Believe it or not this week-end the Lincoln Saturday League sees every side play a league game on the same day for the first time since October. With every team active, one can expect to see some movement up and down the table after the games are completed. One certain non-mover will be league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA, whether they win, draw or lose, as they hold a ten point lead at the top of the table. They visit tenth placed Metheringham who they beat 5-2 in September and on present form a league double looks on the cards. Second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe visit Horncastle Town who, after a winning run of ten games, have failed to win in their last two, with defeat against Ivy Tavern and a draw against Metheringham. Plough  have lost just one of their last five league games and they too will be looking for a league double, having beaten Horncastle 2-1 early in the season. This game could be a close call with Horncastle’s only victors on their ground having been Ivy Tavern and Heckington United. Speaking of Heckington, who have slipped to third, they visit twelfth placed AFC Maze and like the two sides above them, they will be hoping for a league double, having already beaten the Lincoln side 5-0 in the corresponding game. Maze have won just twice in the league this season and Heckington should be too strong for them. AFC Victory in fourth place, just two points behind Heckington, see Harby as their visitors. Last week-end Harby failed to fulfil a fixture for the fourth time so one can only hope they can raise a side this week-end. Now in bottom place they lost 4-1 at home to Victory last year and a home win looks a certainty with Victory having registered seven wins in their last eight league games. Sixth placed RMSC Athletic, who meet neighbours FC Rustons United will be listening out for the Horncastle versus Plough result as they are level on points with Horncastle and victory would see them regain fifth place should they pick up a win. Rustons are in a really poor spell of form at the moment with just one win from eight games and having scored only six goals in those games.  RMSC on the other hand have won four and drawn two of their last six games, scoring 19 goals with the in-form Danny Hicks scoring seven of these. A home win looks the likely result as RMSC look for a league double but saying that FC Ruston’s fortune has to change sometime. Seventh placed Ruston Sports Reserves too have failed to produce recently as they have won only two while losing six of their last eight. They host Market Rasen who go into the game with the bragging rights as they won the corresponding game 2-1 back in September. Saying this though Rasen can only just better Rustons recent record as they have won two, drawn one and lost five of their last eight. Also they have failed to score in their last two including suffering a 9-0 defeat at league leaders Ivy last week. Rasen do not appear to be good travellers either with just one win from nine away games so one would expect Rustons to get back to winning ways but who knows. The final game sees two further sides who are not in rich veins of form as Cherry Knights (thirteenth) host ninth placed Fulbeck United. Although Fulbeck won their last away game at Maze two weeks ago, 4-3 this was their first win in six league games and only their second away win of the season. Cherry have won two of their last five matches but Fulbeck go into the game in search of only their second league double of the season having won 5-0 at the start of the season. This game is a difficult one to call so I will sit on the fence.

4/3/08

games for week-end 8/3/08 - all 3 pm kick off

AFC Maze .v. Heckington Utd - ref - T. Woolley

AFC Victory .v. Harby - ref - D. Cattell

Cherry Knights .v. Fulbeck Utd - ref - S. Swain

Horncastle Town .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - To be advised

Metheringham .v. Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - A. Jones

RMSC Ath .v. FC Rustons Utd - ref - R. Howden

Ruston Sports Res .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - B. Gelder

27/2/08

review of week-end games

This week-end Heckington United and Fulbeck United contest the second semi final in the Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd, sponsored David Cooper Cup for the right to meet holders AFC Victory in the final. There is also a nearly full programme of league fixtures and clubs should take note that we return to 3.00 pm kick off’s this week-end in the league.

Leaders Ivy Tavern CSA, after being inactive last week, take on Market Rasen Town while third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe can move above Heckington United should they win at FC Rustons United. Also looking to get back into the title race are AFC Victory, who, although 13 points behind the leaders, having four games in hand. Sixth placed Horncastle Town too will be looking to move up the table after seeing their long winning run come to an end. They entertain eleventh place Metheringham. Finally the two bottom sides as Harby and AFC Maze meet.

On paper Heckington United look favourites to reach their second final of the season as they meet Fulbeck United in the David Cooper Cup semi final. Other than two cup defeats Heckington are unbeaten at home in the league this season and they have met and beaten Fulbeck twice this season, albeit only 1-0 in the league and 2-0 in the Village Trophy semi final. Fulbeck on the other hand have found a bit of form in the last two matches after going six games without a goal. They bagged four goals in their last match and two in the one before and are unbeaten in their last two away games but in reality one can not see Heckington losing this tie.

