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Sports Echo | Football | WJ Harrison League | Fixtures
Week 8 - 11 Oct
On Saturday ten of our sides are involved in Lincs Junior Cup Round Two ties. Of these eight ties four sides are drawn against clubs from our own league. Cherry Knights, who did not enter last season, play host to Fulbeck United, who three seasons ago reached the semi finals. The second all Lincoln League tie is between Plough Skellingthorpe and Metheringham. Last season Plough went out to the eventual winners Grimsby Borough in the quarter final while Metheringham lost in round four at North Somercotes. The last time these two sides met in this competition was in actual fact in the 1966 final on Sincil Bank when Plough won 3-2. For our other sides, BBH make their debut against East Lincs Combination champions North Somercotes, who went out to last season's finalists Skegness Town in the quarter final. Ivy Tavern visit top Gainsborough League side, AFC Friendship who they lost 4-1 a.e.t. to in round 4 of 2005-6. AFC Victory make their debut in the competition with the visit of Langtoft United from the third division of the Peterborough League. Langtoft have never progressed very far in this competition so it should be an easy passage into the next round for the Vic. Waddington United also make their debut in the competition, hosting Scunthorpe Division One side Scunthonians. Last season the Scunthorpe side went out at the early stages but in recent seasons they have been strong competitors. Market Rasen Town make the trip to Boston League side Nortoft United who presently sit bottom of their second division after promotion last season. Like Langtoft, Nortoft have never been strong competitors. Finally Heckington United have drawn tough competitors with a home tie against Lincs League highfliers Hykeham Town. Hykeham are presently unbeaten in their league and last season, like North Somercotes, went out to Skegness Town in the quarter finals.
In league action both Ruston sides could climb into the top half of the table after a shaky start, should they win their respective games. FC Rustons United, looking for a third successive win, entertain Horncastle Town who have lost twice since their last win which was in fact against Rustons United. Ruston Sports Reserves, who picked up their first win in four games last week, visit bottom side Harby. The last time these two sides met was when Harby last picked up a league point in a 2-2 draw. This was almt a year ago on 11 November 2007.
League - 2.30 pm
FC Rustons Utd v Horncastle Town - ref - D. Cattell
Harby v Ruston Sports Res - ref - J. Scaife
Lincs Junior Cup - Rd 2 - 2.15 pm ko
BBH v North Somercotes Utd - ref - D .Dowman
Cherry Knights v Fulbeck Utd - ref - A. Park
AFC Friendship v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - C. Maughan
Plough Skellingthorpe v Metheringham - ref - D. Wallhead
AFC Victory v Langtoft Utd - ref - J. Pearce
Waddington Utd v Scunthonians - ref - J. Bedford
Nortoft Utd v Market Rasen Town - ref - T. Basker
Heckington Utd v Hykeham Town - ref - N. Thorold
CLUBS VISITING CHERRY KNIGHTS ARE REMINDED TO REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM DRESSING ROOMS WHEN GOING TO PLAY THEM AS THEY ARE EXPERIENCING BREAK-INS AT THEIR GROUND.
week 7 - 4 Oct - DONT FORGET 2.30 STARTS
Leaders Plough Skellingthorpe who went top last are inactive this weekend which could seem them slip to third place should the two sides immediately below them win. Second placed AFC Victory have possibly got the better chance as they are at home to Horncastle Town who have lost three of their five starts to date. Saying this though, last weekend, Horncastle only lost by the odd goal in five against third placed Waddington United who have the ominous trip to Ivy Tavern CSA. For the Ivy they will certainly be looking to bounce back quickly after their surprise defeat at FC Rustons United last week. Fifth placed Heckington United, with games in hand over all the sides above them take on Cherry Knights who have already proved a surprise this season, being unbeaten in their opening two games. This match will see one or even both lose their 100% record. Seventh placed Metheringham, who have lost their last two games, entertained RMSC Athletic who themselves have lost three in a row, including one cup game. Ninth placed Market Rasen Town will be seeking their first home win of the season when they host FC Rustons United but for the city side their excellent win of last week could just have kick-started their season. Tenth placed Fulbeck United, who won for the first time in their last game, take on winless Harby who find themselves in a familiar position at the foot of the table. Finally the two sides just above bottom place go head to head as Ruston Sports Reserves play BBH. These teams have identical playing records with one win and five defeats to their name although BBH have scored one more goal but conceded four more than their opponents.
AFC Victory v Horncastle Town
Fulbeck Utd v Harby
Heckington Utd v Cherry Knights
Ivy Tavern CSA v Waddington Utd
Market Rasen Town v FC Rustons Utd
Metheringham v RMSC Athletic
Ruston Sports Res v BBH
week 6 27 Sept
AFC Victory v Heckington Utd - ref - A. Fish
BBH v Fulbeck Utd - ref - J. Scaife
Cherry Knights v Ruston Sports Res - ref - Chris Lamb
FC Rustons Utd v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - A. Jones
Horncastle Town v Waddington Utd - ref - M. Raisborough
Plough Skellingthorpe v Metheringham - ref - G. Wells
RMSC Ath v Market Rasen Town - ref - T. Woolley
Week 5 20 September
This weekend, weather permitting, RMSC Athletic will be able to complete their previously postponed game in the Lincs Junior Cup at CGB Humbertherm. If they succeed in this tough game they can look forward to a home tie in the next round against another, but less demanding
There are seven league games scheduled with leaders AFC victory travelling to Ruston Sports Reserves who they completed a league double over last season. The Vic’ are already the leading goal scores in the league with 16 goals in just four games played. Second placed Waddington United make a trip to Heckington United with both sides still unbeaten, so one would assume something will have to give in this game. Plough Skellingthorpe travel to Market Rasen, who will be playing their first home game of the season. In this corresponding game last season, Rasen only lost by the odd goal in five against a side on their way to the title. Ivy Tavern, one of only four sides still with a 100% record visit Metheringham in a re-scheduled game. These two have already met in a game Ivy won 6-3. Seventh placed Cherry Knights, who opened their season with a victory, visit Fulbeck United, who held leaders AFC Victory to a draw last weekend. Horncastle, after picking up their first win in their last game, host FC Rustons United, who have lost their opening three league games. While finally the two sides at the bottom, who have already shipped in 36 goals between them, meet with Harby taking on BBH.
