Scotter Juniors 2

Epworth United 0

TABLE-TOPPING Scotter defeated the third placed Isle side in a closely fought match in this Jack Kalson Under 14s League match.

Epworth had an early chance when a ball from George Wigham was picked up by Oliver Munday but the home keeper ran out to clear the danger.

The hosts pushed forward and Jordan Oliver had to use his power and speed at the back to thwart a number of chances.

Scotter, however, took the lead when a forward struck the ball home from the edge of the box.

Ethan Robinson almost equalised straight after with a left wing run but his cross in front of goal was cleared.

Another Robinson shot was repulsed and the subsequent corner safely dealt with by the home keeper.

A Brad Rusling save ensured the hosts did not extend their lead and before half time United again came close to an equaliser when a ball from Luke Willerton saw Munday clip the crossbar.

Cal Smith volleyed the ball for Munday but again the home keeper denied him a shot.

Owen Petch played a neat ball through to Robinson on the edge of half time but this was also cleared. In the second half Rusling again denied Scotter, tipping the ball away for a corner which came to nothing.

Wigham battled through the home back four but his shot was swept away by Scotter’s in-form keeper and a ball from George Algar found Munday also denied by the home stopper.

Rusling again made another crucial stop but he could do nothing about Scotter’s second goal when the hosts took advantage of a narrow gap in defence to bury the ball in the net.

Substitute Harry Higgins made his presence felt and a ball to Munday was then crossed for Robinson whose effort was cleared for a corner.

The ensuing set piece was saved and Scotter claimed maximum points as they held on for a 2-0 victory.

Epworth United man of the match: goalkeeper Brad Rusling.

Haxey FC 3

BFC Birches 2

HAXEY have endured a week of turmoil in which the club has lost their long serving manager and there has been talk of them folding and withdrawing from the Gainsborough and District League.

On the eve of their match against a high flying BFC Birches, Haxey only had ten available players and no goalkeeper. Thankfully Kings Arms goalkeeping legend Graham Skelton said he would help out and play. In these unlikely circumstances caretaker managers Mark Godley and Rob Hughes found a new formula which delivered a great victory and huge boost for the club.

This Haxey team may never have greatness bestowed upon them but they produced a display of courage which is the very essence of their character.

BFC Birches started the day second in the table just one point behind the leaders and it was clear from the kick off just why they are challenging at the top of the table. They knocked the ball around confidently and were strong in the tackle. Haxey were forced to defend resolutely as Birches launched wave after wave of attack, controlling much of the possession. However, due to the hard work of the Haxey team especially Sean Priest, Sam Garrity and Andrew Green in midfield Birches failed to turn this possession into chances. When they did carve out a clear cut chance Skelton in the Haxey goal performed magnificently producing a string of fine saves.

Unfortunately for Haxey the pressure finally told and Haxey conceded a goal after the ball was given away cheaply on the edge of their own area.

Five minutes before half time Haxey won a free kick near the halfway line after a vicious tackle. Set piece specialist Andrew ‘Eidur’ Green stepped up to take it, and whipped a dangerous ball into the heart of the Birches box. Battered and crippled by the cruel Birches defenders, Sean Priest rose above the oncoming keeper to bravely head the ball into the back of the net.

The second half began with both teams knowing that the next goal would be crucial. This was now the type of battle that midfield general Sean Priest thrives in and his class was beginning to shine through the chaos. He burst into the Birches box and an away defender left in his wake decided the only way to stop him was to hack him down, leaving the referee with no option but to award a penalty. Sam Garrity stepped up confidently and smashed the ball into the roof of the net with a venomous strike giving the keeper no chance.

It was Haxey who now started to pile on the pressure looking for a winning goal. Priest now oozing with confidence picked the ball inside the centre circle, glancing up noticed the opposition keeper off his line, and tried a speculative lob. The goalkeeper was scrambling back franticly, but fortunately for him the ball came back off the crossbar. Moments late Sam Garrity unleashed another ferocious effort from 25 yards that rocketed just inches over the crossbar. In the dying moments of the game Dan Basher collected the ball and went on a mazy run, cutting in from his position on the left wing to beat a defender before finishing neatly into the bottom corner.

All of the Haxey players put a lot of effort into this match, and this was the performance that we have been looking for. Everyone played for each other, worked and battled for the whole game. The man of the match was Graham Skelton for his all action display in the Haxey goal, but in truth it could have been any of the Haxey players.

Haxey are next in action at home in the cup against Fox and Hounds on December 3.

TAKE part in a fun filled football frenzy at Crowle Library on Saturday November 26 from 1pm to 4pm.

There will be a wide range of football games available, including: FIFA tournament on the Xbox, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) on the Playstation 3, Mario Strikers on the Wii and table football.

A spokesman said: “It is a great opportunity for people to improve their gaming skills and play as their favourite UK or international team against people that share the same passion for football.

“Come along and play on FIFA and PES to decide which football game is ultimately the most realistic.

“This is a football gaming event that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets cost £2.50 and booking is advisable.”

North Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet member for Corporate and Community Services, Councillor Carl Sherwood, said: “This is following on from the success of previous football gaming events at Brigg and Barton libraries. I would encourage people that are passionate about the game to attend.

“It is a brilliant event that will give football fans the chance to compete against each other on a choice of games consoles or play table football.”

For more information or to book your place, contact Crowle Library on 01724 296850.

GOLFER Darryl Pidd made it a hat trick of honours in the recent PD Ludbrook Memorial Trophy.

The Isle of Axholme Golf Society held the competition at their recent monthly outing at the Bawtry (Austerfield) course, played under stableford rules in both team and single formats.

Pidd’s 43 points was enough for him to claim the trophy with Ian Snell second on 34 points and third place, after a count back, went to Mark Clayton who recorded 33.

Nearest the pin competition on hole eight was won by Pidd with Winston Perrin repeating the feat on hole 11.

The longest drive on hole seven was won by Steve Green who also won with Pidd and Robert Andrew in the team event, an average score of 34.66 points securing the three victory.

The next society meeting will be at the Lincolnshire Golf Club on Thursday, December 29, at 10am.

All members and guests are welcome with coffee and bacon rolls served beforehand and soup and sandwiches afterwards.

Non-society members are welcome by arrangement with captain/secretary Tom Sanders and annual membership costs £20, which covers all of 2012. Contact him on 01724 712089.

Axholme Raiders 0

Park Tigers 2

IT’S always a tough game against the Scunthorpe side and Sunday wouldn’t be any different in this Jack Kalson U15s match.

The Raiders started brightly having the early possession and creating the first few chances of the game. Notable efforts came from Hazel and Tuplin who both saw the Tigers keeper save well.

Watchman and Young linked up well to create the next chance which fell to Smith, but the Tigers defence held firm.

At the other end the away team were finding it hard to make the breakthrough with the back four of Watchman, Coggan, Harvey and Walker, holding strong in front of keeper Whiteley.

The Tigers front line was left to having to shoot from distance and Whiteley showed safe hands on more than one occasion.

The next Raiders chance was a long range effort from Burr, who with Hicken had held the centre of the midfield together. With half time approaching the away team were gaining in confidence as chance after chance by the Raiders came to nothing.

A rare corner for the Tigers saw them take the lead after the ball was headed in. The last chance of the half again fell to the Raiders, this time Young seeing his shot saved.

The Raiders could feel a little bit aggrieved to be a goal down at the break after having had most of the possession.

The second half started with both teams battling hard, Young had a shot hit the outside of the post, and it continued to look like ‘one of those days.’ Subs were made, Vernon on the right, Cuthbert at full back and Stewart up front, but the momentum of the game seemed to be swinging in favour of the away team. Then the dreaded long ball over the top found the Tigers forward in space, who neatly chipped the ball over Whiteley to make the score 2-0.

Burdett and Musgreaves were brought on, and a few positional changes were made but the Raiders never really threatened to pull the game back.

Raider’s man of the match was Will Harvey.

Epworth Utd U14s 2

Marshall Sport 3

EPWORTH faced Marshall’s at the weekend in this Jack Kalson League match on a very foggy Sunday morning.

United were defeated the last time they faced each other and this time hoped being on home turf would give them the advantage.

George Wigham played a lovely ball through for Owen Petch, who chipped the ball over the defence and Oliver Munday was unlucky when his shot hit the side of the netting.

Ethan Robinson took the ball on a good sprint up the left but the keeper collected his shot.

Pushing forward, Marshall’s were held off by some solid defending from Paul Fletcher who made some timely tackles.

With both teams battling hard to get on the score sheet the play was scrappy from both sides at times.

Shots from Wigham, Munday and George Algar were all collected by the keeper. At the other end Jordan Oliver made a well timed tackle to deny Marshall’s an attempt in the box.

Wigham showed great control on the ball and his pass to Algar was unfortunate to go wide as the first half drew to a close 0-0.

The second half started badly for Utd when Marshall’s scored two quick goals and the home side found themselves with a hill to climb. Credit to Epworth they knuckled down and were soon rewarded when a terrific cross from Carrington Osgood saw Munday finish well to narrow the gap.

Wigham almost levelled the score when his shot on target looped under the cross bar but a fingertip save by the visiting keeper cleared the ball out for a corner.

Utd were battling hard for that equaliser but Marshall’s were fighting to extend their lead further and a brilliant shot on target saw Brad Rusling make a tremendous save, launching himself at the ball and pushing it to safety.

The ensuing corner was cleared to the edge of the box and a quality tackle from Osgood kept Marshall’s out.

Epworth had several opportunities in the box that frustratingly came to nothing before a solo run up the wing and shot from Robinson gave Utd the goal they needed to level the score.

As the minutes ticked away both sides fought for the winner and Cal Smith had a battle in front of goal in which the ball rebounded out twice but just couldn’t be put away.

Fletcher had his shot tipped over the bar by an outstretched keeper but the two consecutive corners were cleared.