In the league, Ivy Tavern CSA, who have won their last eight league games, host Market Rasen Town who shared the points in the corresponding game back in September. Rasen have won just one away game this season so a home win looks on the cards. Second placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe are playing only their third league game of 2008 and their opponents FC Rustons have already beaten the village side away, back in September, although Plough gained revenge with a victory in the Lincs Junior Cup in November. Rustons have won only one of their last ten games and scored only once in their last four.  For them to get anything out of this game they will have to improve greatly.  Watching this match closely will be AFC Victory who could go level on points with Plough should they overcome third to bottom side Cherry Knights.  Victory have won twelve of the last thirteen games while Cherry have still to pick up an away point having lost all eight away games played. In those eight games they have netted just two goals while conceding 22 so a home win looks the most likely result. While Victory will be watching out for the result of the side immediately above them sixth placed Horncastle will be watching out for the Vic’s result as they could climb two places above the inactive RMSC Athletic and the Vic’ should they overcome visitors Metheringham and the Vic' lose. Horncaatle have lost only twice at home this season and these defeats came in their first two home games. Metheringham meanwhile have won only once away from home in the league and that was way back in September at Harby. Horncastle also go into the game looking for a league double having won the away game 2-1 in September. Again a home win looks the most likely outcome. The final game brings together second to bottom side Harby, who host bottom side AFC Maze. Harby have not won in fourteen games with their last win being a 5-3 victory over Fulbeck in October.  AFC Maze are the only other side in the league without an away win, although they have picked up two draws. The two sides have already met twice this season with Maze winning 6-0 in a David Cooper Cup tie in November but Harby go into the game looking for their first league double, having beaten their opponents on their ground back in September, while picking up their only away win. Victory for either side would take them out of the bottom two but it is not an easy game to predict so lets suggest a draw could be a fair result.

24/2/08

fixture for 1/3/08

Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd David Cooper Cup semi final - 1.45 pm

Heckington Utd .v. Fulbeck Utd - officials - Chris Lamb, J. Pearce, J. Murray

League - 3 pm

AFC Victory .v. Cherry Knights  - ref - Callum Lamb

FC Rustons Utd .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref  - M. Raisborough

Harby .v. AFC Maze - ref - B. Gelder

Horncastle Town .v. Metheringham - ref - S. Swain

Ivy Tavern CSA .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - K. Saunby

20/2/08

This week-end the last of our major league, cup finals takes centre stage as the first semi final is played in the Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup. The first semi final will see holders AFC Victory visit Ruston Sports Reserves.  These two sides met only seven days ago in a league game at the home of Victory with them coming out 5-3 winners. This saw Victory secure a league double so they must go into this match full of confidence to secure their second cup final place of the season (just like their debut season, last year). One thing in Ruston’s favour though is that they are unbeaten at home in their last three games, mind you, saying that the Vic’ have won their last six away games. The winners will then have to wait until next week to see who they will meet in the final between Heckington United and Fulbeck United.

Once again the week-end’s league programme is very sparse with only three matches taking place but one of these is a top of the table clash with second placed Heckington United visiting third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe. Plough, who are five points behind Heckington with a game in hand, have won their last ten home games with their only defeat on home soil way back on 22 September.  Heckington in contrast have won seven of their last eight away games but Plough have the bragging rights going into this game as they have already beaten Heckington, 1-0 away, in an Amateur Cup tie in January. Who will win this game will be down to who wants it the most. Of the two remaining games sixth place RMSC Athletic can move one place up the table should they win at second to bottom Harby.  These two sides are meeting for the first time this season but RMSC have an excellent away record with six wins and one draw from nine matches. Surprisingly, Harby are playing their first home game of 2008 but have not won in 14 games and only scored two goals in their last six. The final game gives bottom side AFC Maze the opportunity to move two places up the table should Harby lose and they beat their opponents Fulbeck United. The village side too could climb two places from eleventh to ninth with victory. For Fulbeck to win they will have to see a drastic change in fortune on away soil as their one and only away win came ten games ago in their first away game of the season, against AFC Victory. Last week-end they also scored for the first time in seven games. Although AFC Maze were relegated to bottom spot last week after losing to Cherry Knights 2-0, they did win their last home game in a nine goal thriller against Ruston Sports Reserves. This however was only their second win of the season with their only other win back in September. If anyone can have bragging rights going into this game it has to be Fulbeck who will be looking for a league double having won the home encounter 3-0 at the start of the season.

16/2/08

fixtures for 23/2/08

Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd David Cooper Cup semi final - 1.45 pm

Ruston Sports Res .v. AFC Victory - officials - M. Raisborough, J. Scaife, T. Woolley

League - 2.15 pm

AFC Maze .v. Fulbeck Utd - Ref - S. Harris

Harby .v. RMSC Ath - ref - I. Cole

Plough FC Skellingthorpe - .v. Heckington Utd - Ref - A. Jones

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12/2/08 - preview of week-end games

The second semi final in the Moorlands Railways Sports and Social Club sponsored Amateur Cup takes place this week-end with Metheringham hosting Plough FC Skellingthorpe. There are also a handful of league games taking place with top and bottom of the table clashes.

