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Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

September Reports 2005-2006

Report for matches played on Saturday September 24

 

Mr Trophies Fishtoft Cup

 

Premier Division champions Billinghay Athletic have played only one league match so far in the defence of their Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League title. But they enjoyed some much-needed match practice when they entertained Wrangle United in Mr Trophies Fishtoft Cup.

 

And the signs on Saturday were pretty ominous for the rest of the top division as Billinghay ran in five goals without reply. Mark Wheatley, Pete Dickinson, Tom Dickinson, Michael Ward and Wayne Biggadyke were the home side’s men on target.

 

Kirton Town, were without their top striker, Neil Featherstone for the visit of Coningsby at Graves Park and they were soon struggling to contain a lively opposing attack. Coningsby stormed into a three goal lead before Town twice reduced the arrears to give themselves a glimmer of hope. Coningsby replied in positive fashion, scoring twice more to lead 5-2 and it was virtually game over. Kirton pulled another goal back before the end to make the score-line more respectable. Spencer Kirk scored twice and Kevin Oglesbee also got on the scoresheet for the home side. Final score 5-3.

 

Cup competition namesakes, Fishtoft got off to a flying start in the opening round with a thumping 6-1 home win over Holbeach St Marks. Fishtoft found themselves in the comfort-zone at the halfway stage, leading 5-0 and another goal in the second half put them comfortably through to the next round. Ady Almond struck twice for the home side while Chris Marshall, Andy Wyeth, Pete Coonan and Anthony Tiffen were also on target.

 

Boston Town Colts are beginning to look more of a force now that they are establishing a more settled side, with their foreign nationals receiving international clearance. One of their overseas players, Radek Chumchal, was among their scorers in a 3-0 away win at Wyberton. Town squandered a golden opportunity after 25 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. But Jamie Sleight skied his spot-kick over the crossbar. He didn’t have to wait long, however, before making amends when he put his side in the lead on 32 minutes. The visitors suffered a major setback on the hour mark when Steve Murphy received his marching orders and Wyberton went for broke by pushing three men up front. Town kept the home attack at bay before Chumchal made it 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining and Sleight scored his second goal of the game 10 minutes later to make the final score 3-0.

 

Spilsby Town gained a much-needed confidence boost with a 4-2 home win over Old Doningtonians, although when the first half finished goal-less, it looked as though the Premier Division side were in for another difficult afternoon.

Town responded well after the break and Chris Dunn eased their worries with their opening goal from the penalty spot. Liam Papworth added another before Graham Blades also found the net. Spilsby’s final goal came virtue of an own goal. In effect, Bob Holstead did manage to score a hat-trick of sorts but unfortunately, one of the net-bursters was an own goal, a flashing header following a corner. The Old Dons’ midfielder did, however, notch two perfectly good goals in the Spilsby net during the second half.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Fosdyke produced a creditable first half performance in their Cropley’s Suzuki Division One away match at Spalding Town and were deservedly 2-0  ahead through new signing Martyn Patterson and Robin Epton. The visitors stopped playing in the second half and allowed their opponents to draw level. Things got worse for the tiring Fosdyke side in the final ten minutes when Spalding grew stronger and they struck with three late goals to send the visitors home empty-handed. Final score was 5-2. 

 

Swineshead Reserves moved up to third place following a 7-4 home win over Holbeach Bank. Nathan Lee-Farrah and David Wright both struck with two goals apiece while Nigel Edison, Ashley Brighton and Jack Houghton weighed in with the other match-winning efforts.

 

A single Danny Goddard strike was enough to earn Gedney Drove End maximum points in a narrow 1-0 home victory over Old Leake. The visitors’ cause wasn't helped with the sending-off of Nathan Taylor.

 

Tydd St Mary seemed to have finally found their feet in Division One after an impressive performance against Spilsby Town Reserves. The Saints totally dominated the first half and went 1-0 up after 16 minutes when Andrew Bennett dived in at the far post to head home from a Phil Turner corner. Two minutes later Tydd made it two when Andy Cooper lofted the ball over the back four for Dan Piccaver to head home. Bennett made it 3-0 just a minute later after he picked up on a defensive error to stroke home past the Spilsby keeper. Bennett hit the bar and Scott Bird the post before Bennett turned provider for Piccaver a minute from half time to make it a comfortable 4-0 lead for the Saints at the break. Spilsby came out in the second half with more determination but still struggled to break down a tough Tydd defence. The Saints failed to capitalise and Bird hit the woodwork once more before Piccaver made it 5-0 with just 12 minutes to go. Spilsby went down to nine men after the goal through injury and surprisingly began to play better football.