In the dying minutes Marshall’s snatched all three points from the game when they scored from a corner.

Utd were deflated as the whistle blew; coming back from two goals down only to lose the match in the final minute.

Man of the match was awarded to Carrington Osgood. This week’s match ball sponsor was Epworth Motorists Discount.

Peacock Veterans, who have made a good start to their first season in the league, showed a great deal of composure to defeat Gate Inn Sutton 2-0, while Moorends Social Club, who are also enjoying their first season in the league, travelled to play Grove Mill in Retford and a battling performance saw them win a very close game 3-2.

Two clubs managed to record double figure scores against opponents from a lower division as North Wheatley Phoenix defeated Epworth FC 11-2 and Marshalls Sports were much too good for BRSA winning 10-0.

North Wheatley Phoenix have only lost once all season and a devastating first half performance saw them eight goals to the good at half-time and, despite a better second half from Epworth FC, they were never seriously threatened.

Likewise, Marshalls Sports had far too much pace and ability for BRSA and the score reflects just how much fitter and stronger they were.

Brickmakers Arms, who are another new club this year, are finding life quite difficult at present and away to Tuxford Working Men’s Club they were never really in the game and they went down to a resounding 9-0 defeat.

Kings Arms Haxey had two teams in the competition - the reserves and the thirds - but after Sunday just one remains. The reserves were given a hard game by Walkeringham FC who are top of Division Three at present but the better finishing by the Haxey team proved to be decisive in their 3-1 win.

The Kings Arms Thirds Team had no such luck in their game against Canutes who used all their experience and know-how to secure a second round place after a 5-0 win.

A very close tie between Maltings FC and East Markham saw Maltings just edge out their opponents in a game they largely controlled particularly in the first half before East Markham improved in the second half to make it a very tight finish.

Harworth Pavilion, who top Division One, played Ingleby Arms from Marton and showed just why they are one of the favourites for this competition as a thoroughly professional performance saw them win 6-1, while Beckett Arms, despite giving up home advantage, were very worthy 6-1 winners at Clarborough FC,

BFC Birches travelled to Misterton and a hardworking display saw the Retford team move into the next round after a comfortable 4-0 win.

For 65 minutes the game between Owston Ferry Sports Club and Cross Keys Wroot was too close to call and with the teams locked at 3-3 it was anyone’s to win, but the greater fitness of Cross Keys shone through in the end and they ran out 7-3 winners.

The only difference in the all-Gainsborough tie between Horse and Jockey and Jack and Jill was the slightly better quality in front of goal by Horse and Jockey which saw them triumph 3-2.

Due to problems White Horse FC seem to currently have with the Lincolnshire Football Association their tie with Stanwood Engineering was not allowed to be played and will no doubt be resolved by the League Management Committee.

There were three games played in the Premier League and the performance of the day came at Ranby where Real Ropery were in devastating form as they completely overran their opponents to win 9-2.

Vine Inn Athletic and MUSC had a terrific game at Retford that saw seven goals scored and numerous near misses before Vine Inn just edged out their opponents 4-3.

Rose and Crown worked so hard at home to Clumber EFC and it was only when the greater fitness of their opponents came into play in the second half that the hosts wilted to see their opponents score late goals and win the game 5-1.

FS Clumber gave their worst defensive performance of the season at home to Bestwood Minors Welfare in the Nottinghamshire County Senior Cup, going down to a 4-3 defeat.

Results for Sunday 20th November: Presidents Cup Round One - Beckett Arms 6, Clarborough FC 1; Gate Inn Sutton 0, Peacock Veterans 2; Grove Mill 2, Moorends SC 3; Horse and Jockey 3, Jack and Jill 1; Ingleby Arms 1, Harworth Pavilion 6; Kings Arms 3rds 0, Canutes FC 5; Maltings FC 3, East Markham 2; Marshalls Sp 10, BRSA 0; Misterton FC 0, BFC Birches 4; North Wheatley Phoenix 11, Epworth FC 2; Owston Ferry SC 3, Cross Keys Wroot 7; Tuxford WMC 9, Brickmakers Arms 0; White Horse v Stanwood Eng (not played). Premier League - Ranby Rangers 2, Real Ropery 9; Rose and Crown 1, Clumber EFC 2; Vine Inn Athletic 4, MUSC 3. Nottinghamshire Senior Cup - FS CLumber 3, Bestwood Miners Welfare 4.

Fixtures for Sunday 27th November: Premier League - Real Ropery v FS Clumber; Rose and Crown v Kigns Arms. Division One - Kings Arms Res v Maltings FC. Division Two - Ingleby Arms v Epworth FC; Moorends SC v Horse and Jockey. Division Three - Vine Inn FC v Brickmakers Arms. Nottinghamshire County Junior Cup Round Three - Dovecrest FC v East Markham; Leverton Utd v ABP. Nottinghamshire County Minor Cup Round Three - King and Miller v Beeston Athletic; Mattersey v Sparta FC; Newark Flowserve v Harworth Pavilion; North Wheatley Phoenix v Heathhill; Walkeringham FC v BFC Birches; Priory Celtic v Vine Inn Athletic.