Lincs Junior Cup Rd 1
CGB Humbertherm v RMSC Ath
League
Fulbeck Utd v Cherry Knights - ref - I. Cole
Harby v BBH - ref - K. Burton
Heckington Utd v Waddington Utd - ref - R. Howden
Horncastle Town v FC Rustons Utd - ref - A. Posner
Metheringham v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - L. Abbott
Market Rasen Town v Plough Skellingthorpe - ref - J. Scaife
Ruston Sports Res v AFC Victory - ref - J. Pearce
Wk 4 13 Sept
(all 3.00 pm kick off)
This weekend five of our teams start out their venture into the countywide Lincs Junior Cup. Seven of our remaining sides received byes while the likes of Ruston Sports Reserves and
Despite these cup games there are still five scheduled league matches. Leaders AFC Victory who have netted fourteen goals without reply in their opening three games host Fulbeck United who in recent seasons have been one of their bogey sides. In actual fact Fulbeck have won three of their last four meetings although the Vic’ did win the last encounter 5-0 at the end of last season. Second placed Waddington United will be hopeful of getting back into winning ways after dropping their first points with a 2-2 draw at Fulbeck last week. This week they guest Ruston Sports Reserves who won for the first occasion in three games last week, when beating neighbours FC Rustons United.
Another side who won for the first occasion last week,
Reigning champions Plough Skellingthorpe, who have won both their opening games are like AFC Victory and have yet to concede a goal. They entertain Harby who they complete a league double over last season, including a 9-0 victory in this corresponding game. The final game could be a first for one of our sides this season as two winless team meet. Newcomers BBH who are presently bottom with three successive defeats take on
League
AFC Victory v Fulbeck Utd - ref – M. Raisborough
BBH FC V
Metheringham FC v
Plough Skellingthorpe v Harby – ref – J. Pearce
Waddington Utd v Ruston Sports Res – ref – I. Cole
Lincs Junior Cup - rd 1
League leaders (albeit on goal difference) AFC Victory play their first away game of the season with a trip to Harby. The Vic’ have yet to concede a goal this season and last season beat Harby 6-0 and 4-1 so it would not be too presumptuous to assume the Lincoln side will still be top after this weekend. This however is unless newcomers Waddington United pick up their third successive win and better their goal difference when they visit Fulbeck United who are opening their campaign. Fourth placed side Metheringham visit fifth placed Ivy Tavern CSA with both sides having picked up good home wins in their opening games last week. Two other sides who have won their opening games also meet as Heckington United, in sixth place, host seventh placed RMSC Athletic. Heckington completed a league double last season but this corresponding fixture saw a seven goal thriller last time. Two other sides seeking their first wins after two defeats are
BBH v Cherry Knights – ref - J. Stanley
Fulbeck Utd v Waddington Utd – ref – K. Burton
Harby v AFC Victory – ref – C. Maughan
Heckington Utd v RMSC Ath – ref – J. Scaife
Ivy Tavern CSA v Metheringham – ref – A. Fish
Ruston Sports Res v FC Rustons utd – ref – R. Howden
Early leaders of the league, Waddington United will be looking to make it two wins in two as they visit Harby this weekend.
Also victors in their opening game of the season, champions Plough Skellingthorpe, are on the road again as they visit FC Rustons United, who lost their opener at Heckington last week. Last season Rustons suffered an 8-1 home defeat against Plough but beat the villagers on their own ground.
A third side seeking their second win of the season are AFC Victory who take on new comers BBH, who suffered the heaviest defeat in the opening games last week, going down 5-1 to Waddington.
Ivy Tavern CSA open their season with the visit of
Two sides opening their season are Metheringham and
Also opening their campaign are RMSC Athletic who play a local derby against Ruston Sports Reserves who lost to the champions Plough Skellingthorpe last week. RMSC,who finished fifth last season completed a league double over their rivals last season.
Week 2 - 30 Aug
AFC Victory v BBH - ref - A. Jones
Rustons Utd v Plough Skellingthorpe - ref - M. Raisborough
Ivy Tavern CSA v Mkt Rasen Town - ref - R. Howden
Metheringham v Horncastle Town - ref - J. Scaife
RMSC Ath .v. Ruston Sports Res - ref - J. Pearce
Waddington Utd .v. Harby - ref - J. Stanley
_______________________________________________________________________________
Weekend 1 – Sat 23 Aug
AFC Victory v
BBH v Waddington Utd – ref – Chris Lamb
Harby v FC Rustons Utd – ref J. Scaife
Heckington Utd v
This weekend sees the start of the WJ Harrison Printers Lincoln Football League.
