Archive for category: BFSFA 2010-11

BFSFA side Devonshire Arms FC were fifth in the Premier Division table this morning.  They're still well placed after only one defeat in the league this season which came against FC Loco back in late August.  Wins against Northern Care, Blackpool Rangers, FC Eden and current leaders Gardeners Arms has left them looking good to put in a decent challenge.  They're currently eight points behind the Gardeners but have three games in hand.  The Devvy have also been impressive thus far in this extremely difficult competition.  Having been handed three away ties they came back with good wins from The Station Hotel, the New Gardeners and Euxton Corinthians.  After a second round walk over against the Lane Ends they were knocked out of this season's Gledhill Cup by Fleetwood Gym FC.

Today's formidable opponents were top Preston side AFC Lostock Hall who comprehensively beat BFSFA side Quilligans FC in the final of last season's Lancashire Sunday Trophy.  After easing into the competition with a home walkover they've gone on to knock out Quilligans 5-0 and fellow Preston side Acregate Lane Labour Club FC. Last season, they were also crowned Champions of the Preston Sunday League.  The side are currently third in the table.  The run of of glorious weather on Sunday mornings continued.  Sunshine, flat calm and a good surface at Blackpool Wren Rovers FC.  Fair to say then that the Devonshire Arms FC were the underdogs this morning.  This morning's referee was Mr Barry Cropp.  At 11am we were underway with the Devvy attacking the changing block end wearing their black and tangerine kit.

  The G Casino Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Alliance Report 14 November 2010

In the Premier division of the G Casino Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Alliance last seasons trophy winners could not be separated with Quilligans coming from behind twice to finish level 2-2 with Poulton SFC. They lead with Gary Pett`s goals before debutant Phil Robinson and stalwart Phil Thompson gave Quilligans a share of the points. Gardeners Arms top the division after the 2-0 win over FC Eden with goals from Lee Impett and Allan Perkes. In the other game FC Loco and Blackpool Rangers finished level 2-2.

Inconsistent division one leaders Bloomfield Vets. dropped points again after being held 3-3 by The County. A Neil Dugdale strike gave Spindles a 1-0 victory over Golden Eagle and share second place with AFC Additions who beat Great Eccleston 2-1 with Jamie Perkes and Kerry Thompson on target.

It is very close at the top of division two with five teams challenging for honours after leaders No. 4 Rangers surprisingly lost 5-1 to Wrea Green with Nathan Cook scoring a hat trick and Kevin Beig a pair. Real Burlington had a 6-2 victory over C & G Electrical with Jamie Nay grabbing a hat trick and Andrew Willacy a double. Goals from Daryl Hall and Daniel MacDonald gave Bloomfield Hotel a 2-1 win against Tower Lounge. Northern Care Res. good run continued when they defeated Fleetwood Kings 4-1 with Ben Waddington netting twice. At the bottom Dockers enjoyed a 6-0 success over Travel Village with Darren Heaney`s pair leading their scorers.

Boars Head are clear leaders of division three after winning 4-2 against No. 4 Celtic with Lee O`Neill scoring two. Improving FC Rangers moved to third after beating Mere Park 3-0 with Ryan Bradley Robert Nunnen and Cory Sellars their marksmen. St Annes had a rare win when they defeated Lane Ends 5-3 with David Ramsden grabbing four goals.

Division four leaders No. 1 Club won a close game with The Sun Inn 4-3 with Danny Cowell netting twice. Second placed Stable Bar beat Metrostars 3-1 with Lee Harris Shaun Worden and Chris Worden on the score sheet. In a high scoring game Blackpool Catholic Colts defeated Clifton Arms 6-4 with Nick Banting getting a hat trick and Daniel Duffy two goals with Scott Christy and Matty Grimes scoring doubles for Clifton.

In the outstanding Gledhill Cup game Division one Fleetwood Gym went through to the last eight after knocking out Premier side Newton Arms 4-1 with an Adam Stephenson pair and other goals from John Beavers and John Wilson.

Last season, Northern Care Reserves FC finished bottom of Division 1 although both FC Matrix and GE Rushworth FC folded mid campaign.  Northern were therefore relegated to Division 2.  This morning Northern found themselves in fourth spot eight points behind leaders Number Four Rangers FC but with three games in hand.  More importantly, over the last six games they've been the team in form picking up thirteen out of the last eighteen points picking up a win against Tower Lounge and a draw against Real Burlington.  Following a first round bye they were beaten 4-2 in Round 2 by Premier Division side Fylde Coast Gates.