LIONS from the North Notts branch gave recognition to a local golf club recently which helps with one of its annual fundraisers each year.

Gainsborough Golf Club hosts the event, and in acknowledgement of their contribution to the success of the day Lions members have presented a number of gifts over the years.

This year, to help with their commitment to the environment and the wildlife found on the courses, Lions presented them with two owl boxes which had been made by Brian Simpson, the brother of fellow member, John Simpson.

A presentation of the boxes took place recently.

SOUTH Axholme’s Under 15 football team remain unbeaten all year and are now half way through their journey in the ESFA Under 15 cup.

The national cup starts with over 600 secondary schools from around England and the Epworth facility safely made it through to Round 5 after last Thursday’s 4-0 win, away at Robert Pattinson School from Lincoln.

South Axholme had already beaten Goole High School, Campsmount School and Don Valley School but were facing a tough test against last year’s Lincolnshire Cup Finalists.

On a difficult surface South Axholme got off to the perfect start with Scunthorpe United’s Harry Scott smashing in a fantastic opener from an acute angle. This seemed to inspire Robert Pattinson School who put the Isle boys under lots of pressure. The boys managed to get to half time 1-0 to the good. A couple of minutes into the second half Ryan Maw missed a glorious chance to make it two. However, after a fantastic defensive header from the inspirational Kyle Wooton and wonderful lay off by Ryan Maw, Bryan Ogley scored with a neat left foot finish.

The back four were outstanding all afternoon and South Axholme always looked dangerous on the break. South Axholme made it three when Stuart Beevers running from the halfway line to join in for the corner, continued his run and met the corner with a thumping header.

Substitute Jordan Hazell made it 4-0 with a neat finish. The boys await the draw for Round 5.

Axholme Raiders 5,

Westcliffe Lions 1

AXHOLME Raiders played host to the Westcliffe Lions at Westwoodside on Sunday.

After a good result last week the Raiders were hoping to continue their good form against the Lions.

The game started with both teams creating some early chances but nothing clear-cut. Cuthbert was the first Raiders player to fire towards goal after Smith laid on a Burr throw in, but his shot flew just over. Both teams struggled to find their passing game in the early stages, but the Lions were the first to make the break through. A harsh penalty was awarded to the Lions which they put away giving Whiteley no chance. The Raiders responded well and were soon on level terms, some good link up play between Hazel and Young created the chance for Smith, his shot was saved but the loose ball fell back into the path of Hazel who hammered the ball home for the equaliser to make a half time score of 1-1.

Early in the second half the home team took the lead, Hicken made a great solo run followed by a thunderous shot, only to see it come back out off the underside of the bar, quickest to react was Vernon who followed up the loose ball to make it 2-1. The Lions weren’t giving up yet, and pushed forward to try and level things up, a finger tip save by Whiteley was the save of the game and fullbacks Hobson and Young were made to work hard by the Lions wingers, but good concentration and strong tackling kept their opponents at bay.

The lead was extended by centre half Harvey, after a free kick by Hicken was floated in to the box for him to head home his second goal in as many weeks. At 3-1 the Lions boys heads were starting to go down and the game seemed to be there for the taking. Tuplin had come on and was showing good skill down the right side, his efforts were rewarded with a corner which Hazel took, his corner flew straight into the far side of the goal to make it 4-1. The Raiders were finishing strongly and were to score one more before the final whistle, a run through the middle by Andrews left the Lions defence static but his shot was well saved by the keeper but the ball only fell to Hazel who finished off with a left foot drive into the empty net to make a final score of 5-1 and a Hazel hat trick.

Raiders man of the match was Matty Hicken.

THE final place in the semi-finals of the Gainsborough and District Football League’s oldest cup competition, the Nursing Association Cup, was decided at the weekend when Haxey FC and Fox and Hounds Willingham met in their delayed quarter-final.

The game was always close with the result in doubt for most of the game and it was just the better finishing of the Haxey FC forwards that proved to be the difference, and although the final score of 3-1 was a touch flattering to the winners Haxey were just that bit more clinical (see page 55 for full match report).

In the league the game of the day at least on paper saw leaders Mattersey FC host third place Harworth Colliery and in a game where chances were at a premium it always looked like a single goal might prove decisive.

Much to Harworth’s dismay they were unable to convert their overall superiority into goals and Mattersey, who have only lost one game all season which was in the County Cup, showed once again their determination to never give in and an 89th-minute winning goal saw them claim all three points to extend their lead at the top of the table.

East Drayton gave by far their best performance of the season when they defeated Bridon AFC 6-2. Bridon appeared to be suffering a reaction to last week’s County Cup defeat but nothing should take away what was an excellent display from an East Drayton team that will rarely have played better and if they could re-produce this every week they would upset many more teams.

