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             Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League

            

 

SATURDAY LEAGUE week-by week reports 2006-2007

NOVEMBER 2006

 

November 25

 

James Eley Sports Cup round three

 

Heavy overnight rain on Friday November 24 resulted in three Sports Cup ties being postponed. The matches at Freiston (v Croft United), Skegness Town Reserves (v Marshalls) and Sutterton (v Coningsby) will now have to be rescheduled for January 6 (the date of the next round). The remaining cup-ties went ahead without any real shock results making the headlines. The biggest surprise coming at Woodhall Spa where the home side went out to Nortoft.

 

Billinghay Athletic just edged Gedney Drove End out of the competition by a 3-2 margin although the underdogs recovered well after an early setback. The visitors fell behind to an opening goal after just 20 seconds and the writing looked to be well and truly on the wall when they conceded a second goal 10 minutes later. Gedney slowly clawed their way back into the game and Dave Wilson had a free-kick well saved by Steve Scott in the Billinghay goal. Gedney grabbed a lifeline just before the break when Danny Goddard rifled home a great shot to make the interval score 2-1. Billinghay enjoyed a brisk backwind behind them and Gedney’s defence was, at times, living dangerously. Athletic grabbed a third goal with a shot from just outside the area before Goddard netted his second goal of the game after good work down the left flank. The visitors thought they had equalised shortly afterwards but their effort was ruled narrowly offside. Referee Mark Robinson enjoyed a good game in the middle.

 

Near neighbours Sleaford Town Reserves also went through when they dispensed of Division One side Westside Rangers by the comfortable margin of 4-0. Iain Stewart grabbed two of Town’s goals while Craig Wells and James Malkin also got on the scoresheet.

 

Spilsby Town recorded the biggest win of the day when Kirton Town were the visitors. Dale Atkinson’s side, still in the process of rebuilding, conceded eight goals against a rampant home side. Dan Tuplin claimed four of his side’s goals while Jordan Wood, Liam Papworth, Steve Spring and Gary Nutt weighed in with the other match-winning strikes.

 

Wrangle United travelled to play Spalding Harriers where a 6-2 scoreline saw the Premier Division side comfortably through to the next round. On a difficult wet and muddy pitch Wrangle dominated the first half but stout defending by The Spalding side restricted the visitors to just a single goal, scored by Paul Chester. In the second half Wrangle started strongly once again and they soon went 2-0 up through Richard Fenwick’s bullet header before Nick Ward added goal number three. To their credit, Spalding kept battling away and they were rewarded with two goals to set Wrangle’s nerves jangling. However, Wrangle moved up a couple of gears to dent any hopes the home side had of causing an upset with Russell Murphy netting his side’s fourth goal. Two well-taken goals from young striker, Tim Bell put the issue beyond doubt to make the final score 6-2. Spalding Harriers were a credit to Division Two for their hard work and sporting manner in which they approached the tie.

 

The only giant-killing act took place at Second Division outfit Woodhall Spa United, where Nortoft booked their place in the next round with a 2-1 victory. Two Chris Massingham goals did the damage for the Division Three side. All the goals came in the second half after a goal-less first period with Justin Scarborough netting the Woodhall goal.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Rob Masters claimed a hat-trick for North Sea United in their high-scoring victory against Holbeach Bank. Stuart Kane hit the other two goals for the prison side in a 5-4 win.

 

Another treble hero was Old Leake’s Ricky Southwell whose treble helped sink Tydd St Mary. Greg Brown was also on target for the home side in a 4-1 victory.

 

Swineshead were left scratching their heads in bewilderment as they finished empty-handed following a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Spalding Town. Swineshead enjoyed their fair share of possession throughout the game but just couldn’t convert their efforts into goals. They fell behind to a first half strike from Town’s Amer Pattal and things looked really bleak when Paul Ryan made it 2-0 with ten minutes left. Swineshead sent several efforts just wide or crashing against the woodwork and only had an 85th minute goal from Mark Ledger to show for their hard work.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Mareham United and Fosdyke served up a seven-goal thriller in the day’s only Division Two fixture. Fosdyke took the lead through Simon Chambers who stabbed home an Andy Brown cross before Mareham levelled through Micky Johnson ten minutes later. The game was very open with chances at either end and it was Andy Brown who found the net for Fosdyke to put his side 2-1 ahead. The lead was again short-lived, however, as the home side equalised when Johnny Seymour netted after Fosdyke failed to clear a corner. The second half began with a bang as Micky Johnson scored with a header from close range to put Mareham ahead for the first time. With time running out and Fosdyke searching desperately for an equalizer the visitors got caught out when Johnson completed his hat-trick to put his side 4-2 in front. Fosdyke kept battling away and they were rewarded for their efforts when Andy Brown smashed home a shot from 15 yards, his second goal of the afternoon. Final score 4-3. Referee Dan Fox had a fine game in the middle.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

