Achives – 2006/07 Season.
 | Archive information on the 2006/07 Season. |
END OF SEASON STATS
 | Here at Fyldesport we've now published the longed-for End-of-Season-Stats for every BFSFA team. Click here to access them. |
Final results grids for the 2006/07 season.
 | All of this season's results within each of six Division's fixture grids. The grids are courtesy of the BFSFA. The tables on this site and the sister site are now in agreement with the results on the fixture grid. Any disagreements should be taken up with the BFSFA. |
Premier Division.
Division 1.
Division 2A.
Division 2B.
Division 3A.
Division 3B.
Sportspy Reports – Sunday May 6th 2007.
 | Blackpool Wren Rovers FC was the venue for this morning's Division 3 Cup final between Division 3A Champions Wrea Green FC and underdogs Ward Heating FC who finished fourth in Division 3B. Just one other result from 2A where West Coast Tackle ended their season with a 6-1 win over Marshall Court in the final BFSFA league game of the season. West Coast finish seventh. |
Rain in the air and a lot cooler this morning for the Bank Holiday weekend Cup final played at the ground of Blackpool Wren Rovers FC. This morning saw the climax of the Division 3 competition between Wrea Green FC of Division 3A and Ward Heating FC of Division 3B.
It's fair to say that the 3A side wee strong favourites with the bookmakers prior to kick off. Eighteen wins, four draws and no defeats saw the village team win the league by nine points ahead of runners up Mythop Leisure. They also reached the last eight of the Gledhill Cup so losses this season have been very few and far between. After years of mid/lower table mediocrity manager Dennis Halliday has brought in two or three quality players who have settled in smoothly with the long serving core squad. A win today would give them a famous double. I was reading on their website this morning that it's been twenty-five years since a Wrea Green team took BFSFA silverware back to to the rural idyll so maybe today was the day.
In order to reach the final they'd had to beat Dog & Partridge (4-0), Waterloo Hotel (0-4), McKenzies Estates (3-4) and Secure Health FC (1-5).
Opponents Ward Heating may have been underdogs but they've shown a lot of spirit in this Cup run. In the earlier rounds they had to overcome Blackpool Catholic Club (Walk-over), Spindles, Pump & Truncheon Celtic before facing eventual 3B champions Cash & Carry Kitchens FC in the semi-final. After going behind they fought back to eventually go through in a famous 3-2 victory. It's also been a good season in the league where they finished fourth on goal difference just ahead of the Fairhaven. We'll have to wait and see if 4th place is good enough to achieve promotion.
In the Gledhill they fell at the first hurdle to Mythop Leisure FC. They finished the season with a poor run of three defeats but hopefully they could play to their capabilities this morning. Todays' match official was Tony Cunliffe ably assisted by Steve Garrett and Brian Jones.
At 11am we were underway in the stiff westerly wind with Ward Heating defending the School Road end. Good to see Wrea Green bringing out the famous old strip for the occasion.
Wrea Green FC
Tony Cunliffe (Centre) with Steve Garrett (Left) and Brian Jones.
Ward Heating FC
Wrea Green FC supporters.
Ward Heating keeper Lee Bonney.
Just over the bar.
Mr Cunliffe (Left).
The Wrea Green bench. Manager Dennis Halliday (Centre). Seamstress required.
“You call that a shot?, You call that a pass?, You call that a save?”
Wrea Green under pressure.
Ward Heating supremo Mick Hutchinson (Left).
A great save by Wrea Green keeper Hassan. The flag was up for offside but he wasn't to know.
A comedy moment as Marlow is taken out by his own team-mate in the opponents box. Hassan is clearly amused in goals.
No sympathy from the offender. “If the idiot hadn't have got in my way I would have scored!”
“This is my whistle so pay attention to it”.
Half time score : Wrea Green FC 0 – 0 Ward Heating FC.
The first half was very tight with both sides hardly troubling either keeper apart from corners, deep crosses and long throws. Both sides were defensively well organised. Few clear cut chances of note. Ward Heating were well aware of their opponents top class run of results this season but the longer the half went on the more their collective confidence grew.
