TSW Printers Scunthorpe and District Football League

Results - Saturday January 7

Division One: BBM 4 - 2 Limestone Rangers; College Wanderers 1 - 1 AFC Brumby; Scotter United 3 - 4 Epworth Town; Scunthonians 7 - 2 Crosby Colts; Swinefleet Juniors 6 - 1 Crowle Town Colts. Division Two: Barnetby United 4 - 1 Epworth Town Reserves; Crosby Colts Reserves 4 - 1 Scotter United Reserves; Dale Park 2 - 1 Briggensians; New Holland Villa 3 - 2 Sherpa.

Division Three: College Wanderers Reserves 0 - 3 Barnetby United Reserves; Crosby Colts Juniors 7 - 3 Intake Transport Athletic; Limestone Rangers Reserves 3 - 1 Crowle Town Colts Reserves; Six Bells 3 - 3 Santon; Yaddlethorpe 3 - 3 Appleby Frodingham Redmond Rovers.

Fixtures - Saturday January 14

Scunthorpe Centurion Sporting Shield Semi-Finals: BBM v College Wanderers; Swinefleet Juniors v AFC Brumby.

Hospital Cup Round One: Limestone Rangers v Scotter United.

Division One: Scunthonians v Crowle Town Colts.

Division Two: Barrow Wanderers v Scotter United Reserves; Briggensians v Barnetby United; Epworth Town Reserves v Sherpa; New Holland Villa v Dale Park.

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

Division One

Team P W D L F A Diff Pts

College 11 8 2 1 34 17 17 26

Epworth 11 7 1 3 39 18 21 22

BBM 10 6 0 4 31 29 2 18

Scotter 9 5 1 3 31 20 11 16

Brumby 10 4 2 4 32 22 10 14

Crowle 12 4 1 7 22 25 -3 13

Swinefleet 7 4 0 3 22 14 8 12

Scunthonians 10 4 0 6 20 24 -4 12

Limestone 7 2 1 4 15 19 -4 7

Crosby 11 1 0 10 15 73 -58 3

Division Two

Crosby Res 12 8 1 3 54 24 30 25

Dale Park 10 7 1 2 36 22 14 25+

Barnetby 8 6 1 1 33 9 24 19

New Holland 11 5 2 4 33 26 7 17

Sherpa 8 4 1 3 27 17 10 13

Briggens 10 4 0 6 21 36 -15 12

Scotter Res 12 4 0 8 25 43 -18 12

Barrow 6 3 0 3 20 24 -4 9

Epworth Res 13 1 0 12 17 65 -48 0-

+ 3 Points – 3 Points

Division Three

Scunth Res 12 11 1 0 72 14 58 31-

Limes Res 13 8 2 3 34 26 8 26

Yaddlethorpe 11 7 3 1 41 19 22 24

Barnetby Res 15 6 3 6 28 40 -12 21

College Res 13 5 2 6 20 21 -1 17

Crosby Jnr 13 4 2 7 42 39 3 14

App Frod 10 3 4 3 23 26 -3 13

Crowle Res 13 2 3 8 16 34 -18 9

Intake 11 2 3 6 20 39 -19 9

Six Bells 10 2 2 6 21 28 -7 8

Santon 11 1 5 5 30 61 -31 8

– 3 Points

THE first Saturday after the Christmas and New Year break saw three scheduled matches set to be played in the Gainsborough and District Football League.

Sadly, one of those games was cancelled when the Roses ground in Gainsborough was deemed to be unfit by the local council, causing the Gainsborough Town Canute Reserves v East Drayton to be re-arranged for later in the season.

In the games that were played there was some New Year joy for Fox and Hounds Willingham who had a difficult first half of the season struggling at times to get a full team on the pitch, but a resolute display against Retford Town saw them claim three points after a 2-1 win.

Despite being under pressure for long spells, Fox and Hounds defended very well and with a little bit of good luck they managed a very good victory and more of the same is needed over the next few weeks if they are to move up the table.

Harworth Colliery became the nearest challengers to current runaway leaders Mattersey FC after a hard fought 4-2 win against an inconsistent Bridon AFC.

Better finishing proved to be the difference between the teams, and also gifting your opponents easy goals is a bad habit and Bridon AFC certainly did not help themselves in this department.

Harworth Colliery will have to keep their consistency at a high level if they are to put pressure on Mattersey FC who have looked very much the team to beat this season.

There is a full fixture list this coming Saturday with all the games having the potential for very good local football.

The management committee with the help of the Lincolnshire County FA will be doing all it can to increase the number of teams playing the game and will give as much assistance as possible to anyone looking to form a new club and local advertising will be used to promote our national game.

Results for Saturday 7th January: Fox and Hounds Willingham 2, Retford Town 1; Gains Town Canute Res v East Drayton (cancelled, wet pitch); Harworth Coll 4, Bridon AFC 2.

Fixtures for Saturday 14th January: BFC Birches v Retford Town; East Drayton v Haxey FC; Fox and Hounds Willingham v Harworth Coll; Gains Town Canute Res v Mattersey FC.

League Table

P W D L F A Ps

Mattersey 10 9 1 0 24 4 28

Harworth 12 7 0 5 29 21 21

Birches 10 6 0 4 26 20 18

Canutes 10 5 0 5 22 24 15

Bridon 10 4 2 4 21 23 14

Drayton 9 3 1 5 22 27 10

Retford 10 3 1 6 12 12 9

F & Hounds 12 2 2 8 12 27 8

Haxey 7 2 1 4 11 21 7

Sunday

After the two-week break for Christmas and New Year the Sunday Clubs returned to League action this week with vital games in all four divisions.

In the Premier League a thoroughly professional performance from FS Clumber saw them win 6-3 to remain unbeaten in the League this season.

Real Ropery are their nearest challengers and they stayed in contention with a hard fought 2-0 victory at Mattersey, Ropery just edged the game with better finishing but both teams played very well and the game was a good advertisement for local football.

Vine Inn Athletic and Clumber EFC are third and fourth in the division and the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle, with Vine Inn Athletic just gaining all three points after a 3-2 win.

