Sportspy Reports – October 23rd 2005
 | Round 3 of the Lancashire Sunday Trophy this morning as the Clarence FC of the BFSFA Premier Division took on Success to the Plough FC of the Rochdale Sunday League at Seafield Road, Lytham St Annes. |
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Lancashire FA Interserve Sunday Trophy (Round 3)
Last season Premier Division side the Clarence reached the 5th Round of this competition as did the Bloomfield WMC. They were the only two Alliance sides that did as the rest fell away in the earlier rounds. In Round 5 both teams lost. The Bloomfield WMC were beaten 6-3 away at Hesketh and the Clarence crashed 6-1 at home to Astley Miners in a game best remembered for a dramatic
Manager of the Month – September 2005
 | The fyldesport.com overall and divisional 'Manager of the Month' awards for September 2005. These awards are unofficial and totally separate from any awards the league itself may wish to bestow. |
Along with Division 3B this was the most difficult league to decide for September. No team in the Premier Division managed to take all nine points from the three league games played but two managed to take seven. After no league wins in August McDonald Property FC were down in twelfth place with only two points to their name but wins against Kingsfield and Highbury followed by a draw against St Annes Ex Service pushed them up to seventh. Only a 7-3 defeat against Division 2A side the Highlands in round 2 of the Gledhill spoiled a memorable September.
At the end of August Cahoots FC were in third and that position surprised many. At the end of September they
Sportspy Reports – October 16th 2005
 | Out in the Autumn sunshine at Commonedge Road checking in on a number of teams across the Divisions. |
In the main match we saw the visit of Division 3B side Blackpool Rangers who were away at the Links Reserves. This morning Rangers were top of the table on goal difference ahead of Progress Property Services. The young side are playing their first season in the Alliance after coming straight up from the Under 17's youth league. They've had a great start and midway through October they're still unbeaten after eight wins and a draw in their first nine games. Manager John Miles has them playing good football on the deck and with a decent level of fitness they fear no-one in the Division.
Today's opponents were the Links Reserves. They were in sixth position this morning. In their first nine games they've managed four wins and a draw. In recent weeks they've been dealt some tough fixtures. After a good 6-0 win against the Royal Oxford they then went on to draw 3-3 with Weeton. Last week they were up against second placed Progress Property and they were playing well before a very late collapse saw them lose 3-0. How would they go on against the table toppers this morning ?
If anybody was unsure about the attraction of Sunday morning football in England in mid October then they should have been out watching this morning. Perfect Autumn conditions.
Early pressure on the Links Reserve's goal.
Blackpool Rangers ' Sean Bimpson.
Reserve keeper ? No, just one of the Links' midfielders requiring gloves to keep out the Autumn chill ?
Ranger's striker Peter Floyd (Left)
Bling !
This game was a great advert for the lower Divisions with some great passing football being played by both sides. A strong and powerful run from Floyd saw him burst through one on one against the Links keeper but he was denied at short range by a good reaction save. Rangers keeper Brown was then called into action when he pulled off a fantastic save, tipping a long range Links drive onto the cross-bar. Rangers had most of the first half possession and chances but the Links were well organised and also looked well capable of scoring. At half time it was 0-0. I went back for the last five minutes and it was still 0-0. That's how it ended but it was far from being a dull goalless draw. Rangers may look on it as two points dropped but they were up against a rapidly improving side today. Another good performance from the Links Reserves but a day when Rangers just couldn't find the back of the net.
Elsewhere Premier Division Cahoots FC (Second) were at home against Bispham Juniors FF (Tenth) Cahoots took the league early through Dan Sutton who'd recently returned to the team after being out with a long term injury. On twelve minutes Bispham equalised. A Cahoots pass back, a bad bobble and a lack of concentration from keeper Speight allowed Cottam to rob him of the ball. Cottam was initially forced out wide but with good composure he cut in from the right and played the ball across goal. Eventually the ball fell to Julian Hadden who swept the ball home for the equaliser.