 In the Amateur Cup Plough Skellingthorpe go into the match as favourites to meet holders AFC victory in the final in the light of their present league standing and the fact they have already registered a 5-1 victory over Metheringham in the league this season. Metheringham failed to beat Plough in three meetings last season and the last occasion they had success over their opponents was in the final of the Village Trophy in April 2006. Victory for Plough would secure them a second cup final of the season.

In the league Ivy Tavern CSA can once again stretch their lead at the top to eight points as Heckington United, their nearest rivals are inactive. To pick up victory though they have to go to fourth placed Horncastle Town who have the best record in the league at the moment with eleven straight wins. Ivy in contrast have won their last seven league games, so something has to give. The two sides have already met twice this season with Ivy winning both games, 3-2 in an Amateur Cup tie in January, and 3-1 in the league back in September. Should Horncastle fail to win they could lose their newly gained fourth place as AFC Victory will be hopeful of beating their visitors Ruston Sports Reserves, who appear to be in freefall at the moment. Victory have lost only once in their last six league games and have already beaten Rustons on their own ground, 3-2 at the beginning of the season. For Ruston’s their last six league games have seen just two wins and four defeats but they have also scored only seven goals while conceding 21. Meanwhile sixth placed RMSC Athletic will be hoping Victory lose as present form would suggest they should pick up the points against their visitors Fulbeck. Should the two results go their way they could go above Victory into fifth place. Their last six leagues games have seen them win four and draw one with their only defeat against Plough. In Fulbeck’s case their last six league and cup games have seen them fail to score a goal and their one and only away win was their first away match of the season. RMSC have also beaten Fulbeck 4-2 away, two matches into the season. Another side who appear to be in freefall are eighth placed FC Rustons United who visit tenth placed Market Rasen Town. After losing only one of their opening six games and leading the table they have won only one of their last six and managed only five goals in these games. Rasen’s recent league record is not something to write home about though as they have won only twice in their last six games but they have started to find the net with fifteen goals in their last five league and cup ties. The final game is a bottom of the table tussle between Cherry Knights and AFC Maze. Victory for either side could take them out of the bottom two as they could both leap over third bottom Harby although Cherry would only do it on goal difference. Cherry have won only twice in the league this season and in their last three league and cup games they have failed to score. Opponents Maze picked up only their second league win in their last game, two weeks ago, with a fine 5-4 victory over Ruston Sports Reserves. Their only other victory was a 2-0 home win over Cherry but that was way back in September. For Maze to win they will have to register their first away win of the season as they have managed just two draws and eight defeats in ten away games.

11/2/08

LINCOLN AMATEUR CUP  1/2 final

(sponsored by Moorland Railway Sports & Social Club Ltd)

semi final  1.45 pm ko

Metheringham  .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - officials M. Thomson, J. Scaife, R. Howden

LEAGUE - 2.15 pm ko

AFC Victory .v. Ruston Sports Res - ref - K. Saunby

Cherry Knights .v. AFC Maze - ref - Chris Lamb

Horncastle Town .v. Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - M. Raisborough

Market Rasen Town .v. FC Rustons United - ref - T. Woolley

RMSC Athletic .v. Fulbeck United - ref - J. Pearce

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5/2/08 - previewing this weke-end games

This week-end sees the first of the two semi final ties in the Moorland Railway Sports & Social Club sponsored Amateur Cup. No one could ask for a bigger tie than this one with cup holders AFC Victory taking on present league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA. The Vic’ lifted two cups in their first season in the league last season but believe it or not Ivy Tavern have not appeared in a local final since 2002-03 and not won a cup trophy this century. The last time they featured in one of our local finals was six seasons ago when they lost the Amateur Cup final 1-0 to the team of the moment, Saxilby Athletic. Ivy must be hopeful of changing their fortune as they go into the game on the back of a nine match winning run, where they have scored no less than 46 goals. The two sides have already met twice in the league with Ivy taking four points off Victory with a 4-1 home win and a 1-1 away draw. Victory themselves have got an almost equal record to their arch rivals with their only defeat in nine games being the 4-1 reverse at the hands of the Ivy. They have netted 28 goals in this spell which in reality set things up for an enthralling cup tie.

