 | The 40th Gledhill Trophy Final approaches and the programme editors have asked for some of your amusing or interesting Gledhill anecdotes from the last 40 years. Send them in to info@fyldesport.com and the best ones will be published in the programme (anonymously if required!) |
 | A few more photographs from today's entertainment at Boundary Park. |
With no changing facilities open before kick off the local residents were treated to a tremendous display of manly physiques in the April sunshine.
Sean Slater (right), apparently it's all paid for.
Thankfully Slater (right again) managed to cover up by the start of the Red Rose Catering v Highbury Premier Division Cup semi-final.
An early goal on pitch 3 as Hydronics take the lead against Dunes
This Highbury player should know better than to argue with a Cobb, you can always rely on Max to show a good card.
Committed Dunes start to get back into the match, skipper Andy McNaughton not afraid to get in where it hurts
A good leap from the Hydronics defender
Vets (blue) taking on Highcross (stripes)
The Vets are always a threat in the air
Keith Johnstone (left)
The Vets open their account with a penalty
Minutes later Johnstone sends a header into the top corner
Over on pitch 1 Poulton celebrate their winner against Quilligans
Manager Mark Spedding (left) and the Quilligans bench looks on
Poulton's Spedding Jnr looks glum, maybe he's expecting to be now wearing his sunday dinner when he gets home
Sugden fires a fierce shot goalward but it's superbly turned round the post by Poulton keeper Josh Wood
 | Boundary Park was this morning's destinaton to watch the four Cup semi finals being played at the venue. Places in the Premier Division Cup final and the Division 1 Cup final were at stake and all four ties looked to be interesting and unpredictable. |
Recently, the four semi-finals of the Division 2 & 3 competitions were all played on the same day and at the same time on Commonedge Road which proved to be a good decision by the BFSFA as it added to the atmosphere, boosted the crowds and allowed me to watch all four matches.
It was therefore good news to see all four of the Prem and Division 1 Cup semi fnals listed for Boundary Park this morning. Great weather once again for players and spectators alike and unlike Commonedge the Boundary Park pitches still had a lot of grass on them. After the very wet winter it's now ironic that after three or four dry weeks many pitches across the Fylde are in dire need of a good soaking. We're praying for rain!
Four good looking fixtures on offer for the neutral this morning. Just over a week or so ago Quilligans FC were still involved in five competitions but defeat in the final of the Lancashire Sunday Trophy and the semi final of the Champion of Champions Cup had left them fighting for the three domestic competitions that they won last season. They're certainly in for a busy month and it remains to be seen whether their players are up to the challenge after such a testing season of fixtures. The Prem, like Divisions 2B and 3B, are still far from settled. Arcadian may have something to say about it but the four Prem teams on show today will probably end up occupying the top four places in the final league table.
Currently, Quilligans are four points behind leaders Poulton with a game in hand. Besides Poulton they've still to play Cahoots, Arcadian and Red Rose all of whom took points from them in the reverse fixtures. It's still in Poulton's own hands but with Highbury to play twice along with Quilligans it makes for a couple of fascinating weeks. Earlier in the season Poulton fell to a last minute free kick in the first league fixture to Quilligans. This morning's Cup tie was highly important in the 2006/07 Premier Division run in with each team fancying themselves for the double.
The other semi final was a local derby between Highbury and Red Rose Catering. They're still to meet in the second fixture but in the first league encounter Red Rose won 3-2. Highbury have four tough games left but twelve points combined with Poulton not collecting another point could still see them finish as runners up so the motivation is surely there for the two Poulton fixtures. Opponents Red Rose continue to over-achieve on pre-season expectations and it's good to see the Gledhill finalists still in with a chance of both a Cup double and a top four Premier Division finish.
In the Division 1 competition it was of little surprise to see both Bloomfield Vets FC and the Dunes FC competing in the semi finals. Both had gone a long way in this season's Gledhill tournament. The Vets reached the semi before going down in extra time to Red Rose Catering and the Dunes progressed to the last eight before being knocked out by Quilligans who they gave a really tough game.