Leverton United, with an essentially young team, have played well in parts of games but have run out of fitness in the end and Sunday’s game at Ranby Rangers was a case in point where a good start came to nothing when late goals from Ranby saw Leverton United go down to a 5-2 defeat.

There were two top of the table games in Division One where Marshalls Sports met BFC Birches and North Wheatley Phoenix hosted Canutes.

Third-placed Marshalls Sports and BFC Birches could not be separated at the end of an enthralling game that finished 2-2 with both having chances to win the game but the draw was a fair result in the end.

North Wheatley Phoenix have strengthened their team this season and they look certain to be in the mix for the title and a top class performance gave them a resounding 5-0 win over Canutes.

Maltings FC moved into the top four after a very good 4-2 win at home to Harworth Pavilion who have rather lost some of their early season form, while East Markham and Grove Mill played out a very entertaining encounter at East Markham that went the way of the home team after a 5-3 win.

Division Two is pretty much a two-horse race between White Horse and Moorends Social Club who have opened up a 13-point gap between the two of them and their nearest challengers.

Moorends were without a game this week so White Horse took the opportunity to move back to the head of the table with a 3-1 win at Clarborough FC and with 31 points from 11 games they head the table by one point.

Third-placed Epworth FC slipped up at home when they were somewhat surprisingly defeated 3-2 by bottom of the table Misterton United. This was Misterton’s best result of the season and they will hope it is a sign of things to come.

Fast improving Tuxford Working Men’s Club just edged a very close game against Ingleby Arms by a narrow 1-0 margin and the win lifts them into fourth spot in the division.

Horse and Jockey and Gate Inn Sutton could not be separated and they shared four goals in a contest neither did quite enough to win but both deserved the point they gained.

In Division Three leaders Kings Arms Thirds were not playing this week to give their challengers the chance to close the gap at the top of the division, and King and Miller certainly enhanced their second place with an 8-3 home win over Jack and Jill.

Walkeringham FC continue to mount their challenge and they dug deep on Sunday against a hard working BRSA who on another day would have taken at least a point from this game and the 3-2 result reflects just how close a game this game was.

Vine Inn produced by far their best result of the season away to Peacock Veterans, winning by an impressive 7-2, while in the game between the bottom two teams Brickmakers Arms just edged out Stanwood Engineering 3-2.

Results for Sunday 8th January: Premier League - Leverton Utd 2, Ranby Rangers 5; MUSC 3, FS Clumber 6; Mattersey 0, Real Ropery 2; Vine Inn Ath 3, Clumber EFC 2. Division One - East Markham 5, Grove Mill 3; Maltings FC 4, Harworth Pavilion 2; Marshalls Sports 2, BFC Birches 2; North Wheatley Phoenix 5, Canutes FC 0. Division Two - Clarborough FC 1, White Horse FC 3; Epworth FC 2, Misterton Utd 3; Horse and Jockey 2, Gate Inn Sutton 2; Tuxford WMC 1, Ingleby Arms 0. Division Three - King and Miller 8, Jck and Jill FC 3; Peacock Veterans 2, The Vine Inn 7; Stanwood Eng 2, Brickmakers Arms 3; Walkeringham FC 3, BRSA 2.

Fixtures for Sunday 15th January: Premier League - Clumber EFC v MUSC; FS Clumber v Leverton Utd; Kings Arms v Ranby Rangers; Real Ropery v Rose and Crown. Division One - Canutes FC v Maltings FC; Grove Mill v Kings Arms Res. Division Two - Clarborough FC v Tuxford WMC; Epworth FC v White Horse FC; Horse and Jockey v Misterton Utd; Moorends SC v Ingleby Arms. Division Three - BRSA v Stanwood Eng; Brickmakers Arms v Peacock Veterans; Jack and Jill v Walkeringham FC; Owston Ferry SC v Kings Arms 3rds. Nottinghamshire County Sunday Junior Cup Round Four - Kings Arms v East Markham. Nottinghamshire County Sunday Minor Cup Quarter-finals - BFC Birches v Ardley Athletic; Mattersey v North Wheatley Phoenix; Vine Inn Ath v Harworth Pavilion.

League Tables

Premier League

Clumber 9 8 1 0 35 12 25

Ropery 10 6 2 2 38 15 20

Vine Inn 9 6 0 3 32 25 18

Clumber 9 5 1 3 33 11 16

MUSC 10 5 1 4 31 28 16

Mattersey 5 4 0 2 16 10 12

Kings A 7 3 1 3 14 15 10

Ranby 10 3 0 7 23 34 9

Leverton 10 1 0 9 17 37 3

R & Crown 8 0 0 8 6 58 0

Division One

Birches 11 8 1 2 45 13 25

N Wheatley 9 8 0 1 31 11 24

Marshalls 9 6 1 2 30 19 19

Maltings FC 9 6 1 2 21 17 19

Canutes 9 5 1 3 26 18 16

Harworth 10 5 1 4 32 28 16

Markham 11 3 1 7 17 37 10

Beckett 11 2 1 8 15 33 7

Kings Res 10 1 1 8 13 40 4

Grove Mill 9 1 0 8 11 25 3

Division Two

Wh Horse 11 10 1 0 44 23 31

Moorends 11 10 0 1 50 15 30

Epworth 11 5 2 4 36 21 17

Tuxford 10 5 1 4 15 13 16

Clarboro 12 4 0 8 19 39 12

Gate Inn 10 3 2 5 12 27 11

Cross K 9 3 1 5 14 29 10

H & Jockey 13 3 1 9 25 46 10

Ingleby 8 2 3 3 27 19 9

Misterton 11 2 1 8 21 31 7

Division Three

Kings A 3rd 10 8 0 2 36 16 24

King & Mill 9 7 2 0 46 15 23

Walk’ham 9 7 0 2 51 17 21

BRSA 10 5 0 5 23 19 15

Peacock 9 4 2 3 27 23 14

Jack & Jill 10 3 3 4 20 23 12

O Ferry 10 4 0 6 34 38 12

Vine Inn 11 3 1 7 24 46 10

Brickmakers 10 3 0 7 19 53 9

Stanwood 10 1 0 9 18 48 3

THIS year promises to be a fantastic sporting one in the Isle with the expansion of On Target football.