The league is running a new competition this year in memory of Ron Swinton who died in such tragic circumstances. Ron put so much into local football both as a player, official and committee member and it is important that his memory is remembered.

The teams have been split into two divisions and will play each other once and the top two in each division will then play in semi-finals before, hopefully, a final on the Northolme later in the season.

The first game in the competition was in Section B where BFC Birches hosted Retford Town and a fairly even first half saw Retford go into the interval 2-1 ahead.

But BFC Birches came out for the second half in defiant mood and they dominated to such an extent that they scored five goals without reply to lead 6-2 only for Retford Town to score a consolation goal at the end of the game to make the scoreline 6-3 in BFC Birches’ favour.

Results from Saturday 10th December: League - East Drayton 6, Bridon AFC 2; Mattersey FC 1, Harworth Colliery 0. Nursing Association Cup Round Two - Haxey FC 3, Fox and Hounds Willingham 1. Ron Swinton Memorial Trophy Section B - BFC Birches 6, Retford Town 3.

Fixtures for Saturday December 17: League - BFC Birches v Bridon AFC; Retford Town v Mattersey FC.

League Table

Team P W D L F A Ps

Mattersey 9 8 1 0 20 2 25

BFC Birches 9 6 0 3 25 18 18

Harworth Coll 11 6 0 5 25 19 18

Canute Res 10 5 0 5 22 24 15

Bridon AFC 8 3 2 3 17 18 11

East Drayton 9 3 1 5 22 27 10

Retford Town 8 3 1 4 9 6 9

Haxey FC 7 2 1 4 11 21 7

F and Hounds 11 1 2 8 10 26 5

Sunday

The third round of the Gainsborough and District Sunday Football League’s Trinity Trophy competition dominated the fixtures at the weekend with seven of the scheduled eight ties taking place, the odd one out being Marshalls Sports v FS Clumber which has been postponed until this coming Sunday.

There was quite a potential for upsets in the ties that were drawn out of the bag with several lower division teams facing teams from a higher division, but in the event just two teams managed a win against higher league opponents.

Canutes had a very dour defensive game against Mattersey FC but a single goal for the Gainsborough Division One team saw off their Premier League opponents and in a game of very few chances Canutes did more than enough to secure a deserved victory.

North Wheatley Phoenix, with just one defeat all season, went into their game against Moorends Social Club full of confidence but their Division Two opponents were in no mood to let North Wheatley Phoenix play their normal passing game. This was a full-bodied cup-tie from the first whistle and it was Moorends Social Club who progressed to the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

White Horse, who sit at the top of Division Two at present, gave Premier Team Leverton United a very hard morning and it took extra time for the Leverton team to finally see off their opponents.

The score was 2-2 at full-time with both teams still believing they could win the game, but it was Leverton United who upped their game to move into the next round after a 4-2 victory.

There was an all-Premier League clash at Roses Sports Ground when Real Ropery entertained MUSC and it was Ropery who largely controlled the game to deservedly win 3-0.

This was a thoroughly professional performance by Real Ropery who are a team to be avoided if this performance is anything to go by.

Kings Arms and Clumber EFC both had straightforward victories over Horse and Jockey and Beckett Arms, respectively.

Kings Arms had far too much pace and goal threat for an outclassed Horse and Jockey and won 10-0, while Clumber EFC saw off Beckett Arms 6-0 and might have had more goals from a routine victory.

Harworth Pavilion, who until recently topped Division One, met Grove Mill who play in the same division and Harworth Pavilion were comfortable 7-2 winners in a game they largely dominated.

This means that at present four teams from the Premier League, two from Division One and one from Division Two with the one outstanding game left to be played will make up the quarter-finalists in the league’s Challenge Trophy.

There was just one league game played and this saw Kings Arms Reserves entertain high-flying BFC Birches in Division One. BFC Birches never looked like being anything other than victors and a 6-1 victory sees them top this extremely competitive division with 21 points from nine games played.

This coming Sunday will be the last before the two-week break for Christmas and the New Year and will be the teams’ last chance to enhance their league positions.

Trinity Trophy Round Three

White Horse 2, Leverton United 4 (a.e.t.)

THIS cup-tie had the potential for an upset with White Horse flying high and undefeated in Division Two this season while Leverton are seemingly struggling in the top flight.

It was White Horse who came out of the blocks quickest with Pete Lytollis bagging a header at the far post with only a minute gone.

Unfortunately Pete picked up an injury and had to leave the game sooner than he would have liked but not before playing an instrumental part in Richard Lewis’s goal which put White Horse 2-0 up at the break.

White Horse were playing the best football they had played all season and were in total control, but Leverton came out with a renewed enthusiasm in the second half and piled the pressure on the home team and this led to a pulsating second half of near misses, great chances and a great cup-tie for anyone watching as a neutral.

Leverton managed to get themselves back into the game and probably could have won it towards the end of the second half but White Horse hung on while under the cosh and took the game to extra time.

