www.bostonbuzz.co.uk

The prime platform for Boston and District sports news

 

Welcome to a round-up of Boston and District football

For all the latest news, reports, results and tables from the 2006-2007 season…

 

             Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League

            

 

SATURDAY LEAGUE week-by week reports 2006-2007

This page brought to you in association with the advertising support of 

 

 

LR

 

BOSTON’S LEADING BOOKMAKER

 

Top prices on local and national sport plus best odds on Irish Lottery

 

Lincs

Racing

 

Welcome to a world

of sports betting

 

6 Artillery Row, Boston PE21 6TY

 

P J FEATHERSTONE

Specialist in the supply and fitting of

 

KITCHENS

and BEDROOMS

 

All electrical and plumbing works

also undertaken

 

Southview Cottage, Tooley Lane, Wrangle

Boston 871114 or 07876 522936

 

JANUARY 2007

 

January 27

 

There were no major shocks in the two main cup competitions although Fishtoft and Wainfleet United went close to forcing replays in the first round of the Willoughby Cup before going out of the competition by narrow one-goal defeats against teams from the top flight. The Reserve Cup final will be contested between Coningsby Reserves and Swineshead Institute Reserves on a date soon to be decided by the league management committee.

 

Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup

 

Richard Grimshaw-Else hit both goals for Coningsby Reserves in their 2-1 home semi-final win against Wrangle United Reserves. The match was played at Woodhall Spa’s ground because of Coningsby’s first team involvement in Willoughby Cup action at home to Fishtoft.

 

Coningsby Reserves will meet Swineshead Institute Reserves who eliminated Division Three side, Billinghay Athletic Reserves in a home tie. Swineshead were in control for most of the game except for two 10-minute periods either side of half-time when the visitors enjoyed their best spells of the game. Ryan Barker put Swineshead ahead after 10 minutes and Lee Hunt made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later when his long range free-kick from 40 yards flew over the head of the stranded keeper. Billinghay reduced the arrears on the half-hour mark with a well-executed chip shot over the advancing keeper. Swineshead thought they had gone 3-1 ahead after 60 minutes but Harry Houghton’s effort was ruled out for offside. Their frustration was shortlived, however, as Lee Hunt tapped the ball home after Ryan Barker’s header came back off a post. Nathan Stainfield wrapped up the scoring with eight minutes remaining from the penalty spot after he had been fouled in the box. Final score was 4-1.

 

Barclays Brokers Willoughby Cup

 

Kirton Town got off to the worst possible start when they entertained Park United from Division Two. But a six-star performance from striker Simon Webster spared the blushes of Town manager Dale Atkinson. The underdogs struck after just two minutes when they opened the scoring to send early shivers down the spine of the Kirton followers. The home side recovered quickly, however, and by half time were 4-1 ahead to soothe any early worries. The fears resurfaced temporarily in the second half when Park scored twice to reduce the deficit to 4-3 before a four-goal burst in the final 20 minutes put the result beyond doubt. Martin Durrant and Chris Hilton who hit the other two goals for Town accompanied Simon Webster’s spectacular six-goal haul.

 

As expected, the clash between Spilsby Town and Wyberton was a tight affair and was settled by the only goal of the game. The tie could have gone either way before a second half goal from substitute Jordan Dixon settled the outcome.

 

Coningsby appeared to be coasting to victory when they played hosts to Division One side Fishtoft before a late rally from the visitors set home nerves jangling. The visitors started brightly before Coningsby opened the scoring with a close range effort. Fishtoft rallied and Nathan Taylor and Simon Bush both went close before two goals early in the second half appeared to have put paid to Fishtoft’s chances. The Division One side battled back and after Chris Marshall was ruthlessly hauled down in the box, Scott Wiseman made no mistake from the spot. Marshall struck with a second goal soon after when his towering header from a Wiseman corner found the net. Coningsby had to defend stubbornly late on to preserve their slender lead. Final score was 3-2. Coningsby’s goals came from Lukasz Wojcik, Martin Lynch (penalty) and Steve Brown.

