Wyberton lifted the Barclays Brokers Willoughby Cup with a winning goal two minutes from time against a shell-shocked Spilsby Town, who will have felt that they at least deserved an extra time shot at their opponents. Spilsby started brightly with Jordan Wood bursting through after five minutes. but he was denied by a brave block from Wyberton keeper, Steve Melady. Gary McGilloway then saw a right-footed shot drift just wide of the post. Wyberton’s first effort on goal came after 12 minutes when John Reeson’s free-kick was directed straight at the keeper before Jordan Wood broke through again only to see his shot parried by the keeper and his follow-up effort go wide when it looked easier to score. Wyberton’s Mark Lovelace tried his luck with a quickly taken free-kick but the ball went wide. Spilsby’s Simon Sutton threaded a superb through ball to Liam Papworth but the striker lifted his shot over the bar. Spislby thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Papworth’s shot was parried out to Wood who tucked the ball away but his celebrations were cut short by the referee assistant’s flag. Wyberton’s best effort of the first half almost saw them take the lead but Mark Lovelace’s header from a corner was cleared off the line before Des Rook’s shot at the other end went narrowly past an upright. Michael Gardner, who had been suffering from an earlier knock during the first half, broke free down the left but he missed the target when well placed. The first yellow card of the final came after McGilloway’s late challenge left Matthew Crunkhorn in a heap near the touchline. Spilsby’s stand-in keeper, Dan Fox produced a tremendous save low to his left after 65 minutes to keep his side in the game – Fox was drafted in after first team keeper Martin Ziller was ruled out through injury and Mike Emery had signed for Rushden and Diamonds, making him ineligible for the final. Fox was called into action again moments later when he tipped Sam Louth’s header over the bar. Jordan Wood had a shot blocked on the line by Nigel Vince after 70 minutes and Spilsby were left shaking their heads in disbelief 10 minutes later when they had two efforts cleared off the line in quick succession. To Town’s dismay Wyberton snatched victory two minutes from time when Sam Louth chested down a right wing cross before hooking the ball high into the net. Willoughby Cup President, Tony Appleby presented the trophies and the man of the match award went to Wyberton keeper, Steve Melady who produced a faultless display for his side.

Gary Cochrane hit a hat-trick for Billinghay Athletic as Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division champions, Wyberton suffered only their second defeat of the campaign. Chris Rutt and Mark Lovelace replied for the visitors but it wasn’t enough as they went down 3-2. Swineshead needing a victory margin of at least three goals to secure the runners-up spot, entertained Skegness Town Reserves and after a goal-less first half, Jack Houghton gave them a tremendous boost with the opening goal on the hour mark. Unfortunately for the home side they were caught pushing forward and Skegness took full advantage to bounce back scoring twice through John Jeffery and Troy Lonslow and take the points with a 2-1 victory.

Old Doningtonians finished their Cropleys Suzuki Division One season on a high note with four points from their final two games. In a midweek match, The Dons shared the points with Kirton Town following a 1-1 draw. Martin Fox was on target for Donington while Cliff Langham replied for Town. Four days later saw Old Dons secure a comfortable 3-0 home win against Fishtoft. Wayne Foster, Rob Chapman and a superb individual solo effort from Scott Ekins earned the points in an excellent victory. With Spilsby Town’s end of the season trip to Barcelona stretching their Reserves resources in their attempt to raise a side for their home game against Old Leake, they pulled out all the stops to turn out a full compliment. Town opened the scoring after five minutes when a Pete Sampson throw was headed in headed by Dan Smith. Spilsby’s lead was short-lived as Old Leake levelled the scores before both sides netted again in a five minute period before the break – Smith again on target for Town firing home from the edge of the box. Spilsby held the upper hand during the early stages of the second half but the normally reliable Liam Papworth squandered three golden chances. Old Leake went in front with 15 minutes remaining when a Spilsby corner was quickly moved upfield before the ball was fired home. As Town threw men forward they were caught out when Old Leake scored a fourth late on. Old Leake’s marksmen were Ben Jacques and Adam Tempest who both scored twice. Final score was 4-2.

Wrangle United Reserves finished Cropleys Suzuki Division Two their season with a victory when they played hosts to Tydd St Mary. Thomas Crozier and Liam Shinn scored the crucial goals in a 2-1 victory to send Tydd home empty handed

Simon Hyland was on fire for Fishtoft Reserves when they entertained West End Tigers Reserves in the Cropleys Suzuki Division Three. Hot-shot Hyland scored three of his side’s goal in a 6-2 victory. Fishtoft’s other match-winners were Carl Tate, Tim Billingham and Carl Bailey. Another hat-trick hero was Gordon Drake whose treble helped Skegness Working Mens Club to a 4-2 away win at Mareham United Reserves. Michael Redding grabbed the other goal for Skegness. Park United ended on a high note with a 4-2 home win against Billinghay Athletic Reserves thanks to goals from Alex Limb (2), Tom Waterson and Andy Waterson. Friskney went goal crazy at Freiston Reserves winning 8-1. Dave Robinson scored Freiston’s lone consolation. Freiston Reserves had, however, managed a 3-1 victory in an earlier midweek match when they defeated Park United at home thanks to goals from Joe Deamer, Dave Robinson and Lee Hoff.

For April 26

Swineshead Reserves, from Division One, made up for their recent Reserve Cup final defeat with a Barclays Brokers Willoughby Shield final victory over leaders of Division Three Wyberton Reserves, although it needed extra time to separate the two teams. Swineshead started brightly and deservedly opened the scoring on ten minutes when striker, Harry Houghton raced through onto a slick pass before finishing superbly from the edge of the box. They almost increased their lead three minutes later when Mark Ledger’s well struck volley from long range flew just wide before Wyberton got back on level terms after 15 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick after the referee judged that a pass back to the keeper had been deliberate. Jason Allen rifled home the free-kick through a crowd of players and into the back of the net. The first yellow card came on the half hour mark when Richard Barker was fouled on the edge of the box and Jamie Button was cautioned for throwing the ball at an opponent before Andy Thompson’s free-kick went over the bar. At the other end Steve Fisher had a snap shot which went wide of the left hand upright before Swineshead went close to increasing their lead right on the stroke of half time when Harry Houghton’s lofted cross to the far post drifted over the keeper’s head and struck the woodwork. The second half was very scrappy although Wyberton could have gone ahead inside the opening minutes when Neil Featherstone tried to force the ball home but the close attention of Nathan Stainfield forced the ball to go wide. Jamie Button went close after 70 minutes following Featherstone’s through ball but the final shot missed the target. Wyberton also had an appeal for a penalty ten minutes from time when Featherstone went down in the box but the referee waved aside their appeals. In extra time Stainfield fired a left footed shot just over the bar and Houghton’s free-kick was well saved by Scott Lea low to his right. Swineshead just had the edge, however and goals from Nathan Stainfield (pen) and Robert Snaith sealed a 3-1 victory. Guest of honour, Boston League Vice-President, Mr. Tony Appleby presented the trophies and the man of the match award went to Swineshead defender, Nathan Stainfield. Final score was 2-1.

There were just two games in the Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division where Swineshead put last week’s dismal display behind them with a thumping 8-0 home win against Wrangle United. Swineshead were 1-0 in front after eighteen minutes when Richard Stukins fired home from fifteen yards but they didn't add their second until two minutes before the break when Stukins bundled the ball over the line with his shin following a Matt Bates cross. Martin North made it 3-0 on the hour mark when he burst through before netting. Substitute Jack Houghton then entered the action and the striker stole the show with a four-goal burst inside 10 minutes - all breakaway goals with cool finishes. The eighth and final goal came in the last minute when Bert Snaith was brought down in the box and he, got to his feet, dusted himself down and fired home from the spot. Skegness Town Reserves also had a convincing win when they travelled to West End Tigers. Goals from Sean Chamberlain (2), Greg Barker, John Jeffrey and Troy Lonslow secured a 5-1 victory. West End’s goal came from Luke Brittain.

In a very tight first half, Coningsby Reserves took the lead at Spilsby Town Reserves in their Cropleys Suzuki Division One match through a Carl Wall strike. This spurred Spilsby into life as Dan Smith had a goal ruled out for offisde and Eddie Hodgson struck a post. Spilsby had the upper hand after the break with Des Rook going close with two volleys and Dan Smith hitting the crossbar. Spilsby got on level terms through Mark Ingram's when his free-kick eluded everyone before bouncing past the outstretched keeper. Town went ahead following Tom Adams' superb run that ended with Dan Smith side footing home. Coningsby had a golden chance to equalise shortly afterwards but were denied by Martin Ziller’s fine finger-tip save. Smith had a couple of chances to complete a hat-trick before Mark Ingram wrapped up the scoring with a third when his curling free-kick found the net. Final score 3-1. Freiston travelled to Kirton Town, where they received the Division Two runners-up trophies but then it was a case of ‘after the lord mayor’s show’ with their opponents showing no mercy winning 4-1. Kirton were 2-0 in front inside the first fifteen minutes before Lee Dakin reduced the arrears on the half hour mark. Although Freiston pressed for an equaliser after the break Town made it 3-1 midway through the second half. Freiston missed two good chances late on before Kirton wrapped up the three points with a fourth goal in added time. Kirton were without a couple of regulars and drafted in some young guns who excelled. Their goals came from Matt Parnham (2), Kyle Bates and Martin Durrant.

