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Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

November Reports 2005-2006

 

Report for matches played on Saturday November 26

 

James Eley Sports Cup

 

No surprises but quite a few decent performances by lower status teams were notable in the third round of the James Eley Sports Cup.  This was no more evident than Westside Rangers’ refreshing display against Kirton Town at Graves Park.  The Second Division side took their opponents to a penalty shoot-out before bowing out of the competition. Jody Betts scored The Rangers goal after 20 minutes and they went close to adding a second goal but the crossbar came to Town's rescue. Matthew Crunkhorn spared Kirton’s blushes with their goal in the second period. In the shoot-out, Kirton proved more decisive from 12 yards and came out on top by a 7-6 verdict.

 

Spalding Town didn’t disgrace themselves either when they entertained Croft United. Town, another Division Two side, went down 3-1 to their opponents who booked their place in the next round thanks to goals from Scott Hutchinson, Louis Mill and an Adam Broome penalty.

 

Division Two high-flyers West End Tigers also put up a brave fight at reigning Premier Division champions Billinghay Athletic before going out 2-0. A goal in each half put paid to West End’s gutsy display as Tom Dickinson netted an early opener and Matthew Tuck made the game safe with a second half strike. The Tigers had earlier squandered a great chance to equalise shortly after half-time but Nathan Padley blazed high over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Stacey Ruck also saw a free-kick touched onto the crossbar and from the rebound Billinghay went straight down to the other end to make the game safe with Tuck’s clincher.

 

Division One title hopefuls Sleaford Town were in a free-scoring mood yet again when they played hosts to Spalding Harriers from a division lower. Craig Wells and Craig Machin both grabbed double strikes in Town’s 7-0 demolition job while Iain Stewart, Neil Richardson and Steve Morley completed the scoring. Boston Town Colts recorded a 3-0 away at Division Three promotion chasers, Woodhall Spa United. Jamie Sleight, Leroy Medina and Neal Wheatley scored the goals to ensure a safe passage through to the next round for The Colts.

 

Gedney Drove End progressed into the next round with a comfortable away win at Holbeach United Social, who, coincidentally reversed the tables last season when they knocked their opponents out of The Sports Cup. The tie was as good as over by half-time with Gedney leading 7-1, although Josh Martin had earlier levelled the scores at 1-1. The second half saw the visitors scoring almost straight from the kick-off when Joe McKeown lifted the ball over the Holbeach defence for Cymon Lambe but the keeper kept the effort out. Dave Wilson then had a chance to increase Gedney’s lead but after he had been brought down in the box he dusted himself down before stroking the spot-kick tamely at the keeper. But two quick goals from Wilson still enabled him to complete his hat-trick and  Lambe  registered his own double strike to make  it 9-1 before Josh Martin grabbed his second goal of the game for the home side. Gedney’s other goals came from Deene McCracken (2), Danny Goddard and Joe McKeown. The visitors’ performance was all the more impressive considering that they were forced to play 50minutes with just 10 men following Gary Disdell’s red card.

 

Wrangle United and Wyberton produced an epic nine-goal thriller eventually being decided by a disputed penalty deep into extra time. Wyberton caught their opponents cold at the start of the game scoring twice in the opening four minutes. Wrangle regained their composure and battled back to level through Richard Fenwick and Gavin Bell. The pace of the game refused to slacken off and two further goals from the visitors put them 4-2 ahead before Paul Chester reduced the arrears to make the half-time score 4-3. Wrangle came out after the break in determined mood and they deservedly levelled the tie at 4-4 when Gavin Bell fired home his second goal. Both sides tried desperately to conjure up a winning goal in normal time but it wasn't to be and the tie went into extra time. A penalty shoot-out looked likely until ex-Wyberton defender Michael Swain was judged to have handled in the penalty area and Scott Creek kept his cool to score from the spot to put Wyberton through to the next round.

 

The tie between Freiston and Fishtoft at the Danny Flear Centre was called off a few hours before kick off following some heavy showers during the night and following morning, rendering the pitch unplayable.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Old Doningtonians made sure their journey to Spilsby Town Reserves was worthwhile. They returned home with the three Cropley’s Suzuki Division One points following a 2-1 away win. Chris Wing scored the Old Dons opener during the first half which finished all-square at 1-1, Reece Fitzgerald grabbing the Town goal. Old Dons secured victory with a Liam Pitts goal 15 minutes from time. Spilsby were unfortunate not to have earned some reward from the game as they struck the goal frame four times and forced the Old Dons keeper into pulling off some excellent saves.  There was an error in noting Old Dons’ goalscorers in their previous league outing when they narrowly went down 4-3 at home to Tydd St Mary.  Graham Slater scored for Old Dons and not Graham Pitts as originally outlined.

