Archive for category: BFSFA 2007-08

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Into November but still little sign of winter.  Throughout the whole of last season Fleetwood Road, Thornton was removed from the list of BFSFA venues in order to give the pitches, which are very vulnerable to waterlogging, a chance to recover.  Although it's the month of the 'yellow ball' there were no such problems this morning for the 4th Round Gledhill Cup tie between Fleetwood Car Centre FC and Marshall Court Sandpiper FC.

The Car Centre are new to the Alliance this season but as a number of their young players have experience playing for Saturday clubs such as Fleetwood Reserves the league elected to place them straight into Division 2B.  They're sponsored by the Fleetwood Motor dealers of the same name who's website can be found here.  They're also sponsored by Gennar's Italian Restaurant in Poulton.  The club name has a lot of history in Sunday football and current manager Terry Hargreaves was associated with the club at its peak and now appears intent on making the current crop of players the best Sunday team in Fleetwood. 

The team were my pre-season tips for the Division 2B title but after seven games they've realised that they are not going to have things all their own way.  I saw them pre-season as they demolished a veteran's team but sides such as the Saddle, Mythop, Pulcinellas and Queens have started off in great form.  Whoever wins this interesting league this season will have to play well throughout.  The Car Centre were sixth in the Division this morning after taking thirteen points from the first twenty-one available.  A great run of seven wins and one draw was brought to an end last week by in-form Queens FC in the local derby.

Three of those wins have come in this competition and what emphatic wins they were.  They opened up with a 13-2 win over experienced Inkmasters FC before putting out Bispham Juniors FC 5-3 in round 2.  They went on to murder fellow 2B side Pulcinellas FC 6-0 in Round 3 inflicting a rare heavy defeat on 'the Blues'.  The proper reaction to last week's league defeat was required if they were to reach the last eight of this competition in their first season.

Standing in the way of that dream were opponents Marshall Court Sandpiper FC of Division 2A.  This morning's venue was well known to Marshall as it's been their home ground in previous seasons.  After finishing fourth in Division 3A in the 2005/06 season Mick Chappell's team were at last promoted to Division 2.  In 2A last season they consolidated their position in ninth place but in all honesty it was something of a struggle throughout as they never looked much like finishing any higher.

That struggle has continued this season.  Going into November the team are twelfth in the table with only one win and a couple of draws on the board from the first eight games played.  That solitary league win came on the opening day against bottom club Jacks FC.  They carried this on with a 5-5 draw against high flying Ward Heating FC but it wasn't until last week's 3-3 draw against fellow stugglers Claremont Cons FC that they gained another point.

In the Gledhill Cup they received a first round bye.  In Round 2 they knocked out 3B newcomers North Mount Hotel FC 4-3 and in the last round they knocked out 3A side MA2 FC 6-3 away.  This season the club have added the Cleveleys Pub 'The Sandpiper' to their sponsorship package.  It's fair to say that on paper the side were much the underdogs this morning but with such a big prize on offer as the reward they plainly had great motivation to try and upset the odds.  The reward for this morning's winners would be a home tie against one of the Fylde Coast's top Sunday sides in the shape of either Hydronics FC or Highfield Social FC.

Yet again we had optimum conditons for Sunday football this morning.  Flat calm, blue skies and although the heavy morning dew was slow to burn off we stil had a decent surface for this 4th Round Gledhill Cup tie.  Out referee today was Mark Ayre and at three minutes to eleven a sharp blast of the whistle on the crisp autumnal air got the match underway with Marshall in the red and white stripes kicking off towards the sea.

Fleetwood Car Centre FC 2007/08

Marshall Court FC 2007/08

On four minutes the Car Centre took the lead.  A rasping drive from Craig Sibbald wasn't held by Marshall keeper Mick Fuce and Christian Dust was the first to react to the loose ball as he puts his side 1-0 up in the above picture.

Fleetwood Car Centre FC manager Terry Hargreaves.

Despite his best efforts Goober cannot talk Mark Ayre from dishing out a yellow card to one of his team-mates.

On thirteen minutes a half hit shot from Joel Cowell beat the keeper but was scambled away to safety.  On fifteen minutes however the Car Centre forced a corner.  Craig Sibbald provided the perfect delivery for centre half Chris Debar to rise the highest and he headed home to increase the lead.  2-0.

Debar beats the keeper to the ball to make it 2-0.

This time it's Goober himself who gets on the wrong side of referee Ayre.

The loveley Joanna and Louise out admiring the Car Centre talent in the sunshine this morning.

Despite being 2-0 down and on the backfoot Marshall were still in the game.  They looked especially dangerous from set-pieces and put the Car Centre defence under a certain amount of pressure from corners and throw-ins.

Kyle Webster

Half time score : Fleetwood Car Centre FC 2 – 0 Marshall Court Sandpiper FC

Sponsor's son Louis Calafiore of Gennar's Italian Restaurant keeps safe charge of the Car Centre Man of the Match award.

Messrs Chappell & Bonney rally the Marshall troops during the interval.

Car Centre supporter Tia Webster out watching brother Kyle.