 

Wainfleet United, fourth in Division Two, produced a highly creditable performance away at Premier League leaders Croft United. Although the minnows found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time, they kept battling away and were finally rewarded for their efforts with a late goal. First half goals from Leroy Medina and Dan Starkey appeared to set Croft on their way to a comfortable victory but the red-hot favourites couldn’t convert their possession into any further goals during the second half. Wainfleet refused to lie down and a late goal from Andy Carter was just reward for their battling efforts. Final score was 2-1.

 

Old Leake chalked up a convincing 3-0 away win at Mareham United with goals from Simon Hippisley, Chris Wray and Bobby Smith.

 

Skegness Town Reserves also hit three goals away from home when they travelled to Division Two side Fosdyke. Donovan Vicker, Josh Whittam and Hayden Miller hit the all-important goals in a 3-1 victory. Fosdyke gave a good account of themselves and matched their premiership opponents, if not in skill, certainly in determination. Trailing 1-0 at half time, Fosdyke levelled the scores through Andy Brown who latched onto a poor backpass before rounding the keeper and slotting home. Fosdyke then probably held the upper hand for the next 20 minutes before Town bounced back to make it 2-1. Skegness wrapped up the tie with a third goal five minutes from time following a corner. The game was played in an excellent spirit and was well handled by referee, Ross Muirhead.

 

Billinghay Athletic, on their travels to Wrangle United hit their opponents for six. The home side’s only reward was a Dave Robinson goal in a 6-1 defeat. Billinghay's six-shooters were Tom Dickinson who hit four of his side's goals, Gary Cochrane and Pete Dickinson.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

North Sea United and Westside Rangers produced a closely fought encounter before the Camp narrowly edged out their opponents by a scoreline of 3-2. The first half was a tight affair with ‘DJ’ Wright netting for the visitors as the interval scoreline concluded at 1-1. The second half continued to be well contested before Stewart Kane’s goals proved decisive in North Sea’s victory. Although Wright struck once more in the second period, Kane’s two-goal haul helped earn three valuable points for The Camp. Rico Richards grabbed the other match-winning goal.

 

Holbeach Bank took the three points following a 4-2 home win against Spalding Town. Stacey Blythe, James Laing, Mark Casey and an own goal made sure of victory.

 

Paul Vaughan struck with a hat-trick as West End Tigers mauled Tydd St Mary 8-1 at home. Martin Jolly and Nicky Syndercombe both scored twice while Steve Favell was also on target in their convincing victory to keep them firmly on top of the table. After Jolly’s early opener the visitors rocked their opponents with an equaliser after the Tigers’ keeper Steve Bursnell pulled off a great reaction save before the rebound was finished in style by an inrushing Tydd forward.  Favell’s thunderous drive into the top corner put Tiger back in front and Jolly made it 3-1 at the break with a header from an excellent Stevie Kirkham cross. Syndercombe grabbed the fourth and fifth goals with the latter being a somewhat fortunate effort before Paul Vaughan provided a late show with a last-gasp treble. Vaughan’s quick-fire blast compensated for his earlier hat-trick of misses. 

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Park Road Old Boys entertained Freiston and after a decent first half display, in which the home side took an early lead, they crumbled after the break going down 6-1. Ben Crane gave the Old Boys a boost when he opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a drive from 20 yards before Jamie Skinner, who later went on to frustrate the home side, grabbed an equaliser on the half-hour mark. The same player headed home minutes before the interval to put his side ahead at the half-way stage. Skinner completed his hat-trick after 60 minutes and a few minutes later the Freiston goal-machine made it 4-1. The in-form striker then turned provider when his cross was turned in by Aston Chase and Gavin Marshall completed the scoring with a solo effort to make the final score 6-1. Park Road’s miserable day was complete with an unfortunate injury to Ben Kinnear who suffered a nasty facial injury following a stray elbow.