This morning the Vets were up against Highcross FC who were eighth in the table. It's been another disappointing season for Highcross, Division 1's perennial under-achievers and with three games left sixth spot is the best they can hope for. The Vets in fourth have two games left and still have an outside chance of finishing third. On the first day of the season the sides fought out a 2-2 draw but just over a week ago the Vets trounced Highcross 12-0 in the reverse fixture. I couldn't foresee a repeat of that scoreline in today's game. A Cup final for either side would be good end to the season.
The Dunes FC were up against Division 1 champions Hydronics who've only lost two games all season but the long campaign is beginning to take it's toll and the Thornton club had a number of injuries but I guess that's the case for almost all clubs at this late stage. The Dunes are currently in tenth spot but six points from the last two games could leave them in seventh. Hydronics had won the league fixtures 4-1 and 3-0 and therefore went into the game as strong favourites.
All set then for some great Cup action. Perfect weather, decent pitches and three officials for every match. The only negative was the lack of changing facilities. “Your job mate for double time on a Sunday is to turn up at Boundary Park at 10am, turn a key in a lock, switch on the boiler and then hang about in the sunshine for a couple of hours”. He still couldn't grasp it. Still, at least it was dry.
First up were Poulton (Red & Black) v Quilligans with Poulton in search of their first ever win over the Alliance Champions.
Tom Porter – Another good season at Blackpool Wren Rovers.
Well held by the Poulton keeper.
Cool – Darren Spedding (Australia bound)
“Give us a break mate, it 'aint wrestling”
Quills' stopper Rick Whiteside.
'Add three equals No.4'
Danny Morris.
Still goalless at the interval.
Brian Harper (Left) and Terry Green out watching the semis.
Scott Sugden – Should have scored.
'It's in!' Shortly after the Sugden chance and Phil Ioannou hitting the post Adam Sharrock puts Poulton 1-0 up.
Quills fiercely contest a denied penalty claim.
Dave Connor – BFSFA Referees Secretary.
Danny Rowe.
A crucial late clearance.
The final whistle goes and Poulton are through.
From early in the game it looked as though one goal would seal the tie and so it proved. A very close game with each side creating some good chances.
Final score : Poulton SFC 1 – 0 Quilligans FC.
On the adjoining pitch it was Highbury FC (White) taking on Red Rose Catering FC.
Highbury go close.
They key moment of the game. Highbury are 1-0 behind but look certain to equalise as the keeper is beaten to the ball well outside his area. The shot looks goalbound but the Catering number 7 scrambles back to make a last ditch clearance.
A good punch by Clowse.
Weeks on from the last semi final and he's still not released his grip on her. Can't blame him.
Highbury followers and Subs – Far less aesthetically pleasing.
Not long into the second half Red Rose increased the lead but Fleetwood didn't give up and pulled one back to make it interesting. In the end however it was Red Rose who went through to meet Poulton in the final with a 2-1 win.
Final score : Highbury FC 1 – 2 Red Rose Catering FC.
On to the Division 1 semi finals. At half time Bloomfield Vets were 2-0 up against Highcross but it didn't stop Andy Gouck handing out a half time rollicking.
Lee Miles (Right)
A strongly hit Highcross back pass, indecision by the keeper, anticipation by Mitchell, a simple tap in, 3-0 and game over.
'Medium fives'
'Can I give you these raffle tickets?' Treasurer Dennis Wilde always on the cadge.
A comfortable progression then for the Vets who went on to score a couple more against a Highcross team without Lee Catlow.
Final score : Bloomfield Vets FC 5 – 0 Highcross FC
Last but not least we had the Dunes (White) taking on Division 1 champions Hydronics. The Dunes had gone behind early on but fought back well. At the break they were leading 2-1.
Not long after the break and Romeo is beaten as the Dunes go 3-1 up.
Glum Hydronics stalwarts watch their team's worst display of the season.
Job done !
A memorable performance from the Dunes who recovered from the early setback to deny Hydronics an opportunity for a league and Cup double. Well done to them. We look forward to two great finals.
Final score : The Dunes FC 6 – 1 Hydronics FC.
Chip butties and free beer all round yells Dunes landlord Jimmy Drinkwater (Far left) in a weak moment.
Sportspy 2006/07
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 | A trip up the coast to Fleetwood to check in on the four games being played at Broadwaters. Perfect Easter Sunday weather for this morning's Alliance programme. |
Good weather once again for Fylde Coast Sunday Football. Up at Fleetwood this morning watching the four games being played at Broadwaters. The pitches were in decent condition and with only a slight breeze we were all set fair for some entertaining football.