A Brett Schlechter penalty earned Holbeach United Social a valuable away point at Wrangle United Reserves in a 1-1 draw.

 

Swineshead Cup round one

 

Fishtoft from Division One pushed Premier opponents, Swineshead Institute, all the way before being narrowly defeated in a penalty shoot-out. The slippery surface of the Fishtoft pitch made life difficult for both sides and it was the underdogs who struck first after ten minutes when Pete Coonan struck with a shot from the edge of the area after the visitors failed to clear. Swineshead drew level five minutes before the break when Richard Stukins pounced onto a loose ball after Martin North had put defender and goalkeeper under some pressure. Quick thinking from Swineshead’s Steve Graham caught Fishtoft napping when his 20-yard free-kick found the net while the home side were still organising their wall. Fishtoft rocked their opponents with 10 minutes remaining when Dec Wilson popped up with a far post header to take the tie into extra time. Extra time yielded no further goals so the tie had to be settled by the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Swineshead only missed one of their spot-kicks when Nathan Stainfield’s effort struck a post and Fishtoft failed to match their opponents’ accuracy from 12 yards.

 

 

November 18

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Billinghay Athletic entertained Croft United in the day’s top billing and the champions had to be satisfied with a point after Lee Marshall’s side held them to a 1-1 draw. Lee Orrey had given the visitors a first half lead and they went close to adding to their lead but Steve Scott in the Billinghay goal pulled off two fine saves from Mark Lovelace. Lee Orrey also had a goal disallowed during the second period before Billinghay salvaged a point with a second half equaliser. The goal was worthy of earning some reward and it came from the boot of Pete Dickinson whose 35- yard drive flew into the net.

 

Kirton Town showed some promise in their home game against Sleaford Town Reserves as they still attempt to regroup after recent selection problems. A defensive slip-up allowed Sleaford to gain a one-goal advantage at the half-way stage before three further goals found the Town net in the second half. Final score 4-0

 

Coningsby’s camp was very disappointed following their lack lustre display in their home game against Spilsby Town. The home side, tipped to be serious contenders for the title at the start of the season, went down 4-2. Liam Papworth was Town’s match-winner with a fine hat-trick while Viv Jeffery also got on the scoresheet.

 

Skegness Town Reserves travelled the short distance to take on Wrangle United and they returned back home to the coast with all three points after edging out their opponents in a nine-goal thriller. Wrangle drew first blood when Nick Ward scored a fine individual goal before Town equalised through Nathan Hancock following some neat approach play. A trademark goal from the experienced Paul Butler edged Skegness in front before the break when he turned inside his marker before firing home in style. The visitors went 3-1 ahead within two minutes of the restart when Josh Whittam netted before Wrangle were dealt a cruel blow when they were reduced to ten men when one of their players was dismissed. The home side, however, refused to give in and Danny Fenwick pulled a goal back only for Town to restore their two-goal advantage through Lee McCluckie following an assist from Nathan Hancock. Nick Ward grabbed his second goal of the game to set the visitors’ nerves jangling before Josh Bartlett sealed victory with the final goal after good work again from Hancock. Final score was 5-4.