At the recent Annual General Meeting Secretary it was reported that AFC Maze had withdrawn, Harby FC had asked to be re-instated and two new clubs had made application to join, namely Waddington United and BBH (who were last in league in 2001-2002 season). All three sides were welcomed into the League taking the membership up to 15 teams for the new season.
At the same meeting Achievement Awards from last season were made as follows:
Charles Hammond Memorial Trophy for top scorer in the League - Michael Musson (Heckington United) - 27 goals
Matt Brewitt Merit Award for the outstanding secretary of season - Tom Howden (Plough FC Skellingthorpe)
H.P. Gibson Trophy for the best Disciplined Club -
This weekend five games take place with champions Plough FC Skellingthorpe opening the defence of the title at Ruston Sports Reserves who were one of only two sides who managed to beat them last season, winning 3-2 in this corresponding fixture.
AFC Victory who finished third open their account with a home game against
Heckington United start with the visit of
The two new teams to the league made their debut with a game against each other. BBH have home advantage as they take on neighbours Waddington United.
Finally Harby, who resigned from the league and then re-joined, begin the campaign with a home game against FC Rustons United who they failed to meet last season on both occasions due to player shortage. Lets hope things prove better for the Notts side this season.
_____________________________________________________________________________
28/4/08
FC Ruston v Mkt Rasen Town - ref - J. Scaife
Fulbeck Utd v Metheringham - ref - Chris Lamb
Heckington Utd v Horncastle Town - ref - K. Saunby
Plough FC Skellingthorpe v AFC Victory - ref - A. Jones
21/4/08
This week-end, the penultimate week-end of what has seemed a long season, sees the final two cup competitions decided. Thanks go out to Lincoln City Football Club for allowing these two finals to be staged on the Sincil Bank ground, which for many players will be a memorable occasion. The two finals in question are the Hoare and
Also on Saturday there is one league game taking place, between RMSC Athletic and
In mid week, just two days before their cup final Heckington United play their penultimate league game of the season when hosting old adversaries and league runners-up Ivy Tavern. Just over a month ago this game looked as if it could be a title decider but now it has little meaning other than bragging points. The sides have met twice this season already, with Ivy winning the corresponding league game 3-1 while Heckington won 2-1 at home in a David Cooper cup tie.
fixtures w-e 26 April
Thursday 24 April - 6.30 pm
Heckington Utd .v. Ivy Tavern - ref - L. Abbott
Saturday 26th April
RMSC Ath .v. Horncastle Town - ref - M. Thomson
Cherry Knights v Metheringham - (League game doubling with cup final)
SATURDAY 26th APRIL - 2.00 PM
Alan Hodds Painter & Decorator sponsored Horace Franklin Cup
Lincoln City FC - Sincil Bank
admission £3.00 - £1.00 concessions
CHERRY KNIGHTS .v. METHERINGHAM
officials - Mark Raisborough - Les Abbott; Tom Woolleyo
****
SATURDAY 26th APRIL - 6.00 PM
Hoare & Main sponsored Village Trophy
Lincoln City FC - Sincil Bank
admission £3.00 - £1.00 concessions
HECKINGTON UNITED .v. PLOUGH SKELLINGTHORPE
officials: Chris Lamb - Steve Harris; John Scaife
18/4/08
INVITATION TO NEW CLUBS
Without doubt this season has yet again been as good as any in recent years in the Premier Lincoln Saturday League in the area. We are already aware for next season that bottom side Harby are to call it a day and with this in mind the League put out an invitation to any new sides who would like to join the "premier" local Saturday league in this area for 2008-2009. If any side is interested they can either ring Secretary Derrick Richardson on 01522 822623 or write to him at 11 Buttery Close, Lincoln LN6 8SL - closing date is 30th June 2008.
CLUB ARE ASSURED OF A FULL SEASON OF APPROXIMATELY 26 LEAGUE FIXTURES WITH A VARIETY OF CUP MATCHES OVER THE SEASON. ALSO THE LEAGUE WEBSITES GIVE FULL COVERAGE OF ALL MATCHES PLAYED
PREVIEW OF WEEK-END GAMES
Just three weeks and eleven games remain in what has been an enthralling season in the WJ Harrison Printers Lincoln League. Having secured the league title in mid-week Plough FC Skellingthorpe sit this week-end out before they receive the League Trophy in their final home game on 3 May against AFC Victory. Ivy Tavern CSA, who commiseration go out to, as they once again fell short at the last hurdle, play their penultimate match of the season with a trip to FC Rustons United. Silly as it may seem, they need at least one win from their final two games now, to ensure they finish second, should either AFC Victory or Heckington United win all of their remaining games. AFC Victory should see the first of those points picked up as they visit second to bottom side AFC Maze while Heckington too have an away trip as they visit fifth placed RMSC Athletic.
