Committee notes – April 2011
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Nostalgia time – April 2011
 | Off work today and I was just reflecting on the recent success of Fylde Coast football over the last couple of years. Fortunately, young James and I were often in the right place at the right time to see it. Check out the attached videos for inspiration if you're on the brink of glory. |
11/04/2009 – The post goal celebrations after Charlie Adam scored away at Preston
09/05/09 and Joe Booth scores for AFC Fylde in an emphatic win against New Mills FC to clinch the Vodkat League Division 1 title. (James kicks the ball back whilst giving the defenders a bit of stick)
16/04/10 (County Ground, Leyland), and five minutes before the end of extra time Blackpool Wren Rovers FC striker Steve Creelman pounces on a keeper error to make it 4-3 and clinch the Lancashire Shield Trophy to go with the league title.
Just two weeks later and in play off final second leg Fleetwood Town FC beat Alfreton Town FC 2-1 to win promotion from the Blue Square North into the Blue Square Premier now just one more promotion away from the football league. The boy bravely runs on in his Blackpool FC hat and I was surprised he still had it on his return.
22/05/10 and Blackpool FC were 1-0 down in the Championship play off final at Wembley. Blackpool were awarded a free-kick – up stepped Charlie Adam
Deep into added time in the Play off final and crowd are baying for the final whistle. After what seemed ages, the referee finally blew and Blackpool FC were promoted to the Premier Division. Camera shaking – a shameful public display of emotion. Still makes me fill up as it did at the time.
Sportspy 2010/11
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Veterans seek controversial rule change – 01/04/2011
 | The BFSFA AGM is not too far away and in a sensational move set to shake competitive football to its core, Fylde Coast Veterans FC are planning a controversial Rule Change Proposal. The Rule Change proposal, backed by Highbury Vets and Bloomfield Vets, will allow any teams in the BFSFA with a match-day squad average age of over 35 to use roll-on roll-off substitutions during all BFSFA league and cup matches. |
Currently, FIFA and FA laws only allow the use of 3 substitutes during each match, with those players substituted not being allowed to re-enter the game. Fylde Coast Veterans FC, with an average age in excess of 40, have felt seriously disadvantaged this season due to their elderly players not being fit enough to last the 90 minutes. “The ability to bring our players off for a brief rest before throwing them on again will level the playing field” said Vets supremo Mark Gannon.
42 year old legendary centre half Gordon Mason, for one, is hoping that the change goes through. “If I go up for one of our corners, rather than having to sprint back, I could have myself substituted then stroll back to our half at my leisure before bringing myself back on.” The Vets Treasurer is in agreement – “This could save us a fortune in taxi fees for Gordy”, she said.
Vets Director of Football Chris Giles is also looking forward to being able to bring himself onto the pitch to take every direct free kick and penalty, then making way for a younger and fitter team-mate to actually do some running around.
A source said to be close to The Lancashire County FA was also positive about the proposal today, saying “We're finding that the take-up of competitive sunday football by younger people is facing increasing competition from games consoles and their inability to hold their ale on a saturday night. The over-35's are definitely the future of football in the County and I am sure that the LFA will be looking kindly on this proposal.”
Results – Wednesday March 30th 2011
 | Courtesy of the committee, here are the provisional results from tonight's first midweek programme of evening matches. The fixtures for Sunday are online. Tables, fixtures and results now updated via the links to the left of the homepage. |
West Coast Tackle Postal cut the gap at the top of Division 1 as they beat Christ the King whilst leaders Fleetwwod Gym are held to a draw by AFC Additions. Northern Care Colts, Tangerine Tavern and Tower Lounge all win in Division 2, No 4 Rangers draw away at CTK FC and it looks as though the challenge is over for Real Burlington as they lose once again. It's advantage Boars Head as they beat AFC wilo whilst rivals Blackpool Lane Ends are held by their Kirkham based namesakes.Stable Bar go top of Division 4 after an important away 4-2 win at the Sun Inn FC.