 

Gedney Drove End came out on top in their basement battle with fellow strugglers, Wyberton following a 5-2 home win. Gedney started well and they opened the scoring after ten minutes when Dave Wilson beat the keeper from close range. Wyberton came more into the game for a while but they fell behind once again when Neil Armstrong added a second. The visitors were finally rewarded for their efforts with a well executed Chris Rutt lob over the advancing keeper before Gedney restored their two-goal advantage just before the break when Shane Quinn headed home an Armstrong cross. Both sides missed early chances at the start of the second period before Danny Goddard netted from close range and Dave Wilson added his second goal of the game. Wilson could easily have claimed a hat-trick but he squandered three decent chances as Gedney finished strongly. Wyberton added a further consolation goal via Rutt to make the final score 5-2. Referee Sid Ault enjoyed a fine game in the middle.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Spilsby Town Reserves went down to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Swineshead Institute Reserves despite dominating the first half. Town enjoyed the majority of possession during the first period and although they created plenty of openings they managed to convert only one when Des Rook smartly turned in Chris Dunn’s corner. Swineshead best chance in the first period came when a shot rebounded back off the crossbar. Swineshead levelled the scores within the opening minute of the second half and the game suddenly turned very competitive with Mark Lyons overstepping the mark and receiving his marching orders for retaliation. Swineshead used their extra man advantage to full effect and they went ahead after 75 minutes. Town’s heads went down after the setbacks and they conceded another goal almost immediately. Swineshead Reserves' second half scorers were Andy Baker, Andy Thompson and Alex Kirkham, the latter scoring within two minutes of coming on as a substitute.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Mareham United Reserves took the lead in their home fixture with Westside Rangers Reserves through Gavin Lilley but the visitors struck back in style with Danny Brigginshaw firing a hat-trick and Jonathan East scoring on his debut. Mareham reduced the arrears late on through Daniel Hines to make the final score 4-2.

 

Wrangle United Reserves recorded a narrow 2-1 away win at Old Doningtonians Reserves thanks to goals from John Rutherford and Jimmy Brittain. Old Dons replied through Shaun Scott.

 

The other scheduled game between Freiston Reserves and Park United Reserves fell victim of the heavy rain on Friday evening.

 

Target Newspapers Challenge Cup

 

A late extra-time goal from Dave Pell put Fosdyke in the draw for round three when they recorded a narrow 2-1 home victory against Spalding Harriers. Andy Brown had cancelled out Harriers’ first half opener and the tie finished 1-1 at the end of normal time. The game appeared to be heading for a penalty shoot-out when Dave Pell popped up to force home a scrappy winner.

 

A penalty shoot-out was, indeed, required to settle the outcome of the tie between Friskney and Holbeach United Social. The early kick-off caught out some of the Friskney players and they were forced to start the game with just nine men before the late arrivals finally turned up to make up the numbers. Holbeach opened the scoring early on before Friskney’s Perrie Dale took centre stage to blitz his opponents with a stunning first half hat-trick and put the home side 3-1 ahead at the interval. In a topsy-turvy game the visitors stormed back after the break and they netted twice to level the scores at 3-3. Holbeach almost snatched victory when they were awarded a penalty but goalkeeper, Robert Holland came to his side’s rescue with a vital save and the game entered extra time. Another Holbeach penalty, this time successfully converted put the visitors 4-3 ahead before Neil Allen’s equaliser meant both sides had to take part in the dreaded spot-kick lottery. Friskney proved to be more clinical from the spot and they sneaked through 4-3 on penalties following successful spot-kicks from Daniel Fletcher, Perrie Dale, Gareth Williams and Jed Stainton.

 

Park Road Old Boys and Nortoft United produced an evenly contested goalless first half with the Boston side having the wind and sun advantage. Park Road gradually took control of the second half with a number of chances being created but not taken. Eventually the home side broke the deadlock mid way through the second half when Adam Smith scored with a great left foot shot from the edge of the box. Nortoft equalised with eight minutes to go when Anthony Tiffen lifted a lob over the advancing keeper, Ash Allen. Park Road snatched victory when Josh Ansell, who had come on as a sub, scored direct from a corner (for the third time this season) with two minutes to go to seal a deserved victory. The tie was well refereed by Nev Abrams. 

 

There was a blustery greeting for both Westside Rangers and Mareham United at Kirton Middlecott’s ground where the Boston side had the better of the opening exchanges. Rangers created several chances in the windy conditions but they were rocked back on their heels when Mareham took the lead and they held that slender advantage at the break. Again Westside started strongly after the restart and they levelled the tie when Kev Manning struck with a left footed drive before a bizarre goal put them ahead. DJ Wright played a delightful ball towards goal and although a Mareham defender got to the ball first the clearance struck the onrushing Michael Burt full in the face before rebounding back into the net. Wright himself added a third when a slick move and superb cross found the diving head of the super-sub. Manning completed the scoring with a header following a driven corner. Both sides contributed to producing a fine sporting encounter that was well controlled by referee, Nick Sleaford.