In the end this match finished 2-2. After the final whistle the Cahoot's players were involved in a full and frank exchange of views with referee Tony Zak who had awarded Bispham a last minute penalty. The converted spot kick denied Cahoots a win but they go back to the top tonight on goal difference. The 'Purples' are still unbeaten in the league and going well. Bispham's recent run of good form also continues.
Brannigans Reserves Keeper Danny Brown
In Division 2B sixth placed Brannigans Reserves (Claret) were away against the Links Hotel (Fourth). Brannigans had shown some improvement recently taking seven points from the last twelve. In stark contrast the Links Hotel had lost four in a row and after a good start to the season were starting to struggle. Links took the lead early on but when I arrived Brannigans were 3-2 up at half time.
Scott Robinson with his first Alliance goal today
Alan Varley having a flashback to friday night
Brannigans started the second half on fire and two great goals firstly from Scott Robinson quickly followed by Ben Fenton looked to have given them an unassailable 5-2 lead. Brannigans Reserves manager and liner Guy Gillespie claimed full credit for excellent early play in the second period. “I know what I'm talking about and don't you forget it!” he screamed as his half time formation change and substitution paid dividends.
The Links came good in the latter stages and Brannigans looked decidely nervous as the Links pulled it back to 5-4. Gillespie was now on the pitch but it wasn't for long as referee Mahoney ordered him off to the changing rooms for violent conduct. A further reduction in club funds diverted away from the end of season party. Still, on a brighter note they held on for a 5-4 win. Unlucky Links but the Geordie supporter who thinks he can abuse referees because “I'm on a public park and therefore I can say what I like and the ref can do F*** all about it” should stay at home.
Division One top scorer John Emery in a reflective moment
On the adjoining pitch the Brannigans first team was at home to the Squirrel. The Squirrel were well and truly beaten 12-4 last week by the Dunes, a low point for an already struggling side. They're actively trying to recruit new players so if you're interested E-Mail me (sportspy@fyldesport.com) and I'll pass on your details. Even manager Martin Ramsden turned out last week so things are really getting desperate.
Squirrel veteran Eddie Kay earns a yellow for an exuberant challenge
A smug look of great satisfaction on the face of Ref Paul Heaton. I think he'd just shown someone else the yellow card. One of our top local officials, he also officiates Premier League Academy matches on saturdays.
Squirrel's answer to Peter Crouch – Adrian James – was effective in build-up play today showing some neat touches but was expertly marshalled by Brannigan's centre half Martin Percival (right), who admitted to losing one challenge in the air today – to his partner at the back Ian Nicholls!
It ended up being a good win for Brannigans (2-0). After a recent wobble they look to be rekindling some of their early season form. In this close Division they're still very handily placed to challenge for promotion. As for the Squirrel they gave a much improved performance this morning and during the twenty minutes I was there they were unlucky not to score past Brannigans' excellent young keeper Chris Malkinson. Let's hope they can recruit some new blood soon for the long harsh winter ahead of them.
Sportspy 2005/06
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Sportspy Reports – October 9th 2005
 | Round 3 of the Gledhill Cup at Commonedge Road featuring the games between Talbot Sports & Social v Elswick and the tie of the round between holders Quilligans FC and Champions Highbury FC. |
After both receiving byes in round one Talbot Sports went on to beat the Brun Grove (2A) 2-1 away in round 2 whilst Elswick FC beat the Old England 6-2 at home. Talbot have had a great start to the season. This morning they were third in Division 2A separated only on goal difference from second placed Little Fat Jacks, three points behind leaders the New Castle. The Talbot have won four and drawn two out of their opening nine fixtures. They have however played a couple of games more than most of the teams in the Division.
