Additions FC on the brink of folding.
 | Over half way through their third season in the Premier Division it very much looks as though Additions FC (Previously Harris & Co FC) have reached the end. |
Could Additions FC be joining Progress Property Management FC and the Bispham Hotel FC in the BFSFA history files due to folding during the 2007/08 season? Apparently, the letter of resignation to the league has reluctantly been submitted and is now in the hands of the committee.
Additions FC, playing as Harris & Co FC, won the Division 1 league and Cup double in 2004/05. During their first season in the top flight they finished seventh and last season they came tenth.
This season has been a struggle due to desertions, 'no shows' and a lack of comitment to the cause by a number of players. As you know, a number of matches have had to be forfeited. They currently lie bottom after losing thirteen of their fourteen league games. They last won in the league on the opening day of the season although they did reach the last eight of the Gledhill Cup.
Until the league committee rubber stamp the club's resignation at their next meeting then it remains 'unofficial' and the tables on fyldesport and the sister site won't be updated. Who knows, miracles can happen ?
The successful Harris & Co FC – Division 1 league and Cup winners 2004/05. Where are they now?
Bispham Hotel landlord dies.
 | We at the Bispham Hotel, still upset at scratching from the League, are now devastated at the tragic death of our popular landlord Michael Diveney at the age of 57, after contracting Legionella on a break in Sharm el Sheikh with his wife Sue. Mick was one of the good guys who always gave us his full support, whilst always being magnificent company and great fun to be with. We have lost a real character. Our thoughts are with Sue and the family. John McNicholas. |
Sportspy Reports – Sunday February 24th 2008.
 | Calling in at many of the matches being played on and around a cold and breezy Commonedge Road this morning including three important games at the top of the Premier Division and Division 1. |
First up was the Division 1 match between Northern Care Reserves FC (Orange) and Real Kingsfield FC. This was an important fixture for both teams at the wrong end of the table. Not much between these two evenly matched sides and so it proved as Real Kingsfield FC grabbed a 1-0 away win.
The Kingsfield defence spot who's up front for their opposition…
Elvis is enjoying the move from centre half to goalkeeper for Northern Care Reserves FC. Apparently when handed the gloves he curled his lip and said “thankyou very much”
Kingsfield go very close to scoring the opener from an Anthony Cox header.
'Keeper's ball !'
Kingsfield manager Roy Atkinson.
On Pitch 6 Sundays FC were hosting the Dunes Hotel FC (Black) in the top of the table Division 1 clash. Not many games left now for Sundays and surely the title isn't far away after their latest victory. No kit at 11am but when it finally arrived they soon settled down and hardly looked in any trouble during a 3-1 home win.
Dunes Hotel FC manager Andrew Speight.
Asprin please.
Ben McKay.
Across the dyke on Pitch 7 Highfield Social Reserves FC were hosting Clifton Skye FC (Blue) in Division 2B. Skye have been improving of late but not by enough to avoid a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Highfield this morning.
Referee Mike Mahoney sorts out some shovin' and pushin' before a Skye corner.
Clifton Skye FC player/manager Alasdair Martin.
Ali Martin is down after taking a bad knock.
The sub in the background sniffs an opportunity.
Clifton Skye FC secretary Karen not overly concerned at Ali's plight.
On Pitch 3 the North Mount FC made their debut in front of the fyldesport cameras. The BFSFA' s bottom club were away at Trades & Social FC who've been picking up points in recent weeks. Trades (Yellow) picked up three more this morning following a 3-1 win to leave them in seventh place in 3B tonight.
The North Mount keeper.
Has to be a contender for the 'Best-Dressed Keeper Award'
Next door on Pitch 2 the Bloomfield Vets were not happy about being turfed off their usual Pitch (1) by West Coast Tacke Postal (Get the net up ealier lads !) However, it all ended in smiles as they picked up three points in tough looking fixture against the Shovels. 3-0 was the final score and the Vets stay second. Shovels FC are in the Sunderland kit.
Mr Bascombe in charge of this one.
The Shovels' youngest fan Madison 'Brum' Ashford out watching the side this morning.
Andy Gouck pounces during a scramble in the Shovels' box.
…..and then watches the ball cross the line for the opener.
A despondent Danny Jardine on his way to retrieve the ball from the back of the net.
Vets' keeper Trevor Gray. Bar 19 FC bruiser in the background.