What a tight finish for the Cropleys Suzuki Division Two title – With Park Road Old Boys having finished their fixtures the previous Saturday, Woodhall Spa United had to win by a margin of five goals to snatch The Championship from The Holbeach side’s grasp. Unfortunately for Woodhall their final game was against local rivals, Mareham United who were desperate not to do any favours for their near neighbours. And so it turned out to be as Mareham battled to lead, at one time, 3-2 before Woodhall threw everything at their opponents and three late goals in as many minutes set up a grandstand finish but Mareham refused to buckle further despite finally going down 6-3. Jack Draper grabbed a hat-trick while Steve Lovett claimed a double-strike, Daniel Wells also got on the scoresheet. Wainfleet United finished on a high note, securing third spot following a 5-2 away win at Wrangle United Reserves. The visitors held a 2-1 lead at the halfway stage following goals from Phil Simpson and Royston Wilkinson and three more second half goals sealed the victory. Matthew Broome scored twice while Michael Parnham completed the scoring. Wrangle’s goals came from Pardeep Singh and Shane Brackenbury. Sutterton's final game of the season produced a 5-2 victory over Kirton
Town Reserves. Despite falling behind, Sutterton recovered to lead at the interval thanks to a well-taken strike from Simon Long and a Carl East tap-in. A stunning solo effort gave veteran East his second goal of the game before Ashley Hughes netted the fourth from a yard out. Kirton were rewarded with their second goal of the game before Sutterton skipper, Carl Appleyard had the final say, netting from the penalty spot to make the final score 5-2. Kirton Reserves did play well but still could not manage that elusive win. Their goals came from Chris Chapman and Hakkan Darici.

Friskney were forced to play nearly all of their home Cropleys Suzuki Division Three match against Marheam United Reserves with ten men when Jack Hill was dismissed after just four minutes. Mareham took full advantage immediately by opening the scoring before Friskney clawed themselves back into the game with a superb strike from Neil Allen whose 20-yard shot flew into the top corner. Amazingly, Friskney then scored again to lead at the interval following a Sam Hill goal albeit a somewhat fortunate effort when his his-hit shot somehow found the net. Marheam scored twice after the break to lead 3-2 but Daniel Redford salvaged a hard earned point when he kept his composure to score from the spot. Final score 3-3. A Steve Wilcox hat-trick helped Billinghay Athletic Reserves to a 5-2 home win against Spalding Town Reserves. Rick Harrod almost repeated his feat with a well-taken brace. Leaders, Wyberton Reserves had no problems at Spalding Harriers Reserves where they recorded a 5-1 away win with Jason Allen scoring twice. Jamie Cox, Mark Lovelace, Neil Featherstone and an own goal completed the scoring while the Harriers goal came from David Kantak. Skegness Working Mens Club also won away from home when goals from Carl Wilson, Andy Verhaul and Michael Redding secured a 3-1 victory. A long range effort from Marcus Reeson had kept Freiston in the game.

For April 19

The rain, once again, welcomed the players and supporters for the second successive Saturday League final at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road ground last Tuesday when Kirton Town and Fishtoft took to the field to decide the destiny of the Target Newspapers Challenge Cup. Fishtoft started brightly and they created the first real chance inside the opening minutes but Chris Marshall directed his header wide following a great cross from the left. A Pete Coonan corner was then glanced towards goal by striker Ady Almond but the effort was deflected round the far post for another corner. Kirton’s first chance didn’t materialise until the 15th minute when Martin Durrant’s volley flashed wide of the left hand post but it was Fishtoft again who went closest to scoring three minutes later when Marshall turned smartly in the box but his low shot was superbly saved by Kevin Parker. Parker was again in action five minutes later when Coonan’s 25-yard drive was beaten out by the busy keeper. Almond then beat the keeper to a through ball but his header went wide. At the other end, Kirton’s Durrant rifled a shot over the bar following a corner but it was all Fishtoft as Ricky Toyer tried his luck from 35 yards out but his shot went wide before Almond’s excellent cross from the left flank caused panic in The Town defence as the ball was almost deflected into his own net by a defender. Kirton defender Michael Collins produced a splendid tackle on Coonan as the striker broke clear before Fishtoft defender, Chris Firth made an equally crucial tackle on Adrian Dobriansky before the ball squirted over the crossbar. Fishtoft finished the half on top as Michael Lomax found himself in space inside the area but he fluffed his attempted hook shot. The second half started with Fishtoft’s Scott Wiseman heading over from a corner before Dobriansky burst through on the left before lifting his shot over the keeper and also wide of the post. Kirton were probably having their best spell of the game in the opening exchanges of the second period as Tosh Bates fired a long range shot just over the bar. But then the decisive goal came on 55 minutes when a right wing corner found an unmarked Ricky Toyer and his header flew into the net. Wiseman fired wide whilst under pressure on the right hand side of the box before Dobriansky flashed a shot wide at the other end. Fishtoft again finished strongly with Lomax powering a shot just over the bar in the dying minutes. Guest of honour, James Barnes, advertising manager from the Boston Target presented the trophies with the man of the match award going to defender, Chris Firth who marshalled his defence superbly throughout.

In Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division, Wrangle United enjoyed a surprise home victory against Swineshead. Goals from John Rutherford, Mark Crozier and Jimmy Britton secured the three points for the home side in a 3-1 scoreline. Unfortunately for Wrangle, their fellow relegation strugglers, Coningsby also won at Skegness Town Reserves. The surprise at Skegness was probably the margin of the scoreline – a resounding 5-2 away win. Coningsby’s scorers were James Wayman 2, Stuart Thompson, Tony Mumford and Martin Lynch. It was a fitting finale for Coninsby’s Tony Mumford, who has announced his retirement from the rigours of local league football. West End Tigers came back from behind before recording a 2-1 home win against Billinghay Athletic. Martin Jolly and Ben Parkinson scored the crucial goals for The Tigers after they had fallen behind to Billinghay’s opener. West End, without eight regular players, called up several second-string players and they all played their part in a fine team performance. Jolly’s leveller was a classic centre forward’s header from an excellent Steve Favell cross. Jolly was involved again in the winning goal when he flicked on for skipper, Parkinson to force the ball home.

Coningsby Reserves rescued a Cropleys Suzuki Division One point with a last-gasp equaliser in their home match against Spalding Town. After Spalding had stormed into a 2-0 lead Coningsby pulled a goal back before the break through Carl Wall’s penalty. The visitors looked to be heading for victory until Daniel Daubney salvaged some reward for Coningsby when his free kick found the net – virtually the last kick of the game. Final score 2-2. Swineshead Reserves were the victims of a dubious penalty decision for the second successive week when they went down at home to Old Leake by the narrow margin of 2-1. Adam Sinclair converted the penalty while Ben Jacques grabbed the other match-winning goal for Old Leake. Swineshead’s reply came courtesy of an own goal. Kirton Town were still suffering from their Challenge Cup final defeat when they entertained Old Doningtonians. The visitors won 3-1 – only their third win of the season but still enough to lift them off the bottom of the table.