A goalmouth scramble made it 5-1 with 10 minutes left and a penalty award four minutes later was tucked away into the roof of the net for 5-2. The Saints, however, had the final word with just a minute remaining with Piccaver completing his man of the match display with a good volley on the turn to make it 6-2. Town’s goals came from Michael Ridding and Johnny Hannah.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Black Bull United and West End Tigers produced a Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two game of different halves in their fixture at Fosdyke before the promotion-seeking Boston side took the three points with a narrow 3-2 win. The Tigers performed woefully during much of the first half and deservedly fell 2-0 behind with the only bright spot being a Leo Penha header just before the break that found the net. Half time score was 2-1. Some harsh words from West End’s manager and a formation change seemed to liven up the visitors. Nathan Padley cut in from the left before firing into the far corner to level the scores before Nicky Sydercombe’s constant probing down the right finally paid off with the winning goal. It was Penha again who got on the end of Sydercombe’s cross to flash home another header. The Bull could easily have snatched a point but they found the Tigers’ keeper, Steve Bursnall in fine form, most notably, a save in the dying moments when he tipped a free-kick over the bar. Final score 3-2.

 

Croft United Reserves found it hard going against a strong Park Road Old Boys side at Wainfleet Road playing fields.

The visitors overpowered their opponents with some competitive play and a hat-trick from Ashley Allen helped secure a 6-2 victory. The other Old Boys’ goals came from Tim Gilbert who scored twice and Del Gilbert. Croft replied with goals

from Tom Laverack and Chris Hancock.

 

Wainfleet United found themselves trailing 4-0 at half time in their away day at Mareham United. Although Shaun Drury’s double strike gave Wainfleet some reward for their efforts they conceded a further two goals to finish on the wrong end of a 6-2 score-line.

 

The Westside Rangers versus Coningsby Reserves game saw both sides boasting  100 percent starts to the campaign and everything looked set for a tight encounter. But who would have guessed on the eventual outcome — an amazing 8-0 away win for the newly promoted Rangers. It could have been more had Kev Manning not missed a first minute penalty. However, Rangers did open the scoring two minutes later from a well-placed Michael Burt effort. Westside dominated the early stages and Niall O’Grady bagged two goals to give the Boston side a comfortable 3-0 interval lead. Coningsby pushed forward after the break in the hope of getting back in the game but Rangers put the game beyond their reach when Andy Baker made it 4-0 with a 20-yard drive, O'Grady then completed his hat-trick before Coningsby were awarded a dubious penalty. But to cap their miserable day their striker fired wide. The visitors introduced Jody Betts to the action and the ex-Black Bull striker wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet with a stylish finish. Betts grabbed his second goal when he capitalised on a defensive error and there was still time for O’Grady to net his fourth of the game to make the final score 8-0.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three action saw a brace of diving headers from Wrangle United Reserves’ Ben Ladds and a Tim Bell hat-trick doing the damage for the home side when they entertained Billinghay Athletic Reserves. Wrangle had found themselves leading 4-1 at one stage but Billinghay fought back to reduce the arrears at 4-3. Bell had the last say with his final goal to complete his hat-trick to make the final score 5-3.

 

West Pinchbeck missed several chances during the goalless first half of their home game against Mareham United Reserves with Simon Webster squandering most of the opportunities. Jason Waltham finally broke the deadlock in the second half before a dubious penalty sealed Mareham’s fate. Simon Webster converted the resultant spot-kick. Final score was 2-0.

 

Kirton Town Reserves kept in touch at the top of the table following a 3-2 away win at Friskney. Two goals from Richard Borrill and a Richard Harrison own goal gave Town three valuable points. Friskney ran the visitors close with goals from Sam Hill and Gareth Williams.