While leaders Ivy Tavern are in cup action Heckington United could trawl back some of the eight point gap that has been created by the league leaders. They make their longest trip of the season to Market Rasen Town looking to complete a league double having won their home encounter by a narrow 1-0 victory. Heckington have lost only twice on away grounds this season in ten games so the home side will have to be on their mettle if they want to come out of the game with anything. One thing in Rasen’s favour is the fact they have found the net regularly in recent matches, netting 14 in their last four games. For third placed Plough FC Skellingthorpe who host Fulbeck United, they will be playing their first league game of 2008, having been heavily involved in cup matches. They too will be on the look out for a league double having beaten their visitors 5-0 at Fulbeck back in September. For Fulbeck to come away with anything they will have to improve in front of goal as they have not scored a goal in their last five matches and have not won away from home since September (eight games ago). The league’s form side, fifth placed, Horncastle Town, who have won nine successive league games meet Ruston Sports Reserves and with a victory they could move above AFC Victory (in cup action) to fourth position or even third above Plough Skellingthorpe, should the villagers come unstuck. Their opponents have won only twice in away games from eleven matches with their last victory back in October, eight matches ago. The Lincoln side do however go into the game looking for a league double having beaten Town 2-1 in August.  Also looking to move up the table are RMSC Athletic who take on Cherry Knights, who slipped into bottom place last week-end.  The Knights are the only side to yet pick up an away point, having lost seven in a row. They have also only scored twice on away grounds whilst conceding 22. RMSC have played only five home games but have lost only once and will also be looking to complete a league double having won 2-1 at Cherry at the start of the season. The final game sees eleventh placed Metheringham take on twelfth place Harby. Metheringham won their last home game but surrendered a 3-1 lead last week-end at RMSC, to lose 6-4. Harby meanwhile, have not won away from home since their first away game of the season, back in September. Since then they have lost their last eight games on the road including their last three matches which have all been away, whilst conceding 20 goals.

4/2/08

w-e fixtures

LINCOLN AMATEUR CUP  1/2 final (sponsored by Moorlands Railway Sports & Social Club Ltd) 1.45 pm ko - extra time and penalties if necessary

Ivy Tavern CSA .v. AFC Victory (holders) - officials - A. Fish - R. Howden / T. Woolley

LEAGUE - 2.15 PM KO

Horncastle Town .v.  Ruston Sports Res - ref - K. Saunby

Market Rasen Town .v. Heckington United - ref - J. Scaife

Metheringham FC .v. Harby FC - postponed - Harby unable to raise side

Plough FC Skellingthorpe .v. Fulbeck United - ref - B. Gelder

RMSC Athletic .v. Cherry Knights - ref - P. Taylor

30/1/08

preview of week-end games

This week-end sees the first semi-finals of our local competitions with the two Hoare & Main sponsored Village Trophy ties taking place.

Holders Cherry Knights will have to pull out all the stops if they are going to retain their trophy as they visit high fliers Plough FC Skellingthorpe in this tie. These two sides met at the home of Cherry Knights right at the beginning of the season in a game won 2-0 by Plough. In this cup tie it is Cherry who have to make the trip to Plough and their away form is less than impressive with them having won only one of 9 away fixtures so far this season. They have also failed to find the net in their last three away games including last week-end when they were unable to break down a 9 man Metheringham side for most of the second half of the game. Plough will relish a home match having played no less than six successive away matches with their last home game back on the 1^st December. Then they were unbeaten in eight home games and one can not see this record going. Should Plough make the final they will be there for the first time since 2005-6 when they lost 1-0 to Metheringham. The second semi final sees last seasons losing finalists Heckington United, visit Fulbeck United. These two sides are scheduled to meet in two semi finals this season with them also meeting in the forthcoming David Cooper Cup tie. In the only meeting between these two sides this season Heckington won at Fulbeck 1-0 back in October. This was one of the eight occasions that Fulbeck have failed to score this season, including not finding the net in their last four matches played. Fulbeck have won just one of their last five home games while Heckington have lost only once in their last five away matches. Again one would not expect Heckington to lose but the cup can bring out some strange results. Should Fulbeck pull off a surprise and make the final it will be their first Trophy final since 2002/03 when they lost 3-1 to Saxilby.  If however, Heckington reach the final, it would be their third appearance in five seasons.