 

Basement side, Holbeach Bank travelled to Fosdyke and they rocked their opponents with a 10th minute opener. Striker Andy Brown, who ran the Bank defence ragged before slotting home the equaliser, sparked Fosdyke’s revival. Jamie Warsop put the home side ahead with a similar move down the left ending in the scorer squeezing the ball home at the near post. Robbie Curle then grabbed his first goal for the club when he crashed home a loose ball after the Holbeach defence had failed to deal with a Dave Pell effort. A heavy sleet shower during half-time made the playing surface tricky and it was the visitors who handled the conditions best during the early stages of the second half. The Bank pulled a goal back before Andy Brown restored Fosdyke’s two-goal advantage with another well-taken goal. Holbeach Bank were far from finished, however, and they made it 4-3 with 12 minutes remaining to set up a frantic finish but Fosdyke held onto the three crucial points.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Tydd St Mary pulled out all the stops in their 15-goal home extravaganza against Sutterton as both sides contributed to providing an amazing high-scoring game, victory by a remarkable 12-3 margin going to the hosts. The Saints got off to a flyer when Gav Thrower side-footed in from close range after some good work down the left from Dan Fines. Tydd made it two on six minutes after Phill Turner broke through on goal and comfortably stroked the ball past the despairing Sutterton keeper. By now Tydd were in the full flow and on 10 minutes Dan Piccaver flicked  the ball on for Stu Easy to weave around the keeper and shoot into an empty net. A scoreline of 4-0 soon followed after Turner slotted a pass though for Dan Piccaver to steer it into the net. It was all one-way traffic by now and after just 18 minutes the Saints made it 5-0 following a Turner corner that was helped on by Andy Bennett for Dan Fines to coolly slot home with ease. Six minutes later Tydd hit the net again when Bennett met a cross that was saved by the keeper but he was on hand to nod home the rebound and make to score 6-0.

 Sutterton were reeling and on the half hour mark it was seven — Bennett went on a good run, slotted a fine ball through for Piccaver to stroke home. On 36 minutes the Saints made it 8-0 when Piccaver scored again to complete his hat-trick. Five minutes before the break Sutterton rallied and got one back when a poor kick by stand in Tydd keeper Scott Bird fell kindly to a Sutterton player whose well-struck shot made it 8-1. The Saints did hit one more before half-time when Gav Thrower advanced down the right before delivering a pinpoint pass for Turner to score his second of the match and Tydd’s ninth. The second half was a much more competitive affair although The Saints made it 10-1 on 55 minutes when Easy beat three players in the box and powered his shot into the top of the net.  Sutterton reduced the arrears with their second goal when a good run and finish was rewarded with a fine finish. Stu Easy claimed his first hat-trick for the club on 72 minutes when he closed down a Sutterton defender, retrived the ball and slammed a fierce shot into the back of the net for 11-2. Jess Powley came off the bench on his debut for the Saints and promptly scored when Dan Fines played a lovely ball into the substitute who placed his shot low into the net.  Sutterton got another goal back with 12 minutes remaining but the game had been over for some time as a contest and Tydd came out decisive and worthy winners.  

 

Wainfleet United produced a storming second half display at Park Road Old Boys to go so close to snatching some reward. The visitors looked dead and buried at half time as they trailed 3-0 to goals from Josh Ansell who scored twice and Paul Colton.  A Royston Wilkinson penalty reduced the arrears after the break before Matthew Broome brought them right back into the game with a second goal. Wainfleet were then awarded a dramatic penalty with just two minutes remaining but to their dismay Wilkinson’s spot-kick sailed over the crossbar. Final score was 3-2.

 

Holbeach St Marks and Park United served up a nine goal thriller before the Carrington-based side returned home with maximum points. Substitute Steve Adcock came on to score twice for Park while the win was secured with further goals from Chris Clarke, Aaron Doherty and William Carter.

 

Cropley's Suzuki Division Three

 

Shodfriars remain on course for promotion following last Saturday’s 8-1 away win at Mareham United Reserves.