Injured Shovels FC striker Lee O'Neil (Far left)
Mr Bascombe has a serious chat with Andy Gouck.
On Pitch 1 we had the Division 2A game between West Coast Tackle Postal and Blackpool Catholic Club. During the fifteen minutes I was in attendance the Catholics were well on top forcing a string of corners and having a long range effort turned over the bar. West Coast Tackle (Blue) then went 2-1 up against the run of play and never looked back as they went on to win 4-2.
Steve Wright.
The West Coast keeper.
Wesley Standaloft.
Veteran Steve Conroy (centre)
West Coast supporter.
Bobby Bonser.
West Coast Tackle Postal FC club secretary Mr Standaloft.
Burlington FC supporters.
Finally, it was over to Collins Park to watch the last half an hour of the big Premier Division match between Quilligans FC(White) against leaders Layton Institute. On arrival it was still 0-0 and with Layton kicking down the slope with the wind on their backs Quilligans proud home record at this venue could have been in danger.
Shortly after I got there Lee Catlow missed a sitter when it looked easier to score. Danny Rowe finally made the breakthrough for Quilligans and Catlow rounded off a miserable afternoon in front of goal when his penalty was saved by the impressive Layton keeper. 1-0 was the final score but a good effort from Layton.
Danny Rowe is surrounded – watch the ball and not his feet.
The same goes for Ioannou.
A young Quills' fan happy with Blackpool FC's superb performance yesterday.
Flashpoint ! Robbie Boal (8) clatters Crossie.
“Lads – can I remind you that I'm the reason why you're all arguing and I am in some pain you know”
“Am I invisible or what?”
Layton's Steve Kennedy
The police keep a close eye on the Layton bench.
Clowes elects to punch.
Mr Wolfenden.
Mark Meehan
Rowe, out of picture on the right, cuts inside and scores the all important goal to the delight of Lee Catlow.
Pitch invader.
Cheers ref.
Sportspy 2007/08
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Revised Premier Division Cup draw 2007/08 (Quarter Finals)
 | After this morning's results here is the revised draw for the quarter finals of this season's Premier Division Cup competition. |
Sportspy Reports – February 17th 2008.
 | Across at Commonedge Road, Blackpool this morning watching the important Division 3B top of the table encounter between current leaders Burlington FC and second placed Spindles FC. A win for either side would have had a big effect on the overall title race. |
In recent weeks a number of the so-called challengers in Division 3B have faded away. Long time leaders Uncle Toms Cabin have only picked up four points from the last fifteen whilst Rossall Tavern have only collected seven points from the last eighteen. Although not impossible it's now going to be very difficult for any of the chasing pack to finish in the top two ahead of Burlingtons and Spindles. If anything, Frenchman's Cove and Layton Institute Juniors look to be the only threat when studying the recent form table.
Burlington were five points clear of second placed Spindles at start of play although they have played three games more. Burlington have picked up fifteen points from the last six games but that one defeat came against today's opponents Spindles in a 2-1 away loss. The team's only other defeat of the season also came away against Uncle Tom's Cabin who beat them 9-5. In the Gledhill Cup they opened up with a 7-3 win at Stanley Arms, Wesham before losing 1-0 fo FC Eden in Round 2. They're also surprisingly out of the Divisional Cup where an opening round victory over Mimmos Metrostars was spoiled by an away defeat to 3A's FC Excelsior last Sunday.
After just missing out on the promotion places last season it very much looks as though Lee Ramsden's side will greatly improve on last season's finishing position of sixth and achieve promotion but will they go up as champions?
Not if today's opponents Spindles have anything to do with it. The form table I alluded to earlier shows Spindles at the top after taking maximum points from the last eighteen available. After recently beating Burlington they were newly installed as favourites and a win today would leave them only two points behind the Burlington with three games in hand.
Last season, Adam Pretty and Graham Heathcote's team finished just one point behind the Burlington in seventh. Not to bad for their first season in the BFSFA. The Burlington took all six league points with two 2-1 wins. This season the team have won eleven and lost two of their thirteen league games. The two defeats came against Rossall Tavern and the Falcon.
Like the Burlington they went out of the Gledhill in Round 2. They had a good win against 2A side Jacks in Round 1 but lost 6-5 to the Waterloo Sports & Social club in Round 2. They also had a dabble in the Lancashire Sunday trophy. After beating Bar 19 they lost in the next round to North Star (Wigan).