At half time we saw the annual penalty prize competition as the Divisional winners of the 'Fair Play' award each nominate a player to take five penalties. Whoever wins trousers
Sportspy Reports – Friday May 4th 2007.
 | At the famous setting of Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road ground watching the 40th Gledhill Cup final between current holders Quilligans FC and Red Rose Catering FC. |
To be honest it wasn't the best of starts to the showpiece final. The junior final taking place beforehand badly over-ran leaving the players stuck upstairs in the lounge as the listed kick off time of 19:45 rapidly approached. Outside, peope who had arrived early at 7pm were refused access until the ground had been cleared of the previous supporters. We were finally admitted in about half past seven and were disappointed to find the admission price of
GLEDHILL FINAL – PLAYER INTERVIEWS
 | Less than 3 days from the historic 40th Gledhill Trophy Final, Fyldesport interviews two of the key players in Red Rose catering's Mark Davis and Quilligans' Robbie Boal. |
The 40th Gledhill Cup Final – May 4th 2007.
| Friday May 4th (7:45pm) sees the 40th Final of the Gledhill Cup. The showpiece final takes place courtesy of Blackpool FC at Bloomfield Road. Current holders Quilligans FC will be looking to lift the famous Cup for the third season in succession but not if Red Rose Catering FC have anything to say about it. In this article we look forward to the final and take a look back at this season's competition. |
Sportspy Extra – Cup final special
 | Pictures from the two Divisional Cup Finals played at Blackpool Mechanics FC. This morning the Gardeners beat Fylde Coast Gates FC in the Division 2 competition whilst after lunch the Bloomfield Vets FC (Left) were victorious against the Dunes FC in the Division 1 Cup. (Updated with more pictures on Tuesday AM) |
First up were the Gardeners Arms FC (2A) v Fylde Coast Gates FC (2B). Circumstances meant that I could only watch the first half hour of this one due to the big title decider taking place at Collins Park. This was a well matched contest from the off. Will Riding put the Gardeners in front on the quarter hour but Fylde Coast Gates levelled. As in the Division 3 Cup final last season the Gardeners grabbed a dramatic late winner to win 2-1. Gates were unhappy to see a free-kick ruled out but the referee ruled it indirect and after initially giving a goal changed his mind. Brian Carr was happy with his team's performance as unlike in the PPM game they played to their capabilities and were unlucky not to get a result.
Mr Ayres, Mr Nixon and Mr Dalton – This morning's officials.
Gardeners Arms FC
Fylde Coast Gates FC
Gates kick off towards Common Edge
A meaty challenge from Andy Howarth
Early Gardeners pressure
Smiffy
Gardeners' player manager STEVE Morrell.
Crossy just does enough in the sandpit to put Oswell off his stride.
Miles and Beattie enjoying the early start.
GOAL ! Will Riding sneaks in to put the Gardeners 1 – 0 up.
The Gates bench.
Sportspy(right), even better positioning than keeper Morrell
Gary Stoney. Last game ?
Andy Howarth offering another racing tip
Smithurst takes the ball into the corner in the dying seconds
Skipper Rob of FCG takes his Runners-up medal
Dave Cross hoists the Cup
Super Sunday continued this afternoon with the Division 1 final. Bloomfield Vets FC were the favourites against the Dunes, a side they'd beaten 5-0 in the league back in February. Last time they reached a final the Dunes put in a disappointing performance against Red Rose Catering. I'm afraid that it was a similar scenario today as hesitant defending along with a lack of attacking punch saw them go down 3-1 to a committed Bloomfield Vets who were out to make up for Gledhill semi-final defeat a few weeks back. This was an entertaining game in the warm sunshine.
Mr Harvey, Mr Dyson and Mr Rogers – this afternoons' officials.
Bloomfield Vets FC
Dunes FC
“Our ball ?”
GOAL ! and a good one at that as No 14 heads past the Dunes keeper. 1-0.
Cahoots manager Mark Faber and friend looking more relaxed already now his turbulent season/career looks to be over with Cahoots.
A long throw and number 6 for the Vets loops a header into the far corner.
Yes !! 2-0
Vets keeper.
Half time – a rest and a drink required.
The Dunes put a poor first half behind them and started the second period far more brightly. The Vets keeper was soon called into the action to make a great tip over the bar.
But only minutes later he could do nothing to stop the Dunes pulling one back.
The Vets saw a handball in the build up to the Dunes goal. Mr Dyson didn't and 'here's a yellow card for questioning my eyesight.'
Neil Mitchell.
The best own goal of the season as the Dunes defender (Left)nods a great header into the top corner. Luckily for him the linesman flagged for offside at the point of delivery.
Keith Johnstone.
Transfer target, Tony Whittle (Left)
Steve Hughes (Left)
The Vets settled once again and started to play some good football. They were awarded a free-kick out on the left in a decent shooting position. Andy Gouck blasted it in but the keeper couldn't hold the powerful effort and spilled it. In the ensuing melee the ball was forced over the line to make it 3-1.