 

Division Two side Woodhall Spa United failed to put the skids on Third Division table-toppers, Marshalls. The Boston side powered their way through to the next round with a comfortable 3-0 away win. Michael Gardner hit two of the Marshalls goals while Daniel Warren also got on the scoresheet.

 

There was another slight shock at Old Leake when they entertained local rivals Freiston from Division Two. The Division One side held a slender 1-0 advantage at the halfway stage but within five minutes of the restart Freiston were gifted an equaliser when Aston Chase converted a penalty. Strike partner, Dean Seiner then put the visitors 2-1 ahead when he beat the offside trap before scoring. Old Leake levelled the tie only for Freiston to strike back almost immediately when Chase struck his second goal of the game. Gavin Marshall wrapped up the scoring when his mazy run was finished with a chip over the advancing keeper to ensure Freiston of a place in the next round of the competition.

 

West End Tigers advanced into the next round following a 6-0 home win over Old Doningtonians. Nicky Syndercombe opened the scoring for The Tigers when he fired home into the top corner after a surging run down the right flank. Steve Favell made it 2-0 following more good work from Syndercombe down the right wing. The same scorers added another goal apiece before Luke Brittain got on the scoresheet, his eighth goal in four outings since his recent transfer. Paul Vaughan completed the scoring when he cut in from the left before beating two defenders and slotting the ball home to make the final score 6-0.

 

An under-strength Black Bull United side travelled to Wainfleet United and were comprehensively beaten over the ninety minutes. The visitors were still in the tie at the halfway stage as they trailed by the slender score-line of 2-1 but a powerful second half display from Wainfleet put paid to any hopes The Bull had of making the next round. Two Wainfleet players helped themselves to hat-tricks as Lee Johnson and Shaun Drury both hit top form. Royston Wilkinson also got on the scoresheet for the home side while the visitors replied through Paul Sims during the first half.

 

 

November 11 round-up

 

Lincoln Co-op Lincolnshire Junior Cup round three

 

Four teams represented the Boston League in round three of the Lincs Junior Cup. But unfortunately two of our leading sides were drawn against each other. Spilsby Town and Swineshead Institute were forced to compete against each other for a place in the next round at Ancaster Avenue and it was Spilsby who came through after a comfortable 3-0 home win. Striker, Jordan Wood opened the scoring for Town after 15 minutes before Viv Jefferies added a second five minutes later. Dan Tuplin made it 3-0 with twenty minutes remaining to put the result beyond doubt. Spilsby’s joy was somewhat soured by the dismissal of Jordan Wood who retaliated to some foul play. 

 

Croft United also went through after a 3-0 home win when they entertained Hogsthorpe St Mary at Wainfleet Road. Croft held a 1-0 half time lead before adding two further goals after the break. Leroy Medina grabbed two of The United goals while Steve Murphy also got in on the act. 

 

Skegness Town Reserves went goal crazy in their home tie against Cherry Knights. Town stormed into a 5-0 half time lead with Paul Watts hitting a first half hat-trick. Three more goals followed after the break as Skegness went through with ease. Final score was 8-0.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

In a stormy game at the home of Sleaford Town Reserves, visitors Gedney Drove End lost their heads as well as the points. Two players were sent packing by referee Derek Hodgson in the second half as Gedney went down 4-2. Striker, Dave Wilson inexplicably head-butted the Sleaford keeper after the pair clashed and was instantly red carded and then the visitors also had a defender dismissed for two yellows. Sleaford, too, had a player dismissed late on for swearing at the official. Town had raced into a 3-0 lead before Gedney had a golden chance to get back into the game before the break when they were awarded a penalty. But Neil Armstrong shot straight at the keeper. Gedney reduced the arrears immediately after the interval through Wilson before Sleaford restored their three-goal advantage. The game then turned ugly with the dismissals before nine-man Gedney pulled another goal back through Danny Goddard. Town secured victory with goals from Mark Leach, who scored twice, John Shaw and Steve Morley.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Westside Rangers appeared to be suffering from last week’s hang-over at North Sea Camp as they went down to a heavy 3-0 defeat at Old Leake. The home side started strongly and some enterprising play saw several chances created before they deservedly went ahead after 20 minutes. Rob Staples scoring the opener when he beat a defender before rounding the keeper to slide the ball home. Rangers were left reeling five minutes later as Old Leake grabbed a crucial second goal when Greg Brown beat the offside trap before slotting the ball wide of the advancing keeper. The game was as good as over by half-time as Old Leake made it 3-0 after 40 minutes when Chris Lawson struck a sweet left-footed drive into the corner of the net. Rangers tried desperately to get back into the game and they went almighty close on a couple of occasions but the woodwork denied them. Some solid defending from the Leake defence prevented Westside from getting on the scoresheet and the home side hung onto the three points. Referee Rod Crozier had a good game in the middle.