 

Despite going 1-0 down after only 15 seconds, Mark Blissett’s lowly Sutterton side dented the promotion hopes of Woodhall Spa United for the second time this season. Sutterton gradually overcame their early setback and began to enjoy some long periods of possession without troubling the Woodhall defence. A Sutterton substitution at half-time paid immediate dividends after the restart when a well-taken goal from the newly introduced Carl Duncan brought the scores level at 1-1 after 47 minutes. Sutterton’s confidence was clearly boosted by this equaliser and only a fine save from the home keeper from a Ben Smalley free-kick prevented the visitors edging in front. Not to be denied, Sutterton went ahead after 70 minutes when Ady Barnett burst into the box before lofting the ball over the keeper. Woodhall threw men forward in an attempt to get back into the game but Appleyard and Burnett were in commanding form at the heart of the Sutterton defence. Referee Tony Sharrock had a fine game in the middle. Final score was 2-1.

 

Spalding Harriers recorded a 3-2 home win against Black Bull United with the goals coming from Simon Gratton, Rafal Hebda and Adam Fuller.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Injuries, FA Cup interest and a newly born baby meant that Nortoft were forced to take to the field with just 10 men in their away fixture at Park United Reserves. Under the watchful eye of new manager, Chris Samson, the 10 men fell behind when a back-pass to keeper Chris Dowse took a wicked bounce resulting in the goalie’s intended clearance falling at the feet of a home forward who gleefully fired home the loose ball. Nortoft’s ranks were replenished at half-time when veteran Wayne Kitchen came to his side’s rescue and his influence soon steadied the ship. The move allowed the inspirational Jason Osborne to take centre stage and his two stunning second half strikes helped secure three valuable points for the visitors. With Marshalls and Billinghay Reserves not involved in league action, the crucial three points took Nortoft to the top of the table.

 

Friskney came out on top of their home clash against Westside Rangers Reserves by the odd goal in five. Despite falling behind to an early Rangers’ opener, Perrie Dale levelled the scores after 25 minutes. Westside hit back with another reply to take a narrow 2-1 interval lead. Friskney got back on level terms when Daniel Fletcher netted the equaliser before a Gareth Williams penalty settled the outcome. Perrie Dale was felled in the box and Williams converted from the spot to give Friskney a 3-2 victory.

 

Basement side, Mareham United Reserves finally did it — they chalked up their first win of the season at Freiston Reserves thanks to goals from Shaun Smith who grabbed two and Gavin Lilley. The home goals came from Troy Ayton and Nikki Whiley, Final scoreline was 3-2.

 

January 20

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Champions Billinghay Athletic fell victim to Wyberton’s recent resurgence when they entertained the vastly improved visitors. Lathon Millar and John Reeson hit the crucial goals in a fine 2-0 away win.

 

Gedney Drove End were forced to play Deene McCracken as stand-in goalkeeper once again. But on this occasion, the normally reliable deputy didn’t enjoy the best of afternoons as opponents Coningsby returned home with maximum points via a 4-2 victory. Gedney’s goals came from Danny Goddard and Dave Dalrymple but the home side should have scored more but squandered some great chances. Coningsby’s match-winners were Lee Croft (2), Richard Flaherty and Steve Brown.

 

Swineshead eventually finished up comfortable winners at Kirton Town although, at times during the first half, a victory looked a long way off. Kirton started brightly and opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Steve Graham levelled the scores 10 minutes later with a close range effort following a corner. Again Town went ahead when a clearance from the Swineshead keeper fell at the feet of Paul Clarke who promptly dispatched it back into the net for a wonder strike. Anthony Slater equalised five minutes before the break and Richard Stukins’ solo effort put Swineshead in front for the first time two minutes later. It was Stukins again who made it 4-2 two minutes into the second half and Chris Shipley put the result beyond Kirton when he scored a fifth. Tim Tyler rifled home a shot into the top corner after 53 minutes following a neat pass from Shipley and Stukins completed his hat-trick with 25 minutes still remaining. Kirton reduced the arrears with a shot from the edge of the box ten minutes from time to make the final score 7-3. Simon Webster and Chris Hilton hit the other Kirton goals.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

North Sea United and Swineshead Institute Reserves shared the points after a 3-3 draw. The Camp’s goals came from Stewart Kane, Dave McNulty and Mo Boukassi while Swineshead replied through Nathan Stainfield, Ryan Barker and an own goal.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Coningsby Reserves took the honours when they entertained Kirton Town Reserves and claimed a 3-1 victory. Chris Wilson grabbed two of the home side’s goals while Danny Cottingham was also on target. Cliff Langham replied for Kirton.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Old Doningtonians Reserves were minus several key players for the visit of Billinghay Athletic Reserves and the home side will be more than satisfied with their hard-earned point following a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper, Andy Barnett was instrumental in salvaging a point for the Dons denying Billinghay on several occasions with some fine saves.