In the Divisional Cup wins against Trades & Social and the Falcon have set up a difficult looking tie away at 3A outfit the Fairhaven.
For the second week running we eventually had good conditons for Sunday football with blue skies and no wind. The frost burned off sufficiently for the game to go agead. Pitch 4 was the venue and the official in charge for this morning's game was John McDonald. At 11:08am his whistle got the match underway with Spindles in the white strip kicking towards Collins Park.
Burlington FC 2007/08.
Spindles FC 2007/08.
It's a big match for Burlies as they go into the pre-match huddle.
Burlington manager Lee Ramsden.
An early booking for a bad challenge.
Spindles FC keeper Andy Huckerby.
The first twenty minutes were relatively uneventful as both teams probed each others defences without creating any clear chances of note. On 27 minutes Burlington almost took the lead but Mike Evans' header from Ian Swift's corner bounced back off the bar and was cleared.
Referee Mr John McDonald.
Push ref !
Mike Evans (right) arm in arm with his Spindles opponent.
On 32 minutes the Burlington took the lead. Craig Saxon's expert delivery from the corner found the unmarked head of Dave Coppock who found the back of the net from six yards out. 1-0.
Dave Coppock (9) heads home to give the Burlington the lead.
Jason Crumblehulme shows what he thinks about it.
Spindles FC co-manager Graham Heathcote.
The lovely Hannah finally found the Burlington after trecking around the Commonedge pitches. She was out watching boyfriend Ian Swift.
Oh yes, whilst I was distracted by Hannah, Spindles FC equalised on the stroke of half time. A free kick was awarded after Stephen Twist handled just outside the box. Spindles skipped Danny Howard drilled the free kick hard and low and a wicked deflection gave Burlington keeper Will Bailes no hope of re-adjusting. 1-1.
Half time score : Burlington FC 1 – 1 Spindles FC
It might be freezing but it's still thirsty work. Couldn't miss with that gob.
Eight year old Lewis out watching Trades & Social FC on the adjoining pitch.
Spinles fan 'Shy Laura' (Left) out watching her brother (Pictured) as well as her boyfriend.
Another member of the Spindles backroom staff.
Forget the football, just give me an icy ditch and a big stick and I'm happy.
Burlington keeper Will Bailes.
Scott Buchanan.
At 1-1 in any Division, never mind 3B, the game can go either way. For the first twenty minutes of the second half it was fairly even with both sides having decent spells of possession. All too often though the game was being played in the middle third of the pitch. On 62 minutes Evans went close for Burlington but his header from a Coppock cross just went over the bar.
Good header.
Craig Saxon with the header.
Spindles FC skipper Danny Howard.
On 72 minutes the Burlington were awarded a free kick on the right wing five yards in from the touchline. Scott Buchanan swung it over, Ian 'BABE' Swift, nodded it on and there at the far post was Wayne Taylor to sidefoot hit into the net. 2-1.
Buchanan (Foreground) watches on as his free kick eventually finds the net. Referee McDonald signals the goal.
The Burlington prepare to face a free kick.
Bailes is left praying as the ball just loops over the bar.
Should have scored his second.
Mike Evans' involvement in the match is ended after a shoulder injury.
At 2-1 Spindles still had a chance of getting something from the match and as the game came towards its conclusion they were pushing for an equaliser. A free kick into the box was almost converted but the shot went wide when the header looked to be the better option.
Tough Scotsman Don Hassan wearing gloves. Whatever next?
On 88 minutes the Burlington sealed it. Spindles were caught short at the back as Ian Swift raced clear. He brought about a great save from Huckerby but instead of feeling sorry for himself he chased down the deflected ball and crossed it over to the far post where Wayne Taylor had a relatively easy tap in at the far post. 3-1.
Huckerby saves well from Swift (7)
But he can't stop Taylor scoring the decisive third at the far post.
The whistle goes and the three points belong to the Burlington.
Final score : Burlington FC 3 – 1 Spindles FC.
A good advert this one for Division 3B. Both teams contributed to a decent game of football which was played in a good spirit and well officiated by referee McDonald.
The Burlington then taking revenge for that defeat to Spindles a couple of months ago and few observers would argue that they fully deserved the victory. They seemed to be well up for it prior to the match and there was 100% effort given by all throughout. Coppock played well as did Swift. Eight crucial points is now the gap at the top and those points in the bag contrast against Spindles' three games in hand.