The remaining games for these three sides see Ivy Tavern CSA go head to head with Heckington United while the village side also see
Ivy Tavern CSA have been without a game for two weeks now but visit FC Rustons United looking to avenge one of only two home defeats they have suffered all season. FC Rustons beat them by the odd goal in seven in Ivy’s opening game of the season. FC Rustons would like to close the season on a high as they go into their last two game with this match and a final home match against
THURSDAY 17th APRIL - 7.00 PM
Lincoln Moorlands & Railways Sports and Social Club sponsored Amateur Cup
Lincoln Moorlands & Railways Sports ground, Newark Road
admission £2.00 - £1.00 concessions
AFC VICTORY (Holders) v PLOUGH FC SKELLINGTHORPE
officials: Simon Swain - Adrian Jones; Callum Lamb
Tuesday 15th April games
Heckington v Metheringham - ref J . Scaife
Plough FC Skellingthorpe v Harby - ref - L. Abbott
Saturday 19th games
AFC Maze v AFC Victory - ref - J. Scaife
FC Rustons Utd v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - R. Howden
RMSC Ath v Heckington Utd - ref A. Jones
9/4/08
After the midweek games Plough FC Skellingthorpe went back to the top of the table, a position they relinquished to Ivy Tavern CSA back in December. Their 5-1 victory over AFC Maze put them two points ahead with this coming week-ends game taking them to the same number of games played as their closest rivals but with the possibility of being five points clear, with just two games remaining. Ivy Tavern CSA once again sit the day out hoping and praying that the Plough might just drop some points. For Plough they entertain Cherry Knights who have won only twice away from home but these two victories have come in their last three away games, including victory at Market Rasen last Saturday. With the winning post in sight one has to believe Plough will pick up maximum points and in doing so see them secure a seventh league double of the season. Third placed AFC Victory visit Fulbeck United as they look to retain third spot but a gruelling schedule could have an adverse affect on them as this will be their four game in eight days after a league hgame on Tuesday and a cup final Thursday. Fulbeck have been a bit of a bogey side for the Lincoln team over the last couple of years and already the villagers will be seeking a rare league double, having won 2-1 away back in September. Fulbeck will be pleased of a home game having not played on home soil since January but they will have to improve on their lethargic performance of last week when losing 2-1 at Metheringham. Fourth placed Heckington can go back third should Victory lose and they win at Ruston Sports Reserves but they are without a win in their last two league games. Saying this though Rustons are without a league win in six games although they were only edged out 1-0 by the Ivy last week. RMSC, who have failed to score in their last three games, which they have also lost, can ensure they finish fifth with victory over Harby. They have already beaten them 7-2 away from home so three points looks an almost certainty. Final Metheringham who have won three of their last four games visit AFC Maze who have won one and drawn one of their last six. These two sides shared a 2-2 draw in their pre Christmas meeting and a similar result would not be unexpected.
Fixtures Saturday 12 April - 3.00 pm ko
AFC Maze v Metheringham - ref - I. Cole
Fulbeck Utd v AFC Victory - ref - A. Jones
Plough FC Skellingthorpe v Cherry Knights - ref - J. Scaife
RMSC Ath v Harby - ref- T. Woolley
Ruston Sports Res v Heckington Utd - ref - B. Gelder
CUP FINAL DATES
THURSDAY 10th APRIL - 7.00 PM
Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup
Lincoln Moorlands & Railways Sports ground, Newark Road
admission £2.00 - £1.00 concessions
AFC VICTORY (Holders) .v. HECKINGTON UNITED
officials: Richard Howden - David Cattell; Ian Cole
5/4/08
fixtures for Tuesday 8th April
AFC Maze .v. Plough FC - ref - Callum Lamb
RMSC Ath .v. AFC Victory - ref - K. Saunby
2/4/08
*******
******
SATURDAY 26th APRIL - 2.00 PM
Alan Hodds Painter & Decorator sponsored Horace Franklin Cup
Lincoln City FC - Sincil Bank
admission £3.00 - £1.00 concessions
CHERRY KNIGHTS .v. METHERINGHAM
officials - Mark Raisborough - Les Abbott; Tom Woolleyo
****
SATURDAY 26th APRIL - 6.00 PM
Hoare & Main sponsored Village Trophy
Lincoln City FC - Sincil Bank
admission £3.00 - £1.00 concessions
HECKINGTON UNITED .v. PLOUGH SKELLINGTHORPE
officials: Chris Lamb - Steve Harris; John Scaife
TITLE RUN IN
Ivy Tavern - P23 - W18 - Pts 56
Plough P21 - W18 - Pts 55
Heckington P20 - W15 - Pts 46
Victory P21 - W15 - Pts 46
REMAINING GAMES - in order shown
Ivy Tavern - - Ruston Sports Res (a) / FC Rustons (a) / Heckington (a)
Plough - Heckington (a) / Maze (a) / Cherry Knights (H) / Harby (H) / Victory (H)
Heckington - Ruston Sports Res (a) / Metheringham (H) / RMSC (a) / Ivy (H) / Horncastle (H)
Victory - RMSC (H) / RMSC (a) / Fulbeck (a) / Maze (a) / Plough (a)
As we move into the last month of what has been an enthralling season the title race is now looking a battle between Ivy Tavern CSA and Plough FC Skellingthorpe. Just one point separates the two sides with Plough having two games in hand. Saying this though Plough have a heavy programme before their season comes to a close in just over 30 days time with five league games and two cup finals to play. One of their key battles will be on Saturday when they visit Heckington with their final match on 5 May a home game against AFC Victory. Sandwiched between these two tough matches are three games against the three bottom sides, AFC Maze, Cherry Knights and Harby. In honesty one has to believe Plough will beat the bottom three teams which means, should Ivy Tavern win their three remaining games which would give them 65 points, Plough need a result from either of the two other games to snatch the title. Plough are now on an eight match winning run which included a 3-1 home win over this weeks opponents Hecknigton. They have become Heckington’s bogey side of late as they also beat them in the Amateur Cup earlier in the season. Heckington saw their title chances take a serious stumble last week as they dropped points against Fulbeck but they are renowned battlers and with only one defeat at home this season it looks as if it could be a close game. Leaders Ivy Tavern, with just three away games left, visit Ruston Sports Reserves, looking to complete a league double, having