through the second half. Wrangle had the final say, however, when Jimmy Brittain pounced on a goalkeeping error to fire home the winner. Freiston’s goals came from Jamie Button and Troy Ayton.

In the one other remaining tie, Billinghay Athletic Reserves went through to the next round after overcoming Park United Reserves in a 4-2 away win. Billinghay’s match-winners were Simon Creasey, Ed Creasey, Mark Barber and Rick Harrod. Park hit back with goals from Tim Billingham and Steven Kime.