Last season playing as PG FC Elswick finished bottom of Division 3A managing to win only four games all season. This campaign they
Sportspy Reports – October 2nd 2005
 | On the road in Europe this morning with Division 3A https://fyldesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fyldesport-bk.png 0 0 Sportspy https://fyldesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fyldesport-bk.png Sportspy2005-10-02 16:22:142020-04-11 17:50:46Sportspy Reports – October 2nd 2005 Sportspy Reports – September 25th 2005
This morning Kings FC were in sixth position on eight points. Their only league defeat thus far had come against the Dunes. In the first round of the Gledhill they were unluckily knocked out in a replay on penalties by the Argosy Sports & Social Club. In recent weeks they'd been playing well and had picked up six points from wins against Brannigans and most recently Red Rose Catering FC who they beat last time out.
On five minutes the Castle's young keeper had his first touch. Unfortunately, in the above picture he had just fished it out of the back of the net. His defence had conceded a needless free kick just outside the area and then went collectively to sleep as Kev Perkes' clipped free kick found Tommy Loughran on-side and his looping back header eluded the grasp of Wilkinson. Keeper Wilkinson went on to have a great first half, he looks to be a good prospect with a safe pair of hands and an unflappable attitude.
On twelve minutes Castle equalised. Chris Pawson made a good run down the right flank and then flashed the ball across goal. An arrogant back heel flick from Robbie Walsh beat Kings' keeper Smith at the near post. 1-1
Kings FC's player manager Paul Perkes.
Kings keeper Mark Smith
On 32 minutes after a period of dominance Castle Gardens took the lead but in an unexpected and controversial fashion. Following a set piece Kings keeper Mark Smith gathered the ball and advanced towards the edge of his own area with the ball safely in his hands (See above picture). As he set himself to boot it upfield a Castle Gardens player surprised him from behind and forced him to drop the ball (Legally ruled referee Zak). The ball fell to Holloway who made no mistake as he casually lobbed it back over Smith and into the net. Uproar ! Keepers always blame goals on others but on this occasion Smith only had himself to blame. He'll never get caught out like that again. 1-2.
After a brief meeting before the committee a couple of the ex Old Vic squad were back playing again this week after an absence of over twelve months. Richard McSymons pictured above and Michael Anderson were in the Kings line up this morning.
The Castle Gardens defensive wall.
Towards the latter stages of the half Kings started to play some better football and once or twice young Wilkinson was tested in the Castle goal but he spilled nothing. On the stroke of half time Castle extended their lead. This time Andy Watson cut in down the right, squared the ball for Holloway who's first time sweeping right foot drive beat Smith in the bottom corner. 1-3.
After last season's triumphant march to the Premier Division title in which they won all twenty of their league games champions Highbury FC started off in similar fashion winning their first three matches. However, a recent run of three straight league defeats has made them realise that it will be a lot harder this season if they're to retain the title. They were in fourth this morning. Those three league defeats were interspersed with an 8-3 home win over the Shovels in Round 2 of the Gledhill.
Bispham's Tom Briggs who had a good second half at centre back.
Highbury's left back Chris Thompson.
Referee Steve Maher, busy in the early stages of the half before things settled down.
Bispham manager Gary Briggs had called the first half pretty much even and was happy with his team's performance in which they created three or four decent chances. The second half started in similar manner with few if any clear cut chances for either side. Bispham had a great opportunity to level but the striker's attempted lob just dropped over the bar with the keeper stranded. At the other end Fleetwood were starting to play some great football stringing passes together. Dave Moran especially was troubling the Bispham defenders ably supported by Parkinson and Steve Perkes in the centre. On 77 minutes the latter was fouled on the far side. Referee Maher went and had a good look before pointing to the spot. Few arguments from the Bispham players. In the picture below Stuart Parkinson converts the penalty kick. 2-0
Highbury's Dave Moran, by far the team's best player in the second half.
The penalty all but sealed the points for Highbury as they comfortably saw out the rest of the match. They even enjoyed the added bonus of scoring a third with the very last kick of the match when Frank Cygal puposefully deflected in Paul Rimmer's shot from the edge of the box. The 3-0 scoreline was a little harsh on Bispham who've now lost against Quilligans and Highbury but with only four matches played you can expect to see a lot more from them as the season progresses.
Sportspy 2005/06
Manager of the Month – August 2005
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