 

Shodfriars suffered their first defeat of the season to table-topping Woodhall Spa United at Rosebery Avenue. Shoddies probably just edged the first half and they took an early lead when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the area, Jimmy Brittain slamming the ball home into the bottom corner. Both sides created several good chances before the visitors equalised midway through the first period. The Boston side went ahead just before the break when good work down the left resulted in a cross coming over for Craig Spooner who headed home in style.  Woodhall responded superbly in the second half and never allowed Shodfriars to dictate the play. The league leaders showed their true potential with four goals without reply to run out 5-2 winners.

 

 

Report for matches played on Saturday September 17

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Wyberton took maximum points Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division points when they conquered Skegness Town by a 6-1 margin in a dramatic match. But the seasiders were far from happy with events on the day. Four penalties were awarded during the game with three of the spot-kicks going Wyberton’s way. Joe Hallam proved deadly from 12 yards converting a spot-kicks hat-trick. He also received Wyberton’s only yellow card of the afternoon. Skegness were also awarded a penalty but James Gambley saved Paul Butler’s effort. Wyberton’s other goals came from Gavin Marshall, Steve Green and Dave March.

 

A sending-off turned the game at Graves Park where Kirton Town were comfortably leading 2-0 at the half-way stage against Coningsby following goals from Neil Featherstone and Daniel Warren. Recent transfer signing from Boston Town, Stacey Cartwright was then shown the red card in the second half and Coningsby took full advantage scoring twice to earn a valuable away point. Neil Goodwin also suffered a knee injury and will be missing from the Kirton line-up for a few weeks. The central defender gamely played on in an attacking role but probably did more damage in trying to help his side out.

 

Rob Masters was again on target for North Sea United when they entertained Boston Town Colts but once again the prison side finished up empty-handed going down 4-1.

 

The result of the day took place at Wainfleet Road where Croft United went down to a heavy defeat to Swineshead. The scene was set in the opening four minutes when the visitors stormed into a two-goal lead as first Benn Houghton nipped in to beat the keeper and then the same player produced a determined run, shrugging off two defenders before scoring. Croft never really recovered from the early setback and they fell further behind after 32 minutes when Martin North collected a pass from Chris Hollyoake before slotting the ball home. Houghton completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half time following a fine individual solo run to make the interval score 4-0. Croft, with nothing to lose, piled forward and created several gilt-edged chances but it was never going to be their day and Swineshead kept their clean sheet intact. Hot-shot Houghton rounded off a great afternoon with his fourth and Swineshead’s fifth. Final score was 5-0.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division One, Paul Ryan was in red-hot form at Holbeach Bank as Spalding Town are finally finding their feet in the division following last season’s promotion. Shane Hughes had given the Bank the lead late in the first half although there was still time for Town to equalise just before the half-time whistle. The visitors held the upper hand after the break where Ryan destroyed his opponents completing a fine hat-trick while Gareth Burnett also got on the scoresheet in a 4-2 victory.  Ben Crane grabbed Holbeach Bank’s other goal.

 

Sleaford Town’s impressive start continued with a 4-1 home win over Swineshead Reserves following goals from James Malkin, Craig Wells, Jamie Black and Kelvin Couchman.

 

Fosdyke suffered their third defeat on the bounce, this time at home to local rivals Sutterton. It was an uphill struggle after conceding three goals in the opening 12 minutes and Fosdyke never really recovered. Scott Ekins and Paul Wright went close for the home side but Sutterton always carried the greater threat. The final score remained 3-0.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two, Park United had a difficult away fixture at early pace-setters, Coningsby Reserves but they shocked their opponents with an early opening goal. Unfortunately for the visitors they then had their top marksman, Gervadson Torres sent off for kicking out at an opponent and things went downhill from that point. Coningsby made the extra man advantage pay and they hit back with two goals to lead 2-1 at the interval. Two further goals followed after the break and Park went home on the wrong end of a 4-1 score-line. Richie Newell, Danny Cottingham, Charlie Beamish and Sam Brader hit the goals to retain Coningsby’s 100 percent record and keep them among the leading pack.

 

Westside Rangers have also made a cracking start to the campaign with three wins out of three following a 6-2 victory over Black Bull United. Rangers’ razor-sharp striker, Kev Manning made a welcome return to their line-up, bagging four of the goals. Manning, sidelined from their opening three games through injury, wasted no time in finding his feet opening the scoring after 15 minutes majestically heading home a corner. Rangers were awarded a penalty 10 minutes later which Manning duly dispatched. The diminutive striker completed his hat-trick before the break when he fired home from 10 yards. Andrew Baker slotted home the fourth before Manning headed home a Rick Elsom cross. Elsom again provided a superb cross for Michael Burt to head home goal number six.