Midweek Sunday football action back at Commonedge. In the above picture the Sun Inn FC were at home to the Stable Bar FC (Blue) in Division 4
Division 1
AFC Additions 2 – 2 Fleetwood Gym
Bloomfield Vets 1 – 2 Great Eccleston
Highbury Vets 2 – 1 Golden Eagle
The County 0 – 5 Mythop Leisure
Uncle Tom's Cabin 4 – 3 Spindles
West Coast Tackle Postal 6 – 2 Christ the King
Division 2
Blackpool Catholic Club 3 – 1 Real Burlington
Tangerine Tavern 5 – 0 Layton Institute
CTK FC 1 – 1 No 4 Rangers
Fleetwood Kings 0 – 4 Tower Lounge
Northern Care Colts 7 – 2 Squirrel
Travel Village 3 – 1 Dockers
Division 3
AFC Bloomfield 1 – 1 Mere Park
Boars Head 4 – 2 AFC wilo
FC Rangers 6 – 1 Blue Room
FC Kingsfield 0 – 2 Hansom Cab
Lane Ends 3 – 3 Blackpool Lane Ends
Old England 3 – 3 Marshall Court Sandpiper
Division 4
Metrostars 1 – 5 Clifton Arms
The Sun Inn 2 – 4 Stable Bar
Results round up – Sunday March 27th 2011
 | Here is the weekly BFSFA round up described by Frank Kennedy and courtesy of the BFSFA. You can “talk to Frank” with your contributions to this weekly article by e-mailing press@bfsfa.com with a brief paragraph on your match. |
The G Casino Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Alliance Report 27 March 2011
Quilligans now only need one point from their two remaining games to lift the Premier Division Trophy in the G Casino Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Alliance. Nick Greenall was in sparkling form for Quilligans scoring four times in the 8-1 defeat of Newton Arms. In the chase for second place Poulton SFC game from behind twice to beat Gardeners Arms 3-2 with Carl Eastwood Adam Shorrocks and Daniel Whittaker on target. David Cram bagged a hat trick for Devonshire Arms in the 5-1 win over FC Eden.
Leaders of division one Fleetwood Gym won 2-0 against Spindles with goals from Dean Richards and Sean Slater. In form West Coast Tackle are making a late challenge for honours after hammering bottom side Highfield Social 17-0 who could only raise eight players. Ric Seear with five goals and trebles from Martin Brennan and Zak Williams topped the scorers. Stuart Holloway scored both goals for Highbury Vets. in the 2-2 draw with Great Eccleston.
At the top of division two leaders Northern Care Colts lost 2-1 to second placed Tangerine Tavern whose goals came from Daniel MacDonald and Steve McEwan. No. 4 Rangers were leading 6-1 before Blackpool Catholic Club fought back with late goals from Dwyane Mitchell and Sean McGuiness to finish 6-3 with Adam Walsh getting a hat trick and Mark Truby netting twice for the winners. Squirrel went level with Fleetwood Kings after beating them 5-1 with a Steve Beattie treble and a pair from Adam Holliday. Doubles from Andrew Forsyth and Robbie Walsh gave bottom side Travel Village a 4-4 draw with C & G Electrical.
In division three pride of place went to bottom side Blue Room who celebrated their first win of the season after goals from Kevin Owers defeated Old England 2-1. A Craig Harding hat trick helped leaders Boars Head to a 4-1 victory over No. Four Celtic. Aaron Clarke scored all Mere Park`s goals in the 3-0 success against Teamsport 90.
In division four leaders No. 1 Club got back to winning ways by beating Waterloo Hotspurs 3-2 with Jamie Gunn Jamie Morris and Todd Russell their marksmen. Stable Bar are still challengers after winning 6-1 against Philharmonic 6-1 with doubles from Shaun Worden and Brett Nixon. Fylde Coast Vets, had a 3-2 victory over Cuban All Stars with a Derek Mulhall double and a Neil Charlesworth strike. Lane Ends Res. defeated D H Gas 3-2 with Karl Fletcher finding the net twice.