While these two semi finals are taking place four league matches will also be going on. There will however be no change at the top of the table as leaders Ivy Tavern are inactive and Heckington and Plough are in cup action. Despite this Plough could lose third spot as fifth placed Ruston Sports, who are just one point behind them, could go above them should they win their match at AFC Maze. Maze have not won at home in the league since the 8^th September (6 games ago) when they beat Cherry Knights 2-0. Saying that game, Ruston Sports have not won away from home since 13 October and that too was a 1-0 victory over Cherry Knights.  Possibly the highest profile game in the league is the match between sixth placed Rustons United and seventh placed Horncastle Town. Victory for the home side would put them level on points with both Plough and the inactive AFC Victory, although their goal difference is much inferior to both. Similarly victory for Horncastle would put them above their opponents and only one point behind Plough and Victory. Rustons have not had a home game since December and then they lost 4-0 to Heckington. This season their away form has be much better than their home one and you have to go back to November for their last home win when they beat Fulbeck 2-1. They have also won only one of their last eight league and cup games but they do go into this match with some bragging rights as they won the corresponding match at Horncastle at the start of the season, 5-1. Horncastle however are on the back of an eight league match winning run,  not even bettered by league leaders Ivy Tavern who have only won their last seven. This winning run for Horncastle has seen them win their last four away games, but the only downside for them is that they have been inactive for the last three weeks. Of the two remaining games eighth placed RMSC Athletic host tenth placed Metheringham. RMSC have lost only once in their last four games while Metheringham picked up their first win in four games last week with a gutsy 1-0 victory over Cherry Knights with nine men after having two players sent off. RMSC have already won the corresponding game between these two sides with a 2-0 win  and it is October 2005 since the village lads last beat RMSC. Victory for RMSC could put them back into a challenge for a top six spot while similarly for Metheringham they could move one place up the table above Fulbeck. The final game sees eleventh placed Market Rasen take on twelfth placed Harby.  For Rasen it is a welcome home game as they have played at home only once in their last eight games. On present form Rasen go into the game with the greater confidence although they have only won once in their last six games but compared to Harby this is good as the visitors have not won in their last ten. They do however have something in their favour, they will be looking to complete a league double should they win as they won the corresponding game, back in August, 4-2.

26/1/08

fixtures for Saturday 2 February

Hoare and Main sponsored Village Trophy semi final 

1.45 pm ko (extra time and penalties if necessary)

Fulbeck Utd .v. Heckington Utd - officials - R. Howden - J. Scaife, I. Cole

Plough FC Skellingthorpe .v. cherry Knights - officials- D. Cattell - J. Pearce, J. Murray

League - 2.15 pm ko

AFC Maze .v. Ruston Sports Res - ref - L. Abbott

RMSC Ath .v. Metheringham - ref - B. Gelder

FC Rustons Utd .v. Horncastle Town - ref - K. Saunby

Marekt Rasen Town .v. Harby - ref - S. Swain

22/1/08

Matches in the WJ Harrison Printers Lincoln League are, surprisingly, at a premium this week-end with just three league games and an outstanding fixture in the Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup quarter final.

The David Cooper Cup quarter final tie brings together Heckington United and Plough FC Skellingthorpe with Fulbeck United awaiting the outcome, to find who they will visit in the semi final.  The two village giants of the moment, Heckington United and Plough FC Skellingthorpe are meeting for the second time this season but they could meet on five occasions should results go their way. In the previous meeting to date Plough Skellingthorpe beat their arch rivals 1-0 in the Amateur Cup. The two sides have not, as yet met in league action, with these games scheduled for late February and early April. The possible fifth meeting could, should these two sides win their respective Village Trophy semi final ties, meet in the final at Sincil Bank.  Plough Skellingthorpe have to overcome Cherry Knights and Heckington defeat Fulbeck to set up this meeting. This would then see the first ever meeting of these two sides in the final of this competition. In this week-ends cup game Heckington will be looking to avenge only their second home defeat of the season while Plough Skellingthorpe will be looking to overcome the disappointment of going out of the Lincs Junior Cup. Without doubt a closely fought match can be expected.

In the League, leaders Ivy Tavern CSA could extend their lead at the top of the table by a further three points, to eight points, should they beat twelfth placed Harby.  Ivy have already picked up three points from Harby this season when they were awarded the game at the start of the season.  On present form the league leaders are unbeaten in eight games with eight straight wins while Harby have picked up one point in their last six league games and have failed to score in their last four matches while conceding 23 goals. The second league match scheduled is a local derby between Ruston Sports Reserves and FC Rustons United. These sides sit sixth and seventh, respectively, in the league at the moment with just two points separating them. FC Rustons have also got four games in hand over their rivals. Ruston Sports Reserves hold the bragging rights at the moment as they won the corresponding game at the beginning of the season, 2-1. Sports were then on a roll, sitting top of the table but since September they have won only three of their last fourteen league games. Their last league win, however, was over high-flying Plough FC Skellingthorpe and in their last match they progressed to the semi final of the David cooper Cup after a 4-3 victory over Market Rasen Town. After their early season defeat at the hands of Rustons Reserves, FC Rustons then went on a five match winning run, but like Saturday’s opponents, they too have won only three league games since September. In contrast to the game between Ivy Tavern and Harby, a much closer game should be expected between these two sides.  The final game taking place sees eleventh placed Metheringham take on thirteenth placed Cherry Knights. These two sides have managed just five league wins between them in a combined 28 league games played this season.  The two sides are meeting for the first time this season but last season when the two sides met, each team won on their opponents ground. Present league and cup form for both sides is not good reading with Cherry having secured just one win in their last ten matches. For Metheringham six of their last ten games have been cup ties which has seen them win three but of their four league games played they have picked up one point with a draw against FC Maze.. Metheringham’s last home league win was back in October with Cherry still looking for an away win in the league. Victory for either side is much needed.