The visitors welcomed back John Rutherford from suspension and Scott Wiseman from injury. A full-strength Shoddies outfit dominated from the outset and they took the lead when in-form Craig Spooner fastened onto a loose ball before calmly slotting home. They increased the lead shortly afterwards. Scott Wiseman’s superb cross headed powerfully into the net by Brendon Barnes. The influential John Chand then made it 3-0 when he collected the ball at the far post before finishing in neatly. Shodfriars introduced hot-shot Paul Alexander to the action in the second half and he revealed his goalscoring prowess once again adding four goals to the score-line bringing his season’s tally to 11 in three games (with two of those appearances being as a substitute). The Boston side’s final goal was probably the best goal of the game as Jimmy Brittain picked up a superb 50-yard pass from Scott Wiseman before finishing in style. Mareham grabbed a consolation goal with a well executed goal to make the

final score 8-1.  There were many fine performances from the Shodfriars players but a special mention must go to Shane Brown and Jasper Borrill for their faultless displays.

 

Hot on the heels of the leaders are Kirton Town Reserves who demolished Sibsey 10-0 at Graves Park. The double figures were reached with goals from Martin Durrant (4), Brian Cox (2), Mark Richardson, Adrian Dobrinski, Richard Borrill and a rare James Holland strike.

 

Park United Reserves came out on top of their home match with East Region School of Sport via a narrow 3-2 victory. Simon Hyland, Daniel Wells and the evergreen Ian Richardson were all on target for Park.

 

Friskney went so close to snatching maximum points in their home match against Billinghay Athletic Reserves but a late own goal denied them victory. The home side trailed 1-0 at the half-way stage before two second half strikes from Sam Hill looked to have secured the three points. Billinghay salvaged a point, however, with that late own goal to make the final score 2-2.

 

 

Report for matches played on Saturday November 19

 

Target Newspapers Challenge Cup

 

Division Two championship chasers, West End Tigers progressed to the next round at the expense of Division One side, Old Leake who made the journey to Rosebery Avenue. The Tigers enjoyed the majority of possession during the first half and they opened the scoring through recent transfer signing, Michael Gardner when the former Boston Town player netted from close range. He then had another good chance to increase the lead when he powered a header just over the bar while Scott Palmer also saw a shot well saved by Old Leake’s Karl Beck. The visitors improved greatly after the break and they took the game to the Tigers. Their efforts were finally rewarded with an equaliser in the final minute when substitute Ben Pell headed in. Both sides had opportunities during the extra time period with the Tigers’ best chance fell to Nathan Padley but the scores remained at 1-1 and the outcome had to be decided by the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

 

West End Tigers fared the better from 12 yards and they went through by 4-3, Craig Ardron scoring the decisive winning spot-kick. Another tie that required the lottery of the penalty shootout to decide the outcome was the match between Holbeach United Social and Sibsey who drew 4-4 after extra time. The Holbeach side’s goals came from Tom Cherry, Andy Willows, Josh Martin and Max Holt. But it was all to no avail as they crashed out 4-2 on spot-kicks.

 

Mareham United from Division Two, not surprisingly dumped Division One strugglers, Holbeach Bank out of the competition. Darren Vinters’ double strike and Michael Johnson's effort secured a 3-2 home win. Holbeach Bank replied through Stacey Blythe and Jonathan Wheatley.

 

Westside Rangers, leaders of Division Two, comfortably saw off the challenge of Spalding Town at Rosebery Avenue. Rangers’ in-form striker, Niall O’Grady was again on target as he blitzed Town with a fine hat-trick while Jody Betts also got on the scoresheet. Final score was 4-1.

 

Sleaford Town, favourites for promotion to the Premier section, hit eight goals in their home tie against Wainfleet United. Tom Wilmot (3), Daniel McCormack, Craig Machin, Craig Wells, Iain Stewart and an own goal hit the goals to put Town into the next round. Michael Parnham and a Royston Wilkinson penalty were Wainfleet’s scorers.

 

In an all-Divison One clash at the home of Old Doningtonians visitors, Fishtoft went out of the competition following a 2-1 scoreline. Stephen Holstead and Danny Goodacre hit the match-winning goals for Old Dons.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Champions Billinghay Athletic went to the top of the table after a last-gasp victory at Skegness Town, a result which will come as a relief to the entire Billinghay camp as, for the first time this season, they struggled to get a side together for the coastal trip.  Several players were unavailable due to work and holidays and the reserve side had to help out with two or three players. Skegness fielded a strong side having signed on striker Paul Watts before the game. But Billinghay dug deep to hold out for some reward, at least. A draw looked on the cards as the game entered the final minutes but the visitors stunned their opponents with a late, late winner. Michael Ward and Sam Miller linked up before the latter sent Pete Dickinson scampering through and his low shot flew across the keeper and nestled in at the far post to give Billinghay a dramatic 1-0 victory.