Park Road Old Boys completed their successful Cropleys Suzuki Division Two campaign with a 5-1 home win against Fosdyke. The leaders, assured of promotion, now have to wait to see if fellow promotion seekers, Woodhall Spa United can topple them in their final game next week for the race for the title. Park Road had gone ahead courtesy of an Ash Allen strike only for Andy Brown to level the scores at 1-1. A Paul Colton penalty put The Old Boys back in front at the halfway stage. The home side sealed victory with three further goals after the break as Ash Allen netted his second goal of the game and Chris Gilbert made it 4-1. Paul Colton, not to be outdone, also claimed his own brace of goals. Referee, Mr Reynolds had an excellent game in the middle of the park. Coincidentally, Woodhall Spa United also won by the exact same scoreline when they took on Wrangle United Reserves in a game switched to Woodhall. Wrangle took the lead through Dion Roberts while Woodhall stood appealing for a free-kick. The second-placed side replied with two superbly struck goals from Jack Draper to lead 2-1 at the interval. Paul Picker also grabbed two goals himself after the break while Andrew Money broke his recent goal-drought with the fifth to seal a 5-1 victory. Woodhall have to win by a five-goal margin in their home game against Mareham United in order to snatch the title from Park Road Old Boys. A Chris Rawlings goal was enough to give Black Bull United a slender 1-0 victory in their home game against Sutterton. Mareham United had a welcome 2-1 home win against Spalding Harriers thanks to goals from Matthew Deane and Lewis Cartwright. Kirton Town Reserves went mighty close to breaking their duck when they went down 4-3 against Nortoft United at Tattershall Road. Dominic Cridland did most of the damage for Nortoft hitting a fine hat-trick while Nick Stone completed the scoring.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division Three, Simon Hyland was again on the scoresheet for Fishtoft Reserves but unfortunately for his side they went down 5-3 at the hands of Spalding Town Reserves. Fishtoft trailed 2-1 at the half time stage with Kevin Woods on target from the penalty spot but two quick-fire goals early in the second half sunk any hopes Fishtoft had of getting back into the game. Hyland and Tim Billingham brought some respectability to the score-line but Town added another goal also to run out 5-3 winners. Wyberton Reserves look to be heading for the title after a 2-0 away win against Friskney although the home side had the better of the exchanges during the first half but just couldn’t convert their possession into goals. Both of Wyberton’s goals came from Neil Featherstone. Their victory was slightly soured by the sending off of Kelvin Whyler and there were yellow cards for Jamie Button and Jamie Cox. Skegness Working Men’s Club came up against a strong Westside Rangers Reserves side when they made their journey to Kirton Middlecott School. Will Scott hit four of his side’s goals in a 6-2 home win. Kev Manning and Jon East were also on target for Rangers while Adam Morton and Darren Walker replied for the Skegness side. An Adam Gallimore goal was not enough to gain any reward for Park United in their home game against Spalding Harriers Reserves. Gallimore’s first half strike had given Park a slender half time lead but for all their efforts after the break the home side couldn’t hold onto their lead as Spalding hit back with two goals to run out 2-1 winners. A Rick Harrod hat-trick helped Billinghay Athletic Reserves to a 4-1 home win against Old Doningtonians Reserves. Ben Miles was also on target for Billinghay.

For April 12

In Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division Billinghay Athletic and Swineshead shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Gary Cochrane rescued Billinghay with his point-saving goal. Swineshead had got off to the perfect start with a goal after just four minutes when Nathan Stainfield netting a superb individual goal when he cut in from the left before beating three defenders and scoring froma tight angle. Billinghay, who had always looked dangerous at set pieces, equalised when keeper, Andy Stukins could only parry a fre kick and the ball fell kindly for Gary Cochrane to tap home the loose ball. A single Graham Blades goal was enough to earn Spilsby Town a 1-0 away win at West End Tigers. Blades’ speculative 30-yard lob left The Tigers keeper stranded for the all-important winning goal.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division One Old Leake travelled to Holbeach Bank and the visitors produced a magnificent seven-goal performance to sink their opponents as their run-in maintained its impressive momentum. Ben Jacques was again amongst the goals with a personal four-goal haul while Adam Sinclair (pen), Shaun Geagham and Adam Lester completed the rout. Final score 7-0. The remaining three games all finished up as 1-0 away wins as firstly, Kirton Town snatched victory at Swineshead Reserves with a hotly-disputed penalty award. Adrain Dobriansky stayed calm before converting his spot-kick to give his side a 1-0 away win. Pete Coonan’s winning strike was enough to give Fishtoft a hard earned away win at Spilsby Town in a very tight encounter. The crucial goal came on the half hour mark and although Spilsby enjoyed plenty of possession they couldn’t find a way past an impressive Fishtoft defence in which Ricky Toyer, Luke Perkins and goalkeeper, Ben Shaw excelled throughout. Eddie Rich, Rhys Fitzgerdald and Glenn Hislop all went agonisingly close for Town but it wasn’t their day. Referee Nick Sleaford enjoyed himself in the middle.

Nortoft United were held at home by Wrangle United Reserves in a Cropleys Suzuki Division Two match. The home side who have just lost their way a little in recent weeks were thankful for a James Andrew strike which earned Nortoft a point to keep them in the hunt for promotion. Wrangle’s goal came from Pardeep Singh.

Woodhall Spa United, on the other hand, are enjoying an excellent run-in at the moment. A 2-1 away win at Tydd St Mary keeps Woodhall’s hopes of promotion well and truly alive. Wainfleet United are still in the race after a 4-1 away win at Mareham United. Jak Marshall, Lee Johnson and Phil Simspon were all on target for the visitors but the best goal of the game came from Michael Parnham. Nigel Hoyles replied for Mareham. Park Road Old Boys look to be heading for the title after a 3-0 away win at Sutterton, who had been enjoying a fine run of late. The leaders were held to a goal-less first half before Chris Gilbert gave them the lead after the break. Further goals from Ash Allen and leading goalscorer, Paul Colton sealed a 3-0 win.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division Three Wyberton remain favourites for the title after a thumping 4-0 away win at Freiston Reserves. The visitors’ strong line-up was just too strong for Freiston and goals from Steve Melady, Jamie Button, Neil Featherstone and Jason Allen secured a valuable three-point haul. Another side to boast a 4-0 score-line was Friskney following their convincing home win against Billinghay Athletic Reserves. All of Friskney’s goals came in an action-packed first period with Sam Hill pouncing twice to put the game beyond Billinghay’s reach by half-time. Perrie Dale and Neil Allen were also on target for the home side. Two goals from Gordon Drake helped Skegness Working Mens Club to a 3-0 away win at West End Tigers Reserves. James Baniewicz completed the scoring for Skegness. Westside Rangers Reserves recorded a 3-1 home win against Park United with goals from Jason James, Harry Gurton and Matt Fisher. Gurton also got on the score-sheet for Park with an unfortunate own goal. Fishtoft Reserves produced a superb five-star performance in their home match against Spalding Harriers Reserves. Matt Joyes helped himself to a double-strike while Simon Hyland, Tom Adams and Carl Tate were all on target for the home side.

For April 5

After their 2-1 Fishtoft Cup final defeat two days earlier, Billinghay Athletic repeated their loss when Coningsby returned home with the three Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division points last Saturday. In the final an Adam Weston goal got Billinghay back to 2-1 after falling behind to a crucial second goal – a dubious penalty given for handball after a defender couldn’t evade a driven ball. On Saturday Lee Marshall was on target for Billinghay but Coningsby took the honours with only their second win of the season. Defender Nathan Stainfield scored both of Swineshead’s goals in their 2-1 home win against Spilsby Town. West End Tigers and Wyberton shared the points in a 2-2 draw. Craig Spooner and Joe Hallam (penalty) earned West End their point. Wyberton’s Jordan Dixon overstepped the mark with referee, Stuart Eyre and received a red card into the bargain for dissent. Spooner and Hallam’s goals had given West End a 2-0 lead before Wyberton pulled a goal back before the break. The visitors rescued appoint with a second half leveller. Sam Louth and Michael Gardner were on target for the visitors.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division One, Old Leake’s recent good run of form continued with a thumping 7-1 away win at Coningsby Reserves. The home side were still in the game at the halfway stage when they found themselves 3-1 behind but a storming second half display from Old Leake stunned their opponents. The visitors’ goals came from Chris Mitchell (2), Ben Jacques (2), Shaun Geagham, Rob Staples and Ben Siddle. Coningsby’s consolation goal came from Mick Harness. A single goal was enough to settle the outcome of Freiston and Kirton Town at The Danny Flear Centre. A wayward backpass was seized upon by an alert Freiston attacker to seal victory. Holbeach Bank went down 5-1 at home to Fishtoft. Stacey Blythe grabbed the Bank’s only reward.

Fosdyke produced a lacklustre performance during the first half of their home Cropleys Suzuki Division Two game against Mareham. Luckily for them, they were still very much in the game after Andy Brown’s strike saw them go in at the interval all square at 1-1. Two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half set Fosdyke on their way to victory as they stepped up the pace. Carl Jackson’s two quick-fire goals put the home side well in control and Liam Pitam sealed victory with two further goals as Fosdyke ran out 5-1 winners. Woodhall Spa United and Sutterton produced an enthralling encounter before a goal ten minutes from time settled the points. Woodhall’s Greg Tate went close to opening the scoring with tremendous header which struck an upright but the first half finished a goalless. Sutterton then thought they had gone ahead after the break but the goal was ruled out for offside. Woodhall snatched victory with a late goal from Jonathan Kerry to keep his side on course for promotion. Park Road Old Boys remain top after hard earned three points at Wrangle United Reserves. Wrangle had clawed themselves back into the game after trailing 2-0 to level the scores at 2-2 through Richard Fenwick and Gavin Bell but The Old Boys grabbed the crucial winner.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division Three Mark Hodgson hit Mareham United Reserves’ goal in their 1-1 home draw with Billinghay Athletic Reserves. Jack Hill and Perrie Dale struck during the first half to give Friskney a

2-0 half time lead against Freiston Reserves before a Sam Hill goal sealed a 3-0 victory. The local derby encounter between Spalding Town Reserves and Spalding Harriers Reserves was settled by a single Kevin Nottingham goal in the second half. After a goalless first half a reckless tackle gave The Harriers their chance from the penalty spot and Nottingham made no mistake from the spot. Fishtoft Reserves and Westside Rangers Reserves produced a six-goal thriller with the sides sharing the points following a 3-3 draw. Simon Hyland and Carl Tate gave Fishtoft a 2-0 lead during a wind-assisted first period before Rangers turned the tables in the second half. Kevin Woods popped up with Fishtoft’s third goal to save the day.

