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Out at Moor Park, Bispham this morning watching the Gledhill Cup 4th Round replay between Division 2A side Claremont Cons and the Premier Division’s Highfield Social. Would Claremont be the third Division 2 team to make it through the last eight of the competition ? |
When the 4th round draw for the Gledhill Cup was made for November 6th this was the game I
The fyldesport.com overall and divisional 'Manager of the Month' awards for October 2005. These awards are unofficial, just for fun and totally separate from any awards the league itself may wish to bestow.
The predicted cold snap continued but with some leeway being given by the referees on kick off times many of the games at Commonedge Road went ahead as planned.
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Pitch 1 at commonedge Road was called off early morning due to the heavy frost. Many of the other referees waited until the last minute and a couple delayed the kick off times by about fifteen minutes. The Prebond pitch was the worst of the lot due to the short grass but a 30 minute delay to the listed kick off time meant that the re-arranged Gledhill 4th Round Cup tie was also played.
The games going ahead meant that I could check in on four teams for the first time this season – Inkmasters, Saddle, Burlington and Autoweld. In the above picture Inkmasters (Yellow) were at home to third placed the New Castle. After a poor run Inkmasters had shown some signs of improvement and in the first fifteen minutes they were competing well against one of the favourites for the title. It wasn't to last as the offensive power of the New Castle eventually took them to an 8-1 win.
In Division 2B the Saddle FC are struggling one place off the bottom. Fifteen defeats from the first sixteen games has made for a torrid first half to the season. Despite the late kick off they could only muster ten men at the start of their game against fifth placed Brannigans Reserves, a team they were beaten 5-4 by back in September. The end result turned out to be just as close as Brannigans completed a league double with a 3-2 victory.
The Saddle in blue.
The Saddle's liner who gave us one of the best touchline falls of the season finally sees the funny side.
I'm going for my haircut tomorrow. What number is that ?
New referee for the Alliance Mr Hartshorn just moved up here from the Midlands.
Brannigan's Mattie Wannell (subbed at half time by ruthless manager Guy Gillespie) watches the second half with Mum and the dog.
Not many matches survived in Division 3B today but the Links Hotel Reserves managed to beat a spirited Burlington's side 2-0 to keep in touch with the leaders. There's some big lads in that Burlington's team.
The Burlington's keeper. He claimed to have had the ball kicked out of his hands for the Link's opener and makes his feelings clear to the ref in the picture below.
In Division 2B Fylde Coast Gates moved up into sixth with a couple of games in hand after a 7-0 win over unpredictable Autoweld.
Manager Rick Melling inbetween the sticks today for Autoweld in a game to forget for the South Fylde outfit.
Things are getting interesting at the top of Division 2B. Newly promoted Shovels are going really well after a slow start. They took on the Links Hotel today and managed to beat them 3-2. That's six straight wins now for the local making it nineteen points taken from the last twenty-one available. They'd beaten the Links 3-1 earlier in the season and were trailing 1-0 at half time but a strong second half performance gave them the points.
Referee Steve Waller stepping in at the last minute to officiate.
Shovel's skipper Neil Ashford climbs the highest from the corner.
An 11:30 kick off on Prebonds allowed the pitch to soften and that meant the re-arranged Gledhill 4th Round tie between Red Rose Catering of Division 1 and Quilligans of the Prem could finally take place. At half time the score was level at 1-1 and the 1st Division side were certainly giving the holders something to think about. In the second half there weren't that many chances but Quilligan's Lee Conway sealed the tie with a great strike from twenty five yards out that flew in the corner. Red Rose look Premier Division bound and looked comfortable against top league opponents. They had a lot of possession in the opposition half but rarely carved out any clear cut chances. Quilligan's were denied what looked to be a clear cut penalty late on by referee Maher when Broadbent was clumsily hacked down. Red Rose ended the game with ten men after their centre half Langton received his fourth yellow card of the weekend. Quilligans are away to Division 2B's Partner marketing FC in the last eight.
The big crowd watches on.
Quilligan's keeper Forsyth saves well from a Red Rose free kick.