 

Superior goal advantage kept Westside Rangers on top of the table. The other side who made it three wins out of three was West End Tigers who earned a hard fought victory against a stubborn Holbeach St Marks team at Haven High School. St Marks had the better of the early period of the first half before The Tigers finally found their feet. The Boston side then broke the deadlock 20 minutes before the break half when Martin Jolly beat the keeper from close range before St Marks bounced back immediately with a header to make the interval score 1-1. West End fell behind when a shot from outside the box squirmed under the keeper and into the net before the home side were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes remaining. Spencer Swadling’s spot-kick rebounded back off a post but substitute Leo Penha was on hand to slot the ball home. The winning goal came five minutes later when Kieran Dale beat two defenders before delivering a hard low cross for Jolly to fire home, that was the midfielder’s sixth goal in three games. St Marks’ late pressure kept the Tigers on a knife-edge until the last whistle. Final score 3-2

 

After taking an early two-goal lead Freiston finished pointless as Mareham United produced a storming fightback to record a tremendous 3-2 away win. Freiston started strongly with Aston Chase and Jamie Skinner firing shots narrowly wide of the post in the opening five minutes. Not to be denied for much longer, Skinner found the net after ten minutes and Mark Taylor made it 2-0 when he headed home Jamie Button's cross. Freiston then took their foot off the accelerator and allowed Mareham back into the game. A spectacular overhead kick from a corner reduced the arrears just before half time and within 10 minutes of the restart Mareham had levelled the scores following a fine right wing raid which was finished with an explosive shot into the net. Mareham completed a dramatic comeback with what proved to be the winning goal on 75 minutes following a goalmouth scramble.

 

Jason Bond and Dave Miskell hit the goals for Croft United Reserves in their 2-0 away win at Spalding Harriers.

 

Wainfleet United went down to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Park Road Old Boys. The home side, 1-0 down at the interval, conceded another two goals before they were finally rewarded for their efforts when Michael Parnham scored following good work from Royston Wilkinson.

 

Tydd St Mary were cruelly denied all three points in their fiercely contested home match with Fishtoft when a hotly disputed penalty in the dying moments gave the visitors a share of the spoils.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three, Shodfriars travelled to Park United Reserves and came away with all three points in a 5-0 victory. Despite the convincing scoreline, Park had several chances but failed to take any of them. Shoddies went ahead midway through the first half with a brilliant 25-yard strike from Brendon Barnes. Both sides had chances for the remainder of the half but the interval score remained at 1-0. Shodfriars looked much more comfortable after the break with some fluent passing and solid defending before skipper Jimmy Brittain took centre stage scoring all four of his side’s second half goals, one a superb drive from the corner of the box. Final score 5-0, Referee T Sharrock had a fine game in the middle.

 

Old Dons Reserves hit three goals for the second week running to record their second victory of the season when they defeated Friskney at home. Richard Holstead, Daniel Fox and Andrew Dear hit the all-important goals.

 

A top of the table clash saw Woodhall Spa United and Kirton Town Reserves do battle, both sides with 100 percent records, and, as expected, they produced a tight encounter. Although there was no lack of chances the game finished goal-less.

 

Lincs Junior Cup

 

In the Lincs Junior Cup, Division One outfit, Old Doningtonians were the only Boston League called upon to take part in the preliminary round. They had a difficult away tie at Langtoft United and went agonisingly close to making it through to the next round. After controlling the opening half hour they conceded two goals before the break, one a dubious penalty, to leave themselves with plenty to do in the second half. Honours were even in the possession stakes after the break but Old Dons didn’t reduce the arrears until late on when they scored from the penalty spot but it was too late and they were squeezed out of the competition.

 

Most of Boston League teams involved in the competition enter the competition in the next round.  