In partnership with the Football League, Scunthorpe United, North Lincolnshire Council, Tata Steel, North Lincs Homes and Humberside Police, Scunthorpe United Trust are rebooting free Friday night football across North Lincolnshire.

On Target aims to deliver a programme of activities for 48 weeks a year over the next three years with new funding from the Football League, Tata Steel and Humberside Police.

Relaunching on January 13 at five locations across the county the programme hopes to engage with over 200 young people every Friday evening.

The sessions are aimed at young people aged between eight and 19. On Target was delivered throughout 2011 to resounding success and hopes to continue building upon its strengths and reaching out to more and more young people in the area.

Every young person attending an On Target session on January 13 will receive a free ticket for the Stevenage versus Scunthorpe United football game on January 21 and if they bring a friend along the friend gets a free ticket too!

All On Target sessions are free, if you’d like to play just turn up to Epworth Leisure Centre between 6.15-7.15pm (this session is open to anyone aged eight to 13-years-old).

Councillor John Briggs, NLC’s cabinet member for sport, leisure and culture, said: “The new investment into On Target will enable us to work with our partners to expand the range of sport and leisure activities for young people in North Lincolnshire.”

ASB Manager at NLH, Claire Coyle, said: “North Lincolnshire Homes is excited to be a partner in this project.

“It is a tremendous scheme which engages young people from our neighbourhoods in activities which are active and fun.

“On Target has proven to be a positive catalyst in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour which in turn is helping to build stronger – and healthier - communities for the future.”

On Target aims to give young people the chance to take part in positive activities and develop new social and leadership skills as well as free football!

Opportunities are also available for young people to volunteer on the programme and take part in relevant training.

Epworth Colts U11s 2

Bottesford U11s 1

AFTER the Christmas break it was back to league action for the Colts with a top of the table clash with second place Bottesford at Carrside.

With the Colts being the only side to have beaten Bottesford in the league so far this season the visitors came looking to turn the tables.

The game started with both sides fully committed with the midfield area getting very congested. Eventually the game settled with Bottesford retaining possession better than the Colts but unable to break down the Epworth back four and create any real clear cut opportunities.

The Colts, when they didn’t squander their possession, were far more incisive creating several good chances to take the lead. The first half finished without either side scoring but with Bottesford edging it.

The second half started with the Colts passing the ball better but still squandering their chances. Halfway through the half the Bottesford midfield started to gain control with the Colts losing their way and being pressed back eventually conceding a penalty. The penalty was missed and the Colts were fortunate to still be on level terms but they hadn’t learnt the lesson and with Bottesford eager to make up for the miss they eventually took the lead from a corner.

With time ticking away the Colts looked to be heading for their first league defeat of the season but this realisation drove them forward they started passing the ball and suddenly looked the team that has been so impressive all season.

With Callum Marsh grabbing the equaliser with only minutes left to play, Colts pressured and totally dominated the closing stages with Nathan Rae-Hassel getting the winner with a lovely driven shot in the left corner.

Colts pressed for more but time was running out winning 2-1.

Bottesford could consider themselves unlucky not to have taken something from this game but this win opens up a six point lead for the Colts at the top of the league.

Man of match was Tom Kolcombe.

The Epworth team were: Saxon Foster, Macauley Nortcliff, Patrick Ford, Tom Booth, Alex Dyer, Will Durning, Macaulay Scott, Scott Ewen, Robbie Robson, Max Brinkley, Matthew Robinson, Alex Stead, Patrick Axe, Cam Taylor.

Man of the match was Tom Booth.

The next home games both take place at Carrside when Epworth take on Bottesford Town on January 14, 9.30am kick off; and on February 4 against Broughton Juniors, kick off 11am.

A HAT trick of honours went to Nigel Forrest at the final 2011 meeting of the Isle of Axholme Golf Society.

Members played 18 holes under Stableford rules at Hirst Priory Golf Club, near Crowle, and Forrest was the overall winner with 33 points in the single competition, after a count back.

He also recorded the longest drive, on hole seven, and was part of the best team, alongside Jonathan Torr and Mark Clayton, with an average score of 30.66 points.

Runner-up to Forrest in the single format was Robert Andrew and, after another count back, Darryl Pidd was third.

Nearest the pin competition on hole two was also won by Andrew and Steve Lonsdale triumphed at hole 11.

The annual knockout competition was won by Martin Large with Steve Green picking up the runner-up trophy.

Green did win the Order of Merit Competition for his 33.6 average for five best scores in 2011 and Peter Wilkinson was second with his average of 33.2.

And Green also won the Robinson Trophy for the annual medal competition in recognition of his score of 74 at Owston Hall last October.

The next society meeting will be The College Pines Golf Course, Worksop, on Sunday, February 19, at 10.30am.

Members and guests are welcome with coffee and bacon rolls served before play starts.

Non-society members are welcome, by arrangement, with captain/secretary/treasurer Tom Sanders.

Annual membership of £20 covers all 2012, Contact Mr Sanders on 01724 712089.

WITH the first heavy frost of the winter greeting the area on Saturday morning it was a close thing as to whether the pitches would thaw by the 2.15pm kick-off time for the Gainsborough and District Football League’s fixtures.

But as things went three of the four scheduled games took place.

In the second week in January Mattersey FC find themselves just one win from a title-winning season as after an 11-game unbeaten run they are currently 10 points clear of their nearest rivals and with games in hand it would need a catastrophic failure on Mattersey’s part to not win the league.

Gainsborough Town Canutes gave Mattersey a tough game but the title aspirations of Mattersey were not to be denied and a 3-1 win sets them up for the championship even at this early stage of the season.

All Mattersey FC’s nearest challengers have been far too inconsistent and Saturday saw both Harworth Colliery and BFC Birches fall to defeat, giving Mattersey almost an unassailable lead.

Harworth Colliery were two goals up at half-time against Fox and Hounds but the Willingham team came out for the second half with a determination not to be beaten and in a game that was a credit to both and to the league they scored three times to take the points with a 3-2 victory.

BFC Birches never really got their game together at home to Retford Town and only a late goal made the score look closer than it really was, Retford Town winning 2-1 for a deserved victory.