On offer at Broadwaters were four matches including the North Fylde derby between two of the top sides in Division 1 as champions Hydronics took on third placed Fleetwood Cricket Club. The Cricketers had inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Hydronics earlier in the season who were looking for revenge.
In the Premier Division Highbury were at home to Arcadian with the Fleetwood side in urgent need of a win if they're to finish in the top three. We also had a couple of Division 2B games as Fleetwood Kings were at home to Brannigans Reserves and Fould Metals hosted the Stanley Arms, Wesham.
Fleetwood CC (Stripes) v Hydronics
Fleetwood CC assistant manager Mike Walmsley.
Craig 'Romeo' Littlewood.
Mr Holloway.
GOAL ! The Fleetwood CC keeper retrieves the ball after Paul Bailey's opener.
Final score : Fleetwood Cricket Club FC 1 – 4 Hydronics FC
Highbury FC (White) v Arcadian FC
The key point of the match as the scuffle ends up in a caution for Arcadian and a sending off for Highbury.
“Off you go”
GOAL !
“What's up with him?” The Fleetwood player takes a theatrical tumble in the box after being impeded by Will Watt. I think he got the Pen for the howl of anguish.
Keeper Horsfall tries to make the Ref change his mind.
The keeper is sent the wrong way but the penalty comes back of the post and is cleared.
Quilligan's manager Mark Spedding (Left) is an interested spectator.
Ryan Chorlton
Mr Burns – Highbury liner.
Tony Clowse's injured foot.
“Cod caught in net!” – Highbury keeper Tony Clowse finds himself in the back of the net as he sees the ball over the bar.
Highbury concede another.
Highbury manager Mick Kerr
Aidie Hunt.
Final score : Highbury FC 3 – 6 Arcadian FC
Fleetwood Kings FC v Brannigans Reserves FC (Maroon)
Just wide for Kings.
“Kid of the week' – Morgan Shewan out watching the Kings.
Alan Varley (Right)
GOAL !
“You show me your grass burn and I'll show you mine” “Ooohh they do sting don't they?” Hard as nails these Fleetwood lads.
'Ears' takes a clearance full on the nozzle making his eyes water.
Final score : Fleetwood Kings FC 1 – 6 Brannigans Reserves FC
Foulds Metals FC (Blue) v Stanley Arms, Wesham FC
“Hello Sailor”, Stanley's Dave Bamber.
GOAL ! But a good effort from the keeper.
Joseph Reeves
Stanley keeper Danny Bunce just can't believe it as speculative shot goes through a crowded box and into the far corner.
A good effort from bottom club Stanley who played well in the first half but Foulds came good in the second period to take the points.
Final score : Foulds Metals FC 6 – 3 Stanley Arms, Wesham FC
Sportspy 2006/07
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 | Action from one of Europe's largest international junior football tournaments. Last season, Blackpool Mechanics Under 16's were victorious in their age group under manager Big Ryan. This morning they began their campaign at Under 17's. Could they repeat last season's success? Updated – Monday 9th – Ryan's team win the final ! Summary of the final with pictures now published. |
What a glorious morning at Commonedge Road where the warm sunshine quickly saw off the mist and there wasn't a breath of wind. The Blackpool Cup is well worth a visit as it's a massive junior tournament from Under 9 all the way through to Under 20's. Teams from all over Europe and beyond show up to play and it's just a mass of colour and kids chattering away in Italian, French, Dutch, Icelandic, Spanish, Swiss intertwined with Irish, Scots, Welsh, Scousers and Cockneys – the whole caboodle.
Unfortunately, not many local teams take part but last year a team under the name of Blackpool Mechanics FC Under 16's played. They're made up of lads from the local youth league teams including Clifton Rangers, YMCA and Poulton Town Under 16's FC and are managed by local football character Big Ryan who's often seen out watching Highfield Social FC or Quilligans FC. Last year they won their final on Easter Monday so they were back again this season looking to win the Under 17's version. I promised Ryan I'd pop over and take a few photo's so here they are. He'd managed to steal the Highfield Social kit so let's hope they don't have a game tomorrow.
