Sportspy Reports – Sunday March 28th 2010

Mythop Leisure FC were third in the Division 2A table this morning nine points behind leaders Great Eccleston FC but with three games in hand.  Eccleston have only lost two league games all season and apparently, they were both against Mythop.  With nine games left to play, Steve Ramsdale's Mythop are one of six cubs who still have a realistic chance of taking the title.  In the Gledhill Cup they went out in Round 1 to the No 4 Pub FC following a 3-1 defeat.  They reached the last eight of the Division 2 Cup before crashing out 5-2 to Spindles FC who they are still to play twice in the league.

This morning's opponents were FC Brun Grove who they were facing for the first time this season.  The Brun were in eighth spot this morning.  Chris Dixon's side are already safe from relegation but with ten games left they could still end the season  in the top four if they put together a good run of form.  They reached the second round of the Gledhill Cup before being narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Fairhaven.  In the Division 2 Cup they eventually went out to favourites Progress Sports & Social after a replay. 

The Division 2A form table on the sister site showed that Mythop were joint top with Spindles after taking fifteen points from the last six games.  The Brun were in fifth after racking up thirteen points so we looked to have a decent game on offer.  Cold and bright this morning in leafy Lytham with a light breeze.  The pitch was still a little sticky after the recent rain.  Today's official was Peter Sutton and at 11:09 the Brun kicked off in their orange kit with the breeze in their faces.

Mythop Leisure FC 2009/10

One of the more aesthetically pleasing Sunday football venues

Brun Grove FC 2009/10

Referee Peter Sutton with the two captains

The Brun kick off

Not long until the cricket season begins

David Warburton on the ball

Mr Sutton

Mythop manager Steve Ramsdale gets Matt Rainbow on his feet again

Steve Ramsdale (Right)

Brun Grove keeper Carl Dixon shows off his 'star jump'

The Mythop wall share a laugh

Jazz Davis

'Get hold of it'

The first half ended 0-0 but a hard working Brun Grove side more than edged it despite playing into the breeze.  They close down the opposition well, look relatively solid in defence and have some tricky and skilful players up front.  Overall, they were very unfortunate not to go into the break a goal up. 

Half time score :  Mythop Leisure FC 0 – 0 Brun Grove FC

Next door things were hotting up on the bowling green.  'Oh my back'

Perfect release of the Jack – keep your eye on the action fella.  (I've seen the future)

Brun Grove FC supporter Anthony Dixon

Camera shy Mythop fan Harrison

Non camera shy Mythop supporter Ben Smith

Matt Rainbow rides the tackle.

The Brun started the off as they had ended the first and almost took the lead from the kick off as a fast flowing move upfield ended with a shot that crashed back off the angle of bar and post.

More Brun pressure

Mythop keeper Rick Hall

Well taken

Tipped around the post for a corner

J Newton

On 77 minutes the deadlock was finally broken.  In the above picture a Mythop corner isn't dealt with properly in the Brun defence and this allowed Dave Warburton to nod it in from close range.

'It's over the line'………….Mythop take the lead.  1-0

Comedy moment – a great run down the wing by the Brun Grove player but a combination of the sun in his eyes and fading pitch markings had him on the wrong side of the line..'It was never out ref!'

Just two minutes after going behind the Brun deservedly drew level.  The broke fell kindly in the box for new signing Chris Callaghan and he coolly slotted into the far corner from eight yards.  Pile on.  1-1

After 77 minutes of deadlock we now had three goals in five minutes as straight from the restart Matt Rainbow picked up the ball, cut across the back line and thumped in a low drive from twenty yards.  2-1

Matt Rainbow chasing back with determination to win the ball (Collector's item)

Brun frustration results in a yellow card

Dixon gets a mouthful of netting

As full time approached the Brun left it loose at the back as they pushed for an equaliser.  In the above picture Matt Rainbow converts a low cross from the left to seal the points for Mythop.

The Brun are down and out

It's the reverse fixture next Sunday….'Thank's mate, same time next week'

Final score :  Mythop Leisure FC 3 – 1 FC Brun Grove

This was entertaining Division 2A league game played in the bright spring sunshine.  Both teams contributed to an intriguing encounter that could have gone either way.  With thirteen minutes left it looked to be heading for a goalless draw but three quick goals brought the game alive.  Mythop Leisure maintained their excellent run of form by hanging in there and digging out a result against tenacious opposition that gave it their all throughout.  In recent seasons this may have been the type of fixture that Mythop would have lost but they appear to have a little more determination and muscle about them this season.  There are still a number of difficult fixtures to play and getting your best team out midweek away from home may be the key to deciding who wins promotion to Division 1.  Mythop have an excellent chance of appearing at Presentation Night if they can keep it going.

Opponents Brun Grove will have returned to the club disappointed as they took away nothing from the game points wise despite putting in so much effort.  They were excellent in the first half and looked a really good team but they couldn't turn their chances into goals.  They also fell asleep straight after the equaliser and by that time there was little time left in the game.  If they play like that every week they'll finish a lot higher than eighth and leave themselves in a healthy position for a more concerted challenge for promotion next season.

Well refereed by Mr Sutton, not a bad tackle in the match but a little too much dissent.

“Did you enjoy the game Ben?”…………”What game?”

The daffodills are out and Spring is on its way

Sportspy 2009/10

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