Sportspy Reports – Sunday October 3rd 2010

Moor Park, Bispham was washed out about 10:30.  When I arrived, the writing was on the wall as a succession of cars were heading the other way. The nearest alternative ground was Boundary Park where the excellent drainage enabled two Gledhill Cup ties went ahead.  In the first, Mere Park FC (Yellow) were hosting Real Burlington FC. The Burlies, as current Division 2 leaders, were favourites although the Mere Park FC (4th in Division 3) had been in good form of late.   The Burlington scored early doors from a corner.  Some said it was an own goal but Jamie Nay looked to be claiming it. 

The Mere Park then put together a great spell and were unfortunate not to equalise after they created some good chances.  They paid the price after some poor defending from a throw-in allowed Burlington to double their lead.  Shortly before the break, the referee over-ruled the Mere Park FC liner to allow a third goal to stand.  A rather unfair scoreline on Mere at the interval.  In the second period, Mere managed to pull one back but in the end their higher league opponents deservedly reached the last sixteen thanks to a 5-1 victrory.

Club secretary Mark Sleet finally lost his brave battle against cancer earlier in the week.  The Jollies FC, Old Vic FC and Highbury Vets FC secretary took a great pride in the job leaving the players to go out and just play football.  The Mere Park FC and Real Burlington FC hold a minute's silence for Mark Sleet.

A rare puddles forms on the quality Boundary Park surface.

Burlington kick off

Mere Park keeper Neil Dugdale picks the ball out of the back of the net after Burlington score in the opening minutes from a corner.

Referee Mr Jefferson

Burlington urchin – plastic bags for shoes – call the Social Services.

The Crazy Sheikh – Mark Kingsley

Jamie Nay

The Mere Park linesman is not best pleased after his offside flag was over-ruled by the referee leading to the third goal.

Andy Willacy (front)

Webby on his backside

Still thirsty work – mild conditions

Lone Wag – pretty in pink

Real Burlington score a fourth to end all hopes of a Mere Park fight back.

Co-incidentally, the winners of the Mere Park v Burlington tie had been drawn against the winners of the Teamsport90 FC v Mythop Leisure FC match which was taking place on the adjacent pitch.  At the beginning of the second half away side Mythop Leisure FC (6th in Division 1) were two goals up against Teamsport 90 FC (8th in Division 3) who were in the blue kit.  It was a half of few clear cut chances with the weather showing little signs of improvement.  In the end, Division 1 side Mythop progressed to the last sixteen following a 2-1 win where they'll play Real Burlington FC.

Mr Blant well protected from the deluge

Absoltely banging it down with 'fat rain'

Teamsport 90 FC keeper Anthony Jones.

Man down

Referee Mr Corkwell