 

 

Report for matches played on Saturday September 10

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

The Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division encounter between Boston Town Colts and Croft United at Tattershall Road finished in a 1-1 draw. Town enjoyed the better of the first half while Croft held the upper hand after the break. Town opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a superb Jordan Dixon goal before Croft bounced back immediately with an equaliser from Louis Mill. Town’s new signing Ian Baker produced an impressive performance for his new side in goal, denying Croft victory with a string of superb saves.

 

Skegness Town hit double figures in their home game with Spilsby Town with the experienced double-act of Paul Butler and Steve Warren hitting an amazing five goals each.

 

The game at Woodhall Spa between the two newly promoted clubs, Coningsby and Wrangle United was only six minutes old when Ally Smith suffered a tragic injury breaking his leg in two places. The game itself was held up for 45 minutes while the player was taken to hospital. It eventually finished all-square at 2-2 with Coningsby coming back from 2-0 behind to earn their first point of the season. Wrangle found themselves two up at the break thanks to Dave Robinson’s free-kick and a close range effort from Richard Fenwick following good work from Gavin Bell. Coningsby produced a spirited performance in the second half to save the game with goals coming from Matt Murray and Richard Flaherty.

 

Wyberton enjoyed their second successive victory on their travels when they paid a visit to the Prison Camp The visitors defeated North Sea United 3-1 with goals from Joe Hallam, Gavin Marshall and Steve Melady.

 

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division One, Spalding Town recorded their first victory of the season with a 3-1 home win against Old Doningtonians. Paul Ryan scored twice and Ian Tomblin netted the other for Town while Chris Wing grabbed Old Dons’ goal.

 

Spilsby Town Reserves and Swineshead Reserves shared the points in a 2-2 draw at a very damp Ancaster Avenue. A strong Swineshead outfit and the home side produced a great advert for local football with both playing some attractive stuff on the deck. Spilsby struck first when Dan Vines volleyed home a great Mark Waters cross before the visitors responded immediately when Nigel Edison finished in style. The second half saw chances created at both ends before Swineshead looked to have grabbed the winner eight minutes from time when Karl Melton netted from six yards following a quick free-kick which saw Adrian Hewerdine produce a good save only for the rebound to be snapped up. Spilsby were thrown a lifeline five minutes later when the referee awarded a penalty for a push in the area and Mark Waters coolly converted the spot-kick. Referee Terry Knott contributed to providing a fine competitive encounter.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

In Cropley's Suzuki Division Two, Freiston threw away three points in their 5-4 defeat at Croft United Reserves. Twice Freiston held a two-goal lead only to see it disappear and then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, went onto to go home empty-handed following Croft’s dramatic last minute winner. The visitors should have gone ahead in the first minute but Mark Taylor’s shot lacked power. Freiston continued to dictate the game with some neat passing but it took a goalkeeping error for their opening goal on 15 minutes when a cross was spilled into the path of Taylor and this time he slotted the ball home. Scott Francis then made it 2-0 when he headed in from a corner after 35 minutes. Croft rallied and the experience of striker, Dave Miskell proved decisive as the veteran marksman caused all sorts of problems for the visiting defence.

 

The home side brought the scores level with quickfire strikes and it was honours even at the half-way stage. Play was evenly matched for the opening 20 minutes after the break before Freiston restored their two-goal cushion with strikes from Aston Chase and Jamie Skinner. The same players also missed further chances to put the game beyond Croft’s reach and this proved to be the turning point. Two United goals brought the home side level before that last-gasp winner gave The East Coast side maximum points. Dave Miskell weighed in with four of his side’s goals.

 

It was a case of a game of two contrasting halves in the game between Park Road Old Boys and West End Tigers at The George Farmer School, Holbeach. Park Road were on top during the first half despite The Boston side opening the scoring through Martin Jolly. The home side were not behind for long however, and they levelled five minutes later through Paul Colton. A half-time team talk seemed to spur on the visitors and Spencer Swadling put the Tigers back in front before the Old Boys brought it all-square at 2-2 when John Allen netted. Swadling’s aerial power put paid to Park Road’s hopes of any reward when he thumped home two headers, both from corners to complete his hat-trick and give his side a two-goal advantage. Park Road reduced the arrears in the dying moments when Paul Colton claimed his second from the penalty spot. Final score was 4-3.

 

Two goals from Mareham United’s Michael Johnson grabbed the glory in his side’s 2-1 away win at Holbeach St Marks

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three, a Mark Richardson goal gave Kirton Town Reserves their second victory of the season when they travelled to Billinghay Athletic Reserves. Final score 1-0.