Free kick – Blue

Early in the second half Marshall created their first real chamce of note when a low shot just flashed past the post.

The Marshall management team of Mick Chappel (Centre) and Graham Bonney (Right) watch on.

Sam Truesdale uses all his experience to win a free-kick.

On 51 minutes the Car Centre dished out the killer blow.  A Debar header from deep caught the Marshall defenders flat footed and this allowed Kevin Murray to race clear and lob it over the advancing keeper. 3-0.

With the keeper stranded the Marshall defender can only watch as Murray's lob finds the target.

I think I'll go and watch the Car Centre every week.

On the hour mark the Car Centre made it 4-0.  Once again the Marshall defence failed to cope with a corner and this time it was James Rawcliffe who headed home from Warwick's delivery. 

Credit to Marshall they maintained their discipline and effort and went close again as a shot from the edge of the box had to be hoofed clear of the six yard box.

Rawcliffe heads home to make it 4-0.

Referee Ayres in the right place as usual.

Chris Flynn.

Sam Truesdale.

Webster rides a tackle.

Mike Tallentire

Marshall keeper Mick Fuce.

Andy Cowell makes a substitute appearance for the last ten minutes.

In the dying moments the Car Centre scored again.  Poor defending by Marshall meant that they failed to clear on more than one occasion.  Eventually, a neat pass from Murray found an unmarked Tallentire in the box and he made no mistake from sixteen yards. 5-0.

The final whistle goes and James Myers (Left) congratulates Debar on a fine performance.

Final score :  Fleetwood Car Centre FC 5 – 0 Marshall Court Sandpiper FC.

A scrappy game at times but entertaining nevertheless.  A match played in good spirit and well officiated by Mr Ayres.

A comfortable Cup win then for Hargreaves' young Fleetwood Car Centre FC team who were just too good for opponents Marshall on the day.  They'll host Premier Division outfit Hydronics FC in the quarter-finals in mid January dreaming of a place in the semi-finals of this most prestigious competition.  They're a decent team who like to play football and have more than a couple of good youngsters who like to run at the opposition.  Gaining experience with Fleetwood Reserves is definitely an advantage and this team can only get better.  It remains to be seen if they're good enough for promotion but a tough upcoming month against a number of the better sides should make the picture clearer.

A good effort from Marshall Court.  They're  a hardworking team full of honest players who've played together as a unit for a good number of season's.  They may not be the most talented set of players but each of them always give 100% and they play to the extent of their capabilities as epitomised by their best player today, Chris Flynn.  Well managed and well organised they may struggle through the forthcoming winter but opposing teams will still have to try hard to beat them.  Hopefully, they can survive in Division 2 and come back stronger next season.

Chris Debar is deemed Man of the Match by the owner of Gennars and his son Louis and receives a bottle of champagne.  (Best keep it on ice for now).  Trust the Italians to pick out a defender.

Sportspy 2007/08

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Time goes more quickly the older you get.  I can't believe it was just over three years since I last came to watch a game out in Wesham.  Unfortunately, not much has changed.  We may criticise the Blackpool Council but credit where it's due at least they've made a good effort to improve the pitches over the summer and the new goal posts at many venues are very welcome.  Out at Kirkham the story is very different.  The goal posts three years ago were unacceptable then but they're still here.  As for the pitch, there's been no investment and it surely won't be long before it becomes unplayable once again through the winter mud.  Shape up Fylde Borough Council !

On the pitch the Stanley have been in a slump for a number of seasons.  In the last campaign they were relegated from Division 2B after finishing bottom.  They could only manage one win all season and that came on August 20th 2006 following a 5-1 win over the Links Hotel FC.  They would not win another league game for over a year until August 26th 2007 when they beat Ansdell 6-5.  A terrible run of twenty defeats and one solitary draw. 

There was some question about whether or not the Stanley would survive but thanfully they're back again under manager Rick Leaman for another campaign in 3A.  At the end of October they've had a decent start.  The team were sixth in the table this morning after having had four wins and five defeats from the first nine matches played.  Even in defeat they've not being hammered.  At the end of September they only lost 4-3 to second placed Waterloo Sports & Social.  In the Gledhill Cup they were beaten in the first round by 3B outfut Burlington FC.

Stanley's opponents this morning were FC Excelsior who were just above them in fifth on goal difference.  They too had enjoyed four wins and five defeats from the first nine games played.  Another side who've been struggling in Division 3 for many, many seasons like the Stanley they epitomise what lower league Sunday football is all about.

Last season, playing as the Dog & Partridge FC the team had a good season when finishing in seventh.  Seven wins, six draws and nine defeats was not so bad but still a long way off the form required for promotion.

This season they've moved with their new sponsor to the Lytham Road pub Excelsior which looks to be worth a visit if ever you find yourselves in South Shore.  Under manager Steve Downing they realise they've a lot to do if they're to break into the top four as they currently comprise of some very good sides.  They're an attacking team who are yet to draw a blank this season.  However, they're very inconsistent and are yet to win two in a row. 