First up for our lot were an outfit from the Netherands sponsored by the Dutch bank Rabobank. A dusty Pitch 1 was the venue. A great start as Ryan's team began with a 4-0 win. They could do well but like last year they're an indisciplined rabble and Ryan needs to get a grip of them. 4-0 up, giving silly free-kicks away, arguing with the ref and the opposition it was no surprise when one of them received his marching orders from the Scottish official. Last year even Ryan himself was ordered to the stand in the final. They can go all the way once again but they must display more self control. Good luck lads.
Big Ryan
Matthew Wood
Blackpool take the lead.
Thirsty work – Half time team talk
Another goal for the home side.
“It waszsh three kilometres offshzzide referee” A couple of decisions went against the Dutch resulting in the liner coming on to the pitch for a Dutch/Scot chat. The Ref quickly sent him on his way.
Shovels FC keeper Danny Jardine.
Mr Jardine Snr
The Ref steps in and we're down to ten men.
The best of luck to Ryan's team for the rest of the competition.
Updated Sunday 6pm: After finishing up the website following Sunday's Alliance programme it was back over to Commonedge to check in again on the Junior Football tournament. In my absence Ryan's Blackpool Mechanics Under 17's had reached a 5pm semi-final against a team from Northern Ireland. This despite further indiscipline in the shape of another sending off and turning up late for a group match and having to forfeit the game.
One team had come all the way from Iceland and got there on time but Ryan couldn't get his men the hundred yards from South Shore Cricket Club to Pitch 1 by kick off time. Anyway, they still managed to win their group. Credit where it's due the team were awesome in the semi and generally well behaved. They played some really good fast flowing passing football and all but murdered the opposition from Northern Ireland with a 5-2 win to set up a final on Easter Monday morning at 10am on the Blackpool Mechanics dustbowl.
Monday 9th April 2007
Cold and grey at Blackpool Mechanics this morning for the final of the Blackpool Cup (Under 17s). By a twist of fate Blackpool Mechanics opponents were the same team from the Netherlands who they'd played in the first group on Saturday. Haarlem FC had finished second in the group and won their respective semi against the other group winners to reach the final. Before Christmas I spent a week working in Haarlem which is a town about 30 minutes outside Amsterdam. A wonderful place and highly recommended for a visit.
Blackpool Mechanics Under 17's 2006/07
This morning's officials
Kon Haarlem FC
The sides enter the arena
Haarlem supporters.
MAGS (Blackpool's Mums and Girlfriends)
Blackpool scored straight from the kick off. Three passes put Martin Bird clean through and he made no mistake. 1-0.
Goal celebration dance.
Anthony Stayte.
Miss Noon with Dad.
GOAL ! Jamie Gunn fires it past the keeper to put Mechanics 2-0 up.
The Haarlem captain.
Jamie Gunn
Half time score : Blackpool Mechanics FC 2 – 0 Haarlem FC
Yellow card for a Haarlem player.
The Haarlem keeper.
Big Ryan barks out some instructions.
Blackpool keeper Danny Jardine pulls off a great save in the dust from a Haarlem free-kick. What happened to the wall?
There's a tangle on the floor and a Blackpool player lashes out.
A straight red from the Ref is the correct decision.
The dismissal goes down well with the Haarlem contingent.
With time running out the Haarlem keeper goes up for the corner.
Hurry back mate!
The final whistle goes and the teams shake hands.
Final score : Blackpool Mechanics FC 2 – 0 Haarlem FC
Disappointed Haarlem youngsters.
The runners up collect their trophy.
The Haarlem Club captain.
The Haarlem management team rightly proud of their team's achievements.
Respectful applause for the winners.
The Blackpool players collect their medals.
The final was far from a classic encounter and overall there were only a handful of clear cut chances. It was clear that Haarlem FC had adapted well since the first match between the teams. It can't be easy to come to the UK and adapt to our dusty pitches, breezy conditions and physical style but by the second half they were competing evenly with the Blackpool side. Their manager said his team were not used to the English game but had learned quickly and that his players would go back to the Netherlands as more experienced and better players as result of the experience.