On the opening day of the season, Northern travelled to Broadwaters, Fleetwood and came away with a thumping 9-2 victory.  It's not often Fleetwood Kings FC take such a hammering.  Last season, the club had an average season finishing in sixth position.  The table had them in seventh this morning only two points behind Northern but having played a game more.  They too have been in decent form lately having picked up eleven points from the last six games.  Since September they've thrashed Real Burlington 8-2, walloped Bloomfield Hotel 8-1 and knocked out Fylde Coast Gates 6-5 in the Gledhill Cup.  Next week they face Quilligans at home in a delayed Round 4 tie.

Following yesterday's heavy showers the rain had continued through most of the night and early morning.  The pitch was played on yesterday afternoon but was still perfectly playable this morning.  It's looking far better now than it did on the opening day thanks to a lot of good work from the ground staff.  This morning's referee was Mike Mahoney and not long after 11am we were underway with Northern attacking the Gledhill end.  The start of the game co-incided with a major downpour and the Northerly breeze was making if feel cold.

Northern Care Reserves FC 2010/11

Fleetwood Kings FC 2010/11

The two teams observe a minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday

The two captains with referee Mr Mahoney

Referee Mike Mahoney looking a little younger in his playing days (bottom right) – Mereside Youth Club FC.  Brian Croft (Top right)

After an impressive opening King's in the stripes deservedly took the lead.  An inswinging corner wasn't dealt with and in the ensuing scramble the loose ball was headed home by Zak Coltas.  0-1

Coltas (15) heads it home to give Kings the lead.

King's player/manager Paul Myerscough – it's pouring down

Northern Care Reserves FC manager Matt Livingstone

Myerscough tries to get the referee to change his mind.  Surprisingly, it didn't work

Norhern defenders are left pointing the finger

The King's keeper makes himself big (ger)

On 21 minutes, Northern were level.  Wallace hit a great left footed ball down the flank.  The defender couldn't get to it. Waddington raced clear, cut inside and bent it over the keeper's head and into the far top corner.  A quality effort.  1-1

Bad tempered little bugger when he used to play.

The rain finally stops and the sun comes out.

Just before the break and Northern were awarded a free kick.  Ben Waddington's effort could only be parried by the King's keeper.  Jordan Casey was quickest to react and smashed it home.  2-1.  The King's keeper got some flak off one of his own forwards which he wasn't too pleased with resulting in a ticking off from the ref.

The King's keeper takes a breather.

Half time score :  Northern Care Reserves FC 2 – 1 Fleetwood Kings FC

Northern Care Reserves FC supporters out watching their side

'C'mon lads, there's still only one goal in it'

Pressure on the King's goal

Northern keeper Tommy Baldwin (Jnr)

Safely wide

King's started the second half much the better side and created a decent spell of offensive pressure.  However, on 62 minutes the home side took the lead slightly against the run of play with one of the best goals of the season.  Eight or nine quick short passes eventually sent Mark Robinson clear.  In the above picture, he drew the keeper, maintained his composure and picked his spot.  3-1

A minute later and Nortrhern sealed the points.  Another good interchange of passes sent striker Ben Waddington clear down the right.  The keeper came out but he took it past him and chipped it into the far corner.  Another well taken goal. 4-1

Paul Wallace – he'd done his job and was now enjoying the youngsters pass the opposition to death.

That was enough of that so I went over to watch the last fifteen minutes of the Quill's v Poulton game and luckily for me that's how it finished.

Final score :  Northern Care Reserves FC 4 – 1 Fleetwood Kings FC

In summary, this was another intriguing game of football up until the break.  Northern Care FC went on to record a league double over Fleetwood Kings FC and they deserved it playing some great fast flowing football at times making use of the big pitch.  Waddington up front would be a handful for any opposition and he was on good form today scoring two great goals.  Northern Care FC are a young side full of talent and if they can keep this excellent run of form going I expect them to be challenging for a top two spot come the end of the season.

Fleetwood Kings FC gave a good account of themselves but they looked to struggle on the bigger pitch and in the end fitness levels looked to be the difference.  They've got some skilful fast forwards but all too often the defenders were caught on the back foot due to players running at them throughout.  They'll have to pick themselves up for next week's important Gledhill Cup tie against Quilligans.  As I said last week, Division 2 is extremely close and competitive this season and you're going to have to be a good side that plays consistently well to even finish in the top six.  Well refereed by Mr Mahoney.