won the home game 3-0 back in September. Rustons are without a win in six games while the Ivy have won their last six away games. Fourth placed AFC Victory, who have now lost their last two home games play host to their nearest rivals, fifth placed RMSC Athletic. Mid-weeks defeat for RMSC was their first defeat in nine games, stretching back to 5 January when Victory beat them 3-0 in an Amateur Cup tie. In reality Victory’s title hopes have now gone with a top three place the best they can really expect. Further down the table seventh placed FC Rustons United can be expected to continue their recent found form with a trip to Harby. With two wins and a draw in their last three games they should be too strong for Harby who can not buy a victory with their last win nineteen games ago, back in October. Another side that has found some form is ninth placed Fulbeck United who visit Metheringham. They are unbeaten in their last five league games, including an excellent draw at Heckington last week. These two sides have yet to meet in the league although they played out a 0-0 draw in a recent Amateur Cup tie before Fulbeck won on penalties. Metheringham are playing their final home game so would like to close on a winning note after some indifferent results. Finally tenth placed
fixtures for Sat 5 April
AFC Victory v RMSC Ath - ref - B. Gelder
Harby v FC Rustons Utd - ref - M. Raisborough
Heckington Utd v Plough Skellingthorpe - ref - S. Swain
Mkt Rasen Town v Cherry Knights - ref - L. Abbott
Metheringham v Fulbeck Utd - ref - R. Howden
Ruston Sports Res v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - D. Cattell
30/3/08
fixtures for Tuesday 1st April - 6.00 pm kick off
Alan Hodds Decorators sponsored Horace Franklin Cup semi finals
Metheringham v Harby officials J. Pearce, K. Saunby, I. Cole
Cherry Knights v AFC Maze - officials A. Jones, Callum Lamb,
League
AFC Victory .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe- ref - M. Thomson
Ivy Tavern CSA .v. RMSC Athletic -ref - R. Howden
======================================================================
For a second week-end leaders Ivy Tavern CSA have to sit and watch as their main title rivals play “catch up.” Their nearest rivals Plough FC Skellingthorpe can move to within one point of them should they win at eleventh placed Metheringham. Their other realistic contenders, Heckington United and AFC Victory play Fulbeck United and
Plough FC Skellingthorpe are on the back of a six match winning run and have met and beaten their hosts Metheringham twice already this season. In the most recent match they were taken to extra time in the Amateur Cup before winning 5-3. The home side won for the first time in six games last week but will have to be at their best to take anything out of their opponents. Third placed Heckington United lost their 100% home record in their last home game but one would expect them to beat Fulbeck United, having already met an beaten them three times already this season. In addition Fulbeck failed to score in any of these games, although saying that they are unbeaten in their last three games and have found the net consistently with ten goals. Fourth placed AFC Victory, who saw their title chase take a knock last week with their surprise home defeat against FC Rustons, have another difficult trip, this time to Horncastle Town. For the Vic’ it was their first defeat in six league games while at the same time their hosts were picking up their first victory in five games. Horncastle will be looking for a league double over their opponents having won 3-1 in
fixtures for 29/3/08
FC Rustons v Cherry Knights - ref - Callum Lamb
Heckington Utd v Fulbeck Utd - ref -L. Abbott
Horncastle Town v AFC Victory - ref - Chris Lamb
Metheringham v Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - I. Cole
RMSC Ath v Mkt Rasen Town - ref - A. Jones
15/3/08
preview of games for 22/3/08
The 2007-08 season is now clearly a four horse race but this week-end leaders Ivy Tavern CSA are inactive and have to watch as their title rivals play catch up. The three sides just below them have all played four games less and could all over-haul them should they win all their games in hand. This wont happen though as they all play one another before the season ends. Second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe, seven points behind the Ivy, play host to
fixtures for 22/3/08 - 3.00 pm ko
AFC Maze v Horncastle Town - ref - J. Pearce
AFC Victory v FC Rustons Utd - ref - A. Jones
Cherry Knights v Heckington Utd - ref - R. Howden
Fulbeck Utd v Harby - ref - K. Saunby
Plough FC Skellingthorpe v Mkt Rasen Town - ref - J. Murray
Ruston Sports Res v Metheringham - ref - L. Abbott
12/3/08
preview of week-end games
It could be crunch day this Saturday as the “Top Four” meet head to head. Leaders Ivy Tavern CSA host second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe and third placed Heckington United meet fourth placed AFC Victory. In contrast to this the two bottom sides also lock horns with Harby hosting Cherry Knights while eleventh meet tenth as Metheringham visiting Market Rasen Town. Another game which could see movement up or down the table depending on the out-come, is the visit of fifth placed RMSC Athletic to sixth placed
Leaders Ivy Tavern are the most consistent side in the League at the moment with eleven straight league wins to their name, going back to the 24th November. In actual fact they are unbeaten in the league in 13 games with their last league defeat being one of their only two defeats of the season, a 2-0 reverse at Plough Skellingthorpe in October. Plough themselves have played only ten games since that victory and in that time they have only lost once and drawn once. The outcome of this game could have a huge bearing on the title as too can the second top of the table clash between Heckington and Victory. Home side Heckington have lost only three games this season, all away from home, at Ivy, Plough and Victory. Despite this they are the only side with a 100% home record while their opponents Victory are the only side to be unbeaten, away from home, having won six and drawn one of their seven games played. For me both games are too difficult to predict the outcome. At the other end of the table bottom side Harby host second to bottom Cherry Knights with both sides on10 points. Visitors Cherry will be seeking a league double having registered their biggest win of the season in the