 

Westside Rangers narrowly defeated Freiston Reserves 3-2 with the match-winning goals coming from Chris Smith, Mark Boswell and an own goal. Freiston replied through Jamie Skinner and Troy Ayton.

 

An under strength Nortoft United side returned home from their travels at Wrangle United Reserves with a point following a 3-3 draw. The visitors opened the scoring after just two minutes when striker Anthony Tiffen converted a Dominic Cridland cross from close range. Nortoft’s blistering opening spell continued when they went 2-0 in front five minutes later when another Cridland cross found Ben Lawton who fired home at the far post. Wrangle reduced the arrears before the break to give themselves a glimmer of hope for the second period. Nortoft appeared to be on course for victory when, midway through the second half, Simon Moses released Tiffen who squared the ball nicely to Cridland who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Again Wrangle pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish and with Nortoft losing the influential Moses through injury the visitors suddenly looked more vulnerable. Wrangle salvaged a point with a late leveller when James Payling’s clearance rebounded to a grateful Wrangle forward who knocked the ball home. Referee Dan Fox had a good game in the middle. Wrangle’s goals came from Ashley Horry, Lloyd Sanderson and John Rutherford.

 

Target Newspapers Challenge Cup

 

Wainfleet United and Park Road Old Boys produced a quarter-final game of two contrasting halves as the wind played a major part in the outcome of the tie. Park Road enjoyed the strong wind advantage during the first half but missed several good chances. They did convert one of the opportunities in the first period when Ben Crane scored the opening goal towards the end of the half. Park Road remained in control for the opening ten minutes of the second half before Wainfleet got two hotly disputed goals to go 2-1 in front, one coming from the penalty spot scored by Wes Sutton while Lee Johnson grabbed the other. The incensed Old Boys responded with an equalizer when Ben Kinnear finished in style to level the scores at 2-2. Lee Johnson had the final say in this cup-tie scoring twice more in the final 10 minutes to complete his hat-trick. Final score was 4-2.

 

Mason Bros Transport Lincs Junior Cup

 

Croft United and Spilsby Town finally got their big cup tie underway at last following the previous week’s postponement. Spilsby had five players missing and were forced to draft in some reserves into their line-up and it was no surprise when Croft took a 2-0 half-time lead with Dan Starkey scoring one of the goals while the other came from the penalty spot. Town showed great courage after the break by storming back to level the scores at 2-2 with both goals coming from the reserve players. Croft put an end to any chance of an upset when they scored in the 85th minute and as Spilsby threw caution to the wind the current Premier League leaders added another to run out 4-2 winners. In a game of such tense local rivalry the match boiled over when Dan Starkey was dismissed for a two-footed tackle followed by a head butt. The Spilsby player also reacted and received a red card into the bargain.

 

Swineshead Cup

 

Division Two side Mareham United pulled off a minor cup shock when they travelled to Old Doningtonians from Division One. The visiting underdogs squeezed through to the next round by the narrow margin of 3-2. This was another game dominated by the wind factor and saw the visitors storm into a 3-0 first half lead following goals from Johnny Seymour, Darren Vinters and Matt Pilcher. Old Doningtonians pulled a goal back after the break as the wind advantage blew in their favour. But their second goal came a little too late and Mareham held out for a well-deserved victory.

 

January 13

 

Two games were lost due to the wet weather conditions last week. They were both scheduled to take place at the Wainfleet Road playing fields at Skegness. But the local council decided the action could not go ahead and they called the games off on the Friday. So the Premier Division clash between Skegness Town Reserves and Billinghay Athletic will have to re-arranged at a later date while the big Lincs Junior Cup tie between Croft United and Spilsby Town will go ahead, hopefully, this coming Saturday.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Wyberton look to be assembling a side capable of climbing out of trouble when their new-look team entertained Sleaford Town Reserves at their Causeway ground. Goals from Lee Dakin and John Reeson secured a valuable 2-0 victory.