 

Spalding Town and Holbeach Bank shared the points via a 2-2 draw. All the goals came in the second half with Town’s hard earned point being salvaged by strikes from Gareth Burnett and Paul Ryan.

 

West End Tigers maintained their place at the top of the table with a fine 5-2 away win at Fishtoft. The Tigers started poorly and found themselves 1-0 down to Dec Wilson’s strike following good work from Scott Wiseman before they were finally kick-started themselves into action. Luke Brittain’s volley brought them level although Fishtoft regained the lead when Almond fought off Joe Hallam’s challenge before lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. West End fought back to bring themselves all square once again as Brittain applied a cool finish. The second half belonged to The Tigers who were inspired by Paul Vaughan’s enterprising play. The midfielder was rewarded for his efforts with a brace of goals while Nicky Syndercombe unselfishly squared the ball for Brittain to complete his hat-trick, that was the striker’s second successive treble-strike.

 

Old Doningtonians helped heap more misery on Tydd St Mary’s faltering start to the season when they recorded a 2-0 away win. Aston Durrant and David Slaughter were The Dons’ match-winners.

 

In a tightly contested game at their Fosdyke ground, Black Bull United defeated Spalding Harriers 3-1. The first half finished goal-less despite both teams creating chances to have opened the scoring. The Bull started the stronger after the break and they deservedly went ahead after 65 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Tim Rowland. Ian Bircumshaw eventually netted at the second attempt. Spalding went close to levelling but a last ditch challenge denied them a goal. Black Bull went further ahead shortly afterwards with a well-worked goal scored by Gary Ling. Spalding reduced the arrears before the Bull completed the scoring through Tim Rowland. An excellent game of football was spoilt near the end when a Spalding player was dismissed for committing a professional foul.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Coningsby Reserves moved to the top of the table following a thumping away win at Park Road Old Boys. Danny Cottingham grabbed two goals while Michael Kenwright, Carl Wilson, Gary Patrick and Richard Grimshaw-Else also got on the scoresheet. Park Road replied through Tim Gilbert.

 

Mareham United and Kirton Town Reserves produced a six-goal thriller with both teams grabbing a point after a 3-3 draw. Ryan Benson, Mickey Johnson and Jonathan Seymour were on target for Mareham.

 

Freiston slipped up at Woodhall Spa United going down 4-1 as they were knocked off the top of the table. Freiston started well enough and they had Woodhall back-pedalling in the opening 10 minutes before two quick-fire goals from Jack Draper and Justin Scarborough put the home side in the driving seat. Freiston stormed back and Dean Seiner reduced the arrears before the break and the same player went close just after his goal but his effort rebounded back off the crossbar. Woodhall made it 3-1 five minutes after the break when Andrew Money’s wind-assisted free-kick drifted into the net and ten minutes later they sealed victory with a fourth when another free-kick was headed on for Lee Marshall to score with a low shot which went in off an upright.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Freiston Reserves recorded only their second victory of the season when they returned home from Friskney with all three points following a 2-1 scoreline in their favour. Joe Deamer and Jamie Button were on target for the visitors. Friskney found themselves trailing 1-0 at the break and they fell further behind to a penalty before they too were awarded a spot kick which Garth Williams despatched into the back of the net. Friskney plugged away for an equaliser after that but Freiston held firm.

 

Nortoft also recorded an away win when they travelled to Old Doningtonians Reserves. Jason Osborne, Jim Dowse, Chris Massingham and Wes Hunt were all on target for the visitors in a comfortable 4-0 victory.

 

Brett Schlechter, Shaun Brothwell and Jamie Cole struck the decisive goals for Holbeach United Social in their 3-1 home win against Park United Reserves.