19/1/08

fixtures for Saturday 26 January 2008

Sleaford Quality Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup 1/4 final

Heckington Utd .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - A. Fish

1.45 pm kick off - extra time and penalties if necessary

While these cup ties are taking place League leaders Ivy Tavern CSA could extend their lead at the top of the league to five points as they host second to bottom Cherry Knights. Ivy are on the back of a seven league match winning run while Cherry, although they won in the league for the first time since October last week, have yet to pick up a point on the road in five outings.  The only other game looks a much closer affair as eighth placed RMSC Athletic host fifth placed Horncastle Town. The visitors are the most in-form league side at the moment with eight straight wins. RMSC on the other hand have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches and home advantage could again be a telling factor.

12/1/08

fixtures for 19 Jan

Sleaford Qaulity Foods Ltd sponsored David Cooper Cup 1/4 finals

1.45 pm kick off - extra time and penalties if necessary

AFC Victory .v. AFC Maze - ref - Callum Lamb

Fulbeck United .v. Metheringham - ref - J. Scaife

Heckington Utd Post Plough FC Skellingthorpe 

Ruston Sports Res .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - I. Cole

League - 2.15 pm ko

Ivy Tavern CSA .v. Cherry Knights - ref - S. Harris

RMSC Athletic .v. Horncastle Town - ref - L. Abbott

Lincs Junior Cup 1/4 final

Grimsby Borough .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe

8/1/08

preview of w-ek games

The WJ Harrison Printers Lincoln Fotoball League wish Plough FC Skellingthorpe (our soul survivors in the Lincs Junior Cup) the best of luck as they make the trip to the north of the county to play one of the favourites to lift the Lincs Junior Cup, Central Midlands League, side Grimsby Borough. Already Plough have beaten two Lincs League sides on their grounds as well as fellow Lincoln League members FC Rustons United but the task in hand this time will certainly be their toughest.

An almost full league programme also takes place with league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA visiting Fubeck United as they seek to retain top spot. The “Ivy” are on a six match winning run, during which time they have met and beaten Fulbeck twice in league and cup, so they will go into the game with an element of confidence. Second placed Heckington United had their confidence shaken last week-end as they lost at home for only the second time this season, when going down to arch rivals Plough FC Skellingthorpe in the Amateur Cup. This week-end they are again at home but will have no easy ride as they meet fifth placed  FC Rustons United who took them to a penalty shoot out at Heckington after a 0-0 draw in an earlier round of the Amateur Cup.  Fourth placed AFC Victory, who have lost just once in their last nine games, take on eleventh placed Metheringham who won for the first time in five games last week but have won only once on away soil so far. Three points for the home side could put them level on points with third placed, Plough Skellingthorpe, but to go above them they would need to score more than seven goals without reply. Seventh place Horncastle could climb one place should they beat their visitors, twelfth placed Harby and the side one place above them Ruston Sports Reserves lose their match. Since beating Harby in the corresponding game 3-0 at the start of December Horncastle have won three and lost one, that being their last match, in the Amateur Cup at Ivy Tavern CSA 3-2. Harby meanwhile have lost their last three games, conceding nineteen goals and failing to find the net themselves. Down at RMSC sports ground a local derby takes place with eighth placed RMSC Athletic hosting Ruston Sports Reserves who are sixth. RMSC have surprisingly only played three home games, drawing two and losing the other so they will be keen to register their first home win. Rustons on the other hand have won just two of their nine away games played and in their last six away league and cup matches they have not won, drawing two and losing four. RMSC will go into the game with the bragging rights as they have already beaten Rustons Sports in the away encounter back in November,        2-1. Finally bottom side Cherry Knights, with just one win to their names host tenth placed Market Rasen Town who picked up their first away point in their last match at AFC Maze, 3-2. Cherry’s only league win came seven games ago at Harby when they scored more than one goal in a match for only the second time this season in thirteen league games, with a 7-2 win. The two sides have already met in cup action this season with Rasen picking up a 2-1 win in the David Cooper Cup back in November so they should go into this match with the greater confidence.