 

Lee Orrey’s two fine second half strikes helped Croft United to a 3-1 away win against Wyberton at the Causeway. Rob Marsden had given Croft a 1-0 interval lead before Orrey made certain of victory with his two-goal blast. The visitors suffered a nasty injury blow when Adam Cowdell suffered a damaged ankle following a bruising tackle. Wyberton’s goal came from Gavin Marshall.

 

Another striker on song was Kirton Town’s Daniel Warren who hit all his side’s goals in a 3-0 home win against Wrangle United. The visitors were forced to take the field without a regular goalkeeper although midfielder Dave Robinson proved to be an able stand-in. Rookie Robinson coped well with most of the penalty area action and could do little to prevent the goals from Town’s Warren. The first half finished goalless with Kirton showing more creativity in attack than their opponents. Town always looked the more likely to score and they found the net five minutes after the break when Warren grabbed his opening goal. Wrangle battled hard but lacked their usual thrust and with the midfield guile of Robinson being wasted between the sticks it was only matter of time before Kirton wrapped up the points with a second goal on the hour mark. A disputed penalty award presented Warren with his hat-trick four minutes from time for a final score of 3-0.

 

Boston Town Colts, who paraded their recent transfer signing Benn Houghton in their line-up, failed to live up to expectations when they entertained Coningsby. Although ex-Swineshead striker, Houghton netted his first goal for his new club the Colts went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

 

Amazingly, Swineshead played their first home game of the season when Spilsby Town were the visitors. Swineshead got off to an ideal start with the opening goal after just ten minutes when a Spilsby defender put through his own net while under pressure from Karl Melton. Their lead was short-lived, however, as Spilsby equalised almost immediately and then two goals in as many minutes around the half hour mark shocked the home side. Swineshead were much livelier after the break and Jack Houghton soon pulled a goal back with a shot from 18 yards that went in off both posts. Spilsby restored their two-goal advantage with 15 minutes left and they added another two minutes later. Town put the icing on the cake with a sixth goal with three minutes left. Spilsby’s match-winners in a great 6-2 success were Liam Papworth (3), Graham Blades (2) and Viv Jeffrey.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

In a close encounter at Ancaster Avenue, Spilsby Town Reserves emerged victors when they played hosts to Sutterton. However, the visitors rocked their opponents on the half hour mark when they took the lead after the home defence allowed the scorer a free run on goal before finding the net. Town reshuffled their ranks at the break and the changes seemed to do the trick as they finally upped the tempo. Spilsby drew level when Mark Waters’ drive flew into the top corner from 30 yards. The home side snatched victory when “Wizard” Waters grabbed his second and the winner following a good run down the left ending with a tidy finish from an acute angle. There could have been further goals at either end but both keepers excelled themselves in keeping the scores down.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Old Doningtonians Reserves and Kirton Town Reserves shared the points in a 2-2 draw. David Pitts and Barry Taylor hit the goals for Old Dons while Simon Collins and Nick Tabor salvaged a point for the visitors.

 

Although Billinghay Athletic Reserves scored three times through Rick Harrod’s double and Steve Wilcox they still went down to a 6-3 home defeat when Wrangle United Reserves were the visitors. Billinghay put up a good display despite having a much weakened side after their first team called up several of their regulars for their trip to Skegness.

 

Report for matches played on Saturday November 12

 

Lincs Junior Cup

 

Kirton Town crashed out of the competition when they entertained Crowland at Graves Park although it needed extra time to settle the outcome. Manager, Dale Atkinson was disappointed that his side had not snatched victory during normal time when two golden opportunities went begging. Richard Borrill saw a header beaten out during the first half while Danny Keal also had a point blank header saved late in the game. After a goal-less first half, Crowland took the lead with 20 minutes remaining when a 20-yard free-kick found the net. Kirton responded immediately and Richard Borrill equalised with a good goal. Crowland regained the lead 10 minutes into the first period of extra time after an unfortunate goal-keeping error. The home side, with nothing to lose, threw everything forward but their attack-minded approach left gaps at the back and they were punished twice more. Final score 4-1.