Sportspy Reports – Sunday March 27th 2011
 | At Cottam Hall, Poulton Le Fylde, reigning champions Quilligans FC were looking to try and retain the Premier Division title. In order to do so, they needed to beat Newton Arms FC whilst hoping that their sole remaining challengers, Poulton SFC, would fail to beat the Gardeners Arms FC at the same venue. Even a draw might have been enough. |
Yaaaawn. 07:30 but feeling like the reality of 06:30. Being a slave to routine the time shift plays havoc with my body clock and it'll take weeks for me to recalibrate. When I finally come around I'll be looking forward to a trip to Cottam Hall, Poulton to watch what could potentially be the Premier Division title decider. Reigning champions Quilligans FC were away at the Gardeners Arms FC whilst their sole remaining rivals Poulton SFC were looking to keep their faint hopes of the title as well as their very realistic chances of runners up alive by beating second placed Gardeners Arms FC.
The final table at the end of the previous six seasons had shown Quilligans to be top on four occasions and runners up on the other two making them regulars at the Layton presentation evening. Their superior goal difference had all but guaranteed another top two finishing position at start of play. This season, the secret of their success has been their tight fistedness at the back where they'd only managed to concede eight in the first thirteen league fixtures. At start of play they were still unbeaten domestically with a 100% away record having only dropped points at home following two draws against Blackpool Rangers and today's opponents Poulton. Rival teams looking for positives could say that goals have been relatively difficult to come by in recent weeks. Four out of their last six matches have been won by only the narrow margin of '1-0' provoking cries of 'Boring, boring Quilligans' from rival supporters and website writers.
The club are still very much on the treble with manager Mark Spedding's team having reached the final of the Gledhill Cup for the seventh season in succession where they'll play Division 1 side Fleetwood Gym FC in May. The two clubs also meet in the semi-final of the Premier & Division Cup next weekend at Commonedge Road.
Opponents Newton Arms FC were eighth in the Premier Division table this morning just two points ahead of bottom club Fylde Coast Gates. Both clubs having been disadvantaged by the folding of two clubs earlier in the campaign. Their only win came back in January against FC Loco. Two further points were gained in draws against Blackpool Rangers and Fylde Coast Gates. After early round wins against Wilo and FC Loco (AET) they were knocked out of the Gledhill by Fleetwood Gym and the Divisional Cup they were knocked out by the Devonshire Arms early in the competition. It's been a difficult season for Mick Hutchinson and his squad but it's fair to say that apart from a couple of hammerings from Poulton on the opening day and the Devonshire Arms later in the season that they've been competitive in almost all of their matches.
Briefly, in regard to the other match, both Poulton and the Gardeners Arms both had high motivation to win with Poulton still in with a very slim chance of winning the title and by both having every chance of finishing runners up. It had been a fantastic week of weather, dry, calm and with lots of warm sunshine. Strange how the older you get the more you welcome and appreciate the onset of Spring. Morbidly beginning to realise that you're not immortal perhaps?
Despite the loss of the hour and the resultant chilly start it was shaping up to be another fine day, the perfect beginning to British Summer time. Mark Ayre was in charge of Newton v Quilligans game and just after 11am we were underway with Quilligans in the blue.
Quilligans FC 2010/11
Newton Arms FC 2010/11
The Quilligans 'Bath Chair massive' grumbling about the warm sun
Mr Ayre searching for his fivepence
Phil Thompson
Jordan Spedding
Aarron Thomas – son of ex pro Mickey Thomas up front for Newton
On four minutes, Will Watt played a reverse free kick down the left for Phil Robinson. His cross wasn't dealt with by the Newton defence.
..and in stepped Nick Greenall to stab it home. 0-1
Nick Greenall
Quilligans FC manager Mark Spedding
Interested spectators
Newton manager Mick Hutchinson
Marc Beattie under pressure
Injured Micky Evans (Left) alongside Darren Spedding
Newton keeper Dave Snowdon.
On 18 minutes a Will Watt cross bobbled up niceley for Beattie who headed it over the head of Snowdon. 0-2
A crowded Quilligans FC penalty area
Crimewatch UK
Good God, the unholly alliance of outlaws Bonney and Broadbent.
Graeme Hutchinson (Right) five minutes late with the tackle on Greenall.
On 22 minutes, Newton had their best chance when Thomas his the angle of bar and post from distance.