The battle continued in extra time and Ashley Page and Andy Burgess tried to rally the White Horse team together for one last push but Leverton just had the edge and took the lead. As White Horse pushed on to try and get an equaliser Leverton took full advantage and eventually went two goals in front. The White Horse players can hold their heads up high after been involved in a real battle with a Premier League side and pushing them all the way. If White Horse hadn’t lost two players to injury in the game who knows what might have happened.

But that’s taking nothing away from Leverton who played their part in what was surely a contender for game of the weekend in the Trinity Trophy.

SOUTH Axholme School Under 16s team entered the Scunthorpe and District hockey competition.

The Isle squad were full of confidence after beating Winterton 5-0 in a friendly the previous night. However, this tournament was certainly not going to be easy, especially as they had to play both of last year’s finalists: Frederick Gough and Vale of Ancholme in the league stages of the competition.

The first game saw the SAX girls face Vale of Ancholme. They got off to a very bright start and after just one minute Jade Jenkinson made a superb run down the right hand side of the pitch and managed to pick out Lucy Corfield at the top of the D, who swept the ball off the ground and into the back of the net leaving the Vale keeper with no chance.

The SAX girls kept up the pressure and it wasn’t long until they secured their lead with a second goal. Holly Lightburn created the goal with an inch perfect pass through to Laura Severn who smashed the ball comfortably into the corner of the goal. Final score 2-0.

The girls next faced the ever strong Frederick Gough. As expected, Fred Gough came out guns blazing but struggled to break down SAX’s solid defence with Jess Moore and Holly Lightburn holding the fort. There were great chances at both ends, but the game finished 0-0, meaning that SAX topped the group on goal difference and went through to the semi-finals to play local rivals North Axholme.

In the semi-final, SAX dominated possession and created many chances, with Charlotte Foley and Lucy Corfield both coming close to scoring. But despite having numerous chances and short corners the girls could not find the back of the goal. With just one minute to play it was looking like the girls would scrape through on short corners, then from out of nowhere a NAX player ran through on goal and found herself one-on-one with SAX goalkeeper Abi Atherton. The NAX player smashed the ball across goal, but somehow Abi managed to dive to her right hand side and tip the ball onto the post. The year 8 goalkeeper had saved the team and ensured them a place in the final against Sir John Nelthorpe. Sir John Nelthorpe looked incredibly strong in their semi final against Fred Gough, winning the game 2-1 and had an exceptional player in their centre of midfield. Therefore Anna Zhou took on the challenge of man marking her in the middle of the park. Anna did a superb job and the SJN player could hardly get a touch of the ball. This allowed the rest of the team to focus on their game and press forward. For the first half of the game it was evenly matched with chances at either end. In the final five minutes SAX really started to press and won a short corner. Lucy Corfield took a phenomenal strike from the top of the D, but it narrowly missed the left post. The final score was 0-0 and there was no time left for extra time or penalties, so SAX won due to receiving more short corners.

THIRD placed Westwoodside made it five consecutive wins when they beat Owston Ferry C, 15 points to 7, in week ten of the Isle of Axholme Billiards League.

League leaders Scunthorpe beat visitors Epworth A 16 points to 4 while Beckingham lost at home to fifth place Owston Ferry B 11 points to 13.

Owston Ferry A won at home 15 points to 12 against Misterton B.

The Epworth B v West Butterwick B fixture was postponed.

The high breaks recorded this week include D Palmer with 26, 33, 42, 53; and N Davison with 43.

Team P 3pts 2pts 1pt Total

Scunthorpe 10 41 7 5 142

Owston Ferry A 10 35 11 5 132

Westwoodside 10 36 8 7 131

Beckingham 10 35 9 8 131

Owston Ferry B 10 29 8 8 111

Misterton B 10 26 13 5 107

Epworth B 9 31 3 4 103

West Butterwick B 9 30 7 7 102

Epworth A 10 22 8 7 89

Owston Ferry C 10 12 14 15 79

WEEK 7 results from the Isle of Axholme Games League:

Darts Doms 5’s n 3’s

River Don v Crown 3-4 2-1 2-1

Red Lion v Duke Wm 3-4 3-0 1-2

Wheatsheaf v Cross Keys 2-5 2-1 1-2

Mowbray v Liberal Club 2-5 2-1 1-2

* Tom Gregory had a 15 dart leg and a 148 checkout; Lee Blakey had a 180.

The mid season meeting takes place on February 10, 2012, from 8pm at the Wheatsheaf.

Up to date tables are available at www.southaxholmegames.leaguerepublic.com

Haxey 3, Fox and Hounds 1

HAXEY entered their final game of the season full of confidence after some impressive recent displays.

Manager Mark Godley fired up his team for a potential tricky cup tie with Fox and Hounds and the team responded with a strong committed performance that in truth was credit to Fox and Hounds that Haxey only managed three goals.

From the start Haxey controlled the ball with impressive midfield trio of Brad Hughes, Sean Priest and Steve McBoggle dominating the play and it was a surprise to all that it took 30 minutes before the hosts took the lead.