For March 29

A Steve Marvell goal kept Spilsby Town on course for the runners-up spot in the Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division when they entertained West End Tigers at their Ancaster Avenue ground. West End, who included four players from their reserve side, produced a solid display and it was one of the second string players who set up their only goal in the 1-1 draw when Craig Spooner crossed for Paul Vaughan to head home. Will Scott was in red-hot form for Westside Rangers away at Wrangle United. The lively striker struck four of his sides’ six goals in a 6-1 away win. Dave (DJ) Wright and an own goal completed the scoring. John Tomlin replied for Wrangle.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division One, all the goals came in the second half of the game down at the North Sea Camp where the already promoted Prison side eventually overcame the challenge of Old Doningtonians. After the goalless first period, Rob Masters struck twice and Dave Noel grabbed the other in a 3-1 victory. Kirton Town had to dig deep to grind out a hard fought 2-1 home win against a good Holbeach Bank side. It was Holbeach who started strongly and they broke the deadlock midway through the first half before Kirton equalised before half time through Mick Goddard. After the break Kirton piled on the pressure but they squandered several attempts on goal until Mick Goddard finally wrapped up the victory when he beat the keeper on a one on one. More chances followed for both teams but Kirton held on to their narrow victory.

Old Leake put a dent in Freiston's proud home league record when they came away with a surprise 3-2 away win. Both sides had early opportunities before Freiston opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Gary Frost scored following a quickly taken free-kick. Old Leake got on level terms before the interval when they took advantage of some slack defending in the home ranks. Freiston regained their lead after an hour when Aston Chase lobbed home a shot over the stranded keeper. Back came Old Leake and they equalised with a scrambled effort with just five minutes remaining. The visitors then still had time to have goal ruled out. Amazingly, there were 14 minutes of added time and Old Leake snatched their decisive winner with five minutes left with a well-worked goal. Final score 3-2. Old Leake’s match-winners were Ben Jacques who grabbed two and Rob Staples.

The Cropleys Suzuki Division Two game between Black Bull United and Mareham United was held up for a while after an unfortunate injury to the home side’s Gary Woodward. The player was whisked away to hospital with a serious knee injury after the game was only midway through the first half. The game itself finished all-square after a 1-1 draw. Tim Rowland scored The Black Bull goal. Sutterton caused a bit of an upset when they defeated promotion hopefuls, Nortoft United. Gavin Rhodes opened the scoring for the home side and Ashley Hughes sealed victory with a second goal. Sutterton had the wind at their backs during the first half but, despite having plenty of possession, they could only muster some long range efforts from Ashley Hughes and Shaun Erhardt and Nortoft would been the happier of the two sides at the halfway stage. Sutterton adapted well after the break and they opened the scoring after fifty minutes when Gavin Rhodes got on the end of Ashley Hughes’ cross to volley home in style. Nortoft then enjoyed their best spell of the game and they dominated possession for a while but Carl Appleyard marshalled his defence superbly to preserve the home side's lead. The crucial second goal arrived with ten minutes remaining when Rhodes' through ball caused confusion in The Nortoft defence and Ashley Hughes pounced to prod the ball home and give Sutterton their fifth win in a row. Wainfleet United hit Kirton Town Reserves for six with Rob Jackson boosting his season’s tally with a four-goal blast. Lee Johnson and Jak Marshall were also on target. Kirton battled on in vain trying to find their first points but were overcome by a strong Wainfleet side. Ross Isham scored Kirton’s consolation goal.

Skegness Working Men’s Club were held to a 2-2 Cropleys Suzuki Division Three draw at Billinghay Athletic Reserves, although they still remain firm favourites for promotion. Carl Wilson and an own goal earned the visitors their point while a Rick Harrod penalty and an Adam Brett strike gave Billinghay a share of the spoils. Spalding Town Reserves comfortably defeated Park United at home with a 3-0 victory. Nathan Young junior was again on target for Town although the striker missed a hatful of chances. James Thorold and Micky Handsford completed the scoring. Two goals from Troy Ayton helped Freiston Reserves to a 4-3 away win at Fishtoft Reserves. Gary Hoyles and Dave Robinson were also on target for the visitors. All the home goals came from Tim Billingham who claimed a fine hat-trick. Fishtoft had been somewhat hampered by an injury to their keeper Jason Follows who was knocked unconscious. Westside rangers Reserves had to battle against the wind during the first half of their away fixture at Mareham United Reserves before finally securing a 4-1 victory. Rangers still managed to take an early lead through Lee Nicholson’s speculative 40-yard effort which found the top corner of the net. Rangers went further ahead after being awarded a rather bizarre penalty which no-one seemed to know what it was for. Kev Manning gratefully accepted the spot-kick to put his side 2-0 in front. The strong winds appeared to increase as the first half wore on and Rangers
were forced on the back foot for a while and Mareham reduced the arrears through Tom Sewell. Rangers regained control after the break and Manning grabbed his second goal and his side’s third with a powerfully struck free-kick before Matt Fisher completed the scoring with a fierce drive from 12 yards out. Final score was 4-1.

Steve Melady struck four times for Wyberton Reserves in their Barclays Brokers Willoughby Shield

Semi-final tie against Wrangle United Reserves. Jamie Cox with two and Matthew Crunkhorn completed the scoring to send The Causeway side through to the final where they will meet Swineshead Reserves. Final score 6-1. Wrangle’s goals came from Thomas Crozier and Shane Brackenbury. Mark Ledger and Alex Kirkham scored the match-winning goals for Swineshead Reserves in their excellent away win at Spilsby Town
Reserves. Both goals came in the second half and although Spilsby had plenty of possession they couldn’t find a way past Swineshead keeper, Phil McCallister, who had an inspired game throughout. Final score was 2-0.

For March 22

The Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup final finally got under way after the previous week’s postponement due to floodlight problems and the weather certainly wasn’t very kind to players and supporters. Driving wind and rain welcomed all-comers to Boston Town’s Tattershall Road ground but the attendance was surprisingly good. Coningsby Reserves gained sweet revenge for their defeat in last year’s final against Swineshead Reserves with a 2-1 victory this time, although extra time was needed to produce a winning verdict. Coningsby kicked off with the strong wind at their backs and the first shot came from their midfielder Tony Mumford who lifted his shot high over the bar in the opening minutes. Swineshead keeper Phil McCallister was called into action after 10 minutes when he tipped a deflected free-kick over the crossbar. Coningsby left winger Damian Kerr-Robinson almost created the opening goal 10 minutes later but his near post cross was scrambled clear. A Swineshead defender almost sliced a clearance past his own keeper but McAllister was alert to the danger once again. Swineshead’s first worthwhile effort didn’t arrive until five minutes before the break when Andy Thompson curled a free-kick just wide of the right hand post. Just when it looked as if Swineshead might survive the first half onslaught, Coningsby’s veteran play-maker Tony Mumford popped up with the opening goal. Kerr-Robinson again skipped his way down the left before crossing low for the marauding midfielder to shoot high into the net from close range. At the other end Swineshead almost levelled the scores when Alex Kirkham fired high over the crossbar. It was Kirkham again who went close just two minutes into the second half when he shot straight at the keeper before Mumford supplied a superb cross from the right which caused panic before being headed clear. Swineshead went desperately close to grabbing an equaliser on the hour mark but Harry Houghton’s well struck shot rebounded back off the inside of the post. Not to be denied, however, Houghton did find the net when he got behind a static Coningsby defence before scampering away and finishing in style. Coningsby were equipping themselves much better against the wind than their opponents although they didn’t have the driving rain to contend with and Mumford went close with a shot that was deflected wide. The game was end to end now and Richard Barker scooped a Harry Houghton cross over the bar after 80 minutes before “action-man” Mumford produced a speculative free-kick from out on the right which curled viciously before striking the angle of post and bar five minutes later. Houghton then shot wide when he found himself in the clear and there was still time for Mumford (who else?) to go close to snatching a winner but his free-kick was well tipped over the bar by Andy Yeomans. So extra time was required and Coningsby grabbed the decisive goal after 10 minutes of the first period when David Stephenson broke through and although his first shot was saved by the keeper, he was quickly onto the rebound to slide the ball home. Yeomans kept his side in the game with a fine save at the foot of the post just before the break. Swineshead’s Jonathan Prue went close in the second period with a 40-yarder that flew just wide but, in the end, the best team probably deserved to lift the trophy on the night. Guest of honour was retired referee, Vernon Bond, a much-respected figure in local football and he presented the trophies. Man of the match was, of course, Coningsby’s marvellous Tony Mumford.

