Today saw the second round matches played in the Lincolnshire County Football Association Sunday County Cup with several of our teams competing in this round.
Highest scorers in the competition today were Ivy Tavern who travelled to Grantham based Mulberry FC to show off their scoring armoury, returning with a 0-12 victory. One goal behind them in the scoring charts were FVA Jerusalem who won 1-11 away at Spalding Wanderers. Gatehouse FC competed initially with the half marathon traffic before competing with North Lindum Hawks in an all Lincoln based tie, comfortably winning both contests with a game that kicked off on time and with a 3-6 victory to their credit. Welton Sports AFC had issues locating their opponents initially as the venue had changed without them being told but despite these issues they ensured that they returned from Grimsby safely in the draw for the third round thanks to a performance that saw them win the game at Clee Dynamos 1-5. Waddington United had a 3-0 home win against Jubilee FC (Spalding), the visitors turning to experience by fielding Paul Rudkin, a player who has over 800 appearances to his name and who celebrated his 59th birthday at the last birthday count. Well done to Paul who should be very proud of his fitness and commitment to still be able to do what he enjoys doing on a Sunday morning, what an inspiration. Railway Inn United FC had an excellent away win at The Green Man Ropsley FC with a 1-2 score line after the game had needed extra time.
The all Lincoln Premier division game at Ruston Marconi between Ruston Sports AFC and New Swan FC saw the home side successful with a 5-3 victory. Fellow Rustons’ side, Rustons United, ran out 1-4 winners at Skellingthorpe Road despite a spirited effort from their hosts St Helens FC, whilst Greenbank FC enjoyed their great start to the season recording a 1-2 victory at Fox & Hounds FC on the adjacent pitch in a game that was evenly balanced. Other “All Lincoln” team games saw Scothern United record a 7 -1 home win against Plough Sturton, Metheringham FC record a 0-2 win at Dynamo Varsity, and Bassingham Bugle Horn FC record a 2-0 home win against Hykeham Athletic.
Sadly the remaining sides from our League exited the competition for another year, these being AFC Lincoln Green who took Helpringham Rovers to extra time before going out 3-4, Ingleby Arms FC (Marton) who went down 5-2 away at Chancel FC, Newton United who lost 6-2 at S Grantham Electrical, and Horncastle Town who lost 2-5 at home to Crows Nest Grimsby.
The remaining game between AFC Plough and Totemic FC was postponed at 08.45am when Totemic were unable to raise a team.
Division ONE
There was no action today in the Premier Division as a result of the County Cup games and the only game in Division One saw Lincoln Imp FC open their League season with only 9 players turning up for their home game with early leaders Welton FC. The visitors duly took advantage recording a 2-4 win which extended their lead at the top of the table whilst maintaining their 100% points tally from their opening three games.
Division TWO
The only game in this division today saw Railway Inn AFC move up to second in the table thanks to a 4-2 home win against Crows Athletic.
Division THREE
HBW United will be celebrating tonight after avenging their recent cup defeat to local rivals Turks Head. Today saw them record a 2-3 away victory to give them the bragging rights in Heighington and in doing so they recorded their first ever win in the League. Shakespeare Athletic moved up to second place courtesy of a 1-2 win away at Witham FC.
Division FOUR
It may cause a talking point the fact that I am starting the review of this division in highlighting a game that was drawn 1-1. AFC West End entertained The Shed FC and that was the final score line in a game that The Shed FC were leading for a large period of the game. This was the first time in over 18 months that The Shed FC has recorded a point, having lost every League game throughout the 2015 / 2016 League season and the first four games of this season. Nobody can deny them the joy that they showed at the final whistle at ending such a baron spell. Well done to them and well done to AFC West End for the gracious way in which they took the joy shown by their opponents, it is good to hear of a sporting story that covers both teams with praise.
FVA Jerusalem were the latest team to take advantage of the defensive flaws found in The Blue Lion’s defensive unit, today they won 12-1 against the team that have now conceded 79 goals in just 5 games. AFC Golden Eagle made it 3 wins on the bounce in the League with an impressive 2-7 away win at Broadley FC. Finally Saxilby Sports AFC enjoyed a 4-1 success at home to Birchwood United.
Ian Stephenson