Haarlem were worthy opponents and went down with dignity. As for Blackpool two first half goals were enough to seal the victory. They have some excellent young players and as they make the often troublesome transition between junior and senior football I hope they end up in decent teams with good strong managers who can keep them on track and bring out the best of them. Staying disciplined and learning to win well as lose well are important traits to gain. Well done lads and congratulations from Fyldesport.com. Our Blackpool player of the tournament was captain Anthony Spayte.
Jamie Gunn picks up the Manager's Player of the tournament.
Blackpool Cup Under 17's Winners 2006/07 – Blackpool Mechanics FC
IT'S OURS !! Big Ryan lifts the Trophy.
Sportspy 2006/07
(E-Mail) sportspy22@aol.com
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 | Quilligans FC go down at Leyland in the final of the Lancashire Sunday Trophy to Preston side Arkwrights FC. |
The County Ground at Leyland is an impressive venue with a flat playing surface and good facilities. The perfect night for football. Kick off was delayed until about 19:20 due to traffic problems on the M55.
Arkwrights settled the quicker and Roskell was called upon to make an important early save. At the other end Quilligans forced a corner that the keeper saved with his legs. On 10 minutes the Preston side took the lead. A deep cross to the far post found Kirkham striker Mark Wane unmarked and he guided a brilliant header across the goal and into the top corner. Shoddy marking from Quills but a quality finish nevertheless.
The Hoops take the lead.
For the next twenty minutes Arkwright were on top winning the key tackles all over the pitch. Quilligans were guilty of giving away niggly fouls in dangerous areas and were not allowed to settle into their normal freeflowing style of play. On 22 minutes an Arkwrights player was brought down in the box and the referee initially awarded a penalty but the asssistants flag had been up for ages and eventually offside was given.
In the final five minutes of the half Quilligans were at last making some offensive forays. A great diagonal cross found Ioannou bursing into the box, he cut across the defender and appeared to have his shirt pulled. He got his shot off but the keeper blocked it and Cook spurned the rebound over the bar. Two minutes later another scramble in the box saw Ioannou fail to make contact in a 50/50 with the keeper and the ball spun wide.
Half time score : Arkwrights FC 1 – 0 Quilligans FC
The first twenty minutes of the second half were very disjointed but once again Arkwrights started positively and their tenacious play left the Quilligans players very little time on the ball. Just after the hour mark manager Spedding decided on a shake up. Perry-Acton came on for Ioannou at full back and Wayne Gardiner replaced Sugden upfront.
This gave Quilligans different options and Gardiners pace was quickly brought to the fore. On 67 minutes he was sent racing clear and his cross to the far post was only half cleared. Gardiner won the chase to the clearance and the defender brought him down in the box. Gardiner took the spot kick himself and made no mistake. 1-1.
Wayne Gardiner converts from the spot
Credit to Arkwrights they came out strong once again after the goal and enjoyed the bulk of the possession – the game had come alive. On 73 minutes Quills had a great chance to take the lead. Good hold up play from Broadbent resulted in the big man playing a great cross to the far post. Perry-Acton looked set to score but his downward header went the wrong side of the post – Agony !
The miss was made all the worse as Arkwrights went straight down the other end and took the lead. Once agin Mark Wane was the scorer as his pace took him to the ball ahead of Roskell and he prodded it home. 2-1.
For the reaminder of the game Arkwrights defended well when they needed to but in all honesty they looked comfortable and had the ball up the Quiligans end for long periods. As the final whistle approached they rounded off the evening with a third as Roskell's parry was followed up by Darren Worgan to make it 3-1.
Final score : Arkwrights FC 3 – 1 Qulligans FC
“What's going on 'ere then?”
The MC announces Arkwrights as the runners up.
The Arkwright's captain Paul Eastwood lifts the famous Cup.
Few, if any, could argue that the best team on the night won the final. Arkwrights were excellent from start to finish working hard especially when they didn't have the ball. The strikers were a handful and the defending was resolute. They didn't allow Quilligans to find any kind of rhythm and as a result the Alliance Champions failed to put together any decent spells of possession or pressure. The creative element of the Quilligan's side was effectively snuffed out. The Preston side were worthy winners so credit where it's due.
As for Quilligans they were beaten in the quarter finals last season by eventual winners D&P Copperpot FC of Rochdale and they were beaten in the final this year in a competition that attracted 132 teams from all over Lancashire so a creditable effort of which they can proud. They now have to quickly put this disappointment behind them as they're still very much in the hunt for the league title, two domestic Cup finals and the Champion of Champions Cup. An interesting evening of football and although hugely disappointing a memorable occasion to witness.