The unfortunate game to be cancelled was between East Drayton and Haxey FC and, with both teams having played fewer games then all their rivals, it is a game neither could really afford to be postponed.

Results for Saturday 14th January: BFC Birches 1, Retford Town 2; East Drayton v Haxey FC (match cancelled, frozen pitch); Fox and Hounds 3, Harworth Colliery 2; Gainsborough Town Canute Reserves 1, Mattersey FC 3.

Fixtures for Saturday 21st January: Bridon AFC v BFC Birches; Haxey FC v Canute Reserves.

League Table

Team P W D L F A Ps

Mattersey 11 10 1 0 27 5 31

Harworth 13 7 0 6 31 24 21

Birches 11 6 0 5 27 22 18

Canute 11 5 0 6 23 27 15

Bridon 10 4 2 4 21 23 14

Retford 11 4 1 6 14 13 12

F & Hound 13 3 2 8 15 29 11

E Drayton 9 3 1 5 22 27 10

Haxey 7 2 1 4 11 21 7

Sunday

THE Gainsborough and District Sunday Football League was hit very hard by the weekend’s freezing conditions as all but one of the league fixtures were postponed.

The only match to be played was the Division Three encounter between BRSA and bottom club Stanwood Engineering which finished with a narrow 1-0 victory for BRSA.

A Nottinghamshire County Sunday Minor Cup quarter-final tie also escaped the clutches of the frosty weather and featured two Gainsborough League sides battling for a semi-final place with Premier League Vine Inn Athletic easily beating Harworth Pavilion from Division One 7-0.

Fixtures for Sunday 22nd January: Premier League - Kings Arms v Clumber EFC; Ranby Rangers v FS Clumber; Leverton United v Vine Inn Athletic. Division One - East Markham v Canutes; Maltings FC v Grove Mill; North Wheatley Phoenix v Marshalls Sports. Division Two - Clarborough FC v Moorends Social Club; Horse and Jockey v Cross Keys Wroot. Division Three - Brickmakers Arns v Peacock Veterans; The Vine Inn v Walkeringham. Sporting Club Cup Round One - BFC Birches v MUSC; Mattersey v Kings Arms Res; Rose and Crown v Real Ropery. Junior Trophy Round One - BRSA v White Horse; Jack and Jill v Ingleby Arms; Kings Arms 3rds v Owston Ferry SC; Misterton United v Epworth FC.

League Tables

Team P W D L F A Ps

Premier League

Clumber 9 8 1 0 35 12 25

Ropery 10 6 2 2 38 15 20

Vine Inn 9 6 0 3 32 25 18

Clumber 9 5 1 3 33 11 16

MUSC 10 5 1 4 31 28 16

Mattersey 6 4 0 2 16 10 12

Kings A 7 3 1 3 14 15 10

Ranby 10 3 0 7 23 34 9

Leverton 10 1 0 9 17 37 3

R & Crn 8 0 0 8 6 58 0

Division One

Birches 11 8 1 2 45 13 25

Wheatley 9 8 0 1 31 11 24

Marshalls 9 6 1 2 30 19 19

Maltings 9 6 1 2 21 17 19

Canutes 9 5 1 3 26 18 16

Harworth 10 5 1 4 32 28 16

E Markham 11 3 1 7 17 37 10

Becketts 11 2 1 8 15 33 7

Kings Res 10 1 1 8 13 40 4

Grove Mill 9 1 0 8 11 25 3

Division Two

Wh Horse 11 10 1 0 44 23 31

Moorends 11 10 0 1 50 15 30

Epworth 11 5 2 4 36 21 17

Tuxford 10 5 1 4 15 13 16

Clarboro 12 4 0 8 19 39 12

Gate Inn 10 3 2 5 12 27 11

Cross K 9 3 1 5 14 29 10

H & Jockey 13 3 1 9 25 46 10

Ingleby 8 2 3 3 27 19 9

Misterton 11 2 1 8 21 31 7

Division Three

Kings 3rd 10 8 0 2 36 16 24

King & Mill 9 7 2 0 46 15 23

Walk’ham 9 7 0 2 51 17 21

BRSA 11 6 0 5 24 19 18

Peacock 9 4 2 3 27 23 14

Jack & Jill 10 3 3 4 20 23 12

O Ferry 10 4 0 6 34 38 12

Vine Inn 11 3 1 7 24 46 10

Brickmaker 10 3 0 7 19 53 9

Stanwood 11 1 0 10 18 49 3

League leaders Scunthorpe won at home beating Owston Ferry B 15 points to 4.

Misterton B won at home beating Epworth A 14 points to 12.

Owston Ferry A won at home beating West Butterwick B 13 points to 9.

Epworth B and Westwoodside had the first draw of the season winning 10 points each.

The high breaks recorded this week included A Lindley 20; A Fowler 28; K Oades 21, 25, 34; R Musgrave 28; B Hoole 23, 47; N DAVISON 20, 21 25, 31, 49; D PALMER , 21, 23, 34, 42, 69, 69.

Results for individual competitions: Les Cobb Trophy, Round 2 - C Thompson 200 v 126 T Hunt; R Coultard 128 v 200 D Garner.

Over 60s, Round 2 - L Torn 100 v 150 M Proudley J Ash 150 v 145 M Temperton.

Open Handicap, Round 2 - D Palmer 150 v 86 T Bee; A Fox 150 v 119 T Hunt; G Westerman 150 v 147 P Snow; D Poulter 150 v 96 L Torn.

The league table to date.

Team Played 3pts 2pts 1pt Total

Scunthorpe 12 50 8 5 171

Beckingham 12 44 10 8 160

Owston Ferry A 12 42 14 6 160

Westwoodside 12 41 9 9 150

Misterton B 12 31 18 6 133

Epworth B 11 38 3 5 125

Owston Ferry B 10 32 8 10 122

West Butterwick B 11 35 8 7 119

Epworth A 12 27 12 8 113

Owston Ferry C 12 17 16 19 102

DONCASTER Knights Director of Rugby (DOR) Brett Davey is pleased to announce the signing of 19-year-old tighthead prop Tomas Francis until the end of the 2011/12 season.