On 44 minutes Newton were right back in the match after pulling one back at the perfect time thanks to a Thomas shot that eluded Quill's keeper Smith and bounced in off the far post. 1-2
But a minute later, Will Watt seized on a poor clearance and lobbed it over Snowden from 25 yards. A killer blow for Newton. 1-3
Half time can only mean brandy and cigars
So Quilligans went in 3-1 up at the break and with their defensive record there looked to be no way back for Newton. On the adjoining pitch, the Gardeners had taken the lead in the opening two minutes and as half time approached they were still winning 0-1. Poulton were in the red.
But with my usual perfect timing I arrived to see Poulton equalise on the stroke of half time. A good flowing passing move ending with Danny Whittaker (Out of picture right) placing past the keeper. 1-1
Keep your eye on it Bondy!
Mr Bailey Snr in his usual cheerful mood
Carl Eastwood (Red 9)
Player manager Lee Impett (Left) had been forced to come on as sub and was immediately involved in a great Sunday football battle with Chris Debar and other Poulton platers including Adam Shorrocks above.
That's the furthest apart Impett and Debar were in the second half
Impett got the wrong side of Debar from a long ball and referee Errington adjudged that he'd been hauled down – penalty !
Anton Byrne-Carter (8) sends Speight the wrong way. 1-2
Referee Mark Errington
Nice jig – Scottish ancestry
Back at the Quills match and it looked like ex Blackpool FC player Phil Thompson had picked up a serious looking ankle injury
Impett now being double marked and enjoying every minute of it
Mr Cocker missed a throw-in and referee Errington moves in to help him out.
Danny Whittaker
Hand ball lad
What do you reckon Daz? It looks fu**** to me mate.
They're at it again
…and again
A good move for Poulton involving Catlow, cross, foul, penalty and in the above picture Adam Sharrock converts to make it 2-2
Pugh late on Impett – great stuff
Daz Hall (Left)
Trouble brewing in the background
Get inbetween them
Could it be the end of the season for Thompson? It looked like a long afternoon in A&E for that fella
Still at it
Shorrocks heads over
Another goal for Quilligans who were running riot in the second half
Another good passing move down the left for Poulton, the ball is squared and Eastwood (Second right) taps it in for what proved to be the winner. 3-2
Debar's nose was swelling but still time for another altercation, this time with Gillett.
Impett the 'peacemaker'
Debar in the book
..and Gillett joins him
The whistle goes and a scrappy game comes to an end. 3-2
Still time for another Quilligans goal from Dickinson. 8-1 the final score.
And so the Premier Division title race is extended into April thanks to both of the remaining challengers winning this morning. In the end it was comfortable for Quilligans but it was a real scrap for Poulton who showed good spirit in fighting back from being behind twice to go on and take the points. Quills need just one more point from their last two games and second place is still very much up for grabs between Poulton, Gardeners and the Devonshire Arms FC.
Sportspy 2010/11
bfsfa.com/fyldesport
Results – Sunday March 27th 2011
 | Courtesy of the committee, here are the provisional results from this morning's packed programme of league action. The fixtures for next Sunday as well as for the next tranche of midweek evening fixtures on Wednesday 6th of April are now on-line. If in doubt please contact Dennis Peters on 391055. Tables, fixtures and results now updated. |
The Premier Division title race extends into April as Quilligans and poulton both win at Cottam Hall. Fleetwood Gym beat Spindles in the Division 1 game of the day as West Coast Tackle storm into second spot. More twists and turns in Division 2 but the Tangerine Tavern are installed as the new favourites following their win away at leaders Northern Care Colts. In Division 3, the Blue Room FC record their first ever Sunday football victory at the 26th attempt as they beat the Old England – well done lads. At the top, the Boars Head return to the top on goal difference after beating Number Four Celtic. Six away wins in Division 4 but it's nowv a straight scrap for the title between the No1 Club FC and Stable Bar FC.
Action from Cottam Hall, Poulton where four of the top Premier Division sides were in action. A win for Quilligans against the Newton Arms FC would seal the title if Poulton failed to beat the Gardeners arms on the next pitch. For more pictures plus brief match summaries be sure to check out this week's 'Sportspy Reports'.