 

Old Dons Reserves chalked up their first win thanks to a two-goal strike from Liam Pitts and another from Barry Taylor. East Region struck back twice but it was never enough and they went down 3-2.

 

Mareham United Reserves also recorded a 3-2 home win over Friskney with goals from Eddie Pickersgill, Rick Hall and Gary Hunter.

 

Woodhall Spa United, as in previous seasons, have again got off to a storming start and they showed their potential yet again with a 5-0 home win over West Pinchbeck. Andrew Money and Jack Draper both scored twice while Lee Scanlon also got on the scoresheet.

 

Wrangle United Reserves bounced back from their heavy defeat seven days earlier with a 5-3 home win over Park United Reserves. Sam Louth and Nick Ward both hit double strikes while Ben Ladds grabbed the other. Veteran striker Ian Richardson and Steve Adcock replied for Park

 

James Eley Sports Cup

 

In the James Eley Sports Cup round one, Fishtoft’s impressive early-season form continued with a 4-1 victory over visitors Old Leake. Fishtoft found themselves trailing at half-time when Rob Staples scored against the run of play but a powerful second half performance saw the home side home. Ady Almond and Anthony Tiffen both scored twice to put Fishtoft into the next round.

 

Park United also made it through following their 4-2 home win over Wainfleet United. Paulo Junior, Aaron Doherty, David Clarke and an own goal gave Park victory while Phil Simpson and a Matt Crowson header kept Wainfleet in the game.

 

Westside Rangers carried over their impressive league form into the cup competition when they defeated Tydd St  Mary 4-2 at Rosebery Avenue. Amazingly this was Rangers’ first ever cup victory after four seasons of trying but this time they never looked like losing. The Boston side did, however, need some help from the visitors to set them on their way when an unfortunate Tydd defender dispatched a terrific own goal past a startled keeper. At the other end their striker somehow blazed over an open goal from six yards. Rangers made their opponents pay for their failings as they added two goal to lead 3-0 at the interval, Danny Brigginshaw netting both. Tydd threw everyone forward in an attempt to get back into the game but Rangers countered intelligently and a fourth goal was added midway through the second period when the battling Brigginshaw completed his hat-trick. Tydd’s misery seemed complete when a defender was dismissed but they somehow found enough in their reserves to make the score-line more respectable with two consolation goals. 

 

Holbeach United Social’s Josh Martin was on target for the third successive game when his side returned triumphant from their visit to Fosdyke. This time he hit a fine hat-trick in his side’s 5-1 cup success while Glen Wells and Lee Smith were also on target for the Holbeach side. A Scott Ekins free-kick had cancelled out the Social Club’s early opener but then Fosdyke fell behind again to an unfortunate goal when keeper Wayne Ash was left in a crumpled heap following a collision and the visiting forward got up to stroke the ball home. With their confidence dented Fosdyke conceded three second half goals. 

 

In the other cup tie Sibsey and Black Bull United fought out a thrilling 4-4 scoreline and the outcome had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out.  Sibsey proved to be more deadly from 12 yards and they went through on penalties 4-3.

 

The only game to fall victim of the weather was at Spalding Harriers where Sutterton were saved a journey by the heavy rain that left the pitch under water in places.

 

 

Report for matches played on Saturday September 3

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Free-scoring front man Tom Dickinson wasted no time in getting back to the form that saw him as the top marksman last season when he netted a hat-trick as Billinghay sent out an instant warning to the rest of the teams in the Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division that they are not going to let go of their title easily. His brother Pete Dickinson was also on the scoresheet in a 4-0 home win over newly promoted Coningsby.

 

Kirton Town took maximum points in their first game of the season when they paid a visit to North Sea United. The Camp took an early lead when Rob Master opened the scoring after just two minutes before a powerful Richard Borrill strike brought Kirton level. A Daniel Warren penalty edged Town in front and it was Warren who was on target again to put the visitors 3-1 in front at the break. Recent transfer signing, Stacy Cartwright added another when he went off on a long surging run before firing home. Masters claimed his second goal of the game to make the final score 4-2.