Too much heat on the shot for the keeper.
The keeper can only chew sand as the ball is forced over the line. 3-1
3-1 and game over.
The Dunes collect their medals.
BFSFA Chairman Nigel Hough presents Vet's skipper Andy Gouck with the Division 1 Cup.
Sportspy 2006/07
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Sportspy Reports – Sunday April 29th 2007.
 | With the Division 2 Cup final taking place at 10:30am, the Alliance title decider at 11 o'clock and the Division 1 Cup final at half past one in the afternoon it was always going to be a busy day. Cup final special with pictures to follow later. |
About three week's ago a guest post appeared in the Shoutbox. “The Premier Division title will go all the way to the last game of the season with Poulton only needing a point”. I'd already looked at the run in for both teams. Quilligans had Arcadian, Red Rose Catering and Cahoots still to play before Poulton on the last day. Arcadian had already beaten Quills earlier in the season and both Red Rose Catering and Cahoots had each taken a point in the first league fixtures. All three sides were in a decent run of form. With a congested fixture programme due to external and domestic cup competitions taken together with a mounting list of suspensions and injuries things didn't look good.
As for Poulton, they had Highbury to play twice before Quilligans on the last day. Surely, Highbury would have been aware of Quilligans run-in and realised that six points off Poulton may have been enough to secure runners up spot. In summary, I thought that one or both of the contenders would have 'blown up' prior to today and that one way or the other it would have all been over by now allowing me to conveniently watch both of the Divisional Cup finals but inconsideration meant that it wasn't to be. The mysterious soothsayer in the Shoutbox had been proved correct.
Still, who could possibly complain about the BFSFA title going all the way to the last game. In recent week's the other five Divisional titles had been wrapped up and when it came to league action only the Premier Division title remained. Would it be Quilligans or Poulton who would be crowned champions? Long time leaders Poulton required a point whilst the current champions needed a win. A last gasp Palmer free-kick had secured all three points in the first league meeting betwen the sides. That still represents Poulton's only league defeat of the season. More recently, Poulton had ended the curse of never having had a previous victory against Quilligans in league or Cup with a narrow 1-0 win in the Premier Division Cup semi-final.
Seven days is a long time in Sunday football. With Quilligans going for a win in the 40th Gledhill Cup final next Friday night this would be the crucial week of the season. The double would be great, the league or the Gledhill would be more than satisfactory but coming away with nothing would be disappointing. They're a team packed with players who know how to win, are used to winning and who hate to get beat
As for Poulton, they're at the top on merit. Some clever moves in the transfer market had strengthened the squad. Team spirit has always been there for Poulton but this season an element of true self belief appeared to have been added. This morning, they never had a better chance of winning the league. With a Premier Division Cup final to look forward to on May 11th a famous 'Double' was also well within their grasp.
A big crowd and perfect spring playing conditions helped set the stage for the title decider. Few would have envied refereee Sandy Gear this morning but he was one of the few that looked totally calm and relaxed as his whistle began a much anticipated ninety minutes of top class Sunday morning football.
RIP Alan Ball
Dean Fulford.
Broadbent maintains his height advantage over Josh Wood.
Danny Morris.
After an even opening Quilligans opened the scoring. A cross from the right was half cleared to Steve Palmer who played it back out wide. The Poulton defenders had pushed up to try and claim an offside but it didn't work. The square ball was played in quickly and with keeper Wood hopelessly exposed Paul Cooke had the simplest of tap ins to put his team 1-0 to the good.
Paul Cooke (Left) makes no mistake for the opener.
Robbie Boal arguing with the referee.
Sean Lawler stretches for the ball.
On 17 minutes Poulton were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position but Rowe blasted it over. On twenty minutes Poulton's 'high line' was beaten as Sugden raced clear but his cross shot evaded the far post.
Anthony Pearson.
Carl Spedding.
Stuart Bracewell in trouble with Mr Gear.
Phil Thompson's shoulder is injured and manger Spedding takes advantage for some coaching, “With Thommo's shoulder injured the last thing we need is you being sent off so cut out the backchat Bracey.”
Stuart Armer.
Just before the break Poulton created their best chance of the match. Clever footwork from Danny Rowe ceated a shooting opportunity for himself but Whiteside was alive enough to paw his 20 yard effort around the post.
Paul Roberts
Half time score : Quilligans FC 1 – 0 Poulton SFC
Tom Porter.
On 55 minutes a quickly taken throw-in created a good chance for Sugden but his shot went wide. Quilligans were well on top with Poulton failing to create. When they did get balls into the box they were at a comfortable height for keeper Whiteside.