corresponding game back in October when they won 7-2. They also won 6-3 at Harby in the Village Trophy so they go into the game with the most confidence of getting a result. Harby’s only three wins of the season came in the first three months of the season and since a 5-3 victory over Fulbeck in October they have picked up only one point in twelve games. If Cherry do win it will be their first away point of the season as they have lost their last nine matches on the road and scored just four goals. Two sides who have been swapping tenth and eleventh positions consistently over recent weeks meet head to head with Market Rasen hosting Metheringham. Metheringham make the trip looking for a first double of the season having won 5-0 in the seasons’ opener in August. Neither side has had much success since then with Rasen having picked up only four home wins in ten games and Metheringham one away win from seven matches. Two sides who are vying for a top five finish are RMSC Athletic who visit
games for w-e 15/3/08
FC Rustons .v. AFC Maze - ref - J. Scaife
Harby .v. Cherry Knights - ref - M. Raisborough
Heckington Utd .v. AFC Victory - ref - A. Fish
Horncastle Town .v. RMSC Ath - ref - M. Thomson
Ivy Tavern CSA .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - B. Gelder
Mkt Rasen Town .v. Metheringham - ref - R. Howden
5/3/08 previewing week-end games
Believe it or not this week-end the Lincoln Saturday League sees every side play a league game on the same day for the first time since October. With every team active, one can expect to see some movement up and down the table after the games are completed. One certain non-mover will be league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA, whether they win, draw or lose, as they hold a ten point lead at the top of the table. They visit tenth placed Metheringham who they beat 5-2 in September and on present form a league double looks on the cards. Second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe visit Horncastle Town who, after a winning run of ten games, have failed to win in their last two, with defeat against Ivy Tavern and a draw against Metheringham. Plough have lost just one of their last five league games and they too will be looking for a league double, having beaten Horncastle 2-1 early in the season. This game could be a close call with Horncastle’s only victors on their ground having been Ivy Tavern and Heckington United. Speaking of Heckington, who have slipped to third, they visit twelfth placed AFC Maze and like the two sides above them, they will be hoping for a league double, having already beaten the Lincoln side 5-0 in the corresponding game. Maze have won just twice in the league this season and Heckington should be too strong for them. AFC Victory in fourth place, just two points behind Heckington, see Harby as their visitors. Last week-end Harby failed to fulfil a fixture for the fourth time so one can only hope they can raise a side this week-end. Now in bottom place they lost 4-1 at home to Victory last year and a home win looks a certainty with Victory having registered seven wins in their last eight league games. Sixth placed RMSC Athletic, who meet neighbours FC Rustons United will be listening out for the Horncastle versus Plough result as they are level on points with Horncastle and victory would see them regain fifth place should they pick up a win. Rustons are in a really poor spell of form at the moment with just one win from eight games and having scored only six goals in those games. RMSC on the other hand have won four and drawn two of their last six games, scoring 19 goals with the in-form Danny Hicks scoring seven of these. A home win looks the likely result as RMSC look for a league double but saying that FC Ruston’s fortune has to change sometime. Seventh placed Ruston Sports Reserves too have failed to produce recently as they have won only two while losing six of their last eight. They host Market Rasen who go into the game with the bragging rights as they won the corresponding game 2-1 back in September. Saying this though Rasen can only just better Rustons recent record as they have won two, drawn one and lost five of their last eight. Also they have failed to score in their last two including suffering a 9-0 defeat at league leaders Ivy last week. Rasen do not appear to be good travellers either with just one win from nine away games so one would expect Rustons to get back to winning ways but who knows. The final game sees two further sides who are not in rich veins of form as Cherry Knights (thirteenth) host ninth placed Fulbeck United. Although Fulbeck won their last away game at Maze two weeks ago, 4-3 this was their first win in six league games and only their second away win of the season. Cherry have won two of their last five matches but Fulbeck go into the game in search of only their second league double of the season having won 5-0 at the start of the season. This game is a difficult one to call so I will sit on the fence.
4/3/08
games for week-end 8/3/08 - all 3 pm kick off
AFC Maze .v. Heckington Utd - ref - T. Woolley
AFC Victory .v. Harby - ref - D. Cattell
Cherry Knights .v. Fulbeck Utd - ref - S. Swain
Horncastle Town .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - To be advised
Metheringham .v. Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - A. Jones
RMSC Ath .v. FC Rustons Utd - ref - R. Howden
Ruston Sports Res .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - B. Gelder
27/2/08
review of week-end games
This week-end Heckington United and Fulbeck United contest the second semi final in the Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd, sponsored David Cooper Cup for the right to meet holders AFC Victory in the final. There is also a nearly full programme of league fixtures and clubs should take note that we return to 3.00 pm kick off’s this week-end in the league.
Leaders Ivy Tavern CSA, after being inactive last week, take on Market Rasen Town while third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe can move above Heckington United should they win at FC Rustons United. Also looking to get back into the title race are AFC Victory, who, although 13 points behind the leaders, having four games in hand. Sixth placed Horncastle Town too will be looking to move up the table after seeing their long winning run come to an end. They entertain eleventh place Metheringham. Finally the two bottom sides as Harby and AFC Maze meet.