Sportspy 2005/06bfsfa.com/fyldesport
 | A visit to Broadwaters, Fleetwood this morning to watch the 4th Round Lancashire Sunday Trophy tie featuring Alliance Champions Highbury FC and Wigan Champions Abram FC. On the same Sunday last season Abram FC came to Fleetwood and went away with a 3-1 win. How would things turn out today? |
On November 14th 2004 Wigan side Abram travelled to play Fleetwood Town in the 4th Round of the Lancashire Sunday Trophy and went away 3-1 winners. Both teams would go on to have very successful seasons. Abram went on to reach the final of this competition for the second successive season where they lost to Blackburn side Mill Hill FC. Domestically they won the South Lancashire Counties League Premier Division finishing eight points ahead of second placed Gathurst United. Although Fleetwood Town lost again the following week to Quilligans in the 4th Round of the Gledhill Cup those two games represented their only two defeats of the season. Twenty-eight wins in league and Cup helped make them Alliance Champions as well as Premier Division Cup winners.This morning Abram were second in their Premier Division two points behind leaders Hawkley with a game in hand. Fleetwood, playing as Highbury this season, were in eighth this morning six points behind leaders Cahoots with two games in hand. After a first round bye Highbury had already disposed of Castle Gardens in Round 2 and Farnworth Canary in Round 3 after extra time. Abram also received a bye in round 1. In round 2 they knocked out the Hare and Hounds (Bamford) and in round 3 they convincingly beat the Theatre Boys 9-0. All the pitches in Wigan were deemed unfit this weekend but over on the coast pitch 1 at Broadwaters had survived and was looking in good shape. The wind had dropped, the rain had cleared and under clear blue skies local referee Dave Holloway got the game underway just after 11am in perfect autumnal conditions. Highbury in white and green kicked off kicking towards The Nautical College.
Abram FC
Highbury FC observe the minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday.
Abram's player manager Ian Dennis.
Both teams settled quickly and soon began playing some good football. Abram carved out the best of the early chances when Martin Billington burst through into the box and volleyed just over. On seventeen minutes Highbury forced a corner and Steve Brookes with a powerful free header almost gained the lead but it flew over the bar.
Midway through the half and the home team were well on top. Cygal was winning loads of ball in the air in midfield. On twenty seven minutes Highbury deservedly took the lead. Stuart Parkinson who was having a great game on the right wing received the ball out wide. He played in a brilliant curling low cross behind the defenders and steaming in at the far post was Steve Perkes who made no mistake from close range. 1-0.
Abram keeper Steve 'Roley' Rowlands.
After something of a stern talking to Abram came out strong and determined. On fifty minutes Perkes went close from a free-kick but the Abram wall above saw it safely cleared.On 56 minutes the Abram equaliser came. Good work from Gaz Weigh down the left resulted in a cross into the box. The number nine fluffed his chance when he should have scored but as the ball bounced in the area referee Holloway adjudged that Highbury's Paul Rimmer had impeded an Abram player – Penalty.Abram's Cal Jones stepped up and converted a great spot kick sending Tony Clowes the wrong way. 1-1.
Rimmer thought that the Abram player had gone down too easy for the penalty and this resulted in a skirmish. In the above picture Clowes plays peacemaker in the opposition half.On fifty nine minutes things got worse for Highbury. Abram broke down the right. Highbury's Chris Topham (Otherwise solid in defence) didn't do enough to stop the cross. The ball went across the area and Sean Clarke's scuffed shot took a slight deflection and beat Clowes. 1-2. In the picture below the Highbury finger pointing begins.
Highbury were rocked. Abram needed to consolidate for five minutes but they were not given a chance as their opponents went straight down the field and equalised. The tricky Parkinson played another great cross into the box and with the keeper rooted to his goal line Frank Cygal steered it home. 2-2.
The Abram keeper receives treatment after a brave save at the feet of a Highbury opponent.
After the excitement of the first fifteen minutes of the half the last thirty minutes settled down again. As the half wore on Highbury were being pushed further and further back with the front two becoming more isolated. At the other end Abram were creating lots of possession but resolute defending especially from Brookes denied them any clear goal scoring opportunities. After ninety minutes we went into extra time with the scores level at 2-2.
Stuart Parkinson.
Manager Mick Kerr made a few changes bringing on Impett up front and moving Perkes back into midfield. They started the first period of extra time with an increased attacking focus.Two minutes before the break they took the lead. A throw from the left was played infield. Impett, aware of his surroundings, played a clever chest pass into the path of Chris Brandes who advanced on to it and let fly with an unstoppable right foot shot from twenty five yards that arrowed into the bottom corner giving Abram keeper Rowlands no hope. 3-2
Highbury celebrate Brandes' fine strike.
After the first period of extra time Highbury led 3-2.