 

Swineshead travelled to Wrangle United to give Nigel Birtwistle’s newly promoted side a stern test and the home side gave as good as they got despite eventually going down 5-2. Wrangle were wasteful in front of goal while Swineshead’s finishing was clinical and that proved to be the telling factor. The half score-line of 3-0 slightly flattered the visitors on possession alone and United responded after the break to put themselves right back into the game as goals from Gavin Bell and Rob Marsden brought it back to 3-2. Just when it looked like Wrangle were threatening an equaliser, they were caught out on the break as Swineshead hit a fourth to put themselves in a commanding position. A late fifth put the result beyond doubt but Wrangle can take credit for their approach play and, once they find their goal-scoring touch, the points total will soon improve. The Swineshead’s match-winners were Martin Worth and Benn Houghton who both scored twice and Karl Melton.

 

Two goals in each half saw Spilsby Town crumble at the hands of Wyberton at Ancaster Avenue. Spilsby, who were without the services of key players, Graham Blades Lathan Tupli and Jordan Wood were left reeling at the halfway stage when a deflected free-kick and a controversial penalty, awarded for pushing gave Wyberton a comfortable two-goal cushion. The third goal, however, was a wonder strike and there was then no way back for Town as the visitors wrapped up the scoring with a fourth. Steve Melady grabbed two of the Wyberton goals while Mark Wakefield and Scott Creek also got on the scoresheet.

 

Croft United came out on top in their local derby clash with Skegness Town.  With striker Lee Orrey making his league debut for Croft and his opponents respecting his potential by keeping a watchful eye on his every move his fellow striker, Kurt

Crossley made them pay. The player promoted from last season’s reserve side hit all three of his side's goals in a 3-0 victory to stake his claim for a regular place in the first eleven.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division One, last season’s champions from Division Two, Tydd St Mary, found their first game at the new level a testing one after conceding five goals against an impressive Sleaford side. Tydd started the brighter and were unlucky not to take the lead when Nick Reims had the keeper beaten only to miss his chance after all the hard work had been done. Tydd then had two quick shots cleared off the line. Sleaford took confidence from this and took the lead on 24 minutes when Matt Lunn's shot was partially saved by Parker in goal only for the ball to squirm over the line for a 1-0 lead. The lively Reims had to be taken off with a knee injury soon after the goal and this was a blow to the Saints. It remained even up to half time with each team cancelling the other out. The second half began where the first left off with both teams having possession without much to show for it. However, when Sleaford increased their the lead on 59 minutes when a fierce shot from Craig Wells flew into the top right hand corner, Tydd began to crumble. It was all one way traffic from then on and Sleaford Town’s young, energetic side’s fitness began to pay off. Three quick goals in the final 10 minutes of the game finished the battling Tydd side but it would be reasonable to say that the score line was not a fair reflection. Neil Richardson and a quick-fire double strike from Iain Stewart completed the scoring. Both sides contributed to providing a well-contested match expertly refereed by Mark Robinson.

 

Fishtoft switched their home game to opponents, Gedney Drove End and the long journey did them no harm as they returned home with a 3-0 victory under their belts. Chris Marshall’s flying header put the visitors ahead and Anthony Tiffen’s strike made it 2-0. A late Ady Almond goal put the icing on the cake for Fishtoft.

 

Spilsby Town Reserves dominated the first half of their match at Fosdyke but wasted several chances. A solitary Glenn Hislop goal was all they had to show for their efforts, but the strike was worth waiting for — a mazy run ending with a finish

into the bottom corner of the net. Hislop struck again after the break when he netted after being put clear by Johnny Hannah’s through ball. Hannah turned goalscorer soon after when he converted Ash Pawson’s fine pass. Spilsby rounded off a fine team performance when Hislop pulled the ball back for Mark Waters to fire home the final goal in a comfortable 4-0 victory. Fosdyke, still struggling to find their feet, are heavily reliant on striker Andy Brown who is not enjoying the best of luck in front of goal.

 

Spalding Town are finding it tough going in Division One after a 3-0 defeat at Swineshead Reserves. Town never really threatened and the home side took maximum points with goals from Sam Watson, Colin March and Alex Kirkham.