With Wyberton’s Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division title firmly in the bag, they travelled to Spilsby Town so it wasn’t surprising that they returned home empty-handed after a 2-1 defeat. Liam Papworth and Joe Turner scored the goals to secure a victory for Town who will now be looking to secure the runners-up spot. John Reeson replied for Wyberton.

Swineshead Reserves, still suffering from their cup final disappointment only two days earlier, went down 5-1 at the hands of Freiston in their Cropleys Suzuki Division One meeting. Two late goals, however, gave Freiston a somewhat flattering scoreline. Both sides tried to play football on a very slippery surface and both keepers were kept busy. Freiston took the lead midway through the first half when a long pass found Dean Seiner who galloped away from his marker before scoring. Aston Chase then netted from 20 yards out to give his side a 2-0 interval lead. Swineshead grabbed a lifeline early in the second half when Richard Barker scored but Freiston soon restored their two-goal advantage when Lee Dakin rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home. Dean Seiner wrapped up the scoring with those two late goals to complete his hat-trick.

Black Bull United, who pitch-share with Cropleys Suzuki Division Two opponents, Fosdyke, shared the points in a 3-3 draw. Fosdyke found themselves 2-0 at half time and although they pulled a goal back just after the restart through a Robbie Curle penalty, Black Bull restored their two-goal lead to make it 3-1. An own goal the gave Fosdyke a glimmer of hope and Lee Pitman’s spectacular 30-yard effort drew the scores level at 3-3. Andy Brown could have won it for Fosdyke but after he rounded the keeper, he could only strike the upright. Jon Lamyman scored twice for Black Bull while Paul Sims netted the other goal from the penalty spot.

Billinghay Athletic Reserves and West End Tigers Reserves also battled out a Cropleys Suzuki Division Three draw. Adam Brett and Paul Baxter scored the goals for Billinghay.

Fishtoft discovered last Saturday that their opponents in the final of the Target Newspapers Challenge Cup on April 15 will be Kirton Town who eliminated Old Leake from the competition following a 3-1 semi-final victory. Rob Staples scored the Old Leake goal.

For March 15

Wyberton required extra time before finally seeing off the challenge of Skegness Town Reserves in the Barclays Brokers Willoughby Cup semi-finals. Josh Bartlett scored the Skegness goal that helped his side earn extra time. But Wyberton snatched victory with a late winner. Wyberton’s match-winners were Chris Rutt and Benn Houghton. Kirton played hosts to Spilsby Town as the underdogs last Saturday but played as though they belonged in the top flight. Kirton got their tactics right and contained Spilsby throughout the first half until a mix-up between Kirton’s Michael Collins and goalkeeper John Paul Horton gifted Spilsby the lead following a back pass. Half time score was 1-0. Kirton started strongly after the break and a formation change led to an equaliser from young striker Adrian Dobriansky who pulled the ball down and whacked the ball into the top corner from just inside the penalty box. It was then down to Spilsby’s keeper to keep them in the game. He made three unbelievable saves late on in the game as Kirton surged forward. The post was also struck twice. Full time saw the game end 1-1 as did extra time. The dreaded penalty shoot-out produced a glut of successes. It was the unfortunate Kirton defender James Holland who finally failed to hit the back of the net when he hit the bar which left Spilsby edging through by 10- 9 on penalties.

Fishtoft and Woodhall Spa United produced a nine-goal Target Newspapers Challenge Cup semi final thriller with the Division One side eventually going through 6-3. Two goals from striker Ady Almond and another two from Michael Lomax helped Fishtoft through to the final where they will meet the winners of Old Leake and Kirton who do battle this coming Saturday. Pete Coonan and Scott Wiseman completed the scoring. It was Lomax who got the home side off the mark with a flying header before Woodhall equalised. Fishtoft went in at the interval with a slender 2-1 lead after Ady Almond headed in a long Grant Butler throw. Woodhall hit back after the break with another equaliser to make the scores 2-2 only for one of their defenders to handle in the box and Scott Wiseman made no mistake from the spot. Incredibly Woodhall rocked their opponents with yet another leveller at 3-3 but that was to be their last chance as Fishtoft stepped up a gear with three goals from Ady Almond, Pete Coonan and Michael Lomax to finally finish off their brave visitors. The final is due to be played on Tuesday April 15 at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road Ground

Wrangle United were always going to be up against it when they travelled to Billinghay Athletic in the Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division with just 11 players. Things got worse for the visitors when they suffered an early injury and they were forced to play most of the game with ten men. Billinghay took full advantage of their extra man by taking maximum points following a 5-2 victory. The home goalscorers were Adam Weston, Gary Cochrane, Mark Wheatley, Thomas Atkin and Jason Perrin. Wrangle replied through Tim Bell and Simon Reed.

Holbeach Bank and Spalding United shared the Cropleys Suzuki Division One points in a 2-2 draw with all the goals coming during the first half. Michael Ocock and Mark Jones grabbed the Bank’s goals. Andy Thompson hit Swineshead Reserves’ goal in their 1-1 home draw against Spilsby Town Reserves. Both sides produced a very evenly contested game and Swineshead could have taken the lead in the very first minute when Harry Houghton missed following a one-on-one with the keeper. Thompson struck on the half hour mark following a corner and Spilsby, who improved greatly after the break, levelled the scores through Dan Smith who finished well. Jason Cade had a majestic game for Town and referee D Bent produced a faultless performance in the middle. Freiston rode their luck a little in beating a strong Coningsby Reserves line-up. Freiston took the lead after just two minutes when Dean Seiner tapped home from two yards out before the home side levelled the scores when Gary Frost unfortunately headed past his own keeper. Within two minutes, however, Seiner had put his side back in front following a left wing raid followed by a fierce drive. Coningsby were back on level terms just before the break after the visitors failed to deal with a corner. Coningsby then thought they had gone ahead for the first time ten minutes into the second half when they scored from a free-kick but the referee disallowed it because he had already signalled an indirect free-kick. It was Seiner who clinched the match when he completed his hat-trick on seventy minutes to make the final score 3-2.

In Cropleys Suzuki Division Two Tydd St Mary never recovered from conceding two early goals in their home fixture with Sutterton. The home side went close to getting back in the game when they struck the crossbar before Sutterton wrapped up the points with a late third goal. Fosdyke went down by the odd goal in five at home to Wainfleet United. They did strike first, however, when Andy Brown pounced onto a back pass before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball home. Fosdyke were then muscled out of the contest as Wainfleet levelled the scores on the half hour mark following a free-kick before the visitors added another to go in at the break 2-1 ahead. A much-improved performance by Fosdyke after the break saw them enjoy plenty of possession but luck deserted them on several occasions. Wainfleet made their opponents pay for failing to capitalise when they broke away to snatch a third goal. Fosdyke were rewarded for their pressure when Andy Brown smashed the ball home from close range a minute from time but it was just too late. Final score 3-2. Wrangle United and Black Bull United finished all square after a 2-2 draw. Robert Skinner and Liam Shinn were on target for Wrangle.