 

Steve Norton hit two goals for Coningsby in their 3-1 home win against Swineshead. His second goal was well worth waiting for as he produced an excellent individual effort to leave Swineshead shell-shocked. James Wayman hit the other goal in a victory that gives the home side a much-needed boost after several indifferent performances.

 

Gedney Drove End travelled to Wrangle United with both sides desperate for points in their battle against relegation. Wrangle struck first after a defensive mix-up before Neil Armstrong equalised after Danny Goddard had chased a ‘lost cause’ to set up the opportunity. Johnny Allen put the visitors ahead and Dave Wilson made it 3-1 at the half-way stage. Wrangle were blown forward after the break as the wind advantage helped put the Gedney defence under pressure. But central defenders Sam Curson and Simon Markham were in commanding form. The visitors went 4-1 in front after Johnny Warfield was felled in the box and Armstrong made no mistake from the spot. Wrangle finally responded with two goals to set Gedney’s nerves jangling and Deene McCracken prevented the home side from drawing level with a fine save. Armstrong made the game safe with a 30-yard screamer to complete his hat-trick. Final score was 5-3.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

West End Tigers seemed to have regained their impressive early season form and this showed with a 10-1 away win at Old Doningtonians. Luke Brittain opened the scoring for the visitors before David Slaughter brought the scores level a few minutes later. That one highlight was Old Dons’ last bright spot as Craig Ardron put the Tigers back in front before the Boston side struck five more times before the break. Steve Favell got on the scoresheet while Nicky Syndercombe rattled in two goals. Brittain also scored two more to complete his hat-trick. West End made a couple of changes at the interval including resting new father Paul Vaughan. But the scoring didn’t stop there as Brittain added one more to take his personal tally to 18 in nine starts for his new side. Syndercombe completed his hat-trick while Nathan Padley, who was returning after a lengthy injury lay-off, earned and converted a penalty to make the final score 10-1.

 

Fishtoft also hit the goals trail when they played hosts to Spalding Town. Seven times the home side found the back of their opponents’ net as they recorded a thumping 7-1 victory. Ady Almond opened the scoring for Fishtoft when he scored from close range and Dec Wilson made it 2-0 just before the break. Wilson completed his hat-trick after the break, one of which was a wind-assisted cross. Pete Coonan rose like a salmon to head in the fifth from a Wilson corner. Mark Ryan’s powerful header made it 6-0 before John Lomax added another. Spalding grabbed a consolation goal through Chris Page to make the final score 7-1. Fishtoft’s defence, which was well marshalled by Chris Firth, can also take much credit for their resounding victory. 

 

Two goals from Rob Masters helped North Sea United to a 3-1 victory against Spilsby Town Reserves. An own goal completed the scoring for the Camp side. In a game of two contrasting halves in which the wind played a significant part, Spilsby took the lead through Dan Vines after good work from Des Rook and they went desperately close to adding to their score but Rook’s effort struck the crossbar. Eddie Rich and Vines both had efforts cleared off the line as Town failed to add to their single-goal lead during the first half. The Camp drew level through a bizarre own goal from Sam Eliff before the visitors lost substitute Dave Andrews through injury leaving them with 10 men. Spilsby defended well and kept out North Sea until the final eight minutes when first-teamer, Dan Tuplin lost possession on the edge of the box allowing Masters to put his side in front. Masters beat the offside trap in the final minute to make the final score 3-1.

 

Ryan Barker also grabbed a double strike in Swineshead Reserves surprise 3-0 home win over Westside Rangers. Swineshead made the most of their wind advantage during the first half with Barker opening the scoring after just five minutes and he added another half hour later. Westside poured forward after the break but couldn’t find a way through the Swineshead defence. Harry Houghton put the result out of Rangers’ reach when he made it 3-0 after seventy minutes.