Highbury FC boost the crowd.
Poulton keeper Josh Wood.
On sixty-seven minutes the title was won. My man of the match Paul Roberts was playing one of his more offensive games today and his powerful runs forward were causing the visitors difficulty. He took the ball down the left, cut inside and drove it accross and in the picture below a Poulton defender could only deflect the ball into his own net. 2 – 0.
A minute later it was almost three as a one two between Roberts and Thompson saw the latter cross for Palmer who hit a post. The rebound fell to Roberts who's shot whizzed past the post.
Roberts' cross shot somehow finds the target.
The important two goal cushion is achieved.
Brian Croft.
Danny Rowe.
Robbie Boal arguing with the referee.
After the second goal Poulton made some changes and to be fair the injection of pace by the number two had them looking more like the team they are. Poulton's rhythm picked up and they played their best football of the match but despite the increase in possession they couldn't create a clear cut opportunity.
Sandy Gear with the crowd on his back.
Final score : Quilligans FC 2 – 0 Poulton SFC
The Alliance title then settled on the final Sunday of the season. For most of the neutrals it didn't live up to the pre-match hype as the game was rather flat for long periods. Poulton really needed to score first in this game to put the pressure on but in all honesty they never much looked like scoring all day. They missed Fegan's creative input. However, they've had a great season only losing twice in the league and reaching the final of the Premier Division Cup. I have to say that football in Poulton is on the up and with the sides doing in well in the West Lancs they seem to have a conveyor belt of young talent coming through so the signs look very good for next season.
Quilligans deserved their win today and the final and all important league table of the season never lies. You have to give them credit for coming through a very tough series of fixtures in the last couple of months so well done to manager Mark Spedding and his team. Quilligans remain the team to beat. Poulton came very close this season and can count themselves unlucky but dropping six points against the eventual champions can afford them few complaints.
Roll on next season.
Champions !
Sportspy 2006/07
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Sportspy Reports – Sunday April 22nd 2007.
 | At the ground of Poulton Town FC, Cottam Hall watching the latest twist in the Division 2B title race. Long time leaders Progress Property Management FC needed a win to overhaul the Shovels FC and secure their second league title in succession. Opponents Fylde Coast Gates FC really had to win the game themselves to keep their strong title hopes alive. |
'Super Sunday' (Part 1) at Cottam Hall this morning as Progress Property Management FC (PPM) took on Fylde Coast Gates. Division 2B was still finely poised as was Division 3B and the Premier Division. There were important games across the Fylde in all three Divisions this morning.
At start of play the Shovels FC were top of the league on 49 points but they'd finished their programme last weekend. A strong finish where they'd taken sixteen points from the last eighteen available had given them a chance of glory. PPM were one point behind and this was their last game of the season and as such their final opportunity to take over at the top. A win would guarantee them the title and a draw would also take them to the top but still leave them vulnerable to a late charge from this morning's opponents Fylde Coast Gates.
After winning the 3B title during their Alliance debut last season PPM settled quickly in the higher Division and up until about five week's ago looked as though they would stroll to the title. After an early season league defeat they went unbeaten until late March. The wobble began with a 2-1 away defeat in the Division 2 Cup to Talbot Sports & Social followed by a league draw to the Central Club who'd taken three points of PPM back in August. Two league defeats against Extrasense and the Shovels in successive matches have left them in this difficult position.
Earlier in the season they beat both the Shovels and Fylde Coast Gates away from home so they clearly have the talent to win matches but unusually for 'Team Pretty' self-confidence had taken something of a hit both individually and collectively during March. Defeat this morning would be a hugely disappointing end to the campaign and almost certainly put back their ambitious programme of reaching the Premier Division in three seasons.
Opponents Fylde Coast Gates have finally come good in Division 2B after many seasons challenging for promotion. Although they've always provided stiff opposition for teams on the way up they've rarely challenged for a Division 1 promotion slot themselves. They finished sixth in the 2004/05 season and went one place better in 2005/06 but with teams like Red Rose Catering, CTK FC and Hydronics passing through they've struggled to mount a serious challenge. However, an eighteen game unbeaten run on the pitch has left them with a half decent title of winning the 2B title as well as gaining promotion. The team's makeup of youth and experience has produced a decent side. Having their 1-0 win over the Shovels overturned for fielding an ineligible player may yet cost them.
Going into the game Gates were in third place on 42 points with three games left to play. They were six points behind PPM and seven points behind the Shovels. A win today would take them on to 45 points and two more wins in their remaining matches against Foulds Metals and Stanley Arms, Wesham would be enough. A draw today would not see the end of their challenge but PPM's superior goal difference of +13 would probably be enough to see them crowned Champions and leave Gates needing six points to finish runners up on goal difference.
