The Ron Eaglen Challenge Cup got under way today for those teams that were drawn to play in the Preliminary Round of the competition.
Leading the charge on the goals scoring charts were newly promoted Premier Division team New Swan FC who opened their account with a 1-17 win away at Division 2 side Red Lion Dunston. One goal behind them were Crows Athletic from division 2 who played host to new boys The Blue Lion FC from Division 4 and they ran up a 16-0 win, this was the second week in succession where The Blue Lion had conceded 16 goals, a record which I am sure they will look to put right next time out. Rustons United eased to a 9-0 victory at home to Witham FC, whilst Travellers Rest put 7 past Queen in the West without reply when they visited their 3rd division hosts. The all Premier division tie between Scothern United and Newton United was played at South Clifton due to the pitch being unavailable at Scothern. They will have enjoyed travelling to their home game after coming away with a good looking 6-2 victory under their belts. Woodhall Spa United overcame the challenge of Shakespeare Athletic 3-0 at Abbey Lane, and Greenbank FC defeated Lincoln RNA 4-2. The remaining games in this cup today were all decided by just one goal in the game. Hykeham Memorial FC played host to Metheringham FC with the premier division visitors edging the game 3-4. The all first division clash between Lincoln Imp FC and St Helens FC also went the way of the visitors with St Helens winning 1-2. The biggest shock of the day came from Saxilby where home side Saxilby Athletic from division 1 went down 1-2 to division 4 side Hykeham Athletic, and there was also something of a shock down at the Cowpaddle where division 1 side Gatehouse FC went down 0-1 at home to Division 2 side FVA Jerusalem. AFC Plough progressed in the competition thanks to a 3-2 home win over Trent Valley, and Bassingham Bugle Horn FC registered the same successful score line when they entertained Dynamo Varsity, 3-2 to the Bassingham boys. Finally in the competition today Bardney FC, playing their first game in the new home surroundings at Yarborough, came through a 7 goal thriller against new boys Cherry Willingham recording a 4-3 win to see them into the draw for the next round.
Premier Division
There was only one game scheduled to be played in this division today between last seasons double winning League Champions Ivy Tavern who were due to host newly promoted and newly named Lincoln Moorlands. Sadly the visiting team were unable to fulfil the fixture due to a shortage of players and the matter will be dealt with by the League Management Committee when it next meets in 2 weeks time. The awarding of the points to Ivy Tavern, as per League rules in such circumstances, sees the Ivy Tavern head the League without having to kick a ball.
Division 2
There was just one game played in this division today and this saw home side Railway Inn AFC share 4 goals with Plough Sturton, the game finishing 2-2.
Division 3
Wragby FC maintained their 100% start to the season with an impressive 7-2 win at home to North Lindum Hawks. The other game in this division saw Ingleby Arms (Marton) FC win 4-2 at home to Fox & Hounds FC.
Division 4
Coningsby FC followed up last week’s 16-0 success with a 2-11 win away at The Shed FC. The other game in this division saw the points shared between AFC West End and newcomers FVA Jerusalem Reserves in an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Ian Stephenson