On paper Heckington United look favourites to reach their second final of the season as they meet Fulbeck United in the David Cooper Cup semi final. Other than two cup defeats Heckington are unbeaten at home in the league this season and they have met and beaten Fulbeck twice this season, albeit only 1-0 in the league and 2-0 in the Village Trophy semi final. Fulbeck on the other hand have found a bit of form in the last two matches after going six games without a goal. They bagged four goals in their last match and two in the one before and are unbeaten in their last two away games but in reality one can not see Heckington losing this tie.
In the league, Ivy Tavern CSA, who have won their last eight league games, host Market Rasen Town who shared the points in the corresponding game back in September. Rasen have won just one away game this season so a home win looks on the cards. Second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe are playing only their third league game of 2008 and their opponents FC Rustons have already beaten the village side away, back in September, although Plough gained revenge with a victory in the Lincs Junior Cup in November. Rustons have won only one of their last ten games and scored only once in their last four. For them to get anything out of this game they will have to improve greatly. Watching this match closely will be AFC Victory who could go level on points with Plough should they overcome third to bottom side Cherry Knights. Victory have won twelve of the last thirteen games while Cherry have still to pick up an away point having lost all eight away games played. In those eight games they have netted just two goals while conceding 22 so a home win looks the most likely result. While Victory will be watching out for the result of the side immediately above them sixth placed Horncastle will be watching out for the Vic’s result as they could climb two places above the inactive RMSC Athletic and the Vic’ should they overcome visitors Metheringham and the Vic' lose. Horncaatle have lost only twice at home this season and these defeats came in their first two home games. Metheringham meanwhile have won only once away from home in the league and that was way back in September at Harby. Horncastle also go into the game looking for a league double having won the away game 2-1 in September. Again a home win looks the most likely outcome. The final game brings together second to bottom side Harby, who host bottom side AFC Maze. Harby have not won in fourteen games with their last win being a 5-3 victory over Fulbeck in October. AFC Maze are the only other side in the league without an away win, although they have picked up two draws. The two sides have already met twice this season with Maze winning 6-0 in a David Cooper Cup tie in November but Harby go into the game looking for their first league double, having beaten their opponents on their ground back in September, while picking up their only away win. Victory for either side would take them out of the bottom two but it is not an easy game to predict so lets suggest a draw could be a fair result.
24/2/08
fixture for 1/3/08
Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd David Cooper Cup semi final - 1.45 pm
Heckington Utd .v. Fulbeck Utd - officials - Chris Lamb, J. Pearce, J. Murray
League - 3 pm
AFC Victory .v. Cherry Knights - ref - Callum Lamb
FC Rustons Utd .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - M. Raisborough
Harby .v. AFC Maze - ref - B. Gelder
Horncastle Town .v. Metheringham - ref - S. Swain
Ivy Tavern CSA .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - K. Saunby
20/2/08
This week-end the last of our major league, cup finals takes centre stage as the first semi final is played in the Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup. The first semi final will see holders AFC Victory visit Ruston Sports Reserves. These two sides met only seven days ago in a league game at the home of Victory with them coming out 5-3 winners. This saw Victory secure a league double so they must go into this match full of confidence to secure their second cup final place of the season (just like their debut season, last year). One thing in
Once again the week-end’s league programme is very sparse with only three matches taking place but one of these is a top of the table clash with second placed Heckington United visiting third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe. Plough, who are five points behind Heckington with a game in hand, have won their last ten home games with their only defeat on home soil way back on 22 September. Heckington in contrast have won seven of their last eight away games but Plough have the bragging rights going into this game as they have already beaten Heckington, 1-0 away, in an Amateur Cup tie in January. Who will win this game will be down to who wants it the most. Of the two remaining games sixth place RMSC Athletic can move one place up the table should they win at second to bottom Harby. These two sides are meeting for the first time this season but RMSC have an excellent away record with six wins and one draw from nine matches. Surprisingly, Harby are playing their first home game of 2008 but have not won in 14 games and only scored two goals in their last six. The final game gives bottom side AFC Maze the opportunity to move two places up the table should Harby lose and they beat their opponents Fulbeck United. The village side too could climb two places from eleventh to ninth with victory. For Fulbeck to win they will have to see a drastic change in fortune on away soil as their one and only away win came ten games ago in their first away game of the season, against AFC Victory. Last week-end they also scored for the first time in seven games. Although AFC Maze were relegated to bottom spot last week after losing to Cherry Knights 2-0, they did win their last home game in a nine goal thriller against Ruston Sports Reserves. This however was only their second win of the season with their only other win back in September. If anyone can have bragging rights going into this game it has to be Fulbeck who will be looking for a league double having won the home encounter 3-0 at the start of the season.
16/2/08
fixtures for 23/2/08
Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd David Cooper Cup semi final - 1.45 pm
Ruston Sports Res .v. AFC Victory - officials - M. Raisborough, J. Scaife, T. Woolley
League - 2.15 pm
AFC Maze .v. Fulbeck Utd - Ref - S. Harris
Harby .v. RMSC Ath - ref - I. Cole
Plough FC Skellingthorpe - .v. Heckington Utd - Ref - A. Jones
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12/2/08 - preview of week-end games
The second semi final in the Moorlands Railways Sports and Social Club sponsored Amateur Cup takes place this week-end with Metheringham hosting Plough FC Skellingthorpe. There are also a handful of league games taking place with top and bottom of the table clashes.