 

Greg Brown was on target again for Old Leake in their 1-1 home draw against Holbeach Bank.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

After suffering a heavy cup defeat the week before, Freiston immediately went on the attack in their home game against Park United but were unable to find a breakthrough as the opposing defence stood firm. Freiston were then caught out by a sucker punch after twenty five minutes when Park broke quickly, after defending a corner and they opened the scoring through Paul Gierejkiewicz. Shane Chase got Freiston back on level terms when his long range drive found its way into the net through a crowded goalmouth. Marvin Wiltshire edged the home side in front just before the break when he headed home a cross. Park were unfortunate not to have levelled the scores just after the break when they struck an upright and home keeper, Matthew Bainbridge was forced into making two fingertip saves. As conditions got heavier Freiston became more dominant and twin strikers, Dean Seiner and Aaston Chase ran riot, scoring two goals apiece inside twenty five minutes to give Freiston a 6-1 win.

 

Fosdyke and Park Road Old Boys were involved in a windy affair with the Holbeach-based side having the advantage during the first half. A goal in the first and final minute of the first half gave Park Road a 2-0 interval lead. Fosdyke did create one or two chances in between but they were squandered, mostly by striker Andy Brown. As expected, it was all-change in the second half with the home side camped in The Old Boys half and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back after a free-kick from Karl Jackson was only half cleared against Dean Fisher who, in turn, steered the ball past the keeper. With time running out, Fosdyke finally levelled the scores in controversial circumstances when the Park Road keeper was adjudged to have handled the ball twice. The quickly taken free-kick found its way to Andy Brown who was upended as he was about to stroke the ball home into an open net and the referee awarded a penalty. Fortunately for the home striker he smashed home the penalty to salvage a point. Final score was 2-2.

 

Wainfleet United hit six in their home game against Sutterton with Lee Johnson, Royston Wilkinson and Wes Sutton all scoring twice. Sutterton were only 3-2 behind at the break before the home side dealt a cruel blow immediately after the restart when Sutton scored straight from the kick-off. Sutterton never recovered from that setback and United went on to win comfortably. Final score was 6-3.

 

Lee Marshall also scored twice as Woodhall Spa United defeated Black Bull United at home. Jonathan Kerry and Jack Draper also got on the scoresheet.

 

Coningsby Reserves, leaders before their game at Spalding Harriers, suffered a blow when they went down 2-1 following goals from Steve Carn and Simon Gratton.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Marshalls remain at the top of the table after a 7-3 away victory at Friskney. Ashley Murrell hit a hat-trick while Michael Gardner and Wayne Beeson both scored twice. Marshalls went ahead from the penalty spot after just three minutes and they added another seven minutes later. Friskney hit back twice to level the scores and they then struck the post before Marshalls replied three times to lead 5-2 at the break. Another penalty put Marshalls further ahead in the second half and they made it 7-3 late on. Friskney’s goals came from Gareth Williams who grabbed two and Perrie Dale.

 

Park United Reserves also scored three times in their home game against Billinghay Athletic Reserves but also finished up empty-handed. Simon Hyland, Tim Billingham and an own goal looked like earning some reward for the home side but it wasn’t to be and they went down by the odd goal in seven. Final score was 4-3.

 

Basement side, Mareham United Reserves travelled to Nortoft United and they soon found themselves trailing after just two minutes when Dean Stevens’ mis-cued volley from the edge of the box somehow found its way into the net. Mareham stormed back immediately to level the scores after some slack defending in the home ranks. Recent transfer signing from Kirton Town, Steve Burdass put Nortoft back in front from the penalty spot. Nortoft then conjured up the goal of the game when a move starting from keeper, Chris Dowse and involving contributions from Payling, Cridland and Tiffen allowed Chris Massingham to finish in style. Wes Hunt earned a free-kick on the edge of the box and the same player dusted himself down before curling the ball round the wall and into the net for a 4-1 half time lead. Although Nortoft remained in charge after the break they could only manage one more goal scored by Jason Osborne following good work from the had-working Tiffen. The score-line could have been wider had Massingham not squandered a hatful of chances. Final score was 5-1.

