Today saw the first round of the Jock Mitchell Memorial Trophy games played, this competition is for teams competing in Divisions 3 and 4 of the League.
Highest scorers of the day in this competition were Railway Inn United who smashed 9 goals away at AFC West End winning the game 3-9. Next came Cherry Willingham, who overcame Shakespeare Athletic in a 10 goal thriller, winning 6-4 at Cherry. Hykeham Athletic produced a shock on paper with a 5-3 win at home to higher division opponents Queen in the West FC by winning 5-2, AFC Golden Eagle defeated FVA Jerusalem Reserves 3-5 at Skellingthorpe, and North Lindum Hawks also scored 5 thanks to a 5-1 home win against Saxilby Sports AFC. Lincoln RNA managed their first win of the season at the 5th attempt following their 1-2 away success at Newtoft Terriers, whilst Coningsby FC maintained their excellent start to the season with a 4-2 home win over HBW United. Birchwood United progressed through to the next round of the competition after they defeated The Shed FC 2-1 at Biirchwood Leisure Centre. The final game of the round between Witham FC and Nosey FC was postponed as Witham FC were unable to raise a side so the tie has been awarded to Nosey FC.
With Premier Division Leaders Ivy Tavern without a game it was left to the challengers to make up ground. Rustons United duly accepted that challenge with an impressive 10-0 home win against Scothern United, Ruston Sports AFC won 1-4 away at Travellers Rest to move into third place in the table, whilst Lincoln Moorlands moved up to fourth place by winning 3-4 at Welton Sports AFC.
In Division One leaders Welton FC suffered a 3-4 home defeat to Horncastle Town whilst second placed Gatehouse FC won 0-4 away at Lincoln Imp FC. AFC Plough enjoyed a 7-3 home win against St Helens FC whilst Saxilby Athletic recorded their first League win of the season courtesy of a 4-1 home success over AFC Harpars. Trent Valley also recorded their first points and win of the season with an excellent 3-4 victory away at Old Boys United.
In Division Two leaders at the start of the day Greenbank were without a game today and Railway Inn AFC took full advantage by winning 2-1 at home to Woodhall Spa United to occupy top spot at the end of today. Plough Sturton moved into third place in the table after a 5-3 home win against Red Lion Dunston, whilst Bassingham Bugle Horn FC moved into fourth thanks to a 2-7 away win at Newton United Reserves. Bardney FC recorded their first League win of the season after recent good form in the cup competitions by defeating FVA Jerusalem 2-1 at Yarborough, whilst Crows Athletic overcame the challenge of Sleaford Seahawks by the same score line out at Coleby. Waddington United also tasted victory again recording a 4-2 win at home to Lincoln High Street FC.
There was only one game played in this division today due to the cup fixtures and this saw Broadley FC win 11-1 at home to The Blue Lion FC but this will be seen as a major improvement by the Lion boys who lost by 22-1 to the same opposition at the start of the season.
Ian Stephenson.