Old Leake made a worthwhile trip to Holbeach Bank when they returned home with all three points following a 3-1 victory. John McGarel, Rob Staples and James White did the damage for Old Leake. Ben Crane replied for the Bank.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

West End Tigers got off to a flying start to life in Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two when they defeated Wainfleet United 5-1 at Tattershall Road. After a scrappy opening period the Tigers broke the deadlock when Martin Jolly headed home following a Kieran Dale cross and the jubilant Jolly added another shortly afterwards when he flicked the ball over the advancing keeper. The Tigers ended the first period in firm control with some neat football and Spencer Swadling made the interval scoreline 3-0 with a looping header. Wainfleet gave themselves a glimmer of hope when they reduced the arrears soon after the restart when Matt Crowson netted. However, Jolly put paid to any hopes Wainfleet had when he completed his hat-trick and skipper, Scott Palmer rounded a fine display with a fifth goal after his half volley from the edge of the box beat the Wainfleet keeper.

 

Coningsby Reserves had a comfortable 2-0 home win over Black Bull United thanks to goals from Nathan Turner and Richie Newell.

 

The game between Holbeach St  Marks and Croft United Reserves did not go ahead because of The East Coast side's inability to raise a side. The game was called off on Friday evening as Croft found themselves with just three players to call upon. Croft,  often experience this problem at the start of a new campaign as many of their players are committed to seasonal work. The likely outcome will be that the three points will be awarded to Holbeach St Marks.

 

Westside Rangers continued their impressive start to life in Division Two with their second successive victory, this time, over Park United at Carrington. Rangers didn’t take long to settle and they opened the scoring after ten minutes when Neil Sinha’s clever finish eluded the keeper and found the top left hand corner of the net. Against the run of play, however, the visitors were caught cold when a defensive error let in last season's  top goalscorer (in all divisions) Gervadson Torres, and the Brazilian striker punished his opponents to level the scores. Although Rangers started the second half in a confident mood they found themselves trailing after 65 minutes when Franny Abiodun crashed home an unstoppable long range effort. Luckily for Rangers their response was instant as Michael Burt fired home an equally superb 25-yard drive and with just seven minutes remaining Westside snatched victory when young debutant, Gavin Gregory completed a dream start when he converted a cross for a dramatic winner. Final score was 3-2.

 

Re-invented new-boys, Park Road Old Boys, shared the points in a 2-2 home draw with Freiston, who included five new signings. The visitors made a good start with Jamie Skinner opening the scoring after five minutes. Although both sides had further openings, there were no further goals and Freiston held a slender one-goal lead at the break. Within ten minutes of the restart Park Road were level after squandering two good chances, when Del Gilbert fired home a low shot past debut keeper, Matthew Bainbridge. Several suspect tackles resulted in players losing their cools as both side pressed for the winner. The home side appeared to have snatched victory when Gilbert hit his second goal of the game but new signing, Scott Hutchinson headed home a last-gasp equaliser to give Freiston a draw.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three, Simon Webster, who hit all five goals in West Pinchbeck’s opening game seven days earlier, continued in deadly fashion once again when Park United Reserves were the visitors. The home side held a 3-0 lead at the break with Webster scoring twice and Jason Waltham netting also. Wizard Webster hit two more after the interval and Waltham scored two to complete his hat-trick. West Pinchbeck completed the scoring when Liam McCallister cracked home two superb strikes. Park replied through Ian Richardson. Final score was 9-1.

 

Holbeach United Social recorded a 3-1 home win over Mareham United Reserves thanks to goals from Josh Martin, Shaun Brothwell and Tom Cherry.

 

The two relegated sides, Shodfriars and Billinghay Athletic Reserves clashed at Rosebery Avenue and it was the Boston side who took the honours with a comfortable 4-1 home win. Shoddies struck first when a cross from the right was met by Ben Newton who scored with a simple header. Both sides then missed some good chances before the home side went further ahead through Craig Spooner. Billinghay reduced the arrears before Shoddies restored their two goal advantage at the interval with a fine finish from Brendon Barnes. The second half saw Shoddies continue to push forward but they didn't add a fourth until later on when John Chand met a cross at the far post to finish in style.

 

Newly formed Wrangle United Reserves hit three goals against Sibsey at Rosebery Avenue but still finished on the losing side. Unfortunately For Wrangle, they were more than charitable at the other end, conceding 10 goals into the bargain. Final score was 10-3.