Sportspy Reports – Saturday April 18th 2009.

This evening's Division 1 Cup final took part between two sides who upset the form-book in the semi-finals.  After losing twice to leaders Fylde Coast Gates FC in the league Northern reached the final thanks to a 2-1 win.  As for FC Loco few game them much hope against in-form side Ward Heating FC but they made a mockery of the odds as they too reached the final thanks to a similar scoreline.

Northern Care Reserves FC have completed their league programme and will finish either in 8th or in 9th.  As for the Loco a recent upsurge in form has seen them climb to 7th and if they apply themselves properly in their final two fixtures then Scott Elliot's side could still finish as high as 4th.  In league action both of these teams shared the points with win apiece.  In mid August Loco beat Northern 4-0 but in February Matt Livingstone's side took revenge in the reverse fixture thanks to a 3-2 win.

FC Loco have reached tonight's final by knocking out Fleetwood Car Centre in the quarter-final as they received a first round bye.  Northern progressed by purring out Golden Eagle in round 1 and in-form Shovels in the quarter-final.  Excellent condition for the final after day of warm spring sunshine the breeze had dropped.  The officials for the match were referee Tony Zak assisted by Peter Sutton and Marton Rogers.  FC Loco were sporting their yellow kit and it was they who kicked off.

FC Loco 2008/09

Northern Care Reserves FC 2008/09

The teams emerge from the tunnel

Referee Tony Zak (centre) with Peter Sutton (Left) and Martin Rogers.

'Heads it is'

Michael Donohue (Right)

The Northern bench

I was very impressed with the improvements at Fleetwood Town FC

After a breezy opening from FC Loco, Northern Care Reserves FC quickly took control as they enjoyed the lion's share of the possession.  On 20 minutes they took the lead as a ball swung in from the right by Elvis went over the head of Loco keeper Goldberg.  At the other end Dale Woolhouse looked dangerous on the ball but all too often his Loco team-mates gave up possession too cheaply.

The opening goal as Donohoe's shot come cross eludes Goldberg in the Loco goal.  1-0

Northern keeper Tom Baldwin dominates his area.

FC Loco keeper Goldberg makes a decent save from the free kick

An acrobatic overhead kick from Paul Simpson.

On 35 minutes Northern extended their lead.  Ex Blackpool player Wayne Maden picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired home with the outside of his right boot.  The ball bending away from Goldberg's dive.  2-0.  The next 8 minutes were disastrous for FC Loco as two defensive slips cost them the match.  Firstly, Jake Turner picked up the loose ball in the box to make it 3-0 and two minutes later keeper Goldberg and the defender failed to communicate and Jordan Smith picked up the pieces to give Northern a 4-0 lead.

Wayne Maden (6) hits an unstoppable right footed effort that hits the back of the net.  2-0.

The Loco bench unhappy with first half events.

Half time score :  Northern Care Reserves FC 4 – 0 FC Loco

The second half begins.

FC Loco go close.

Good block by Goldberg

FC Loco were much improved in the second period and although the game was gone they maintained effort and team spirit.  It was all undone on 63 minutes as further defensive dawdling let in Wayne Maden who showed good composure to slot it past Goldberg.  5-0.  Late in the game Loco grabbed a consolation as they for once got around the back of the Northern defence and the subsequent cross was duly converted by Chris Smith.

Wayne Maden makes it safe for Northern Care Reserves FC.  5-0

Fixtures' secretary Carole Cox calms down the unruly Loco fans

Chris Smith scores a deserved consolation for FC Loco.

Final score:  Northern Care Reserves FC 5 – 1 FC Loco.

FC Loco collect their runners up medals

Injured FC Loco player Joel Chappell collects his.

The officials are handed their momentos.

Carole Cox presents the Cup to Northern captain Paul Wallis.

Division 1 Cup winners 2008/09 – Northern Care Reserves FC.

'Lets' crack open the Strongbow'

In summary this game was not as close as the pundits initially predicted as Northern Care Reserves FC had the game all wrapped up by haf time.  The secret of their success was down to the energy, pace and enthusiasm of youngsters Turner and Smith along with the experience of Paul Simpson and play-maker Wayne Maden.  On the few occasions they were tested at the back they remained solid and keeper Tom Baldwin was confident in his handling and shot stopping.  A disappointing evening for FC Loco and they'll be unhappy with their first half defending but a good effort nevertheless in both reaching the final and by not throwing in the towel in the second half.  My Teamsport 90 Man of the Match was Jordan Smith who looked a good young talent, confident on the ball with a good eye for a pass he was always in the thick of the action in the offensive third of the pitch.

Teamsport90 Man of the Match Jordan Smith

Sportspy 2008/09

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