 

Westside Rangers Reserves moved a few places up the table after a 4-1 home win against Old Doningtonians Reserves. Danny Brigginshaw struck twice while John East and Mark Haynes completed the scoring.

 

Rangers also received a three-point boost following a meeting of the Boston Saturday League management committee three days earlier when their scheduled game on December 30 at Billinghay Athletic Reserves didn’t take place owing to the home side’s inability to raise a side because of a wedding involving one of their players. The points were therefore, rightly awarded to the opponents and a £5 fine imposed on the offending team.

 

January 6

 

 

Minute’s silence in tribute to former treasurer

 

All Boston and District Saturday League clubs taking part in matches on the first weekend of the New Year observed a minute’s silence before their games in honour of Alf Stones, who died suddenly at home just before Christmas. Alf had been treasurer of both Saturday and Sunday Leagues for many years and was a well-respected figure in the local football scene.

 

 

James Eley Sports Cup

 

There were no shocks at all among the four ties contested, although it was somewhat surprising that Freiston conceded 15 goals in their home match against Croft United. Freiston, who had topped Division Two before last Saturday held their Premier Division opponents for 27 minutes and could have been on the scoresheet but were denied by two brilliant saves from Croft keeper Nick Maddison. The home side were then blitzed by a rampant Croft side who then opened the scoring with a headed effort and then almost scored goals at will as Freiston didn’t know were left shell-shocked. By half-time the visitors were 9-0 ahead. Freiston responded well after the break with a positive attitude and they pulled two goals back through a well-worked Aston Chase goal and a Dean Seiner penalty. That, however, was Freiston’s last contribution as Croft stepped up a gear to score six more times to run out 15-2 winners. The list of scorers for the visitors reads as follows: Dan Starkey (5), Mark Lovelace (4), Kurt Crossley (3), Leroy Medina (2), Adam Broom.

 

A patched-up Sutterton side entertained Premier outfit Coningsby and the home side put up a commendable performance despite going down 5-1 in the end. Sutterton matched their opponents in all departments during the opening half hour before three well-taken goals put Coningsby in control at the halfway stage. To make matters worse Sutterton lost their skipper through injury just before the break. With nothing to lose, Sutterton flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Gavin Rhodes and Simon Long went close before they were duly rewarded for their efforts with a goal when a fine volley from Nick Lee flew into the net. Fitness levels told in the final ten minutes when Coningsby put paid to Sutterton’s slim hopes of getting back into the game when they scored two late goals to run out 5-1 winners. Richard Flaherty did most of the damage for the Premier side with a well-taken hat-trick while Martin Lynch and Danny Lang completed the scoring.

 

Skegness Town Reserves saw off the challenge of Division Three title hopefuls, Marshalls. Natahn Hancock and Josh Whittam both scored twice while Paul Butler was also on target in a 5-1 score-line. Mark Melson replied for the visitors.

 

The big cup clash of the day saw Billinghay edge out Spilsby Town in a 2-1 victory. The visitors put themselves into the hat with the other three ‘big guns’ following goals from Pete Dickinson and Thomas Atkin. Spilsby’s goal came from Jordan Wood.

 

Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup

 

Two of the top teams in the competition clashed at Graves Park and a 70th minute winner from Swineshead’s Ashley Brighton put his side through to the next round. Ryan Barker had given Swineshead the lead after twenty minutes before Kirton levelled the tie just after half time when Martin Durrant scored.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

In the day’s only Premiers Division game, Swineshead took all three points following a 1-0 victory at Wyberton. A goal after just three minutes turned out to be the decisive goal of the game when a free-kick from Steve Graham caused problems for the Wyberton defence and after the ball was only partially cleared Chris Shipley pounced to knock home the loose ball. In an ebb-and-flow game, both teams had shots cleared off the line. The Swineshead camp will be pleased with the team’s performance but especially with goalkeeper, Richard Stukins who enjoyed his best game of the season and Benn Houghton who was returning after a lengthy injury lay-off.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