 

Wrangle United travelled to Gainsborough to play AFC Friendship but after battling hard went out of the competition in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Wrangle endured one mishap after another as they first lost their goalkeeper through injury and then conceded two goals into the bargain to find themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. Wrangle showed tremendous spirit in the second half and quickly pulled a goal back through Nick Sylvester. The game turned sour for Wrangle, however, just when they were getting back into the game. After they had struck the woodwork, the plucky visitors had a clear-cut penalty turned down when Gavin Bell was seemingly hacked down in the box. Worse was to follow for Nigel Birtwistle’s boys when the referee dismissed two players. It left them to play out the final minutes with just nine men.

 

Spilsby Town received a boost to their season when they recorded a 3-2 home win over Auto Window Tints. Graham Blades, Jordan Wood and Viv Jeffrey scored the match-winning goals for Town.

 

A cup visit to Waggon and Horses (Sleaford) at Heckington proved to be not one of Swineshead’s best displays of the season. They were behind as early as the fifth minute and it could have been worse 10 minutes later when the home side were awarded a penalty. Fortunately for the Boston League side Chris Moore kept out the spot kick. The Waggon and Horses added goal number two minutes before half-time although Swineshead replied immediately through Jon Berry’s header following a John Stewart free-kick.  The home side made it 3-1 early in the second half before Berry kept Swineshead’s slim hopes alive with his second goal of the game. The Waggon and Horses wrapped up the tie after 73 minutes when they converted another penalty. It wasn’t to be Swineshead's day and this was highlighted with three efforts hitting the woodwork during the game. Final score 4-2.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

With several Premier sides involved in round two of the Lincolnshire County Cup there were only two top-flight games last Saturday. There was a minor shock in one of them when Croft United were held to a 1-1 draw at North Sea United. The Prison side recorded only their second point of the season following this surprise scoreline. Bernard Coddington scored the all-important goal for the Camp while Rob Marsden spared Croft’s blushes with the visitors’ reply.

 

Wyberton took the honours in the other premiership game when they travelled to Coningsby. Goals from Russell Murphy and Tyrone Fravigar secured a narrow 2-1 victory.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Spilsby Town Reserves went down to a 2-0 away defeat at Old Leake. The home side took the lead after just two minutes with a hotly disputed penalty when Jamie Skinner was judged to have been fouled in the box and Adam Lester stroked home the spot-kick. Jamie Skinner almost increased Leake’s lead 10 minutes later when his shot from eighteen yards struck an upright with the keeper well beaten. Spilsby went desperately close to levelling the scores soon after the break but Old Leake continued to press forward and were they rewarded with a second goal when Rob Staples found the net with 15 minutes remaining. Old Leake will be relieved to have got back to winning ways after their surprise defeat at Fosdyke seven days earlier. The game was well controlled by referee Steve Skelton.

 

Phil Elderfield came off the bench for Tydd St Mary to steal all three points for the visitors in injury time in this tight, well contested  game. Tydd came roaring out of the blocks at the start and went one up after just two minutes when leading goal scorer Dan Piccaver pounced on a loose ball to stroke home into the back an empty net. The Saints continued with the pressure but despite having much more of the play and the better chances in the first half they failed to add to their tally. The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the first with the Saints making it 2-0 a minute after the restart when Andy Bennett flicked the ball over the Old Dons back four for Piccaver to score through the goalkeeper’s legs. This goal should have seen Tydd cruising but Old Dons had other ideas after they introduced substitute Carl Appleyard to the action. The Old Dons’ playmaker was making his comeback after a lengthy injury lay-off following a broken ankle. They got a goal back on 56 minutes when Andy Dear Wing who steered the ball home met a good cross in from the right in the box. Old Dons were getting some joy down the right and deservedly equalised after 62 minutes following an accurate cross that found the head of Chris Wing who comfortably nodded home. Tydd thought they had scored the winner with just six minutes left on the clock when a fine ball from Phill Turner found Piccaver on the right. The double goalscorer then squared the ball for Gav Thrower to set up substitute Phil Elderfield to rifle home from close range. The game looked as if it was won at this stage for The Saints but in the first minute of time added on Old Dons won a corner and Graham Pitts scored a dramatic equaliser. This is where the game had one last twist with the most bizarre goal. The lively Elderfield closed down the Old Dons keeper who went to clear the ball. But it hit Elderfield’s backside and flew into the back of the net to give Tydd all three points.