Interserve Lancashire Sunday Trophy winners 2006/07 – Arkwrights FC (Preston).
Sportspy 2006/07
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 | Tonight Quilligans FC travel to the County Ground at Leyland in an attempt to bring home the biggest prize in local Sunday football – The Interserve Lancashire Sunday Trophy. Their opponents will be Arkwrights FC of Preston. |
Back in October 132 teams from across Lancashire set out on the path to Lancashire Cup glory but only two remain. Thursday evening sees the conclusion of this season's competition at the County Ground in Leyland as BFSFA Champions Quilligans FC take on top Preston outfit Arkwrights FC at 7pm. It promises to be a great final and if Quilligans can bring back the trophy it will be a massive achievement for them as well as a great boost for the credibility of Fylde Coast Sunday football. The ground is less than forty minutes away so I strongly recommend you make the effort to go along and support our team against the Preston opposition. The famous Cup has been away from the coast for far too long.
Click here for directions to the ground (7pm kick off)
Road to the final – Arkwrights FC
Round 1 – Bye
Round 2 – 01/10/06 – Woodhouse Athletic FC 1 – 5 Arkwrights FC
Round 3 – 22/10/06 – Ashton Villa FC 2 – 5 Arkwrights FC
Round 4 – 12/11/06 – Bamber Bridge Athletic FC 1 – 15 Arkwrights FC
Round 5 – 10/12/06 – Clarence Hotel FC 2 – 3 Arkwrights FC
Quarter Final – 14/01/07 – Arkwrights FC 3 – 2 Dragon FC
Semi Final – 01/03/07 – Arkwrights FC 2 – 0 Gathurst United FC
Road to the final – Quilligans FC
Round 1 – Bye
Round 2 – 01/10/06 – Quilligans FC 7 – 0 Caledonia FC
Round 3 – 22/10/06 – Quilligans FC 2 – 1 AFC longridge
Round 4 – 12/11/06 -New Farington House FC 1 – 6 Quilligans FC
Round 5 – 10/12/06 – Quilligans FC 7 – 0 Cahoots FC
Quarter Final – 07/01/07 – Ingol Rangers FC 0 – 7 Quilligans FC
Semi Final – 22/02/07 – Quilligans FC 3 – 2 Elton Vale Sports Club FC
LANCASHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Chief Executive: David P. Burgess,
The County Ground, Thurston Road, Leyland PR25 2LF
Lancashire F.A. Interserve Sunday Trophy
Current holders D. & P. Copper Pot F.C.
SEASON 2006/2007
FINAL TIE
TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 5th APRIL, 2007, KICK-OFF 7.00 P.M. AT THE COUNTY GROUND, THURSTON ROAD, LEYLAND
45 minutes each way to be played in the event of a draw at full time then extra time of 15 minuteseach way must be played if still a draw after extra time then the tie to be decided by the taking of penalty kicks in accordance with the Laws of the Game
ARKWRIGHTS C.F.C. -v- QUILLIGANS F.C.
Referee: Mark Ashall,
Ref. Ass. Mark Bailey
Ref. Ass Stuart Delmonte
NOTES TO CLUBS AND REFEREES
1. Please forward details of Team and Colours to this office no later than 29th March, 2007.
2. Please ensure all Players come up to receive his trophy at the Presentation at end of game.
3. Please mark the Referee on the form provided.
4. ALLOCATION OF DRESSING ROOMS
Home : ARKWRIGHTS F.C.
Away: QUILLIGANS F.C.
5. GROUND ADMISSION FOR PLAYERS AND CLUB OFFICIALS
Each Club will be sent 21 tickets to admit 16 Players and 5 Club Officials, these tickets can be presented from 6.00 p.m. to gain entry into The County Ground.
ALL PLAYERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO PRESENT THEIR ENTRANCE PASS.IF NO PASSES ARE PRODUCED THE FULL ADMISSION PRICE MAY BE CHARGED
Admission Price – Adults –
 | At Commonedge Road in the Spring sunshine casting an eye over the four Divsional Cup semi finals taking place in good conditions. |
The crisp Commonedge air was thick with anticipation this morning as eight Division 2 & 3 teams looked to book their place in a Divisional Cup final. Cup fever combined with the good weather meant that the car park was filling up quickly soon after 10am and the mobile caterer was doing a roaring trade.