5/1/08

fixtures for 12 January

league - 2.00 pm ko

AFC Victory v Metheringham - ref - T. Woolley

Cherry Knights v Market Rasen Town - ref - J. Pearce

Fulbeck Utd v Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - S. Swain

Heckington utd v FC Rustons Utd - ref - Chris Lamb

Horncastle Town v Harby - ref - J. Scaife

RMSC Ath v Ruston Sports Res - ref - M. Raisborough

Lincs Junior  Cup 1/4 final ties - 1.45 pm ko

Grimsby Borough (Central Midlands League)  .v. PLOUGH FC SKELLINGTHORPE (Lincoln League)

CGB Humbertherm (Lincs League) .v. AFC Brumby (holders) (Scunthorpe league)

Wyberton (Boston League) .v. Louth Utd (Lincs League)

Skegness Town (Lincs League) .v.  North Somercotes Utd (East Lincs Combination)

1/1/08

Preview of games for 5 Jan 08

2008 opens with just four matches scheduled in the Moorlands and Railways Sports and Social Club Ltd sponsored Amateur Cup ¼ ties.

There are certainly some tasty ties with none more so than the game between Heckington United and Plough FC Skellingthorpe. These two sides sit second and third in the table respectively at the present time but have yet to meet this season. Saying this though, by the end of the campaign, they could meet no less than five times, as they are set to play each other in the David Cooper Cup in a couple of weeks and all things being equal could also contest the final of the Village Trophy should they both be successful in their semi final ties. Last season these two sides met four times sharing two victories each. One of these meetings was at this same stage of the Amateur Cup in a game won 2-1 by Plough. Looking at present form Plough are in their worst run of the season, without a win in their last two games while Heckington, who have won their last two have also netted thirteen goals without replay. Plough will certainly want to get back to winning ways but you would expect Heckington to win at home having lost only once this season on home soil in eleven games, only going down 2-0 to AFC Brumby in the Lincs Junior Cup. Saying that though, Plough have lost only once away in eight games and that was in their last match at Ruston Sports Reserves. Without doubts this match is a difficult one to call.

Cup holders AFC Victory, who saw their winning run of six straight wins ended by league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA last week, make the short trip across town to RMSC Athletic. These two sides have also yet to meet this season.  In RMSC’s last game they put an end to Plough Skellingthorpe’s 100% away record. Last season the Vic’ completed a league double over RMSC but RMSC are a more settled side this year so a close game can be expected and again another difficult call.

The third game sees one of last seasons losing semi finals, Ivy Tavern CSA take on Horncastle Town. The Ivy sit proudly at the top of the table at the present time while Horncastle are seventh. In an early season encounter Ivy Tavern beat Horncastle 3-2 but in their last nine games Horncastle have won eight and lost one, at AFC Victory in the David Cooper Cup. Despite leading the table even “the Ivy” can not equal this as they have only won seven, drawn one and lost one in the same period. Still some record though. Ivy though have proved more prolific in front of goal recently with 19 goals in their last four games against just ten from Horncastle. Although it again could be a close game, one would expect Ivy Tavern to win on home soil.

The final game sees lowly Metheringham take on fifth placed Ruston Sports Reserves. Last season Meg had already gone out of this competition in round one while Rustons went out at this stage to the eventual winners AFC Victory, 1-0. These two sides have already met this season in a game won 3-2 by Meg although they were later stripped of the points for playing an ineligible player. Meg are without a win in their last four although they drew their last game just before Christmas. In contrast Rustons Sports picked up their first win in six games last week when ending Plough Skellingthorpe’s unbeaten away record. Their last away win though, came back in October, six away games ago but despite the youthful exuberance expected from the home side, the confidence generated from Rustons’ success over Plough, might be the difference between the two sides on the day.