Blackpool Rangers P Fylde Coast Gates
FC Eden 1 – 5 Devonshire Arms
Newton Arms 1 – 8 Quilligans
Poulton 3 – 2 Gardeners Arms
Division 1
Great Eccleston 2 – 2 Highbury Vets
Highfield Social 0 – 17 West Coast Tackle Postal
Mythop Leisure 4 – 1 Golden Eagle
Spindles 0 – 2 Fleetwood Gym
The County 3 – 1 Unle Tom's Cabin
AFC Additions 1 – 0 Shovels
Division 2
C&G Electrical 4 – 4 Travel Village
Wrea Green 3 – 1 CTK FC
Dockers 5 – 1 Real Burlington
Fleetwood Kings 1 – 6 Squirrel
Grand Designs 3 – 2 Layton Institute
Northern Care Colts 1 – 2 Tangerine Tavern
Blackpool Catholic Club 3 – 6 Number Four Rangers
Division 3
Blue Room 2 – 1 Old England
FC Rangers 4 – 4 AFC Wilo
Hansom Cab 6 – 1 Marshall Court Sandpiper
FC Kingsfield 1- 0 Lane Ends
Mere Park 3 – 0 Teamsport 90
Number Four Celtic 1 – 4 Boars Head
Division 4
CBFC Choices Furniture 1 – 2 Clifton Arms
Cuban Allstars 2 – 3 Fylde Coast Vets
DH Gas 2 – 3 Lane Ends Reserves
Metrostars 1 – 3 The Sun Inn
Philharmonic 1 – 6 Stable Bar
Waterloo Hotspurs 2 – 3 No 1 Club
Waterloo Pub P Blackpool Catholic Colts
Results round up – Sunday March 20th 2011
| Here is the weekly BFSFA round up described by Frank Kennedy and courtesy of the BFSFA. You can “talk to Frank” with your contributions to this weekly article by e-mailing press@bfsfa.com with a brief paragraph on your match. |
With only three games remaining Quilligans look likely to retain the Premier division title in the G Casino Blackpool & Fylde Sunday Alliance after beating FC Eden 4-0 with a pair from Darren Spedding and other goals from Lee Broadbent and Paul Dickinson.
There was a shock at the top of division one as leaders Fleetwood Gym crashed to an 8-3 defeat at West Coast Tackle with Ric Seear grabbing four goals and Adam Reid two. Second placed Bloomfield got back to winning ways after beating Spindles 5-2 with a double from Benjamin McKay. Stuart Holloway struck four for Highbury Vets in the 5-3 victory over Shovels. Fraser Cook scored the only goal of the game to clinch bottom side Highfield Social`s win against Mythop Leisure.
In division two leaders Northern Care Colts hammered Layton Institute 11-0 with Ben Waddington`s four goals topping the scorers. With three games in hand Tangerine Tavern are challenging for honours after the 5-1 win over Travel Village. Grand Designs moved above Real Burlington after beating them 5-4 with pairs from Tim Kinley and Tony Whittle. Tower Lounge`s good run continued with the 2-1 defeat of Squirrel with goals from Adam Casson and Scott McCabe.
At the top of division three Boars Head were made to fight for the points by bottom side Blue Room before winning 2-0 with Craig Harding and Lee O`Neill on target. Current leaders Blackpool Lane Ends struggled to overcome Teamsport 90 and needed a late winner from Michael Reece-Birch to secure the points. Lane Ends extended their run to seven games unbeaten when coming back from a 2-0 deficit after fifteen minutes to win 3-2 against Number Four Celtic with goals from Nathan Shelliker (2) and Paul Rossall. Marshall Court Sandpiper enjoyed a 6-2 victory over Wilo with a hat trick from Jack Broadbent and a pair from Mark Frankel. Old England won their second game of the season with the 1-0 success over Kingsfield with a Daniel Pocock strike.
No 1 Club`s poor run continued at the top of division four after being held to a goalless draw by Lane Ends Res. With two games in hand Stable Bar are in contention after the 6-2 victory over Fylde Coast Vets. with doubles from Lloyd Patton and Mark Sinnett. Xceptional Kitchens won a high scoring game against Metrostars 5-4 with Darren Worrall and Steve Feeney both scoring twice for their teams.