The opportunity to reach Sunday football Cup finals in the lower Divisions do not come along so often which makes them great viewing for the few neutrals as they're always fiercely fought passionate affairs with great rewards for the victors and huge disappointment for the vanquished.
The Division 2 sides were handed the best of the pitches over the ditch on seven and eight whilst the Division 3 sides were allocated pitches one and two. The two Division 2 semi finals had well backed favourites at the bookies with in-form Gardeners Arms (2A) hosting the Squirrel (2A) and high flying Fylde Coast Gates FC (2B) up aginst West Coast Tackle Postal FC (2A). This morning the Gardeners were third in the table two points behind the Squirrel with two games in hand. They've met just once in the league this season and that was last Sunday when the Gardeners triumphed 4-1 in the dress rehearsal. The Gardeners had enjoyed seven straight wins prior to today's game and they're the current holders of the Division 3 Cup.
In the other semi final the only remaining 2B side Fylde Coast Gates FC were taking on West Coast Tackle Postal FC. Gates were third in the table this morning four points behind the Shovels with a couple of games in hand. The unpleasantness with the Shovels aside Brian Carr's team have put together an impressive run of fourteen matches unbeaten in the league. Whatever happens in the end of season shake up the Gates have had probably their most successful season ever in the BFSFA and it would be great to see them in Division 1.
Opponents West Coast Tackle (2A) were featured in the last round. They're still enjoying a good season and still have an outside chance of third place. Two weeks back they had a blip when going down 5-1 at Great Eccleston, a side they'd beaten 7-1 a few weeks earlier but last week they returned to form with a 3-0 win over Elswick.
Two interesting looking matches in the Division 3 competition. The favourites were Wrea Green FC, the only remaining 3A side left in the competition but they wouldn't have it all their own way against Alliance new boys Secure Health FC from 3B. On Wednesday night Wrea Green's win over rivals Mythop guaranteed them at least runners up spot but it's only a matter of time before they'll clinch the title as theyre three points clear at the top with two games in hand. Eighten league games played and still unbeaten they'd prove to be stern opposition this morning.
Secure Health FC are currrently going very well in their first season. They were fourth in the table but with five games left it looks as though they may even finish a place higher in third if they can maintain recent form. Runners up spot is still an outside possibility if the Royal stumble but promotion to either Division 2 or Division 3A looks like a distinct possibility. Apart from a 4-1 beating by champions elect Cash & Carry Kitchens Paul Haslam's side are unbeaten in the last eleven games. Well capable of an upset this morning this was perhaps the most attractive tie on offer this morning.
Next door Cash & Carry Kitchens FC, the Division 3B leaders who were featured in this piece last week were taking on fellow 3B side Ward Heating FC who were featured earlier in the season. Ward Heating are also going well in fifth place and a storming finish may yet reward them with third place. The league games between these two sides have been very close. In mid October the Kitchens came out on top in a narrow 2-1 win whilst on bonfire night the teams played out an exciting 4-4 draw so everything to play for this morning.
Cup semi Sunday for the lower Divisions is one of the best days in the Alliance calendar and I'd been looking forward to it all week. Despite the chilly north easterly breeze we had good weather, decent surfaces and three officials for every match so few excuses.
Pictures from all four matches below ;
This morning's Cup referees and assistants prepare to go into battle.
Secure Health FC 2006/07
Wrea Green FC 2006/07
Sandhills.
Final score : Wrea Green FC 5 – 1 Secure Health FC
Wrea Green started strongly in this game and were in control throughout. The favourites go through but a good effort from Secure who've done well to reach the semis in their first season together.
Next up on the adjoining pitch were Cash & Carry Kitchens FC and Ward Heating FC (White) who were playing in the other Division 3 Cup semi final.
'Kid of the week'. Young Ben Kettlewell happily out watching Dad Lee and the victorious Ward Heating FC.
Mr Cunliffe
Kitchens take the lead.
A cloud of dust and Ward Heating FC equalise.