A big win against Pump & Celtic was recently followed by a bad defeat to the Ship, Fleetwood.  Last week they had a great 3-2 win against the Fairhaven which suggests they're at last tightening up defensively.  Like opponents Stanley they went out of the Gledhill Cup early.  After a first round bye they pulled 3A league leaders Autoweld in round 2 and went down 3-1.

All set then for a close game on paper with the final outcome difficult to predict.  The clocks went back during a wet and windy night across the Fylde but by kick-off time conditions were much improved, very mild and brightening up all the time. 

Today's official was Mr Ross Swift and at 11:03 he got proceedings under way with the Stanley in the green kicking towards the hills.

Stanley Arms, Wesham FC 2007/08.

FC Excelsior 2007/08.

Excelsior keeper Ross Parker hurls the ball out javelin style.

Darren Worrall.

Craig Worrall (Left).

Dave Bamber not looking his best despite the extra hour in bed.

In the first twenty minutes it was the home side that was enjoying the majority of possession but despite getting the ball upfield clear cut chances of any note were few and far between.  As the half progressed Excelsior at last begun to settle and went close on a couple of occasions.

Ex Stanley player/manager Mark Sevens watches on from the sidelines.

Excelsior manager Steve Downing far from happy with his team's slow start.

The Stanley go close from a corner.

Approaching the half hor mark Excelsior created two golden opportunities to score.  In the above picture Craig Worrall out-jumped the Stanley defenders to place a header just over the angle of bar and post.  Minutes later the same player was involved again.  He broke free in the box, drew the keeper and unselfishley picked out a colleague at the far post.  With the Stanley keeper in no-mans land Excelsior looked odds on to score but a superb diving block from Alan Lockett kept the score at 0-0.

Stanley's Dave Bamber is second in a 1 on 1 with the keeper.

Mr Swift.

Danny Cole (Left)

Steve Mercer (Left) helps keep those old Stanley posts upright.

Unusually for Division 3A it looked very much as though we'd be going into the hlaf time break at 0-0 but the Stanley had other ideas.  A long ball down the flank found Bamber on side.  The Stanley striker gathered it looked up and played a ball back towards the edge of the box.  A miss-hit shot fortuitously found Chris Hastwell.  He played a neat one two with Danny Cole before smashing it home in the picture below.  1-0.

Chris Hastwell puts the Stanley ahead.

Excelsior down on their knees.  That was to be the last action of the first half.

Half time score :  Stanley Arms, Wesham FC 1 – 0 FC Excelsior.

Three year old Reece Bamber out watching dad Dave this morning.

Stanley player/manager Rick Leaman takes a half time breather.

Joseph Reeves.

The second half was no more than 40 seconds old as FC Excelsior made it 1-1.  A harmless looking ball into the box appeared to be miss-kicked by the Stanley defenders and Craig Worrall got on the end of it to put it past Leaman.  1-1.  Stanley still enjoying the half time interval by the looks of things.

Craig Worrall (Right) equalises for the Excesior.

A much happier Excelsior manager.

Stanley keeper Leaman beats Worrall to the ball.

After the early goal the away side were beginning to dominate proceedings and it looked as though the constant pressure they were putting on the Stanley defence would reap a reward but the Green's weathered the storm.

Excelsior pressing for a second.

Brave man wearing one of those with Sunday league shirt pullers about.  Could be nasty!

Excelsior's best chance of the second half.  The usually reliable Sean Lonsdale fires his shot miles over the bar towards the Trough of Bowland.

George Spittal.

On 77 minutes and well against the run of play the Stanley regained the lead.  A corner from the right wasn't dealt with.  The ball was scrambled towards the edge of the box where ex Chequers FC player Danny Cole was lurking.  The striker was first to react and his shot eluded the dive of Parker.  2-1.

“I can't believe we're losing”.

A Stanley injury brings young Stanley fan Jack Mansfield onto the pitch on his bike for a better look!

Stanley go close again.

Despite a decent late chance for Excelsior sub 'Scholesy' with which he failed to hit the target the away side failed to create any real pressure in the last ten minutes and Stanley hung on rather comfortably to take all three points.

Final score :  Stanley Arms, Wesham FC 2 – 1 FC Excelsior.

A fifth win of the season then for Stanley that took them up to fifth in the table.  No offence meant but the quality of the top four sides makes it highly unlikely that they could finish any higher.  They played their part in a decent game of football for Divisuon 3A.  As per pre-match expectations it was a close fought game that could of gone either way.  Bamber and Cole did OK up front and Joe Reeves had a very good game at left back.  With injured Wes Lawrenson due to return soon then perhaps they can score a few more goals and maintain a push for a top six finish.

As for FC Excelsior they'll be very disappointed with today's result.  I know they were unlucky not to score on one or two occasions in the first half but all too often Worrall and Lonsdale were not provided with enough ball from the midfield players.  Inconsistency strikes once again for the 'Yellows' as they again failed to win two in a row.  They have some decent players and they too could achieve fifth spot if they hit a decent run of form.  They can count themselves unlucky this morning as their performance at least deserved a point.

At Stanley, when they ask you to lend a hand in taking the net down they mean it literally.

Sportspy 2007/08

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