Success for local Juniors in the Lancashire Cup
 | The recent success of Fylde Coast football at all levels has even extended to local Junior football. On Friday night (March 25th) YMCA take on rivals South Shore in the U14's Lancashire Cup Final. YMCA are the current Lancashire Cup holders and aim to do what no local team has ever done and win back to back trophies but South Shore JFC stand in their way. This should be a great game between two excellent sides as well as being a great game for the neutral. It's a credit to Fylde Coast Junior football that two local sides have got to the prestigious final. Hopefully, it won't be too long before some of the lads are turning out in the BFSFA on a Sunday. The game is to be played at the County Ground, Leyland with kick off at 7pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Updated with result and report courtesy of Carl Pomfret. |
Lancashire Cup final
YMCA 1 – 1 South Shore (YMCA won 5-4 pens)
What a game of football between the two best sides in Lancashire. This was a great advertisement for junior football and also for the Blackpool and District Youth League. Everyone that showed up to support this game was given a footballing treat as both sides fought from the moment the game kicked off until the last penalty kick. It shows the class of these two sides and how evenly matched they are that the game couldn't be won within the 70 minutes of playing time.
Unfortunately for one of the teams there had to be a winner and after 70 minutes playing time and 16 penalty kicks in a nail biting shoot out it was Lytham St Annes YMCA who came out on top to retain their Lancashire Cup Title. The YMCA have become the first team in history to claim back to back Lancashire Cup titles.With the YMCA having won the County Cup the previous year many would have probably thought that the nerves wouldn't get to the players as much, but in the first half the players seemed nervous and some what overawed by the occasion and their fluency and style of play that had helped them to reach the final was not really there to see.
South Shore had the measure of the YMCA in the first half but were met by the solid defending of James Rowley, Cameron Stubbs, Bradley Garner and Johnny Airey and also the outstanding keeping of James Lawrance. Oliver Moore played one of his best games in an orange shirt in the centre of midfield with James Carty also causing the Shore right back numerous problems as he attacked with power and pace down the left hand side in the first half. Aidan Atchison and Jack Crawford linked up well on a couple of occasions, as did Russell Townsend and Johhny Airey, but were met by the resolute defending of their opponents.
With neither team managing to break the deadlock the players went in at half time with the scoreline 0-0. In the second half YMCAs momentum and team spirit increased significantly from the first half and they really took the game to South Shore. YMCA had large amounts of possession and played the better football. They closed Shore down quickly and won their 50-50 battles, this restricted Shore to the long ball to their dangerous striker, but again this was met with solid defending. On the two occasions that their striker did get in behind the back line he was denied by two superb saves by James Lawrance.
The introduction of Jordan Willder and James Naylor at half time seemed pivitol in changing the game, Willder caused numerous problems with his pace and trickery whilst Naylor chased everything down and added that extra support up front for Aidan Atchison. Captain Carl Kennedy was also instrumental in helping turn the game around, after a quiet first half by his standards, his second half performance was there for all to see. His sheer power, pace and drive could not be coped with by Shore and Kennedy and Moore took control of the midfield for the rest of the game.
With YMCA applying all of the pressure it was somewhat unfortunate that against the run of play South Shore took the lead through Stevie Higgins after YMCA had failed to clear a corner. The team spirit though in this YMCA team would be hard to match by any other team in any sport. They work hard for each other, fight for each other and know that they can overcome any obstacle that is put in front of them. As they continued to dominate the play Atchison and Naylor both had efforts cleared off the line, Kennedy and Willder pulled shots wide, Moore and Carty had goalbound shots blocked and Kennedy also hit the bar after a stong run.
The breakthrough came when Naylor was sent through and as he knocked the ball round the advancing keeper he was felled and after having a penalty claim turned down in the first half the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped man of the moment Johnny Airey. His composure in such a situation should be admired as he placed the ball in to the bottom right hand corner levelling the scores on the evening. As YMCA continued to press there wasnt enough time for them to find a second to seal the game as Shore held on, sending the game in to penalties.