There was a Cropleys Suzuki Division Three shock at Spalding Town Reserves where leaders, Wyberton suffered only their second defeat of the season. Town’s match-winner was Nathan Young (Junior) who scored all three of his side’s goals. Neil Featherstone replied with both of Wyberton’s goals. Giles Favell also scored a hat-trick in Old Doningtonians Reserves’ 6-2 home win against Park United. Shawn Scott too scored twice while Lee Fovargue completed the scoring. Park’s cause wasn’t helped by the sending off of one of their players for raising a hand at an opponent. Both of Park’s goals came from Steffan Lovell. Skegness Working Men’s Club closed the gap at the top with a hard earned 1-0 away win at Fishtoft Reserves. John Baniewciz hit the crucial winning goal for the visitors. Jonathan Redford got Friskney off to a flying start in their home game against Spalding Harriers Reserves with the opening goal. Further goals from Jack Hill and Neil Allen made sure of a comfortable 3-0 victory. Both side finished with 10 men after the referee dismissed a player from each side. Mark Haynes opened the scoring for Westside rangers Reserves in their home game against West End Tigers Reserves before the visitors levelled the scores. Kev Manning came to Rangers’ rescue with a two-goal blast to earn his side maximum points following their 3-1 victory. Mark Taylor and Scott Francis scored for Freiston Reserves in their home game against Billinghay Athletic Reserves but it wasn’t enough to earn them any reward. The visitors went home with the three points after replying with four goals to run out 4-2 winners.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unfortunately last Thursday’s Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup final had to be postponed due to floodlight problems. The game has now been re-scheduled for Thursday March 20 (still at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road Ground). Kick-off is now at 7.30 pm

For March 8

Coningsby failed to make the most of their wind advantage during the first half of their Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division home game against Westside Rangers and it proved costly. Rangers struck with a four-goal blast in the opening twenty minutes of the second half to finish off their opponents. Jody Betts scored twice while Will Scott and David Wright were also on target. Coningsby’s only reward came from Adam Avis, who replied with their lone strike. Final score 4-1. Liam Papworth hit two goals in Spilsby Town’s 3-2 home win against Skegness Town Reserves. Des Rook was also on target for the home side. Benn Houghton also scored twice as Wyberton celebrated their title success with a 4-0 away win at Wrangle United. Mark Lovelace and Scott Hutchinson grabbed the other goal.

North Sea United’s expected return to the Premier was confirmed last Saturday after a Cropleys Suzuki Division One 3-2 victory against Coningsby Reserves. After a goal-less first half, the goals came thick and fast with David Noel proving to be The Division One Champions’ match-winner with two of their goals. Stuart Kane was also on target for North Sea. A Chris Wing goal was enough to give Old Doningtonians a share of the points in their home relegation clash with Spalding Town. Old Leake had to come from behind before claiming victory in their home game against Holbeach Bank. Trailing 1-0 at the halfway stage, Old Leake ground out a victory through goals from Rob Staples and Chris Mitchell. Spilsby Town Reserves went down to a narrow 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Freiston. Both sides produced an entertaining game despite the blustery conditions. Although the first half finished goal-less, Freiston did strike the upright and the crossbar as they enjoyed a brisk back-wind behind them. Spilsby had their best spell of the game in the early stages of the second half but Freiston keeper Bradley Morrell thwarted them on several occasions. Freiston rocked their opponents with the opening goal when a corner was cleared only as far as Ty Fravigar who side footed home from six yards out after fifty five minutes. Spilsby went mighty close to levelling the scores with several near misses as first, Joey Scarborough had a shot cleared off the line and then Dan Smith struck an upright. Jamie Khun also saw a shot brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Bradley Morrell and then the same player struck the crossbar following a free-kick. After weathering the bout of home pressure Freiston snatched a second goal through Dean Seiner who broke through before finishing in style from the edge of the box with twenty minutes remaining. Spilsby left it late before getting on the scoresheet when Dan Smith netted to set up a frantic finish but Freiston held out for the three points. The competitive but sporting game was well controlled by M Larvin.

Park Road Old Boys got back to Cropleys Suzuki Division Two winning ways when they defeated Black Bull United 3-0 at home. The first half finished goal-less as Park Road enjoyed a strong wind advantage but Black Bull found that their opponents played the ball around much better against the stiff breeze. Gary Booth scored the opener before Craig Andrews added a second. Ash Allen rounded off a fine second half performance with a third and final goal to send Park Road back to the top of the table. It was almost a case of Mareham United 0 Liam Shinn 4 as Wrangle United Reserves took maximum points in a 4-2 victory. Shinn was on top form with his four-goal haul while Darren Vinters and Adam Brooks replied for the home side. An Andy Brown hat-trick helped Fosdyke secure a 5-0 home win against Kirton Town Reserves. Carl Jackson and Dave Whalley hit the other goals. Amazingly, Fosdyke scored all five goals whilst facing a very strong wind – the pick of which was Jackson’s superb individual effort when he skipped past four defenders before smashing the ball past a startled keeper. With the conditions in their favour after the break Fosdyke could not find a way through and the only highlight of the half was provided by home keeper, Chris West, who produced a fine save to deny Kirton any consolation. Final score 5-0. Tydd St Mary’s Player-Manager, Carl Wilson is still searching for an answer to his goal-scoring problems. Despite competing well in their home game against Spalding Harriers, Tydd just cannot make their possession pay and it doesn’t help either when they are leaking goals at the other end. Shaun Dignam hit Tydd’s only goal in a crushing 6-1 home defeat.

Wyberton Reserves recorded a 2-0 home Cropleys Suzuki Division Three win against a battling Park United side. Jamie Cox and Jamie Button hit the all-important goals to keep Wyberton firmly on top of the table. Freiston Reserves enjoyed a 4-1 home win against Spalding Town Reserves helped by one of the fastest ever league goals. Gary Hoyles’ opener was timed at just five seconds as Freiston got off to a storming start. The Timby brothers, Paul and Neil, also got on the scoresheet while Scott Francis completed the scoring

Goals from Adam Brett and Steve Wilcox earned Billinghay Athletic Reserves a 2-1 home win against Friskney. The margin could have been greater for Billinghay but they squandered a penalty. Fishtoft Reserves came from behind to take the three points in their home game against Mareham United Reserves. Mareham held a slender 1-0 interval lead but goals from Tim Billingham and Tom Adams made sure of the points.

The final of the Eleys Sports Cup will be competed by West End Tigers and Swineshead as both Premier Division sides overcame the battling efforts of lower division sides. Kirton Town held their own during the first half of their away tie at West End Tigers and at 1-1 they were still in the tie. West End scored first but could not add to their tally and Kirton equalised before half time through Lukasz Gierejkiewicz. The Tigers soon dispelled any hopes Kirton had of causing an upset with a four-goal blitz in a 10-minute spell. Luke Brittain hit a match-winning hat-trick while Mark Wakefield and a Paul Vaughan penalty sealed the match. Final score 5-1. Another powerhouse performance in the second period saw Swineshead breeze through to the final when they travelled to Woodhall Spa United. Woodhall had chances during the first half with Andy Money going close twice as he first struck the post with one effort and then had another shot well saved by Swineshead’s keeper. The visitors stepped up a gear after the break scoring four times without reply to run out 4-0 winners. Swineshead's second half goals came from Matt Bates (2), Richard Stukins and Nathan Stainfield

For March 1

Billinghay Athletic grabbed three welcome Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division points with a 2-1 home win against Westdie Rangers. Gary Cochrane and Chris Bampton scored the match-winning goals. A Sam Louth hat-trick helped keep Wyberton firmly on top of the table when they played hosts to Coningsby. Dan White, Mark Lovelace and Benn Houghton also got on the scoresheet in a convincing 6-1 victory.

Holbeach Bank and Old Doningtonians shared the Cropleys Suzuki Division One points in a 1-1 draw. Shane Hughes was on target for the Bank. There was another draw at Spalding Town where Old Leake were the visitors. There were no goals on this occasion as both sides cancelled each other out. Old Leake had the best chance to steal the points but they squandered a penalty. Kirton town played hosts to a resurgent Fishtoft side and it was the home side who seized the advantage early on through a goal from Lukasz Gierejkiewicz. Kirton then had a number of chances to increase their score but failed to find the end product until Chris Hilton produced a mazy dribble in the penalty box before finally putting the ball into the net to give Kirton a 2-0 half time lead. It was much the same in the second half with both teams pressing forward before Fishtoft were awarded a dubious penalty in the last five minutes which put pressure on Kirton but the home side held out to run out eventual 2-1 winners.

An amazing team performance from Fosdyke saw them return home with maximum Cropleys Suzuki Division Two points from a tricky away fixture at title-chasing Woodhall Spa United. The result was made even more remarkable considering their earlier plight when late withdrawals left the visitors with just ten men and a real uphill task ahead of them. Although striker Andy Brown was in top form with all three goals, the result was gained through a superb team effort. Fosdyke opened the scoring after twenty minutes through Brown’s first effort and they were more than good value for their half time lead. It wasn’t until the hour mark that Woodhall finally got back on level terms when a scuffed free-kick somehow eluded everyone before finding the bottom corner of the net. Fosdyke hit back within five minutes when Brown burst clear before slotting the ball home. The home side equalised from the penalty spot following a push in the box but Fosdyke stunned their opponents with the winning goal when Brown again left defenders trailing in his wake as he latched onto a long clearance once more before lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper. Final score 3-2. Woodhall’s goals came from Jack Draper and Andy Money. Nortoft United produced an excellent team performance in their top of the table clash with Park Road Old Boys at The George Farmer College. After last week’s disappointment, Nortoft got back to winning ways and they were soon into their stride with an early goal from Chris Massingham who headed them in front. There weren’t many more chances after that and The Boston side went into the half time break with their slender one goal lead. The visitors started the second half in much the same way as they had the first period when they were awarded a penalty but the goalkeeper guessed right to keep out Massingham’s spot kick. Nortoft were then awarded another penalty to seal the match and Dean Stevens, this time, made no mistake from the spot. Park Road had one great chance to get back into the game when they broke through on a one-on-one but United keeper, Karl Beck made a crucial save. Final score 2-0. Black Bull United’s winning streak continued with a 3-1 home win against Tydd St Mary. Paul Sims, Tim Rowland and Micky Hill scored the goals to give Black Bull their fourth win on the bounce. Wainfleet United’s visit to Spalding Harriers proved fruitless after they went down 2-0. Steve Carn and Arron Cooke did the damage for the Spalding side with the two goals.