A slick passing move down the left hand side saw full back Eidur Green’s shot pushed away only for Jamie Benham to stab home from close range.

A brief switch off after half time saw Fox and Hounds hammer home an equaliser however Haxey were soon back on top and were unlucky not to regain the lead when McBoggle harshly saw his neat finish from Hughes’s corner disallowed.

Haxey did re-take the lead shortly after from the penalty spot when Brad Hughes coolly converted following a hand ball.

A third goal was then only a matter of time with the tireless Adam Wake, Benham and Dave Edwards creating numerous chances and when Wake drilled a low cross into the box playmaker Dave Spink who had been on the end of some dubious refereeing decisions deservedly smashed home from close range to secure the game and cap an excellent personal performance.

It was a credit to the hard work that the team showed that goal keeper Graham Skelington was rarely called into action however when needed Skelington was more than up to the task.

The back four of Green, Tim Godley, Ben Pashley and commanded by captain Rob Hughes were resolute throughout and were always solid when called into action. Green and Pashley both provided excellent width to open up the game and Hughes and Godley were back to their impervious best.

Man of the match - Adam Wake.

RESULTS from Saturday December 10.

TSW Printers Challenge Cup Round Three: Crowle Town Colts 1 - 2 BBM, Limestone Rangers 7 - 1 Appleby Frodingham Redmond Rovers, Epworth Town 4 - 2 New Holland Villa.

Division One: AFC Brumby 12 - 0 Crosby Colts, College Wanderers 5 - 0 Scunthonians.

Division Two: Barnetby United 9 - 2 Barrow Wanderers, Briggensians 1 - 6 Dale Park, Scotter United Reserves 0 - 5 Crosby Colts Reserves.

Division Three: Crosby Colts Junior P - P Crowle Town Colts Reserves, Intake Transport Athletic 0 - 3 Limestone Rangers Reserves, Santon 2 - 2 Six Bells, Scunthonians Reserves 4 - 0 College Wanderers Reserves, Yaddlethorpe 2 - 2 Barnetby United Reserves

Fixtures for Saturday December 17.

Johnstone Insurance Nursing Cup Semi-Finals: Barrow Wanderers v Scunthonians Reserves, Crosby Colts Reserves v Barnetby United.

Division One: BBM P - P College Wanderers, Crowle Town Colts v Crosby Colts, Epworth Town v Scunthonians, Limestone Rangers v Swinefleet Juniors, Scotter United v AFC Brumby.

Division Two: Briggensians v Epworth Town Reserves, Dale Park v Scotter United Reserves, Sherpa v New Holland Villa.

Division Three: Barnetby United Reserves v Santon, College Wanderers Reserves v Appleby Frodingham Redmond Rovers, Crosby Colts Junior v Yaddlethorpe, Intake Transport Athletic v Crowle Town Colts Reserves, Six Bells v Limestone Rangers Reserves.

Division One

Team P W D L F A Diff Pts

College Wanderers 10 8 1 1 33 16 17 25

BBM 9 5 0 4 27 27 0 15

AFC Brumby 8 4 1 3 31 15 16 13

Epworth Town 8 4 1 3 28 13 15 13

Scotter United 7 4 1 2 22 16 6 13

Crowle Town Colts 10 3 1 6 13 18 -5 10

Scunthonians 8 3 0 5 13 20 -7 9

Limestone Rangers 4 2 1 1 10 7 3 7

Swinefleet Juniors 5 2 0 3 13 12 1 6

Crosby Colts 9 1 0 8 12 58 -46 3

Division Two

Crosby Colts Res 11 7 1 3 50 23 27 22

Dale Park 8 5 1 2 29 18 11 19+

Barnetby United 7 5 1 1 29 8 21 16

New Holland Villa 9 4 1 4 26 20 6 13

Sherpa 6 4 0 2 21 10 11 12

Scotter United Res 10 4 0 6 21 34 -13 12

Barrow Wanderers 6 3 0 3 20 24 -4 9

Briggensians 8 3 0 5 16 31 -15 9

Epworth Town Res 11 1 0 10 13 57 -44 0-

+ 3 Points – 3 Points

Division Three

Scunthonians Res 12 11 1 0 72 14 58 31*

Yaddlethorpe 9 6 2 1 32 12 20 20

Limestone Rangers Res 11 6 2 3 29 24 5 20

Barnetby United Res 13 5 3 5 23 36 -13 18

College Wanderers Res 11 5 1 5 18 16 2 16

Crosby Colts Jnr 11 3 2 6 31 30 1 11

App Frod Redmond Rovers 8 3 2 3 18 21 -3 11

Intake Transport Athletic 9 2 2 5 15 30 -15 8

Crowle Town Colts Res 11 2 2 7 13 29 -16 8

Six Bells 8 2 1 5 17 23 -6 7

Santon 9 0 4 5 23 56 -33 4

– 3 Points

IN THE recent Garbolino Lindholme Saturday Open match, 25 competitors took part on the Bonsai Lake, results as follows:

1. John Allerton (Tricast), peg 40, caught on pellet at 13m on pole for 53lb 11oz; 2. Ben Fisk (Middy), peg 25, caught on pole with maggot for 38lb 13oz; 3. Nick Speed (Shimano), peg 63, caught on pellets for 37lb 12oz; 4. Alex Dockerty (Garbolino Lindholme), peg 59, caught on pellets for 34lb 10oz.