 

Gedney Drove End were forced to make last minute changes for their home game against a young Swineshead Reserves side. Both sides contributed to providing an entertaining game with chances at both ends. Gedney took the lead after 20 minutes when Garth Baxter’s run and cross provided Deene McCracken with an easy header. Swineshead should have equalised soon afterwards but one of their strikers was woefully off target when clean through. The second half started well for Gedney as they took control and a second goal soon followed when Dave Wilson beat his man before crossing low for McCracken to tap in from close range. Wilson should have added to the score but his two efforts came back off the woodwork. The same player was then involved at the other end with 20 minutes remaining when a goalbound shot from Swineshead beat goalkeeper James Truman only for Wilson to handle on the line. The red card was inevitable before Truman recovered to produce a superb double save to keep the penalty out. Although down to ten men, Gedney coped well and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

 

Fosdyke’s recent upturn in form continued with a 4-3 away win at Fishtoft. Striker, Andy Brown’s four goal salvo doesn’t quite tell the whole story as, while, his clinical finishing always gave Fosdyke the edge, a battling team performance was the key to their victory. Stand-in keeper, Wayne Ash pulled off a string of fine saves when Fishtoft threw everything forward after Brown had knocked in a quick-fire 12-minute hat-trick midway through the first period. Fishtoft’s pressure finally paid off and they reduced the arrears to make the half time score 3-2. Fosdyke soaked up plenty of pressure in the second half before Brown again gave his side some breathing space with his fourth goal. Fishtoft were awarded a late penalty that they converted but that proved to be the last kick of the game.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

The last time Westside Rangers visited Freiston they were on the wrong end of an 8-0 drubbing so their 8-1 victory at The Danny Flear Centre exacted sweet revenge for that humiliation four years ago. The Freiston camp will claim, however, that on this occasion the outcome was somewhat flattering. The home side got off to a flying start with the opening goal after just three minutes when striker, Dean Seiner caught the visiting defence napping. Rangers recovered from the early setback and they levelled through Jody Betts before Niall O’Grady put them in front with a brave if unglamorous header. The prolific O’Grady then produced a moment of magic before the break when he flicked the ball over his head before turning and blasting into the top corner from 15 yards. The second half turned into a nightmare for Freiston as first O’Grady completed his hat-trick following a great run from Neil Sinha and then the home side conceded a penalty which, amazingly O’Grady missed, Matthew Bainbridge saving the spot-kick. Minutes later Rangers were awarded another penalty for a dubious handball decision and this time Lee Nicholson fired home from the spot for his first goal for the club to make the score 5-1.  Freiston were then reduced to 10 men when Shane Chase retaliated following a suspect tackle. Neil Sinha then added two further goals while there was still time for O’Grady to bag his fourth goal to make the final score 8-1. Referee Tim Cowdell had an excellent game in the middle.

 

Michael Johnson grabbed both goals for Mareham United in their 2-0 home win over Coningsby Reserves.

Black Bull United recorded their second win of the season to leap-frog over opponents, Holbeach St Marks following a 3-2 home victory. Recent signing Marcus Hannay scored one of the Bull's goals while Tim Rowland and Andy McGuire made sure of the three points.

 

Another side to record their second win of the season was Wainfleet United who turned on the style at Park United. The visitors opened the scoring through Matt Broome who fired home following Roy Ranyard’s pass and Royston Wilkinson added another before the break with a fine effort following a free-kick. Park reduced the arrears 15 minutes after the break before Shaun Drury headed home Royston Wilkinson's cross to make the score 3-1.  Duncan Whiley made the game safe with a fourth goal to send the visitors back home with the three points.

Spalding Harriers and Park Road Old Boys served up an exciting encounter where the honours were even. Paul Colton scored for the visitors while Kenny Salani grabbed The Harriers’' goal. The game was a real end-to-end affair and a draw was probably the fairest outcome. Final score 1-1.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Promotion-chasing Shodfriars travelled to Friskney without the services of several key players but still returned home with the three points although at half-time the game was in the balance. Shoddies keeper Shaun Leighton was forced to make a number of fine saves during the first half to keep Friskney at bay before the visitors finally gained control with midfielder Brendon Barnes creating several chances for striker Jimmy Brittain and Paul Alexander. Despite the glut of chances at both ends the first half finished goalless. Shodfriars came out after the break to show the form that had eluded them in the first half. Almost immediately Craig Spooner and Brendon Barnes linked up to open the scoring, Barnes finishing in style. Goals then came at regular intervals as first Jamie Brown headed down following a corner for Craig Spooner to fire home and Paul Alexander made it 3-0 with a fine finish. Alexander then added a fourth with the best goal of the game when he turned to slam home an unstoppable volley. Skipper Jimmy Brittain then took centre stage grabbing a quick-fire hat-trick, his third treble of the season, and Alexander added a further two strikes to take his personal tally to four. Ace Alexander has now hit seven goals in his last two outings. To Friskney’s credit they kept battling away and their efforts were rewarded with two goals from Eddie Scarborough. Brendon Barnes was again at his influential best in the Shodfriars midfield. Referee Ian Nicholls also turned in an impressive performance. Final score 9-2.