Final score : Cash & Carry Kitchens FC 2 – 3 Ward Heating FC
Ward Heating FC pull off the result of the day as they end the Kitchen's 18 match unbeaten run. A great victory coming back to win after going behind early on. Two quick goals midway through the first half did the damage.
“We're through ! Ward Heating FC goalscorers
Over the dyke next to check in on the Squirrel (Blue) v Gardeners Arms FC tie. At half time the score was 1-1.
The Gardeners' keeper is a big lad and you know about it when he barges you off the ball.
Gardeners' Veteran Gary Stoney (Left) in his umpteenth final season.
Squirrel manager Martin Ramsden soon has the player back on his feet. “How many fingers am I holding up? – No, mine you idiot”
Squirrel management team member Andrew Wright has a good view of the action behind the goal
Linesman and BFSFA discipline secretary John McNicholas
Well up
Danny Pickering
Mick Smith (Left) and John Miles catch up.
Suspended Gardener's player manager Simon Morrell relatively content with his sides performance.
Final score : Squirrel FC 1 – 4 Gardeners Arms FC
The Squirrel took the lead early in this game and conceded a soft goal just before the break. It stayed relatively close in this one until midway through the half when the Gardeners stepped up a gear and in the end they ran out deserved winners.
On the next pitch the other Division 2 Cup semi final was being played between West Coast Tackle Postal FC and Fylde Coast Gates FC.
Fylde Coast Gates FC 2006/07
Chris Shields on his way to yet another final.
Gates' manager Brian Carr demands more from his players.
St Annes Ex Service v Northern Care
Scary individual – Most likely chemically enhanced.
Safely over the bar.
BOO !
Wayne 'Jar Jar' Binks
Final score : West Coast Tackle Postal FC 1 – 3 Fylde Coast Gates FC
Another fairly close game until Gates killed off the oppositon with a goal midway through the second half. As the breeze strengthened West Coast were struggling to create chances whilst Gates looked dangerous on the break. That sets up a great looking final between Gates and Gardeners which is just too close to call.
In the end the four best teams on the day progressed through to the finals which is all you can hope for. All four matches were played in excellent spirit and had few if any controversial incidents. All the games I saw were very well officiated by the men in black. Good luck to all four teams in the final and commiserations to the beaten sides. A good day to be playing in white.
Sportspy 2006/07
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
 | The BFSFA commitee has now confirmed the dates and venues for this season's Divisional Cup finals. |
Sunday, April 29th 2007 – Blackpool Mechanics FC
10:30 – Division 2 Cup Final
13:30 – Division 1 Cup Final
Friday May 11th 2007 – Blackpool Wren Rovers FC
7pm (TBC) – Premier Division Cup Final
Sunday May 6th 2007 – Blackpool Wren Rovers FC
11am – Division 3 Cup Final
 | As the debate regarding the staying power, or lack of it, of players and teams in the Premier Division rages across Fylde Coast footballing circles Braveheart from the Layton makes an impassioned plea to save the club. |
You play a few seasons in the lower Divisions losing only the odd game, scoring lots of goals and racking up some great victories in the league and Cup and everything's just fine and dandy as you collect the medals and trophies basking in the glory of your own magnificence and then you reach the Premier Division.
Suddenly, you're on the wrong side of a couple of bad hammerings and before you know it half of your players are off to seek fresh challenges, (mainly in the lower Divisions because they can't stomach losing), or wish to spend more time with the family. Excuses for 'no shows' grow weaker especially in bad weather or when it's time to play the leaders.
On Sunday Layton Institute FC failed to raise a team against Quilligans FC in the Premier Division Cup so they scratched allowing the holders and favourites a smooth passage through to the semi finals whilst at the same time devaluing the competition.
Manager Stuart 'Braveheart' Todd says the exodus of players after a couple of recent maulings by the likes of Poulton has stretched resources to the limit and that the club may fold.
Will Layton go the same way as Bloomfield WMC, Anchorsholme, McDonald Property, the Old Vic and possibly Bispham Juniors/Cahoots ?
Stuart had this to say to Fyldesport when we caught up with him after a long night on the phone, his face begrutten, (stained with tears), and an empty bottle of White Horse by his side ;
Micky ma boy,
Just read your article on ma puter (PC) re the Cup and yes we didn