Penalties is not a great way to win and is an even worse way to lose, but this was going to be the only thing that could split the top two sides in Lancashire and probably further a-field. South Shore took the first penalty which was blazed over, Johnny Airey then scored, Shores second went wide, Jordan Willder scored. James Lawrance saved Shores third and with three penalties of the 5 remaining for YMCA and only needing to score one, many will have thought YMCA had one hand on the cup. This wasnt the case as Cameron Stubbs, Aiden Atchison and Oli Moore all saw their efforts go high or wide. Shore scored their remaining two penalties to send the shoot out in to sudden death.
Shore scored, James Lawrance scored, Shore Scored, Carl Kennedy Score, Shore missed after a superb save by Lawrance. Up stepped Bradley Garner a player with a massive heart, a player that has been with and loved this club since the age of 6, a player that is playing at the top of his game and having his best season for YM, he fired the ball in to the bottom left hand corner before setting off on his celebratory run with all the YMCA players and management in tow, before the wild celebrations began in the middle of the pitch.As the players shook hands shortly after, the admiration for two top sides was applauded by the following fans.
When YMCA last year won the Lancashire Cup, Northern England Cup and became National runners up, many thought this was a 'fluke'. The players, parents and management team of the YMCA knew this was not the case, and set out at the beginning of this season to retain their prestigous County title. Once again they have proved they are the best team in Lancashire, but not without having to overcome a team, so close to home who have been their arch rivals for many years.
Congratulations to both teams for reaching the final and producing a game of football that had everything. It is also fitting that around half of the players that were on show in this final, will return to the County Ground at Leyland on Thursday 28th April for the Inter League Cup Final. On tonights displays it will take some team to come and beat the Blackpool and Fylde Side. Good Luck in this game lads.
Sportspy Reports – Sunday March 20th 2011
 | At a miserable Moor Park, Bispham in the light drizzle this morning watching Teamsport 90 FC host leaders Blackpool Lane Ends FC in a Division 3 league encounter. |
Four wins and a draw from the last five had been enough to return Blackpool Lane Ends FC to the top of the Division 3 table as well as bringing the most recent BFSFA Manager of the Month award to the door of manager Darren Meehan. Last season, and playing as AFC Ansdell Excelsior in 3A, the club ended the season in a creditable fifth place but still fifteen points behind eventual title winners Real Burlington FC. This season they look to be making a serious challenge for promotion and with eighteen wins and one draw from twenty-two games surely now is the time for the club to break into the top three Divisions for the first time in its history. This morning they were three points ahead of the Boars Head FC who had three games in hand.
One of the three clubs to beat them were rivals Boars Head FC who are currently their main title challengers. In the Gledhill Cup they were knocked out by Premier Division side FC Loco after a first round bye. In the Divisonal Cup they comfortably beat No4 Celtic in the opening round but were unable to raise a team for the second round match against Real Burlington who went through with a walk-over.
Their opponents this morning were Teamsport 90 FC. Both of these sides have had many links and associations over the years which only added to the attractiveness of this fixture. Mark Miles' team had their best season ever in 2009/10 and ended up only one point away from securing runners up spot in Division 3A. When the sides met last year the points were shared with a win apiece. Earlier this season, it was the Lane Ends who won the first encounter with a convincing 1-0 win. This morning, Teamsport 90 FC were seventh in the table and if they're to finish any higher they're going to have to put together a really strong finish to the campaign.
Recent league form has been mixed, the club appear to have been finding the net on a regular basis but conceding far too many at the other end. In the Gledhill Cup, they too had a first round bye. They then beat Travel Village in Round 2 before narrowly losing 2-1 away at Mythop in Round 3. They've had a great run in this season's Division 2&3 Cup. They opened with a magnificent win against Grand Designs before progressing in Round 2 thanks to opponents Layton Institute mistakenly fielding an ineligible player. Last Sunday they booked their semi-final place after beating FC Kingsfield 3-1 away.