 

 

November 4 round-up

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Coningsby produced a top performance when they made the journey to the seaside to take on Skegness Town Reserves. The visitors were full value for their excellent 3-0 away win in a game which saw a quick-fire double blast on the half hour mark put them firmly in the driving seat. First, Lee Croft put his side ahead and this was immediately followed a minute later by a Steve Norton strike to give Coningsby a comfortable two-goal half-time cushion. It was Croft again who was on target in the second period to seal a fine victory.

 

Another Croft (this time, United) was also in fine form on their travels when they recorded a 6-2 away win at Wrangle United. Two goals inside the first five minutes set the tone for the match as Kurt Crossley and then Mark Lovelace put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Jack Hill headed home the third before the break as Wrangle struggled to cope with the lively Croft attack. Wrangle kept plugging away, however, and they managed to pull a goal back when Chris Howe volleyed a misplaced clearance from keeper Rick Lovelace straight into the back of the net. The home side freshened things up a little during the half-time team talk and their substitutions seemed to work as Danny Fenwick powered home a header from a free-kick to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Russell Murphy had a further chance shortly afterwards but Lovelace saved well before Croft’s use of their substitutes paid dividends as Dan Starkey came on to make it 4-2. The visitors never looked back after that and they sealed victory with further goals from Ben Laud, and Leroy Medina.

 

Although struggling to raise a side due to injuries and apathy, Kirton Town manager Dale Atkinson was somewhat heartened by the performance of his players who took to the field last Saturday when the home side entertained Champions, Billinghay Athletic. Despite losing the game 3-0, Kirton showed plenty of enthusiasm and they created a few chances of their own to have registered some reward. Billinghay took a step nearer to the top of the table with goals from Adam Weston, Alan Bayliss and Pete Dickinson.

 

Goals from Richard Stukins and Kye Stainton earned Swineshead a 2-1 home victory against Sleaford Town Reserves in a game between two evenly matched sides. After Swineshead had the better early chances during the first half they opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Martin North set Stukins free to fire his side in front. Sleaford applied most of the pressure after the break and it was not long before they levelled the scores when Joe Richardson headed home after 55 minutes. However, Swineshead responded almost instantly as they regained the lead two minutes later when central defender, Kyle Stainton ventured forward and although his initial downward header was blocked he followed up to knock home the rebound for what proved to be the winning goal. Swineshead also boasted impressive debuts from recent transfer signing Andy Baker and ex-Boston United player Andy Stanhope, who was returning to action after suffering a broken leg.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

West End Tigers made it six wins out of six following an excellent performance at home to Old Doningtonians. The game was over as far as a contest was concerned by the half-way stage with the Tigers leading 5-0. Luke Brittain opened the scoring before Martin Jolly added a second. Spencer Swadling then volleyed home number three after just 15 minutes as Old Dons wondered what had hit them. Steve Favell’s long throw was then misjudged by the keeper allowing Brittain to head home from close range and skipper, Scott Palmer made the interval score-line 5-0. The second half was virtually a formality and for the record Martin Jolly claimed his second goal of the game while Brittain completed his hat-trick to seal a comfortable 7-0 victory.

 

Westside Rangers found life uncomfortable at North Sea United where the home side steam-rollered their opponents in a 4-1 victory. Sonny Cheema grabbed two of the goals for the prison side while Simon Martin also got on the scoresheet. The other came courtesy of an own goal.

 

Tydd St Mary probably created the more clear-cut opportunities in their goal-less encounter at Spalding Town but the visitors had to be content with a share of the spoils. Final score was 0-0.

 

Fishtoft hit six goals at Spilsby Town Reserves although the visitors fell behind when the unfortunate Ben Shaw turned the ball into his own net. Spilsby’s Chris Dunn also had three golden chances to have added to his side’s score but the chances went begging. Fishtoft were soon level when Ady Almond headed home following a corner before the visitors added two further first half goals through Paul Wroot’s fine volley and Scott Wiseman. Town keeper, Ady Hewerdine also had to make an excellent penalty save when the scores stood at 1-1. Spilsby tried desperately to get back into the game and Sam Lowe squandered a great chance before Wiseman made it 4-1 soon after the break before man of the match, Chris Marshall scored after a mazy run which saw him beat three defenders and rounding the keeper. Almond completed the scoring with his second goal of the game. Spilsby suffered some injury worries as two players were forced to leave the field with head injuries and they were forced to finish the game with ten men. Final score was 6-1

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

An out-of-sorts Freiston were lucky to take all three points when they entertained a lively Park Road Old Boys side. The leaders were forced to defend for long periods of the game and had keeper, Matthew Bainbridge to thank for keeping them in the game with several vital saves. Freiston finally broke the deadlock with a Dean Seiner penalty and then a Gavin Marshall shot into the roof of the net gave the home side a two-goal cushion. Park Road were finally rewarded for their efforts when they reduced the arrears following a misdirected clearance which was promptly dispatched back into an empty net. Final score was 2-1.