The Yorkshireman who is currently in his second year of studies at University of Leeds was brought to the club by his university rugby coach, Andy Boyde, who earmarked him as a player with huge potential.

Francis has played for his local club, Malton and Norton in York since the age of four and is relishing his first bite at professional rugby.

“I’m very thankful for the great opportunity in such a good set-up and facilities. I would love to have a long future at the Knights and if I get a shot at Championship rugby this season I aim to take it.”

Weighing in at 140kg, Francis will provide extra cover at tighthead with Alex Brown and Royce Burke-Flynn sharing the position so far this season. The proud Yorkshire-born front rower hopes the full-time training regime will also improve his conditioning.

“The conditioning work is brilliant and very needed, my game has already improved tenfold under Andy Boyde, Glen Kenworthy and Steve Boden, plus I owe Brett so much for taking me on.”

The Knights DOR believes Francis holds an abundance of potential and has the natural talent to play Championship rugby, whilst combining his degree in mechanical engineering at Leeds.

Davey said: “He is a young tighthead who has worked really hard whilst training with us over Christmas and it’s great to repay local talent.

“He fits the bill and his potential is vast, hopefully he has a long future at Castle Park and his strength and size will cause problems at the set-piece.”

West Butterwick’s Ian Rusling is organising a charity auction in aid of brain tumour awareness in children on Saturday March 17 from 8pm and Keadby and Althorpe Working Men’s Club.

With the help of auctioneer Jim Colver from Grice and Hunter estate agents, Ian has a number of sporting lots to sell.

On offer are signed football shirts from Everton, Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Southampton, Peterborough along with an unsigned Barnsley shirt and also one from Portsmouth.

He also has signed footballs from Barnsley and Preston, a Southampton signed pennant, a one off Scunthorpe shirt from the Fallen Heroes event, a cuddly Chelsea lion and a Tai Woffinden Speedway signed cap and shirt.

The event will also include music from band The Cave Toads who have agreed to play for free

Ian would welcome more donations to help with his fundraising, he can be contacted on 07891 700809.

ONLY two matches were played in the Gainsborough and District Saturday Football League.

Haxey FC entertained Gainsborough Town Canute Reserves and again it was the home team who had the better of the first half.

Canute, however, were not to be denied and the second half saw them score four goals which turned the game on its head and the Gainsborough side ran out 5-3 winners.

Bridon AFC played BFC Birches in the other game, a tense local derby, with Bridon taking a 2-1 lead into the break.

In the second half Birches scored three goals to win 4-2 and claim bragging rights in Retford. League leaders Mattersey FC were without a match.

Results for Saturday, January 21: Bridon AFC 2 BFC Birches 4; Haxey FC 3 Gainsborough Town Canute Reserves 5.

Fixtures for Saturday, January 28: Fox and Hounds Willingham v BFC Birches; Harworth Colliery v East Drayton; Retford Town v Haxey FC.

League Table

Team P W D L F A Ps

Mattersey 11 10 1 0 27 5 31

Birches 12 7 0 5 31 24 21

Harworth 13 7 0 6 31 24 21

Canute 12 6 0 6 28 30 18

Bridon 11 4 2 5 23 27 14

Retford 11 4 1 6 14 13 12

F & Hound 13 3 2 8 15 29 11

E Drayton 9 3 1 5 22 27 10

Haxey 8 2 1 5 14 26 7

In last Sunday’s fixtures there were plenty of goals in both league and cup games.

In the Premier League at Haxey The Kings Arms claimed maximum points against Clumber EFC after edging a 2-1 victory.

Karl Slack of leaders Ranby Rangers scored after just seven seconds against FS Clumber and this contributed to an 8-1 victory.

Real Ropery still pursue the leaders after a 6-2 win at Rose and Crown and this was also a first round Sporting Club Cup tie, giving the Gainsborough side double cause for celebration.

Third-placed Vine Inn Athletic secured a 1-0 victory away to Leverton United in a game spoilt by a very strong wind.

In Division One, Marshalls Sports enhanced their title challenge with a 6-2 win over Kings Arms Reserves. This puts Marshalls third in the table in a tight division.

Grove Mill recorded only their second win of the season when they shocked visitors Maltings FC to win 3-1.

In Division Two, Moorends Social Club again lead the table after a 6-2 win at Clarborough FC. Title rivals White Horse were involved in a Trinity Trophy game.

Walkeringham FC went top of Division Three with a 5-o win at The Vine Inn FC, taking advantage of both Kings Arms Thirds and King and Miller not having any fixtures.

Brickmakers Arms recorded a 5-4 victory over Peacock Veterans.

In the Junior Trophy, White Horse, one of the favourites, almost fell at the first hurdle when they just edged out BRSA at Retford 3-2.

In an Isle derby at Haxey, Owston Ferry SC surprised Kings Arms Thirds to book their place in Round Two with a 3-2 win.

Epworth FC reversed a recent league defeat by Misterton United to move into the next round after a narrow 3-2 win. And Ingleby Arms overcame a spirited Jack and Jill to win 4-2.

Rescheduled Nottinghamshire County Cup ties saw the game between Mattersey and North Wheatley Phoenix abandoned after a serious injury to a Wheatley player.

BFC Birches moved into the semi-finals after a hard fought extra time 3-2 win over Ardley Athletic, joining last week’s winners Vine Inn Athletic in the semi-finals.

The other outstanding fixture to be played is Mattersey v North Wheatley Phoenix.

In the County Junior Cup East Markham were defeated 6-0 by Kings Arms.

Results for Sunday, January 22:

Premier League: Kings Arms 2 Clumber EFC 1; Ranby Rangers 1 FS Clumber 8; Leverton Utd 0 Vine Inn Athletic 1; Real Ropery 6 Rose and Crown 2.

Division One: Kings Arms Res 2 Marshalls Sports 6; Grove Mill 3 Maltings FC 1.

Division Two: Clarborough FC 2 Moorends SC 6.

Division Three: Brickmakers Arms 5 Peacock Veterans 4; The Vine Inn 0 Walkeringham 5.

Sporting Club Cup Round One: Rose and Crown 2 Real Ropery 6.