Whatever happens it's been a season to remember for Brian Carr's men. In the Gledhill it took Premier Division Highbury to knock them out and in the Lancashire Sunday Trophy they pushed our very own Clarence Hotel all the way before going down 3-1 at Seafield Road. Next Sunday they take on 2A's Gardeners Arms in the final of the Division 2 Cup.
Could Gates pull off a famous league and Cup double? Could PPM steady the ship and clinch the title with a win? Could the match end in a draw and see Gates drop points in their remaining two matches to leave the Shovels as Champions? Who knows?
At last we had a light soaking of rain overnight but it hadn't significantly altered the hardness of the Poulton Town pitch. It's not often that the BFSFA gets a sniff on this pitch so many thanks to the groundsman.
Veteran whistler Tony Cunliffe was in charge of proceedings and in front of a decent crowd boosted by Shovels players and other interested neutrals we were punctually underway at 11am with the sun trying to break through the clouds.
Gates kicked off defending the railway end but both teams started the match tentatively not wanting to make mistakes. Oswell broke clear for Gates but he was quickly hunted down and the chance was gone. At the other end PPM had a header saved under the bar by the keeper but clear cut chances were very few and far between.
11:22 – No 6 off for a No 2. Never seen that before. We can only be thankful that the game wasn't being played on the far pitch at Commonedge.
Simon Oswell.
PPM keeper Sam.
Just before the break PPM went close when a header from a corner flew just wide. Many observers were thankful when referee Mr Cunliffe blew the whistle to signify half time as it was a dire opening period with very few incidents of note.
Half time score: Progress Property Management FC 0 – 0 Fylde Coast Gates FC.
Referee Cunliffe gives Barney Woolcock a slap in the mouth (Only dreaming)
That dog's responsible for one less ball for PPM.
On 52 minutes Gates almost took the lead when Chris Shields was left unmarked for a long free kick. The veteran tried to place a clever header in the far top corner but it went inches wide. On 59 minutes Gates created their best chance of the match. A rare mistake by Thompson allowed a neat pass to find Henry Wright clear through on goal but needed an extra touch to get it on his left foot instead of having a dig with his right and this was enough for the keeper to come and grab it.
Wayne Binks' dodgy knee was enough for him to be replaced as was PPM's Woolcock who suffered a badly gashed and swollen ankle.
A PPM mix up at the back results in the No 9 having to hoof it clear and save his keeper's blushes.
Further enforced changes for Gates appeared to affect thir shape and as the half progressed PPM at last began to play some football. They were having a lot of luck down the right hand side and getting in some dangerous crosses.
On seventy minutes the deadlock was finally broken. PPM forced a corner after more good work down the right. The flag kick was delivered by Kieran Howarth and up climbed big centre half Al Thompson to send the ball looping over the Gates keeper and into the net. 1-0.
'It's there !' The Gates keeper is beaten by Thompson's header.
Woolcock temporarily forgets his injured foot to mount goalscorer Thompson.
PPM are still in need of a manager for next season. This fella seems the ideal candidate.
During the last twenty minutes it was PPM making most of the offensive play. Gates appeared to go a little flat and their spirit and passion appeared to lessen. They were failing to penetrate and create chances.
Good tackle !
He had to hold on to it and the PPM keeper did.
PPM go very close at the end but a good save from the keeper denied them.
Final score : Progress Property Management FC 1 – 0 Fylde Coast Gates FC.
They may have made hard work of it but the final table never lies and it will show Progress Property Management FC as Division 2B Champions 2006/07 so well done to them. They played some good football in the second half and enjoyed more of the posession. A very close game nevertheless and it rarely looked as though there would be more than one goal in it.
Fylde Coast Gates can have few complaints. They were beaten both home and away by the eventual winners and in all honesty we didn't see the best of them this morning but take nothing away from Progress they stood up to the challenge and got involved all over the pitch.
The season's over for PPM but Gates still have a couple of league matches to play with an all important Division 2 Cup final to play against the Gardeners next Sunday morning. Hopefully, knocks will have recovered along with spirits. Gates finish third in one of their best seasons ever.
My Man of the Match Al Thompson. One slip almost cost his side a goal but otherwise dominant in defence and popped up for the title winning goal.
Let the celebrations begin with Poulton's finest champagne. Division 2B Champions 2006/07 – Progress Property Management FC.
Sportspy 2006/07