 

Leaders Woodhall Spa United enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 home win over Mareham United Reserves. Jack Draper (2), Michael Bucknall and Simon Pugh scored the goals to keep Woodhall on course for promotion.

 

Kirton Town Reserves suffered their second successive defeat when they took on East Region School of Sport at Rosebery Avenue. Although Town scored three times through Cliff langham, Richard Marriott and Martin Durrant it wasn't enough and they went down 4-3.

 

Sibsey and Old Doningtonians shared the points in a six-goal thriller. Liam Pitts hit two goals for Old Dons while Barry Taylor grabbed the other goal. Sibsey salvaged a point with goals from Anthony Slater who also grabbed a double strike and Daley Richardson. Final score 3-3.

 

Holbeach United Social squandered a half-time lead to finish up empty handed when they played hosts to Park United Reserves. The visitors trailed 2-1 at the break but they struck back after the break to return home with maximum points following a 4-3 victory. The win was secured with goals from  Adam Gallimore (2), Daniel Wells and Ian Richardson. The Holbeach side went close with goals from Josh Martin, Tom Cherry and Lewis Forman.

 

Report for matches played on Saturday November 5

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Boston Town stayed at the top of the division when beating Spilsby 2-0 in their latest match. The home side secured success with a goal in each half with recent signing, Ben Harris scoring one of them while Jamie Sleight also got on the scoresheet.

 

Croft United travelled the short distance inland to take on Wrangle United in a local derby and the visitors produced a powerful second half performance to take the honours.

 

Wrangle had held their opponents at 1-1 during the first half thanks to a Richard Fenwick goal but Croft moved into top gear after the break to seal a 5-1 win with goals from Lee Orrey (2), Louis Mill, Robert Marsden and James Smith. 

 

Another team who turned up the heat substantially in the second half were Swineshead who have already enjoyed their visits to the East Coast this season following victories over Croft United. Last Saturday’s opponents, Skegness Town seemed to be still in with a chance at half time with the scores standing at 2-2 after an evenly contested opening period. The home side took an early lead after five minutes with a 20-yard shot but Swineshead were level ten minutes later through Jack Houghton who turned in a cross from Martin North. Chris Hollyoake then put Swineshead ahead from the penalty spot but Town levelled a minute before the break with another long range effort. Jack Houghton scored his second goal of the game on 63 minutes when he beat two defenders after a short corner and Martin North tapped in Swineshead’s fourth two minutes later after Chris Hollyoake had burst through a square home back-line to set up the chance at the far post. Jack Houghton completed his hat-trick with 20 minutes remaining following another fine individual effort and there was no stopping the rampant striker as he punished a stunned Skegness once again two minutes later when he rattled in his fourth and Swineshead’s sixth minutes later, Martin North providing the opportunity this time. Skegness pulled a goal back with five minutes to go to make the final score 6-3. 

 

Billinghay Athletic turned in a champion-style display at Graves Park where Kirton Town were on the receiving end of a 5-2 defeat. Michael Ward grabbed a hat-trick while Pete Dickinson and Adam Weston also found their opponents’

net. The visitors even claimed the two Kirton goals as own goals although Town have credited them to Neil Featherstone and Daniel Warren.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

The big story of the day belonged to Fosdyke who finally chalked up their first points of the season when they played hosts to Old Leake. Fosdyke produced a storming second half display to move off the bottom of the table with two goals apiece from Andy Brown and recent signing Andy Shaw. Old Leake went close with goals from Chris Wray, Jason Keal and Bobby Smith. Final score was 4-3.

 

Sleaford Town hit six in their home match against Old Doningtonians as they continued to look formidable leaders at the top of the table. Town held a comfortable 4-0 at the half-way stage and two further goals after the break sent the Dons

home empty-handed. Iain Stewart hit two of the home side’s goals while Steve Morley, Craig Wells, Neil Richardson and an own goal completed the scoring. Final score 6-0.