An Andy Verhaul hat-trick helped secure the three Cropleys Suzuki Division Three points for Skegness Working Men’s Club in their quest for promotion when they entertained Mareham United Reserves. John Baniewciz was also on target for The Skegness side in a 4-2 home win. Park United moved off the bottom of the table following their 2-1 home win over West End Tigers Reserves. Tom Waterson and Alex Limb struck the Park goals to give their side their fourth win of the season. Westside Rangers Reserves went down at home by the narrow score-line of 2-1 to Friskney. Thomas Lailey De Ville grabbed the Rangers’ goal and they could have salvaged a point but they missed a penalty. The miss proved costly as Friskney replied twice to take the points. After a goal-less first period in which Rangers had to battle against a strong wind, the second half really livened up. Friskney opened the scoring before Lailey De Ville levelled the scores with a cheeky back heel following a trademark long throw-in from Matt Lee. Friskney regained the lead when a long ball over the top caught out The Rangers rearguard before Westside were given a golden chance to gain some reward in the dying minutes. The young referee gave a penalty much to Friskney’s vehement protests – in fact the visitors disgraced themselves by seemingly manhandling the official in the unsavoury aftermath. However, The Friskney keeper produced a stunning save by stretching full length to keep out the spot kick. The referee, C Reeson had a fine game in the middle of his first match.

In very windy conditions, which spoiled the Barclays Brokers Willoughby Shield tie between Third Division outfit, Old Doningtonians Reserves and Spilsby Town Reserves, the Division One side eased through to the semi finals. Joey Scarborough gave Spilsby the lead after fifteen minutes when he headed home at the far post. Town made it 2-0 thanks to Marcus De Vivar’s fierce drive, which flew into the bottom corner. The Dons keeper, who was a serious contender for man of the match, pulled off several outstanding saves thwarting Steve Marvell on at least three occasions. Not to be denied, however, Marvell added the third goal with a well-executed volley before Liam Papworth made it 4-0 when he tapped home Scarborough’s goal-bound effort. Old Dons grabbed a late consolation goal when Giles Favell beat goalkeeper, Mike Emery to the ball to head home. Final score 4-1. Kirton Town Reserves put up a brave fight at Wyberton Reserves before going out of the competition following a 3-1 away defeat. Jason Sullivan, Steve Fisher and Nikki Whiley scored the goals to help sink the visitors. Holders, Swineshead Reserves found Fishtoft Reserves a hard nut to crack before squeezing through to the last four. David Slaughter, Andy Thompson and Paul Clarke scored the match-winning goals in a 3-1 victory. Fishtoft, from Division Three, were rewarded for their efforts with a goal from Grant Butler. The last remaining tie produced the biggest upset when Wrangle United Reserves, from Division Two sent Coningsby Reserves from Division One crashing out of the competition. The underdogs crushed their opponents 7-0 at home to breeze through to the semi-finals.

For February 23

Fishtoft, from Division One, secured their place in the semi finals of the Target Newspapers Challenge Cup with a 3-1 home win against Park Road Old Boys who have been going well of late in Division Two. Fishtoft opened the scoring when Chris Marshall flicked a ball into the path of Danny Keal whose shot rebounded out to the lurking Ady Almond and he bundled the ball home. Park Road got back on level terms through Rick Limb who curled the ball in direct from a corner before Fishtoft regained their lead when Almond was fouled in the box and Scott Wiseman tucked away the penalty. A workmanlike performance from Fishtoft in the second half saw them safely through and they sealed victory with a third goal from Wiseman’s free-kick. For Fishtoft, Luke Perkins led by example with a superb battling performance. Referee T Horton had a fine game in the middle. A six-star performance from Kirton Town in the second half saw them breeze through to the last four at the expense of Skegness Working Men’s Club at Graves Park. The Skegness side took the lead on 20 minutes after a very physical opening period when Gordon Drake scored before Kirton’s silky skills came to the fore. An equaliser came from Cliff Langham was followed shortly by a goal from Lukasz Gierejkiewicz who trickled the ball past the Skegness goalkeeper and into the net to make the half time score 2-1. Kirton's class then showed in the second half with some neat build-up play and Martin Durrant popped up to score the third. Lukasz Gierejkiewicz grabbed his second goal of the game before young substitute Kyle Bates came on later in the half to claim a couple of goals -one from the penalty spot. Final score 6-1.

Two goals from Greg Barker helped Skegness Town Reserves to a 4-2 Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division home win against Wrangle United. Dan Starkey and Craig Leverett grabbed the other goals as Wrangle struggled to contain a strong Skegness outfit. Tim Bell and Jimmy Britton grabbed The Wrangle goals.

Two of The Premiership’s underachievers, Coningsby and Billinghay Athletic clashed last Saturday and both sides excelled to provide an exciting encounter. Coningsby looked dead and buried at half time as they trailed 3-0 but they stormed back after the break to level the scores following goals from Steve Brown, Tony Mumford and Jamie Wayman. A penalty with fifteen minutes remaining saw Billinghay edge through and take the three points with a 4-3 victory. The visitors’ goals came from Adam Weston, Steve Wilcox, Lee Marshall and Tom Atkin. Swineshead came away from Westside Rangers with maximum points after a 2-0 victory at the Middlecott School. The game was a rather scrappy affair throughout with a goal in each half deciding the outcome. Matthew Bates opened the scoring ten minutes before the break with a shot from ten yards out and Richard Stukins’ looping header from an Anthony Slater cross sealed victory after sixty seven minutes. Wyberton continue to look odds-on favourites for the title after a 3-1 home win against West End Tigers. Jack Smith, Mark Lovelace and Sam Louth scored the decisive goals.

Freiston kept their third consecutive clean sheet when they defeated Holbeach Bank 6-0 at home in a Cropleys Suzuki Division One encounter. The Holbeach goal lived a charmed life during the first half and they were fortunate to be trailing by just one goal at the halfway stage. The opening goal came from Jamie Skinner after thirty minutes. Freiston increased their lead to 3-0 within ten minutes of the restart following goals from Jamie Skinner and Aston Chase. Skinner completed his hat-trick on the hour mark and Chase added another just a few minutes later to make the score 5-0. The final goal came from Dean Seiner who netted the sixth with 10 minutes remaining. A late penalty from Adam Sinclair left Old Doningtonians empty-handed following their 2-1 defeat at Old Leake. Ben Jacques grabbed Old Leake’s other goal.

Marcin Minczynski, fresh back from his recent visit to Poland, showed Spalding Harriers what they have been missing in Cropleys Suzuki Division Two with a fantastic four-goal haul in his side’s 6-1 home win against Mareham United. Nathan Gurbutt and Steve Carn helped celebrate Minczynski’s return with the other goals. The big game of the day took place at Nortoft United where Woodhall Spa United were the visitors. A single Andy Money goal was enough to give Woodhall the crucial three points in a 1-0 victory. The home side did create several chances but The Woodhall keeper was in fine form pulling off several important saves. Nortoft’s cause wasn’t helped by a double sending off as they lost their discipline a little. Dominic Cridland was dismissed along with substitute Anthony Tiffen. Wainfleet United hit Tydd St Mary for seven with Michael Parnham causing most of the damage with a fine hat-trick. Rob Jackson weighed in with two goals while a spectacular Royston Wilkinson effort was the pick of the bunch – his 50-yard belter caught the Tydd keeper off guard and the ball sailed into the net. Lee Johnson completed the scoring for United in a 7-2 home win.