Highbury again go close from a free kick just outside the box.
Abram desperately chase the equaliser.
Final score : Highbury FC 3 – 2 Abram FCIn summary this was a highly entertaining fixture played out between two good sides well worthy of the pre-match hype and build up. It was confidently and decisively officiated by young referee Dave Holloway. Overall I thought Highbury well deserved their victory. They were much the better side in the first half and should have gone into the break with a greater advantage. In the second half Abram were much improved and ten minutes of composure would surely have won them the game after they took a 2-1 lead but it wasn't to be. An impressive performance especially from number 3 Gaz Weigh before he had to go off.A massive win then for Highbury over one of the best teams in Lancashire. They looked back to their best today fielding a strong side. Great performances from Parkinson, Cygal and Brookes. They go through to the last sixteen along with Quilligans, Poulton and the Clarence and possibly Layton Institute who are yet to play. If our teams carry on playing with such belief and confidence it might just turn out to be our year. Still, a long way to go.Now, is it too much to ask for a Blackpool home win against Scunthorpe live on Sky ? (Sorted Sportspy!)
Sportspy 2005/06bfsfa.com/fyldesport
 | Pictures from Boundary Park. The well drained pitches allowing the two 'All Premier Division' 4th round Gledhill Cup ties to take place. Golden Eagle versus the Reform Health Club and Bispham Juniors versus Poulton Seniors. |
The Golden Eagle had reached round four by previously beating Ansdell and receiving a home walk over past the Victory. This morning they were bottom of the Premier Division. Opponents Reform Health Club were in second. To get this far they'd had to overcome the Saddle and St Annes Ex Service. Both sides are yet to meet in top flight league action.
Referee Dave Wolfenden sporting a yellow ensemble today in order to avoid clashing with the Golden Eagle's black kit.
The Reform management team look on. Stand in manager Mick Horsfall dropping himself to the bench this morning.
The last thing underdogs Golden Eagle needed was a poor start but after only ten seconds they were 1-0 down. Reform swept forward from the kick off and Andy Hill rounded off some good passing by cutting inside and beating Eagle keeper Steve Brown with a long range left footed curler. 0-1. Five minutes later and it was 1-1. A great saving tackle from Reform's Dougie Shaw forced the ball out for a corner. The kick from John Davies was met by Graham Oates who equalised from close range. 1-1
After having a goal ruled out for offside (Good decision) Reform pushed forward again. This time the flag stayed down as the marauding Leon Pritchard hit the bye line and his deflected cross was met by the head of Scott Waters who found the top corner. 1-2
Five minutes later and Waters added to his tally when his corner kick was badly misjudged by Brown who allowed it to fly into the far top corner. 1-3
Waters (Centre) is congratulated by his team mates.
The Eagle were still pushing forward and their persistence was rewarded with one of the best goals of the day. A perceptive cross field ball flew over the heads of the defenders and found Sean Lomax who's first time clever lob went over the head of the advancing Pritchard and into the net. 2-3
Despite there being two important Cup ties being played there was only one moment of real controversy and it came in this game. The Eagle forward above was receiving treatment for an injury when the Reform player (Far right) couldn't help making a comment which the prone player took great exception to. A mixture of his manager and the referee had to restrain him.
The rolling maul.
“Calm down or I'll have to take you off”
Let's get on with the game.
Reform keeper Paul Pritchard.
At half time Reform Health Club lead 3-2. Despite going close towards an equaliser just before the break the Eagle struggled to cope defensively with Reform in the second period. A Matty Muscroft free kick went over the head of Brown who'd enjoyed better days. Waters scored his hat – trick and even keeper Pritchard got on the score sheet after coming up the pitch to take a free kick. In the end Reform ran out comfortable 7-2 winners and now meet the winners of the Wyre Villa v Talbot Cons game that was postponed this morning.
In the other game Poulton Seniors were away at Bispham Juniors. Both sides are also yet to meet in league action. After an unbeaten October Bispham were in sixth place two points behind opponents Poulton who were in fifth. In reaching round four Bispham had previously accounted for Kingsfield Matrix and Birkdale United. Poulton had beaten Brannigans Reserves and Layton Institute but only after a replay. In the above picture referee Colin Brownsell tosses the coin prior to kick off.
The half time score was 0-0. It was a good game of football with very few clear cut chances. Cottam went close for Bispham but blazed over when clean through. Poulton were getting crosses into the box but nobody on the end of them.
Poulton Senior's keeper.