In the Amateur Cup Plough Skellingthorpe go into the match as favourites to meet holders AFC victory in the final in the light of their present league standing and the fact they have already registered a 5-1 victory over Metheringham in the league this season. Metheringham failed to beat Plough in three meetings last season and the last occasion they had success over their opponents was in the final of the Village Trophy in April 2006. Victory for Plough would secure them a second cup final of the season.
In the league Ivy Tavern CSA can once again stretch their lead at the top to eight points as Heckington United, their nearest rivals are inactive. To pick up victory though they have to go to fourth placed
11/2/08
LINCOLN AMATEUR CUP 1/2 final
(sponsored by Moorland Railway Sports & Social Club Ltd)
semi final 1.45 pm ko
Metheringham .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - officials M. Thomson, J. Scaife, R. Howden
LEAGUE - 2.15 pm ko
AFC Victory .v. Ruston Sports Res - ref - K. Saunby
Cherry Knights .v. AFC Maze - ref - Chris Lamb
Horncastle Town .v. Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - M. Raisborough
Market Rasen Town .v. FC Rustons United - ref - T. Woolley
RMSC Athletic .v. Fulbeck United - ref - J. Pearce
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5/2/08 - previewing this weke-end games
This week-end sees the first of the two semi final ties in the Moorland Railway Sports & Social Club sponsored Amateur Cup. No one could ask for a bigger tie than this one with cup holders AFC Victory taking on present league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA. The Vic’ lifted two cups in their first season in the league last season but believe it or not Ivy Tavern have not appeared in a local final since 2002-03 and not won a cup trophy this century. The last time they featured in one of our local finals was six seasons ago when they lost the Amateur Cup final 1-0 to the team of the moment, Saxilby Athletic. Ivy must be hopeful of changing their fortune as they go into the game on the back of a nine match winning run, where they have scored no less than 46 goals. The two sides have already met twice in the league with Ivy taking four points off Victory with a 4-1 home win and a 1-1 away draw. Victory themselves have got an almost equal record to their arch rivals with their only defeat in nine games being the 4-1 reverse at the hands of the Ivy. They have netted 28 goals in this spell which in reality set things up for an enthralling cup tie.
While leaders Ivy Tavern are in cup action Heckington United could trawl back some of the eight point gap that has been created by the league leaders. They make their longest trip of the season to Market Rasen Town looking to complete a league double having won their home encounter by a narrow 1-0 victory. Heckington have lost only twice on away grounds this season in ten games so the home side will have to be on their mettle if they want to come out of the game with anything. One thing in Rasen’s favour is the fact they have found the net regularly in recent matches, netting 14 in their last four games. For third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe who host Fulbeck United, they will be playing their first league game of 2008, having been heavily involved in cup matches. They too will be on the look out for a league double having beaten their visitors 5-0 at Fulbeck back in September. For Fulbeck to come away with anything they will have to improve in front of goal as they have not scored a goal in their last five matches and have not won away from home since September (eight games ago). The league’s form side, fifth placed, Horncastle Town, who have won nine successive league games meet Ruston Sports Reserves and with a victory they could move above AFC Victory (in cup action) to fourth position or even third above Plough Skellingthorpe, should the villagers come unstuck. Their opponents have won only twice in away games from eleven matches with their last victory back in October, eight matches ago. The Lincoln side do however go into the game looking for a league double having beaten Town 2-1 in August. Also looking to move up the table are RMSC Athletic who take on Cherry Knights, who slipped into bottom place last week-end. The Knights are the only side to yet pick up an away point, having lost seven in a row. They have also only scored twice on away grounds whilst conceding 22. RMSC have played only five home games but have lost only once and will also be looking to complete a league double having won 2-1 at Cherry at the start of the season. The final game sees eleventh placed Metheringham take on twelfth place Harby. Metheringham won their last home game but surrendered a 3-1 lead last week-end at RMSC, to lose 6-4. Harby meanwhile, have not won away from home since their first away game of the season, back in September. Since then they have lost their last eight games on the road including their last three matches which have all been away, whilst conceding 20 goals.
4/2/08
w-e fixtures
LINCOLN AMATEUR CUP 1/2 final (sponsored by Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club Ltd) 1.45 pm ko - extra time and penalties if necessary
Ivy Tavern CSA .v. AFC Victory (holders) - officials - A. Fish - R. Howden / T. Woolley
LEAGUE - 2.15 PM KO
Horncastle Town .v. Ruston Sports Res - ref - K. Saunby
Market Rasen Town .v. Heckington United - ref - J. Scaife
Metheringham FC .v. Harby FC - postponed - Harby unable to raise side
Plough FC Skellingthorpe .v. Fulbeck United - ref - B. Gelder
RMSC Athletic .v. Cherry Knights - ref - P. Taylor
30/1/08
preview of week-end games
This week-end sees the first semi-finals of our local competitions with the two Hoare & Main sponsored Village Trophy ties taking place.
Holders Cherry Knights will have to pull out all the stops if they are going to retain their trophy as they visit high fliers Plough FC Skellingthorpe in this tie. These two sides met at the home of Cherry Knights right at the beginning of the season in a game won 2-0 by Plough. In this cup tie it is Cherry who have to make the trip to Plough and their away form is less than impressive with them having won only one of 9 away fixtures so far this season. They have also failed to find the net in their last three aw