Kirton Town Reserves remain firmly at the foot of the table following a 5-0 defeat at Fosdyke against Black Bull United. Andy McGuire and Tim Rowland both struck twice for the Bull while Micky Hill also got on the scoresheet. Rowland’s two goals came during the first half with Hill’s strike making the half time score 3-0. The high winds spoilt the second half but The Bull made sure of the points with two McGuire goals. Although Kirton rarely tested the home keeper, they probably should have been awarded a penalty midway through the second half but the referee waved away their appeals. The victory was Black Bull’s third on the bounce and they have now started their push up the table. Sutterton kicked off their home encounter with near neighbours, Fosdyke, as one of the division’s form sides but despite having their fair share of possession, they were unable to trouble the visiting keeper. Fosdyke, on the other hand, created two clear-cut chances which they buried to give them a 2-0 interval lead. After a stern half-time lecture, Sutterton came out after the break firing on all cylinders as Carl Duncan and Simon Long both went close. It wasn’t until the 65th minute that Sutterton managed to halve the deficit when Carl Duncan’s low ball into the box was poked home by Nathan Hubbert. The home side were level two minutes later when Adam Newark’s free kick was met by Nigel Daubney and he cleverly laid the ball off for Ashley Hughes to drive home the equaliser. Sutterton were now in command and they deservedly grabbed the winner with ten minutes remaining when Gavin Rhodes powered home a stunning 25-yard volley past the helpless keeper. An unfortunate incident five minutes from time soured the match when a player from each side received his marching orders – the fracas being out of context in a match, which although competitive, was played in the correct spirit. Final score was 3-2.

After hitting five goals in their last two games, Old Doningtonians Reserves almost repeated their impressive hauls but fell one short when they defeated Spalding Harriers Reserves 4-1 at home in their Cropleys Suzuki Division Three fixture. Giles Favell helped himself to another brace of goals and Lee Fovargue also got on the scorehseet with George Skafidas completing the scoring with a contender for goal of the season. Skafidas produced a stunning overhead kick that flew into the top corner to put the icing on the cake for The Dons. James Todd continued his rich vein of goal-scoring with another two-goal blast in Mareham United Reserves’ excellent 3-1 home win against Friskney. Mark Hodgson also got on the scoresheet for the home side. Spalding Town Reserves lost narrowly at home to Westside rangers Reserves. Chris Page’s goal looked like earning Town a share of the points but Rangers had other ideas when they snatched the points with a last-gasp winner. Final score 2-1. Fishtoft Reserves gained a welcome three points with a 3-0 away win at Park United thanks to goals from Lewis O’Keefe, Tim Billingham and Carl Bailey. A Neil Featherstone hat-trick helped Wyberton Reserves to a 5-1 away win at Billinghay Athletic Reserves. Jamie Cox and Jason Sullivan were also on target for the league leaders.

For February 16

The only Cropleys Suzuki Premier Division game last Saturday was at the Kirton Middlecott School where Westside Rangers and West End Tigers produced a seven-goal thriller. For Rangers, Will Scott scored twice while Ryan Mason also got on the scoresheet but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers took maximum points in a 4-3 victory.

Holbeach Bank grabbed a very welcome three points after a 2-1 Cropleys Suzuki Division One home win against Spilsby Town Reserves but they left it very late. Ben Crane and Michael Ayres popped up with the goals in the last five minutes to snatch victory from Spilsby. Town’s goal came on the half hour mark through an own goal following a corner and despite creating several chances to add to their tally they couldn’t turn their possession into goals. The Bank’s goals were a result of some cruel luck on Spilsby’s stand-in keeper, Mark Ingram who first dropped a cross at the feet of Crane and then a mistimed clearance fell to Ayres who promptly despatched the ball into the net. Goals from Michael Lomax and Pete Coonan were enough to give Fishtoft the three points with a 2-0 away win against Coningsby Reserves.

Tydd St Mary took on another of the top sides in the Cropleys Suzuki Division Two last Saturday and they proved that, although they again finished up empty-handed, they may have turned the corner after two very promising displays. Nortoft United were the visitors on this occasion and they were forced to fight every inch of the way for their hard earned 3-2 victory. Tydd held Nortoft to a 1-1 half time score-line after the visitors opened the scoring through Chris Massingham following James Andrew’s cross and then Jake Ansell cancelled that out by grabbing the home goal. Massingham was again on target after Dean Stevens provided the opening and the magical Massingham completed his hat-trick from a Lee Burdass pass. This was Massingham’s second treble in the last two games. Andy Bennett pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a tense finish. Final score was 3-2. The first 20 minutes of Sutterton’s away match at Mareham United were a very even affair before Gavin Rhodes broke the deadlock. The left-back was upended in the box but his tame spot-kick was saved by the keeper. Fortunately for Rhodes he was on hand to tuck away the rebound. Two minutes later it was 2-0 as Carl Duncan headed home a superb cross from Nathan Hubbert. Mareham were rocking now and it was 3-0 on 35 minutes courtesy of an Ashley Hughes strike following Simon Long’s pass. Sutterton made it 4-0 at the break when Hubbert provided a stylish finish past the helpless keeper. There was no let up after the interval as Hubbert added a fifth after 55 minutes with the best goal of the game – a stunning overhead kick. Hot-shot Hubbert deservedly claimed his hat-trick ten minutes later when he fired home from the edge of the box after good work from Nigel Daubney. Sutterton’s seventh and final goal came after seventy minutes when Rhodes set up Hughes to grab his second goal of the game. Final score was 7-0. Kirton Town Reserves, languishing at the bottom of the table, put up a spirited fight against promotion-seeking, Woodhall Spa United at Graves Park. The home side were still in the game at the halfway stage when they found themselves trailing by just a 2-1 margin following goals from Daniel Wells and Andy Money. Woodhall stepped up the pace in the second half and Wells finished off Town’s brave effort with two goals to complete his hat-trick before Money added his second to make the score 5-1. Further goals from Wayne Biggadyke and Justin Scarborough put the result beyond doubt. Final score was 7-1.

Gordon Drake was again on the scoresheet for Skegness Working Men’s Club when they travelled to Spalding Harriers Reserves. The striker hit two of his side’s goals in a 4-1 Cropleys Suzuki Division Three away win with Carl Wilson and Darren Walker completing the scoring. Ben Ford replied for The Spalding side. Spalding Town Reserves recorded only their second win of the season when they were victorious at home against Mareham United Reserves. Shane Bycraft and Jason Chilvers were on target for Spalding in their 2-1 victory. Lee Hoff was Freiston Reserves’ hat-trick hero in his side’s 4-1 home win against Westside Rangers Reserves. Stuart Messenger was also on target for the home side. It was certainly a case of Déjà vu for Old Doningtonians Reserves when they travelled to Fishtoft Reserves – not only did they repeat their previous week’s score-line of 5-2 but the exact same goal-scorers mirrored their feat. Giles Favell and Lee Fovargue both scored twice again while Andy Barnett grabbed the other goal once more. Fishtoft’s replies came from Tim Billingham and Lewis O’Keefe

Two goals from Greg Barker secured Skegness Town Reserves’ place in the semi final of the Barclays Brokers Willoughby Cup following The East Coast side’s 2-1 home win against Billinghay Athletic. Swineshead and Wyberton produced a cup tie worthy of the final itself and it was a shame either side had to be eliminated from the competition. It was Wyberton who edged through to the semi finals following a 4-3 away win. Wyberton drew first blood after just two minutes when a home defender and goalkeeper collided leaving a grateful Mark Lovelace with the easy task of tapping the loose ball into the empty net. Swineshead’s response was instant when they equalised three minutes later when Matt Bates found Richard Stukins who netted from close range. The home side continued to pile forward and they were rewarded with a second goal when Stukins was again on target firing home a left footed drive from 18 yards out. Swineshead should have added to their slender half time lead but they were denied by the keeper and the woodwork. Wyberton were soon level after the break when they capitalised on a mistake in the home ranks and the visitors took a 3-2 lead on fifty five minutes following Scott Hutchinson’s surging run down the left enabling Lovelace to knock the ball home. It looked all over for Swineshead when their opponents went 4-2 ahead with ten minutes remaining when Ryan Barker appeared to head a corner into his own net but they gave themselves a glimmer of hope when substitute Rob Snaith broke clear before calmly beating the advancing keeper. The home side continued to press for an equaliser but they ran out of time. Wyberton match-winning goals were credited to Mark Lovelace, with a hat-trick and Sam Louth. It was literally a walk in the park for Kirton Town on Saturday in the Willoughby Cup. Visitors, Park Utd must be congratulated, however, for a spirited performance from start to finish with great team morale. Kirton’s top scorer of the day was Mick Goddard with five goals while the others came from Tosh Bates, Badaszewski Prezemyslaw (2), Michael Collins, Kyle Bates, Lukasz Gierejkiewicz and Chris Hilton. Graham Blades and Jordan Wood both claimed hat-tricks for Spilsby Town in their 7-1 demolition away at Wrangle United. Sam Veasey grabbed the other Town goal while goalkeeper Jimmy Britton scored the Wrangle goal.

For February 9