Junior Trophy Round One: BRSA 2 White Horse 3; Jack and Jill 2 Ingleby Arms 4; Kings Arms 3rds 2 Owston Ferry SC 3; Misterton Utd 2 Epworth FC 3.

Nottinghamshire County Sunday Junior Cup Round Four: Kings Arms 6 East Markham 0.

Nottinghamshire County Sunday Minor Cup Quarter-Finals: BFC Birches 3 Ardley Athletic 2 (AET); Mattersey v North Wheatley Phoenix (abandoned, injury).

Fixtures for Sunday, January 29:

Premier League: FS Clumber v EFC Clumber; MUSC v Kings Arms; Real Ropery v Vine Inn Athletic; Rose and Crown v Ranby Rangers.

Division One: Beckett Arms v BFC Birches; East Markham v Harworth Pavilion; Maltings FC v Marshalls Sports.

Division Two: Cross Keys Wroot v Misterton Utd; Epworth FC v White Horse FC; Gate Inn Sutton v Clarborough FC; Moorends SC v Tuxford WMC.

Division Three: Jack and Jill v Kings Arms 3rds; King and Miller v The Vine Inn FC; Owston Ferry SC v Brickmakers Arms; Walkeringham FC v Stanwood Engineering.

Nottinghamshire County Sunday Minor Cup Round Four: Mattersey v North Wheatley Phoenix.

Premier League

Clumber 10 9 1 0 43 13 28

Real Ropery 11 7 2 2 34 17 23

Vine Inn 10 7 0 3 33 25 21

Clumber 0 5 1 4 34 13 16

MUSC 10 5 1 4 31 28 16

Kings A 8 4 1 3 16 16 13

Mattersey 6 4 0 2 16 10 12

Ranby 11 3 0 8 24 42 9

Leverton 11 1 0 10 17 38 3

R & Crown 9 0 0 9 8 64 0

Division One

Birches 11 8 1 2 45 13 25

Phoenix 9 8 0 1 31 11 24

Marshalls 10 7 1 2 36 21 22

Maltings 10 6 1 3 22 20 19

Canutes 9 5 1 3 26 18 16

Harworth 10 5 1 4 32 28 16

E Markham 11 3 1 7 17 37 10

Becketts 11 2 1 8 15 33 7

Grove Mill 10 2 0 8 14 26 6

Kings Res 11 1 1 9 15 46 4

Division Two

Moorends 12 11 0 1 56 17 33

White Horse 11 10 1 0 44 23 31

Epworth 11 5 2 4 36 21 17

Tuxford 10 5 1 4 15 13 16

Clarboro 13 4 0 9 21 45 12

Gate Innn 10 3 2 5 12 27 11

Cross K 9 3 1 5 14 29 10

H & Jockey 13 3 1 9 25 46 10

Ingleby Arms 8 2 3 3 27 19 9

Misterton 11 2 1 8 21 31 7

Division Three

Walk’ham 10 8 0 2 56 17 24

Kings 3rd 10 8 0 2 36 16 24

K & Miller 9 7 2 0 46 15 23

BRSA 10 5 0 5 23 19 15

Peacock 10 4 2 4 31 28 14

Jack & Jill 10 3 3 4 20 23 12

O Ferry 10 4 0 6 34 38 12

Brickmakers 11 4 0 7 24 57 12

Vine Inn 12 3 1 8 24 51 10

Owston Ferry A move up to second after beating local rivals Owston Ferry B 12-10 and Misterton B won 16-7 away to West Butterwick B, scoring the highest points this week.

Epworth A beat Owston Ferry C at home 13-9 and Epworth B won 15-10 at Beckingham.

High breaks from the latest round of fixtures included R Bramhall 22, W Boothman 27, B Hoole 37, A Lindley 33 and 43, N Davison 40, L Torn 40 (unf), D Palmer 28, 33 and 48.

Results for individual competitions:

Senior Individual, Round Two:

I Ballinger 129 V D Palmer 300

A Lindley 300 V D Garner 162

Les Cobb Trophy, Round Two:

M Temperton 122 V R Musgrave 200

Open Handicap, Round Two:

N Davison 150 V J Ash 104

League table:

Team[P[3pts[2pts[1pt[total

Scunthorpe[13[53[9[5[182

Owston Ferry A[13[45[15[7[172

Beckingham[13[45[13[9[170

Westwoodside[13[44[10[9[161

Misterton B[13[35[20[6[149

Epworth B[12[43[3[5[140

Owston Ferry B[13[35[8[11[132

Epworth A[13[31[12[9[126

West Butterwick B[12[37[8[8[117

Owston Ferry C[13[19[16[22[111

Crowle Keys 1 Barton Broncos 3

WINDSOR Park’s reputation as the windiest ground in the league was enhanced by the kind of gale which took the ball into the car park in the corner of the field throughout the game.

Fellow strugglers Barton took advantage of these conditions in the first half, going in front on 10 minutes from a free-kick which went through the home side’s defensive wall and into the top corner.

Both sides found difficulty in keeping the ball and neither keeper had much to do for the next half hour until the visitors doubled their lead after the Keys defence failed to clear another free-kick.

Jamie Smyth had Crowle’s best opportunity of the opening period when he broke into the Barton box, only to be denied by a sliding tackle as he was about to shoot.

Keys saw more of the ball after the break but wayward shooting let the hosts down and the game was effectively over on 70 minutes when Broncos burst down their right to beat Graeme Fletcher and make it 3-0.

Crowle’s manager Danny Taylor moved himself into an attacking role and his last minute consolation goal justified the decision but it was too little, too late.

Keys are without a game this week but resume on Sunday, February 5, at Mill Road Club in Scunthorpe.

Clee Town 4

Epworth Town Colts 3

A CUP classic saw two under-11 sides take part in a topsy-turvy game where the lead changed hands several times.

The hosts started well and completely dominated the early exchanges with the Colts struggling to get out of their own half and goalkeeper Jack Lifsey keeping the visitors on level terms.

Clee took an early lead but the visitors equalised when Luke Bradley struck a first time shot from outside the box after a corner had been cleared.

The Colts started winning more of the 50-50 balls and they took the lead following a move down the right which led to Ben Dudley driving the ball past the keeper from close range.