Bispham manager Gary Briggs putting in a second half appearance today.
Midway through the half Bispham looked the more like scoring. Numerous half chances were created and David Dean went extremely close when his diving header from a Cottam cross come shot just went into the side netting. However, Poulton rode out the pressure and came more and more into it.
Poulton's Ben Hopes (Right)
On eighty minutes with the game looking as though it was heading for extra time Poulton made the breakthrough. A break down the right resulted in a cross from Morris that found in-form striker Chris Apaloo relatively unmarked at the far post. He took full advantage by guiding a powerful header far beyond the reach of the Bispham keeper. 0-1
A Bispham defender stands with head in hands as Apaloos' header finds the back of the net.
Injured Poulton midfielder Carl Spedding (Centre) watches from the sidelines alongside brother Jordan and Dad Mark. The Quilligan's game a late victim of the rain at Moor Park this morning.
It wasn't long until they saw another goal. It was Apaloo again. He picked up the ball on the edge of the box, swivelled, and lashed it low and hard into the corner. The Bispham defender (Above) having to work hard to retrieve the ball from the back of the net. 0-2.
Poulton's two goal hero Chris Apaloo gets the bucket of cold water treatment from his team mates at the end of the match. Poulton go through to the quarter finals where they'll meet Fylde Coast Gates at Commonedge Road. A great win for Gates today over previously ubeaten Christ the King who fell victim to the fyldesport.com manager of the month award.
Sportspy 2005/06
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
 | Through the torrential rain to Moor Park, Bispham this morning to watch the Division 3A league meeting between the Newton Arms FC and Pump & Truncheon FC. |
The Newton Arms FC are playing their first season in the Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Football Alliance and at start of play they were down in twelfth position one point ahead of Pump & Truncheon Celtic FC who were bottom. So far this season they
 | Round 3 of the Lancashire Sunday Trophy this morning as the Clarence FC of the BFSFA Premier Division took on Success to the Plough FC of the Rochdale Sunday League at Seafield Road, Lytham St Annes. |
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Lancashire FA Interserve Sunday Trophy (Round 3)
Last season Premier Division side the Clarence reached the 5th Round of this competition as did the Bloomfield WMC. They were the only two Alliance sides that did as the rest fell away in the earlier rounds. In Round 5 both teams lost. The Bloomfield WMC were beaten 6-3 away at Hesketh and the Clarence crashed 6-1 at home to Astley Miners in a game best remembered for a dramatic
| The fyldesport.com overall and divisional 'Manager of the Month' awards for September 2005. These awards are unofficial and totally separate from any awards the league itself may wish to bestow. |
 | Out in the Autumn sunshine at Commonedge Road checking in on a number of teams across the Divisions. |
In the main match we saw the visit of Division 3B side Blackpool Rangers who were away at the Links Reserves. This morning Rangers were top of the table on goal difference ahead of Progress Property Services. The young side are playing their first season in the Alliance after coming straight up from the Under 17's youth league. They've had a great start and midway through October they're still unbeaten after eight wins and a draw in their first nine games. Manager John Miles has them playing good football on the deck and with a decent level of fitness they fear no-one in the Division.
Today's opponents were the Links Reserves. They were in sixth position this morning. In their first nine games they've managed four wins and a draw. In recent weeks they've been dealt some tough fixtures. After a good 6-0 win against the Royal Oxford they then went on to draw 3-3 with Weeton. Last week they were up against second placed Progress Property and they were playing well before a very late collapse saw them lose 3-0. How would they go on against the table toppers this morning ?
If anybody was unsure about the attraction of Sunday morning football in England in mid October then they should have been out watching this morning. Perfect Autumn conditions.
Early pressure on the Links Reserve's goal.
Blackpool Rangers ' Sean Bimpson.
Reserve keeper ? No, just one of the Links' midfielders requiring gloves to keep out the Autumn chill ?
Ranger's striker Peter Floyd (Left)
Bling !
This game was a great advert for the lower Divisions with some great passing football being played by both sides. A strong and powerful run from Floyd saw him burst through one on one against the Links keeper but he was denied at short range by a good reaction save. Rangers keeper Brown was then called into action when he pulled off a fantastic save, tipping a long range Links drive onto the cross-bar. Rangers had most of the first half possession and chances but the Links were well organised and also looked well capable of scoring. At half time it was 0-0. I went back for the last five minutes and it was still 0-0. That's how it ended but it was far from being a dull goalless draw. Rangers may look on it as two points dropped but they were up against a rapidly improving side today. Another good performance from the Links Reserves but a day when Rangers just couldn't find the back of the net.