The visitors were not at their best today and just didn't do enough to deserve anything. They were flat and quiet and failed to produce few if any chances from open play. Still, the title race is still wide open and it's still anybody's guess who will be hoisting the Division 3B title trophy at the Layton Institute come May.
Sportspy 2007/08
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Praying for a quick thaw at the Edge – 17/02/2008
 | Early morning at the Edge. It may be pretty but things are looking pretty grim unless we see a huge improvement by 11am. |
Pitch 4 – The listed venue for today's Division 3B top of the table clash between Burlington FC and Spindles. Will this be the only goal scored this morning?
It looks as though there will be last minute pitch inspections all across the Fylde Coast this morning so all clubs are asked to turn up as normal. Fingers crossed for the thaw.
Sportspy 2007/08
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
MV Riverdance
 | Not football related but as I was on a day off today with little better to do I took a trip down the promenade to take a look at the stricken vessel MV Riverdance which was recently a victim of those winter gales. Here are a few pictures for anybody who's interested. |
www.fyldeboats.com
Even with the exclusion zone you can still get really close, especially on the beach and besides, one of the security men is a familiar face to any of you who ever visit the Tower lounge or the Blackpool FC hospitality area. Park just north of the Norbreck hotel and walk down on to the beach. Well recommended, the kids will love it!
www.fyldeboats.com
Refreshments
 | In addition to the excellent catering service provided by Brian and Maureen at Commonedge Road, Collins Park will once again start serving tea, coffee, bovril and hot chocolate on a Sunday morning for those out braving the cold and rain. |
Sportspy Reports – Sunday February 10th 2008.
 | Out in the sunshine at Boundary Park watching the Division 1 Cup first round tie between Blackpool Rangers FC and Sundays FC. Both sides were still unbeaten in the league and they were meeting for the first time. Who would make it through to the last eight? |
After what seemed like an eternity of high winds, dark skies and heavy rain we at last had bright conditions for Sunday football at Boundary Park this morning. Clear blue skies, flat calm and a heavy frost was the reward for the early risers. In the Division 1 Cup we had Blackpool Rangers FC hosting Sundays FC in a much-anticipated clash between two sides that were still unbeaten in the league. The sides were meeting for the first time in the BFSFA.
This is the third season in the Alliance for Blackpool Rangers FC. They're a team on the up after two successive promotions and approaching the end of February they're still on track for promotion number three up to the top flight of Sunday football. After losing only one league match in their short BFSFA history the club are on an unbeaten league streak of 47 matches which is some achievement for manager John Miles and his young squad.
The league table shows them in fifth this weekend. They're a massive twenty-two points behind runaway leaders Sundays FC but they have six games in hand and still have to play Sundays FC twice. It's still in their own hands but if they were to overhaul the leaders at this stage then it would be remarkable. They've lost twice this season and both games were in the Cup. One defeat came in Round 3 of the Gledhill Cup against Queens FC and the other came in the last eight of he Lancashire Sunday Trophy when losing 3-2 away at Rochdale side Success to the Plough FC. If they have a weakness then it comes in Cup competitions where they've largely under-performed both at junior and senior levels.
Opponents Sundays FC are on an unbeaten run of eighteen league games themselves which is no mean feat and like Rangers they're still to be beaten in the league this season. The club proudly sit at the top of Division 1 with a healthy looking nineteen point lead. With only seven games left many bookmakers have stopped taking bets on the title winners but manager Paul Stevens realises that it's not that straightforward. Those seven games come against Blackpool Rangers (twice), second placed Dunes Hotel (twice), sixth placed CTK (twice) and the Waterloo Hotel.
If the club can retain their unbeaten record until the end of the season whilst picking up four wins then they'll be worthy champions. The clubs only defeat of the season so far came on September 2nd when they lost to fellow Division 1 side Gardeners Arms in round 2 of the Gledhill Cup. The Gardeners have gone on to reach the semi-final. After scoring 79 and only conceding 17 the club are in great form at either end of the pitch. That phenomenal goal difference will also prove to be a big advantage in the run in.
All set then for an intriguing Cup encounter that will also set the stage for the two forthcoming league matches. Ranger's injury problems upfront continue with Beattie and Casson still out injured. For Sundays the camera's favourite Craig Byrom was absent with his recurring injury. Top conditions at Boundary Park this morning. Today's official was David Connor and at 11:00am exactly he got the game underway on Pitch 1 with Sundays in the white kit kicking off with the sun in their faces.
