Sportspy Reports – Sunday September 20th 2009.

Frenchman's Cove FC finished eighth last season in Division 2B after winning eleven and drawing three of their twenty-six league matches – a decent season for manager Paul Ronson and his squad.  This season, and following the demise of the ex Premier Division team of the same name the club have re-named as Layton Institute FC for the 2009/10 season.  They've had a good start under the new brand picking up seven points from the the first twelve available.  After an opening day defeat against one of the favourites, Highfield Social FC, they've gone on to put an unbeaten run together of five matches.  This included Gledhill Cup wins against AFC Ansdell Excelsior and the Falcon which has put them through to Round 3.

This morning's opponents were Bamber Bridge side AFC Brigg who play in the second Division of the Lancashire Evening Post Preston Sunday Football league.  Manager Shaun Smith's team had started with one win, a draw and a defeat that's left them sixth in the table at start of play. A 2-1 defeat to Euxton Corinthians FC also led to an early exit from the Challenge Cup – Preston's version of the Gledhill. 

Another fine day for Sunday football – mild, bright, calm, dry and a good surface at Moor Park.  BFSFA referees' secretary Dave Connor was the man in charge.  At 11am we were underway with Brigg in the red & black kicking off.

Layton Institute FC 2009/10

AFC Brigg 2009/10

Referee Dave Connor with the two skippers

That's a good handful of gel

Brigg manager Shaun Smith (Right)

Waiting for the corner.

Layton manager Paul Ronson

Good control

Good header

A juicy tackle but referee Connor's on the spot

Well taken by the Layton keeper

Handbags

Layton's best chance – keeper flapped at it, managed to get a handful of net but the ball flashed wide.

Running repairs are required

A coming together

One for the ladies

Dave Connor

He's winning everything in the air.

Half time score : Layton Institute FC 0 – AFC Brigg

A couple of beauties

Seven year old Thomas – Layton fan

A good save led to a Brigg corner, number four headed goalward but Layton keeper was equal to it.

FAR POST !!!!  It didn't reach him

On 70 minutes Brigg broke the deadlock.  A pinpoint cross from danger man Rob Hand was slotted into the far corner by Mark Wilmer.  0-1

Celebrations

The leaves are still on the trees but not for much longer

Brigg keeper Rob Hindle

Late pressure from Layton and it's tipped away for a corner

Hindle bravely saves at the feet of the Layton forward

Good catch – time's running out.

The end of the game and AFC Brigg are through to round 3.

Final score:  Layton Institute FC 0 – 1 AFC Brigg

In summary this was an extremely interesting fixture from start to finish.  Each club's respective league positions pointed to a close encounter and so it was with the outcome in doubt for almost ninety minutes.  Two evenly matched sides went toe to toe with each team having good spells of possession and goalmouth chances.  In the end one goal settled a fine Cup tie.  Well officiated by Mr Connor – the game was played in good spirit with no need for any cards.  Good luck to AFC Brigg in Round 3.  The Layton worked hard and they should do OK in Division 2B.   Great game.