 

Spilsby Town once again found themselves chasing the game after conceding a goal in the opening five minutes when they entertained Spalding Town. The home side drew level following a Dan Vines penalty after Eddie Rich had been tripped in the box before they shot themselves in the foot two minutes later when sloppy defending presented Spalding with their second goal. A deflected shot from Mark Ingram brought Spilsby level once again but Spalding responded on the stroke of half-time after the home side failed to clear their lines. The contest was proving to be a real end to end affair and Dan Vines levelled the scores at 3-3 with a fine volley following Danny Webb’s cross. Two goals from Spalding finally sealed the home side’s fate before Johnny Hannah drilled home a low shot to reduce the arrears at 5-4. Spilsby threw everything at their opponents but Spalding’s defence stood firm and with a little help from the woodwork, held onto the three points.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Coningsby Reserves triumphed over visitors Freiston by 2-1 in an evenly fought contest. Freiston should have been ahead early on when Dean Seiner, a recent transfer signing from Boston Town Colts, sent in a cross invitingly for Lee Hoff but unfortunately for the visitors, the midfielder dragged his shot wide of an open goal. The home side then struck the goal frame before taking the lead just before the interval through Nathan Turner following a goalmouth scramble. Coningsby doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half when a mix-up in the Freiston defence resulted in Shaun Brown’s low shot finding the net. In the final 15 minutes Freiston pushed forward and had their opponents penned in their own half. Seiner flashed a shot just wide before the striker’s hard work was rewarded with a clinical finish five minutes from time.

Both sides contributed to providing a sporting encounter that was well controlled by referee, Brian Smith.

 

Leaders, West End Tigers, were without a game on Saturday after Croft United Reserves were unable to raise a side for their home fixture. The likely outcome of tonight’s (Wednesday) management committee will be the award of the three

points to the Boston side. Croft United held a meeting on Monday night to discuss the future of the second team which has been missing the guidance of manager  Gary Milson who will not be back at the helm until the new year.

 

Park Road Old Boys moved into second place following a thumping 5-1 home win over Park United. The win was secured with goals from Johnny Allen, Paul Colton, Alex Fibrizi and two own goals.

 

Westside Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Spalding Harriers at Rosebery Avenue. Rangers found themselves in front at the interval following goals from Michael Burt and Niall O’Grady but The Spalding side drew level after the break to return home with a share of the spoils.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Friskney moved up a place in the table following their 3-2 away win against Sibsey. Sam Hill, Gareth Williams and Perrie Dale were on target for Friskney while Dean Stevens and Ben Brittain replied for Sibsey.

 

Shodfriars gained another three title-chasing points when they leap-frogged over opponents, Kirton Town Reserves in the table following a 3-1 home win. The game was evenly balanced early on with both side’s defences dominant before the Boston side opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Craig Spooner was upended in the box and skipper, Jimmy Brittain slotted home the resulting spot-kick. Both sides created further chances before the break but Shoddies held onto their slender single goal advantage at the break.  Kirton got back on level terms midway through the second half when striker, Richard Borrill beat the offside trap before finishing coolly. Shodfriars’ response was instant and they regained the lead when Craig Spooner’s probing run down the left was finished with a superb chip over the stranded keeper. The home side introduced Brendon Barnes into the action and the midfielder, who was forced to start on the bench because of a shoulder injury sustained from the previous week's game, caused plenty of problems for Kirton. The playmaker capped a fine individual performance with another superbly executed lob over the unfortunate keeper to make the final score 3-1. Shodfriars were grateful to referee P Brooks who stepped in at the 11th hour to officiate the match.

 

Holbeach United Social Club made leaders, Woodhall Spa fight all the way before going down to a narrow defeat. Josh Martin struck for the Holbeach side but Woodhall snatched the points with two replies. Final score 2-1.

 

Wrangle United Reserves continued their impressive form with a 3-1 away win at Old Doningtonians following goals from Tim Bell, Sam Louth and Christian Parker. The home side replied through Daniel Fox.

 

Main Ridge Take Away Reserve Cup

 

Billinghay   Reserves gained some much-needed confidence with a 3-0 home win over Mareham United Reserves. Richard Harrod, Matthew Dring and Jonathan Fenton scored the goals that will hopefully give a boost to the Billinghay side who have been occupying a seemingly false position at the foot of the table.

 

Swineshead Reserves also hit three goals in their tie when they sent a brave Park United Reserves side tumbling out.

The Division Three side gave a good display against their Divison One opponents before going out to goals from Stan Watson, James Andrew and Nathan Lee-Farrah. Final score 3-1.