With Epworth defending a 2-1 lead after the break, the Colts continued to press and the Clee keeper had to be at his best to stop the visitors extending their lead.

Clee, however, made it 2-2 midway through the second half and converted a penalty to take a 3-2 lead.

The home keeper again rescued his side, denying Kyle Blackburn, and in a breakaway move the hosts established a two goal cushion to make it 4-2.

Epworth continued to battle and reduced arrears when Callum Marsh thumped the ball home from inside the area to make it 4-3.

But with time running out the visitors could not find another equaliser and crashed out of the cup.

Coach’s man of the match: Aiden Woodcock for his defensive display. Parents’ man of the match: Jack Lifsey for his excellent goalkeeping.

Next weekend it’s back to league action with Wrawby Rovers the visitors to Carrside, the Colts looking to maintain their unbeaten league form though to the end of the season.

YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to get fit this winter by joining the Epworth Colts Academy Squad.

There are regular training sessions every Saturday at Epworth Thurlow Field, from 10am to noon, and the activities are open to all children, both boys and girls.

Currently there are 16 members and although the squad do not play competitive matches, there are plans to arrange friendlies and take part in the Doncaster Quick Play tournament on Saturday, February 4.

The Colts have been established for many years, explained manager Steve Woodcock, who added the academy has a ‘football in the community’ ethos with social events just as important as sporting activities.

He added: “We do organise trips out and the kids enjoyed a recent trip to Doncaster to see Rovers play Southampton. The academy paid for this, organising a bus, and the kids loved it.

“We are now looking at going to Scunthorpe United and a race night on March 2 has sold out.

“These activities allow parents to talk with the coaches.”

The academy focuses on the under sevens up to the under nine age group and girls up to the age of 12 are welcome.

Membership of the academy costs £3 per session over 10 weeks or £30 at the beginning of the course.

A kit of shirt, shorts and socks is secured once the £30 is paid in full.

For more information contact Steve on 07974 795786.

THREE games in the Gainsborough and District Football League on Saturday produced some very good performances in each match.

With Mattersey FC almost certain to be league champions, the rest are playing for the runners-up spot and for personal pride.

But if Saturday’s games are anything to go by all the teams have not given up on the season and the level of performance reflected great credit on all of them.

BFC Birches, who are currently second in the table, certainly enhanced their position with a devastating first half performance away to Fox and Hounds Willingham to go in at half-time four goals to the good.

But a lot of credit has to be given to Fox and Hounds for a much better second half and they scored the only goal of that half to give a final score of 4-1 to BFC Birches.

BFC Birches will hope to carry this form into this coming weekend’s Nottinghamshire County Junior Cup Quarter-Final.

East Drayton shocked Harworth Colliery with a battling performance that saw them win 2-0 despite being under a lot of pressure in the game.

Harworth Colliery certainly had more of the possession but two good finishes and excellent defending gave East Drayton the points.

Haxey FC started very brightly against Retford Town and if they had scored from an early penalty who knows what the final result might have been.

But Retford quickly turned their good fortune into a winning position with three goals in the first half to effectively seal the win and two goals from Matt Young and a really good headed goal from Rob Sanders made sure the points stayed with them.

Fixtures:

Saturday 4th February

League: East Drayton v Fox and Hounds Willingham; Haxey FC v Bridon FC.

Nottinghamshire County Junior Cup Quarter-Final: Nottinghamshire FC Reserves v BFC Birches.

Despite some frost on Sunday morning all but one of the Gainsborough and District Sunday Football League matches were played, the one that was cancelled having fallen foul of the wet weather on Friday.

In the Premier League, FS Clumber stretched their lead at the top to eight points after a hard-earned 4-2 win against Clumber EFC.

The benefit of having a very good goalscorer in your team was never better demonstrated than this game where Karl Slack hit a hat-trick from probably just four opportunities. Clumber EFC led 2-1 at one point but FS Clumber were not to be denied.

King’s Arms are another team in very good form at present and a difficult trip to Harworth to play MUSC was safely negotiated with a 2-1 victory which was a good reward for an excellent performance, but both teams contributed to a game that was a credit to the league.

In Division One there were only two league games played and it gave leaders BFC Birches the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table and after a somewhat shaky start they recovered from going a goal down to Beckett Arms to deservedly claim all three points after a 4-1 win.

East Markham, who have had a poor run of results in recent times, slipped up at home again when they lost 3-2 to Harworth Pavilion.

It is very much a two-horse race in Division Two with Moorends Social Club and White Horse FC showing no signs of letting up, and with the pair due to meet on the last day of the season it could be a very exciting finale. Moorends are two points in front but have played a game more than White Horse and both are 17 points clear of any other team.

Moorends played Tuxford Working Men’s Club who have been on a decent run themselves but it was quickly obvious there was only going to be one winner and Moorends had a comfortable 6-1 win.

White Horse travelled to Epworth FC and they, like Moorends, showed just why they are such a force in this division with a 5-2 victory.

There were also plenty of goals in two other games in this division with Clarborough FC and Ingleby Arms each scoring five to win convincingly. Clarborough took their chances against a Gate Inn Sutton team who had their fair share of the game but could not match the scoring exploits of Luke Chadwick who netted four times for Clarborough to secure a 5-2 win.

Ingleby Arms had a similar scoreline when they entertained Horse and Jockey.

The one game that was an exception to the goal feast in this division was at Cross Keys Wroot where, despite virtually laying siege to the Cross Keys goal in the second half, Misterton United were unable to breach a very resolute Cross Keys defence and a single goal won the game for the hosts.

In Division Three, the three leading teams all won to stretch their lead from the pack to 11 points and at this stage of the season surely either Walkeringham FC, King’s Arms Thirds or King and Miller will contest the title.

Walkeringham stay top on goal difference from Kings Arms Thirds with 27 points from 11 games while King and Miller have 26 points from 10 games and remain the only unbeaten team in this division.

Walkeringham FC always had far too much firepower for a largely outplayed Stanwood Engineering who, despite a battling performance, were still outgunned 8-1.

Kings Arms Thirds showed they are very much a force to be reckoned with by defeating Jack and Jill 7-3.