Unusually, Teamsport were based at Moor Park as opposed to their regular home ground of Boundary Park. Yesterday's warm early Spring sunshine had been replaced by cloud and early morning drizzle and Pitch 1 was heavy and cut up from the start. Still, flat calm and relatively mild. Today's referee was Mr Anthony Jackson and at 11am the game started with Lane Ends kicking off in their white and black strip.
Teamsport 90 FC 2010/11
Blackpool Lane Ends FC 2010/11
Lane Ends in kick off in the gloomy conditions
Community art work at the Moor Park changing block. Keith Hulme (Left) alongside Kevin Moran.
Jeff Blincow comes away with the ball
Lane Ends skipper Martyn Percival
The locals out playing a spot of golf. The youngster calls the shot, 'Big guy, white shirt, number 26!'
'Bullseye'
Danny Garth (Centre)
Head injury for Wilks. Manager Meehan dispenses the magic sponge
One of very few first half chances. The ball falls kindly for 'Lonners' but keeper Kennerly pulls off a brilliant point blank block to deny Teamsport.
Referee Mr Anthony Jackson
Teamsport defensive wall
Keith Hulme in full flight. A dull first half for the few spectators who were releved to hear the whistle
Half time score : Teamsport 90 FC 0 – 0 Blackpool Lane Ends FC
Three minutes into the second period and the deadlock was finally broken. A throw from the left was flicked on by Moran and it crept into the far corner off the upright. Keeper Kennerly was left floundering in the rigging. 1-0
Strange pre-corner routine from Lee
Lane Ends pressure grows from long high balls into the area. (It was like Blackburn Rovers FC all over again).
Moran goes close with one of three second half chances that he usually buries
Teamsport 90 FC player manager Mark Miles (Left). On 80 minutes, Lane Ends finally got their equaliser thanks to a Ryan Green powered header from a corner. It gave keeper Jones no chance. Apologies to Green as I failed to capture it as the camera was on the wrong setting. 1 -1
Paul Smith with his back to goal.
88 minutes and referee Jackson awards a free kick to Blackpoo Lane Ends FC. The initial shot is tipped over by Ant Jones. The resultant corner (no it wasn't a free kick three yards in from the flag' was headed (shouldered home 'John Terry like' by Mick Treece-Birch to give Lane Ends all three points. 1-2
Referee assessor Peter Brown. Note for official – 'Never trust Sunday league linesmen to ensure that a corner is taken from the right place, especially if said linesman is the manager of the player taking it with the score at 1-1 with two minutes left to play'.
A very late chance for a dramatic Teamsport equaliser but Kennerly is first to it
The ref blows his whistle and it's all over
The respective player managers shake hands with contrasting feelings
Final score : Teamsport 90 FC 1 – 2 Blackpool Lane Ends FC
Three important points then this morning for Blackpool Lane Ends FC that kept them at the top of Division 3 and extended their winning streak to five games but that's as far as it goes for positive statements. Manager Meehan and his men will realise that they got out of jail this morning and in fairness would have been fortunate to end up with one point rather than three. In the first half, they were poor. They were disjointed, dull and lucky to go in with nil. In the second half, as with the first, they only looked dangerous from long throws and corners and in the end the set pieces paid dividends with two almost identical goals. I don't think they would have scored from open play if they'd carried on until midnight. Still, it's always a good sign when a side wins despite playing badly and if they can carry on this momentum they might still take the title. The Manager of the Month curse almost struck Daz Meehan and he wasn't slow to conced that his side were fortunate this morning.
As for Teamsport 90 FC, they were ten minutes away from a famous victory and will quite rightly consider themselves hard done by. At the very least they deserved a point from this one but in the end, the aerial bombardment from Lane Ends proved to be their undoing. Both sides are fortunate to play most of their home matches on good surfaces but due to today's switch of venue they both ended up on an energy sapping pudding of a pitch. However, it was Teamsport 90 who adapted to the conditions far better and they played some good football at times with the impressive Connor Cooper and veteran Kevin Moran proving to be a constant threat to the Lane Ends rear-guard. A little more composure in front of goal in the second half may have given them that killer second but at 1-0, anything can happen and so it proved this morning. An interesting second half. Well reffed by Mr Jackson.