Sundays FC 2007/08.
Blackpool Rangers FC 2007/08.
Respective captains Mike Braebaum (Left) and Gary Rawcliffe.
Chris Cairns.
Referee Mr Connor.
Mark Cottam.
Adam Casson.
Rangers' manager John Miles.
'Keeper's ball !'……………….just.
Joe Booth (Front)
As expected the opening twenty minutes were extremely tight with both sides having an even share of possession although neither could create a chance of note. The game was held up for a few minutes after Cottam's 'hospital pass' to a colleague resulted in the latter getting clattered. Thankfully, he was quickly back on his feet again and the game continued.
Painful.
Sundays FC keeper Dave Stevenson.
Dennis Peters on the prowl.
On 35 minutes Sundays created the first real opportunity. A long ball was misjudged by Neil Kirton and Casson was clear. He elected for the first time effort from distance that just flashed past the post.
Curt Smith (Front)
Cable Guy
On 42 minutes the game came alive. Rangers claimed that C Cairns had been tackled from behind but he looked as though for once he failed to control it. The loose ball was picked up and played through to Jamie 'Wolf' Chadwick who found the net from a great long range effort. 0-1.
Nick Brown is stranded as Chadwick's effort finds the back of the net for the opener.
Almost immediately Rangers went down the other end. A short corner found the Sundays' defence half asleep. Good close control from Chris Cairns elicited a trip from Craig Ellis and referee Connor had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Few arguments from Sundays. Dax Hoogerweff stepped home and converted the penalty to make it 1-1.
Hoogerweff's penalty finds the bottom corner.
Half time score : Blackpool Rangers FC 1 – 1 Sundays FC.
Dave Taylor (Left) and John McNicholas discuss the first half action.
On 51 minutes Rangers keeper Nick Brown was called into action as he tipped a Daniels effort over the bar.
Good save by Nick Brown.
Dave Stevenson also busy at the other end.
On 59 minutes another Ranger's corner caused problems for the Sundays defence. This time an athletic Joe Booth effort jusr went wide.
On 66 minutes the Ranger's keeper inexplicably spilled the ball at the feet of Casson and in the picture above he just missed.
Two minutes later and Mark Cottam looked almost certain to score until Neil Kirton flew across and blocked his shot as seen in the picture below. It was to prove a key moment in the match.
Kirton (16) lays his body on the line to block Cottam's (7) shot.
On 81 minutes Blackpool Rangers took the lead. A corner from the left was flicked on and in the ensuing scrample Dax Hoogerweff twisted and turned on the loose ball and steered it home. 2-1.
Dax Hoogerweff scores the second for Rangers.
Sunday's Jamie Chadwick was incensed as he believed that he had been held down when the corner came in. The red mist descended as he charged upfield to discuss the point with referee Connor. It looked as though the big fella layed hands on the perfectly sculptered body of Connor. There were anxious looks as the card was brandished but thankfully for Chadwick it was yellow. Good refereeing from Connor who allowed for high emotions.
It's a yellow card for Chadwick.
A glorious February morning at Boundary Park.
So much so that the CTK FC sub who took up the flag took advantage by topping up his Grange Park tan.
The final whistle goes and Blackpool Rangers FC are through to the last eight.
Final score : Blackpool Rangers FC 2 – 1 Sundays FC.
An excellent game this one played in a very good spirit between two evenly matched sides. It sets up nicely the two league games to come. The first half was very close with very few chances until the flurry of activity in the last five minutes. The second half saw more of the same and both sides had good chances to snatch the victory.
Rangers lacked pace up front and all too often ball from midfield wasn't used well enough. Sundays struggled from corners which eventually proved to be their undoing. Both sides played some great football on the deck and generally kept the ball well. Chris Cairns had a good game for Rangers and Cottam and Casson played well up front for Sundays. Overall, Braebaum and Kirton were on top.
Hopefully, we'll see both of these sides in the Premier Division next season. Rangers will now play CTK FC in the last eight after they beat the Philharmonic on an adjoining pitch. Well officiated by Dave Connor who was in full control throughout.
Eye to eye, “You may have won the battle but you 'aint won the war”. “Until the next time”. “Bring it on sunshine!”
Sportspy 2007/08
bfsfa.com/fyldesport