King and Miller were too good for fellow Retford team The Vine Inn FC whom they beat 6-2 and with eight wins and two draws from 10 games they may well be the team to beat in this division.

Owston Ferry and Brickmakers Arms could not be separated after a 1-1 draw that both will feel they could have improved upon but the result was in fairness a correct one.

Gainsborough neighbours Maltings FC and Marshalls Sports brought forward their Presidents Cup Round Two tie from next week and for the first half of the game it was Marshalls Sports who were the happier, taking a two-goal lead into the interval.

Maltings FC, however, were a different team after the break and three goals without reply saw them move into Round Three.

The twice-cancelled Nottinghamshire County Cup tie between Mattersey and North Wheatley Phoenix was finally played to a conclusion and it was North Wheatley Phoenix who booked their place in the semi-final after a 4-2 win.

North Wheatley now travel to Cotgrave while the second semi-final is between BFC Birches and Vine Inn Athletic.

Fixtures:

Sunday 5th February

Presidents Cup Round Two: Beckett Arms v Tuxford WMC; BFC Birches v Horse and Jockey; Canutes v Moorends; Harworth Pavilion v North Wheatley Phoenix; Kings Arms Res v King and Miller; Stanwood Eng v Cross Keys Wroot; The Vine Inn v Peacock Veterans.

Premier League: Clumber EFC v Leverton Utd; Kings Arms v FS Clumber; Mattersey v Rose and Crown; Ranby Rangers v Vine Inn Athletic; Real Ropery v MUSC.

Division Two: Epworth FC v Gate Inn Sutton; Ingleby Arms v Clarborough FC; White Horse FC v Misterton Utd.

Division Three: Brickmakers Arms v Walkeringham FC.

Saturday Open, Bonsai Lake, 33 fished - 1. Ben Fisk (Middy) peg 68, caught on pellet at 13mtrs for small stockie carp for 78lb 5oz; 2. Dave Collier (York Tackle) peg 70, caught on method to island for 70lb 12oz; 3. Paul Cross (Garbolino Lindholme) peg 38, caught on corn to island for 67lb 14oz; 4. Johnny Kenning (Garbolino Lindholme) peg 25, caught on pellets for 65lb 15oz;

5. Pete Miles (Garbolino Lindholme) peg 44, caught on pellets for 58lb 4oz; 6. Alex Docerty (Garbolino Lindholme) peg 63, (junior) caught on maggot for 55lb 3oz.

Sunday Open, Laurels Oasis and Willows, 50 fished - 1. George Barrbie (Hull) peg 56, Oasis, caught on pellets for 65lb 2oz of small stockie carp; 2. Pete Rielly (Garbolino Lindholme) peg 2, Oasis, caught on pellets into corner for 61lb 6oz; 3. Chris Rielly (Hull) peg 31, Laurels, caught on corn for 57lb 11oz of silvers and carp; 4. Neil Fisher (Dynamite Baits) peg 59, Oasis, caught on pellets for 55lb 11oz; 5. Steve Barraclough (Ultimate Barnsley) peg 48, Willows, caught on maggot for 54lb 15oz; 6. Steve Mazza (Yorkshire Baits) peg 27, Oasis, caught into corner for 53lb 13oz.

* This match saw anglers having to break the ice on most pegs and there was a total of 15 competitors with over 45lb of small stockie fish which made for a very very close match. All anglers apart from one weighed in over 15lb of fish.

There is an open every day apart from Monday and Friday, draw 9am.

RESULTS from Week 10 of the Isle of Axholme Games League were as follows:

Match Darts Doms 5’sn3’s

Cross Keys v Crown 2-5 0-3 2-1

River Don v Mowbray 6-1 1-2 1-2

Station v Duke 3-4 1-2 1-2

Wheatsheaf v Liberal 1-6 1-2 1-2

* Tom Gregory had two 180’s

Week 11 results

Match Darts Doms 5’s n 3’s

Duke v Cross Keys 1-6 2-1 2-1

Liberal v Station 5-2 3-0 2-1

Mowbray v Wheatsheaf 6-1 0-3 0-3

Red Lion v River Don 3-4 3-0 2-1

Epworth Town Colts U11s 9

Wrawby Rovers 0

THIS week it was back to league action for the Colts with Wrawby Rovers the visitors to Carrside and the Colts looking to maintain their top spot in the league.

The Epworth side completely dominated from start to finish and never looked threatened.

With Callum Marsh scoring a hat trick early in the first half and with Billy Scott and Kyle Blackburn dominating the Wrawby defence there was no way back for the visitors.

Colts eventually ran out winners 9-0.

Parents’ man of the match: Callum Marsh.

Coaches man of the match: Billy Scott.

Epworth Colts U12s 4

Messingham Juniors 0

THE last time these teams played was only four weeks ago in driving wind and rain on a cold December day which resulted in the same scoreline again in the Jack Kalson - Barclays Corporate League.

The Colts were to dominate the game from start to finish with their well executed passing game which Messingham struggled to cope with. Wingers Fulwood and Norton played havoc with the Messingham defenders with the midfield dominated and controlled by Webster, Burdett and Jenkinson.

Colts began the scoring, as speedy striker McCormack slammed in the first, soon followed by a perfectly lobbed shot from 25 yards by Richie Burdett who gave the Colts the upperhand making it 2-0.

The Colts defensive line up were well arranged as Brewer, Young, Horsefield and Gillis prevented any serious chances, whilst keeper George Moore handled well any potential shots.

The second half started much the same with the Colts piling on the pressure with a change in line up, introducing Josh Richardson into defence and now with Young up front, with striker Kieran Hazel they provided new creative options, but it was Burdett who was to extend the lead by unleashing yet another powerful strike from long range which the keeper stood no chance of saving.

As the game progressed the Colts looked like scoring a plenty, however the Messingham keeper was having a terrific game, although a goal mouth clearance near to the end of the game led to Frazer Horsefield turning on the spot and firing home a left foot strike from just inside the eighteen yard box making it 4-0.

Colts team: Moore, Gillis, Horsefield, Brewer, Richardson, Young, Fulwood, Webster, Burdett, Jenkinson, Norton, McCormack, Hazel.

Man of the Match: Frazer Horsefield.