With the League season concluding in just two weeks the divisions are now shaping up to an exciting end to the season.
Premier Division
The Premier Division title will go to either holders and current leaders Ivy Tavern or challengers New Swan FC. Today saw the challengers struggling at half time as they trailed 0-3 at home to Metheringham FC however a remarkable second half saw them overturn that score line to record a memorable 5-4 victory. Ivy Tavern found themselves without a fixture on the day as their opponents, Travellers Rest, were unable to field a team which is very disappointing for a team in the top division. Ivy have been awarded the points in accordance with League rules which leaves them needing just 3 points from their remaining 3 games to retain the crown but with next week seeing New Swan entertain Ivy Tavern New Swan will want to have a major say in this division’s outcome I am sure. At the other end of the table Welton Sports AFC have just one game to play to close the door on a disappointing season for them which has resulted in them finishing in the bottom position regardless of the result of their remaining game.
Division One
Gatehouse FC are the Champions of this division but their 0-1 reverse today away at fast emerging Trent Valley would not have been in the script for the visitors. Saxilby Athletic will finish second in this division and today they were held 1-1 at home to fifth placed Welton FC. At the bottom of the table St Helens completed their fixtures with a 2-3 reverse at home to third placed Hykeham Memorial, whilst Horncastle Town climbed above their Horncastle rivals, AFC Harpars, thanks to a 4-3 home win over fourth placed AFC Plough.
Division Two
Bassingham Bugle Horn FC have one hand on the title in this division following their 4-2 away victory today at Bardney FC. Second placed FVA Jerusalem were without a fixture today and they have just 2 games remaining as they sit 6 points behind the Bassingham boys. Mathematically speaking, and for the purist, technically Bassingham require just one point to secure the title and that is assuming that FVA win their last 2 games and can overturn a current goal difference of 22 goals in Bassingham’s favour. At the other end of the table Lincoln High Street FC are desperately trying to climb off the foot of the table and they did their cause no harm today with a 3-2 away win at Red Lion Dunston. Bardney FC sit second to bottom, just 2 points above High Street, with Newton United Reserves sitting third from bottom following their 3-5 home defeat against mid-table Plough Sturton.
Division Three
Wragby FC are the champions of this division with a 100% League record following their midweek victory over Dynamo Varsity. Shakespeare Athletic are runners up having mounted a formidable challenge which has seen them win 16 of their 20 league games to date. Dynamo Varsity occupy third place but their 1-2 reverse at home to Turks Head today may make that place vulnerable, especially as Cherry Willingham and Turks will have their eyes on this position. Cherry Willingham won 6-3 away at Ingleby Arms (Marton) today to underline their intentions. At the other end of the table Lincoln RNA remain in the bottom position following their 1-2 defeat to mid-table Queen in the West whilst second from bottom HBW United were unable to field a team to fulfil their fixture at home to Newtoft Terriers resulting in the points award to Newtoft in accordance with rule.
Division Four
This division can still go anyway of three ways with leaders AFC Golden Eagle, second placed Broadley, and third placed Coningsby FC all in contention. Today saw AFC Golden Eagle see off the challenge of Hykeham Athletic 3-1 to return to the top of the table by one point as they jumped over Broadley FC who were without a game. Coningsby picked up 3 points without taking to the field when their opponents AFC West End were unable to muster up a team. At the bottom of the table The Blue Lion conceded their 200th League goal of the season today following their 1-8 defeat at the hands of Birchwood United which leaves them with just one game left to try to register their first point in the League.
Ian Stephenson