Sunday Open, Laurels Lake, 21 fished: 1. Neil Fisher (Dynamite Baits), peg 69, caught on bomb and maggot for 48lb 13oz; 2. John Allerton (Tricast), peg 56, caught on pole and pellets into reeds for 38lb 12oz; 3. Sid Ellis (Moorefields), peg 63, caught on maggot at 10m for 36lb 8oz; 4. Matt Pilley (Dynamite Baits), peg 16, caught on pole and pellets for 36lb 1oz,

The Trout Lake has again been restocked with fish to 10lb to replace the ones removed in the last two weeks. Ray Jacklin of South Ferriby caught a 10lb 6oz rainbow and a 8lb 4oz blue trout in the 12 fish bag, he caught all but two of the fish on an olive and black buzzer suspended from a muddler. Buzzers, damsels, cats whisker zonkers and blood worm replica is being the most productive.

A total of 38 fishermen caught a total of 178 fish with the best catches on the far bank under the trees. Mrs Green caught 24 fish and John Hall had 21 fish on the blob

* The new fishing tackle super store at Lindholme Lakes starts its sale on December 17 with prices slashed to dispose of £100,000 worth of stock to make way for the new products of 2012. The shop will open its doors from 7am-4pm every day until Christmas. Special offers on rods, poles, boxes and clothing.

Big-hearted Doncaster Rovers players took time out to visit patients at their annual Christmas visit to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Almost the entire Rovers squad turned up to meet the young patients and their parents before giving each child a present.

Lucy Travis was also given a boost during her hospital stay when the Saint Pius X Catholic High School in Wath pupil was visited by sharp shooter Billy, James O’Connor and Neil Sullivan.

The 11-year-old, of Adwick-upon-Dearne, said: “It was really good that they all came to see us, I really like it. We had pictures taken and they were really nice when they talked to me.”

Rovers striker Billy Sharp put aside his own grief to cuddle a baby boy.

Despite the recent death of son Luey Jacob at just two days old, brave Billy cradled Angela Bond’s newborn.

The Hatfield mum was overcome with emotion after hearing Billy’s recent bereavement during the visit to 22-week-old George Bond-Upton’s bed.

“I thought it was brilliant that they should come and Billy was lovely holding George, I just didn’t realise how significant it was.

It’s really good of him to do that because it must have made him think about his little boy,” said Angela who was also visited by Rovers stars Martin Woods, Simon Gillett and John Oster who came with Christmas presents.

TWO open matches took place at Fourways Fisheries over the festive period.

The first was held in ideal condition with the sun present for most of the match and all anglers caught fish.

Local angler Paul Wright won with 16-15 off peg 14 and in second position with 13-3 off peg 27 was Joe Goulding, sponsored by Cats and Dogs. Dave Leach, of Cantley, was third with 9-3 off peg 11.

The second match was held on this week’s bank holiday Monday and also took place in sunny conditions despite being colder than the previous week.

Goulding took first place with 8-5 off peg 3, Dave Pearson was second off peg 11 with 4-7 and third place went to was Leach with 2-8 off peg 14.

The next open event will take place this Sunday with the draw at 9am, fishing between 10am and 3pm.

Kings Arms 2 Peacock Veterans 1

Kings Arms 3rds sit proudly on top of the Gainsborough Sunday League Division Three after a hard fought win against Gainsborough side Peacock Veterans.

The game was in doubt right up to kick off due to frosty conditions and the fixture was switched at the last minute to Haxey Playing Fields after the Westwoodside pitch was deemed unplayable.

Kings were swiftly into their stride, creating numerous chances which went unconverted and it was against the run of play that the visitors took the lead.

A cool finish from the Peacock centre forward followed a neat move and some lax defending.

However the hosts equalised following a bullet header from experienced stopper Mark Goodliffe and it seemed only a matter of time before Kings would take the lead.

As half time approached a close range finish from Darren Spry fired the home side into the lead and after the break the Kings again created chances but failed to add to their tally.

Spry missed a few chances and some last ditch defending kept the scoreline at 2-1.

Although the home side remained in control, Peacock looked dangerous on the break and the hosts were grateful to a backline marshalled by Goodliffe and Andy Aldridge.

Some intelligent wingplay from Eddie Trewick also kept opposition threats to a minimum.

The game was played out with both sides looking to add to the scoreline but the final whistle went with the Haxey side running out narrow victors.

And with King and Miller beating Walkeringham, the league looks to be an open contest with all three leading teams having tough games in the new year.

Man of the Match was Ewan Kershaw of Kings Arms.

Next game for Kings Arms FC is an away derby to Owston Ferry on Sunday, January 15.