Elsewhere Premier Division Cahoots FC (Second) were at home against Bispham Juniors FF (Tenth) Cahoots took the league early through Dan Sutton who'd recently returned to the team after being out with a long term injury. On twelve minutes Bispham equalised. A Cahoots pass back, a bad bobble and a lack of concentration from keeper Speight allowed Cottam to rob him of the ball. Cottam was initially forced out wide but with good composure he cut in from the right and played the ball across goal. Eventually the ball fell to Julian Hadden who swept the ball home for the equaliser.
In the end this match finished 2-2. After the final whistle the Cahoot's players were involved in a full and frank exchange of views with referee Tony Zak who had awarded Bispham a last minute penalty. The converted spot kick denied Cahoots a win but they go back to the top tonight on goal difference. The 'Purples' are still unbeaten in the league and going well. Bispham's recent run of good form also continues.
Brannigans Reserves Keeper Danny Brown
In Division 2B sixth placed Brannigans Reserves (Claret) were away against the Links Hotel (Fourth). Brannigans had shown some improvement recently taking seven points from the last twelve. In stark contrast the Links Hotel had lost four in a row and after a good start to the season were starting to struggle. Links took the lead early on but when I arrived Brannigans were 3-2 up at half time.
Scott Robinson with his first Alliance goal today
Alan Varley having a flashback to friday night
Brannigans started the second half on fire and two great goals firstly from Scott Robinson quickly followed by Ben Fenton looked to have given them an unassailable 5-2 lead. Brannigans Reserves manager and liner Guy Gillespie claimed full credit for excellent early play in the second period. “I know what I'm talking about and don't you forget it!” he screamed as his half time formation change and substitution paid dividends.
The Links came good in the latter stages and Brannigans looked decidely nervous as the Links pulled it back to 5-4. Gillespie was now on the pitch but it wasn't for long as referee Mahoney ordered him off to the changing rooms for violent conduct. A further reduction in club funds diverted away from the end of season party. Still, on a brighter note they held on for a 5-4 win. Unlucky Links but the Geordie supporter who thinks he can abuse referees because “I'm on a public park and therefore I can say what I like and the ref can do F*** all about it” should stay at home.
Division One top scorer John Emery in a reflective moment
On the adjoining pitch the Brannigans first team was at home to the Squirrel. The Squirrel were well and truly beaten 12-4 last week by the Dunes, a low point for an already struggling side. They're actively trying to recruit new players so if you're interested E-Mail me (sportspy@fyldesport.com) and I'll pass on your details. Even manager Martin Ramsden turned out last week so things are really getting desperate.
Squirrel veteran Eddie Kay earns a yellow for an exuberant challenge
A smug look of great satisfaction on the face of Ref Paul Heaton. I think he'd just shown someone else the yellow card. One of our top local officials, he also officiates Premier League Academy matches on saturdays.
Squirrel's answer to Peter Crouch – Adrian James – was effective in build-up play today showing some neat touches but was expertly marshalled by Brannigan's centre half Martin Percival (right), who admitted to losing one challenge in the air today – to his partner at the back Ian Nicholls!
It ended up being a good win for Brannigans (2-0). After a recent wobble they look to be rekindling some of their early season form. In this close Division they're still very handily placed to challenge for promotion. As for the Squirrel they gave a much improved performance this morning and during the twenty minutes I was there they were unlucky not to score past Brannigans' excellent young keeper Chris Malkinson. Let's hope they can recruit some new blood soon for the long harsh winter ahead of them.
Sportspy 2005/06
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
 | Round 3 of the Gledhill Cup at Commonedge Road featuring the games between Talbot Sports & Social v Elswick and the tie of the round between holders Quilligans FC and Champions Highbury FC. |
After both receiving byes in round one Talbot Sports went on to beat the Brun Grove (2A) 2-1 away in round 2 whilst Elswick FC beat the Old England 6-2 at home. Talbot have had a great start to the season. This morning they were third in Division 2A separated only on goal difference from second placed Little Fat Jacks, three points behind leaders the New Castle. The Talbot have won four and drawn two out of their opening nine fixtures. They have however played a couple of games more than most of the teams in the Division.
Last season playing as PG FC Elswick finished bottom of Division 3A managing to win only four games all season. This campaign they