 

Richard Grimshaw-Else struck twice for Coningsby Reserves in their 3-2 home win against Mareham United. Martin Lynch grabbed the other home goal while Mareham went close with goals from Jonathan Seymour who netted both for his team..

Matt Crowson and Lee Johnson both scored twice in Wainfleet United’s 4-2 away win at Fosdyke.

 

Park United are having real problems in finding the net and it was the same old story last Saturday when they were comfortably beaten 6-0 at home against Black Bull United. Andy McGuire and Tim Rowland both scored twice while Ian Bircumshaw and Gary Ling were also on target.

 

A hard working display from Sutterton saw them gain three valuable points as they inflicted a second successive defeat on Woodhall Spa United. Sutterton took the lead on eight minutes when Gavin Rhodes tucked away a penalty after a defender had handled in the box. Although Woodhall enjoyed their fair share of possession during the first half they rarely threatened the home defence. Sutterton doubled their lead after seventy minutes when skipper Ady Barnett evaded two challenges before slipping the ball under the diving keeper. Sutterton put the result beyond doubt five minutes later when a blatant shove in the back of a home forward resulted in Gavin Rhodes stroking home his second penalty for a 3-0 lead. Woodhall claimed a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the game to make the final score 3-1.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Marshalls maintained their 100 percent start with a 4-1 home win against a strong Holbeach United Social team. The visitors made it difficult for the table-toppers and they kept them at bay for the opening 20 minutes. The breakthrough came shortly afterwards when Daniel Warren set up Michael Gardner who waltzed round the keeper for the opening goal. Warren then made it 2-0 before Daniel White added a third following an impressive run down the left flank. David Willis made sure there was no way back for the Holbeach side with a fourth before the break with a fine individual effort. The visiting defence showed a marked improvement after the break preventing Marshalls from adding to their score and they were rewarded for their efforts with a consolation goal when Gary Frost conceded a penalty.

 

Billinghay Athletic Reserves moved up to second in the table following their 3-2 home win over Nortoft United. Simon Creasey, Steve Wilcox and Jason Davies hit the decisive goals.

 

Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup

 

The holders, Kirton Town Reserves visited Westside Rangers Reserves in the first round of the competition and eventually came through unscathed despite an early scare. Although Kirton had the best chances early on when they could have been three goals ahead inside the opening twenty minutes, it was Rangers who struck first with their first real effort on goal when the ball squirmed under the body of stand-in keeper, Paul Spencer. Town piled on the pressure but they found the Westside keeper in fine form. The brave keeper was finally beaten when Martin Durrant’s header found the net to make the half-time score 1-1. Kirton grabbed an early goal in the second half through Simon Collins and this was soon followed by another goal from Richard Borrill. Westside refused to buckle, however, and after some pressure of their own, they pulled a goal back but as they went in search of an equaliser they were caught out by a Kirton breakaway when Borrill netted his second goal. Kirton’s veteran player-manager, Paul Fossitt entered the action late in the game and he was soon rolling back the years with a stunning 18-yard screamer into the top corner to complete the scoring. Final score was 5-2.

 

Old Doningtonians Reserves hit three goals in their home tie against Freiston Reserves but it still wasn’t enough to earn them a place in the next round of the competition. Scott Erin, who claimed two goals and David Pitts with the other, scored the Old Dons’ goals but Freiston hit back with four of their own to go through 4-3.

 

Swineshead Reserves had a comfortable away win at Third Division Mareham United Reserves. The Division One side held a 4-0 lead at half time and two further goals followed after the break to complete a 6-0 score-line. The visitors’ goals came from Andy Thompson and Alex Kirkham who both grabbed two goals apiece while the others came from Nathan Stainfield and Ashley Brighton