29/12/07

fixtures for Sat 5th January 2008

Lincoln Moorlands and Railway Sports and Social Club Ltd sponsored

Amateur Cup 1/4 finals - 1.45 pm ko - extra time and penalties if necessary

Heckington Utd .v Plough FC Skeliingthorpe - ref - L. Abbott

Ivy Tavern CSA v Horncastle Town - ref - B. Gelder

Metheringham v Ruston Sports Res - ref - R. Howden

RMSC Athletic v AFC Victory (HOLDERS) - ref - D. Cattell

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24/12/07

preview of week-end games for 29 December

In the post Christmas fixtures, league leaders Ivy Tavern have a tough test to hold top position as the make the short trip across town to play an in-form AFC Victory. The two sides met in November in a game which ended 1-1 but the Vic' are on the back of a six match winning run while the Ivy themselves have won their last four games, all of which have been at home. Waiting to leap above Ivy, should they lose, are second placed Plough Skellingthorpe who visit Ruston Sports Reserves. The Plough boys failed to win for the first time in thirteen games last week, when drawing 2-2 with RMSC Atlhetic but in contrast to this Ruston Sports Reserves suffered their worst defeat since joining the league, when losing 8-0 at Heckington United. The Lincoln side are also winless in their last five including a 3-0 reverse at Skellingthorpe. With this form one would expect Plough to win. Third placed Heckington United are scheduled to play at Harby with Heckington already having picked up a 5-1 home win against the Notts side.  Heckington have lost just once in their last six while Harby have picked up only one draw and five defeats in the same period.  Fifth placed FC Rustons United, unbeaten away from home, visit Fulbeck United who they have already beaten at home 2-1, back at the start of November. Neither side is at the top of their form with Rustons winless in five and Fulbeck just one win from five. Eighth place Horncastle Town could move up to sixth should they win at Cherry Knights and Ruston Sports Reserves lose their game. The two  side met just two weeks ago in the Amateur Cup in a game narrowly won by Horncastle 1-0 but Horncastle's league for is unblemished in their last six games with six straight wins including a 3-1 league win over the Knights. Being the Christmas period is always a problem for Cherry with players away and their league form is not good at the moment without a win in their last five matches. Finally second to bottom AFC Maze, with just one league win to their name, host a Market Rasen Town side, just two places above them, with a 100% losing record away from home. But saying that, for Rasen their last league win, back at the start of November, was the recording of their biggest win of the season, a 5-1 home victory over Maze. Can Rasen end their winless away record or will Maze pick up their first league win since the 8 September ?

23/12/07

fixtures for 29 December

AFC Maze .v. Market Rasen Town - ref - I. Cole

AFC Victory .v. Ivy Tavern CSA - ref - M. Raisborough

Cherry Knights v Horncastle Town - ref - J. Scaife

Fulbeck United .v.  FC Rustons Utd - ref - L. Abbott

Harby .v. Heckington United - ref - Callum Lamb

Ruston Sports Res .v. Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - A. Jones

19/12/07

PREVIEW OF W-E GAMES

With present league leaders Ivy Tavern CSA taking a Christmas break this week-end there could be a change at the top as Plough FC Skellingthorpe could return there should they win at old adversaries RMSC Athletic. The two sides have met twice already, in both league and cup, with RMSC still searching for a victory. The nearest they came was taking Plough to an extra time draw in the David Cooper cup but then losing 4-2 on penalties. Perhaps this week-end is the time. Third placed Heckington United, with games in hand of the leaders, can also move within two points, should they win their home game against Ruston Sports Reserves. Heckington are the last side left with a 100% home record while Rustons have not won in their last four away matches, although they have drawn the last two. Next in the table AFC Victory visit Market Rasen Town, looking to complete a league double, having won 6-0 at home just over a month ago. Since then Victory have won their last four while Rasen have won only one of their last three home games. Sixth places, FC Rustons United, who have not won in their last five games will be hopeful of improving on their dismal home record (two wins and four defeats in six games) when they host Harby. The Notts side have hit a bad patch recently with four straight defeats themselves but they have also shipped in 26 goals in this period. Ninth placed Horncastle Town, with just one defeat in their last seven, see old rivals Fulbeck United as their opponents. For Fulbeck they have won just once in their last ten games and also lost to Horncastle 2-0 at home at the start of November. Finally twelfth placed Metheringham host thirteenth placed AFC Maze. The village side are without a win in their last three while Maze, still looking for their first away win, have won only once in their last twelve matches.

17/12/07

games for Saturday 22 December

League - 2.00 pm ko

FC Rustons Utd v Harby - ref - J. Scaife

Heckington Utd v Ruston Sports Res - ref - R. Howden

Horncastle Town v Fulbeck Utd - ref - J. Murray

Market Rasen Town v AFC Victory - ref - Chris Lamb

Metheringham v AFC Maze - ref - J. Pearce

RMSC Ath v Plough FC Skellingthorpe - ref - S. Harris

12/12/07

preview of this week-end games

This week-end sees action in the first round of the Amateur Cup with six games scheduled. Cup holders AFC Victory make the first defence of their trophy with an away game at struggling AFC Maze. Maze have won only twice this season and have already lost 3-1 to the Vic' at home in the league. The Vic are also unbeaten in their last five so an away win looks on the cards. Last seasons' losing finalists Fulbeck United make a quick return to Ivy Tavern, having played them less than a month ago, losing 3-1. The Ivy have just found their scoring boots with goals coming from all quarters in a total of 13 in their last three games. Fulbeck, however can take some confidence in the fact they beat Ivy Tavern 6-3 in last season's semi final, but in reality one would not bet against a home win here. Our soul survivors in the Lincs Junior Cup, Plough Skellingthorpe, have a local derby against Harby. Plough have already won 4-1 on Harby's ground this season and in the light of being on the back of an 11 match unbeaten run against Harby's recent record of just one draw and five defeats in their last six games (including having conceded 31 goals too) would suggest an away win for Plough. Of the three remaining games they all look likely home wins. Heckington United host FC Rustons United who have lost their last four, including a 4-0 home defeat against the village side. Horncastle Town, beaten only once in their last five games take on bottom of the table Cherry Knights who have won only once in six and also lost to Horncastle