West End Tigers got back to winning ways as they put their recent indifferent form behind them with a thumping 6-0 home win against Spilsby Town Reserves. Luke Brittain was in red-hot form with four of his side’s goals while Craig Ardron and Steve Favell completed the scoring. Spilsby had worked hard during the first half and they managed to restrict The Tigers to just a single Steve Favell goal lead at the interval. An early second half goal from Craig Ardron resulted in a Spilsby collapse and West End took control passing the ball round the pitch with ease. Brittain didn’t enter the action until the second half when he came on with fellow substitute, Steve Kirkham and their impact was instant as Brittain shrugged off the last defenders before firing home. The lively Brittain added two more before co-manager, Neil Harstaff introduced himself to the action and he set up the bustling Brittain for his fourth. Hardstaff continued to play a virtuoso performance for his side. But special mention should go to Tigers’ defender Rikky Toyer who has been standing in as relief goalkeeper during an injury crisis. Toyer kept a clean sheet in his second successive appearance making a couple of excellent saves to keep Town at bay. At the other end the score could have reached double figures had it not been for an outstanding performance from Spilsby keeper, Mike Emery.

 

Westside Rangers kept in touch with the Tigers at the top of the table after a 2-0 home win against Tydd St Mary. Jody Betts and D J Wright scored the crucial match-winning goals.

 

Holbeach Bank and Old Doningtonians shared the points in a 2-2 draw. Stacey Blythe and Shane Hughes hit the goals for the Bank.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

A double strike from Andy Brown inside the first 15 minutes set Fosdyke on their way to victory at Park United. The home side did enjoy their best spell of the game just before half time but couldn’t find a way through as Simon Chambers marshalled his back line superbly. Fosdyke went 3-0 in front early in the second half with a somewhat fortunate effort when Park keeper, Darren Hunt punched the ball away only for it to rebound off one of his fellow defenders and into the net for an own goal. Park reduced the arrears when a quickly taken throw-in caught out the Fosdyke defence allowing David Gosling to score. Fosdyke substitute Chris Beck then scored the goal of the game with a superb header following a Robbie Curle cross. Things went from bad to worse for Park when their keeper was forced out of the action with a head injury. Another of Fosdyke’s substitutes, Andy Chambers, rounded off the scoring when he slotted home the fifth goal at the far post. Final score was 5-1.

 

Park Road Old Boys and Mareham United produced a competitive encounter on a muddy pitch at Holbeach St. Marks. Park Road took an early lead when Ben Kinnear opened the scoring after just two minutes before Mareham levelled the scores midway through the first half after Ash Allen had unfortunately slipped on the greasy surface allowing Darren Vinters to run through and score. Josh Allen was cautioned unnecessarily after trying to pull back an opponent whilst attempting to reach the ball. Twenty minutes after the break a Park Road Old Boys free-kick resulted in Tim Gilbert being pushed in the box and the referee awarded a penalty which Adam Smith smashed into the roof of the net. Mareham pressed hard to get back on level terms but Park Road stood firm to hold onto the three points. The final ten minutes got a little over competitive and referee Ray Larcombe had to caution a Mareham player for a reckless challenge. Final score was 2-1.

 

Woodhall Spa United and Wainfleet United produced a rugby-style score-line of 7-4 when the two sides clashed last Saturday. The visitors scored four times through Lee Johnson 2, Michael parnham and Neil Swannack but it still wasn’t enough as Woodhall took the honours after scoring seven times in reply. Jonathan Kerry and Andy Money both struck fine hat-tricks while Lee Marshall was also on target. 

 

Coningsby Reserves moved to the top of the table following a 6-2 home win against Black Bull United. Richard Grimshaw-Else was their saviour with a hat-trick while Scott Maplethorpe, Sam Brader and Carl Wilson helped shoot their side to the top.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

There was a goal feast at Old Doningtonians Reserves where Friskney took maximum points following a 7-3 away win. Perrie Dale was the visitors’ top marksman with four of his side’s goals while Neil Allen grabbed a double strike. The other match-winning efforts came from Daniel Fletcher and Gareth Williams. Old Dons replied with goals from Shaun Scott, Pete Buschman and Andy Barnett.

 

Two goals from Tom Panton helped Holbeach United Social Club to a 3-1 away win against Mareham United Reserves. Shaun Brothwell also got on the scoresheet for Holbeach.