January will be a busy month for the competition, as the eight outstanding 3rd round ties are due to be played on Sunday 9th January (weather permitting, I'll be at Formby to watch Oyster Martyrs v Huddersfield Irish Centre).
In fact, Merseyside is definitely the place to be on 9th Jan, as six 3rd round games will take place in the Liverpool area that day. Three of them are all Scouse affairs, while another three sides (Irish, Hetton Lyons & Sunderland RCA Barnes) are all having to relinquish home advantage after two unsuccessful attempts to stage the games in West Yorkshire and the North East.
The remaining two 3rd round games are the all Birmingham Festival league clash between Hundred Acre and Kingshurst Sporting Club, while the last two sides from Devon meet at Tiverton Town, where Exeter & District league outfit Wonford United entertain Bluebird United from the Plymouth and West Devon Combination.
Reigning Devon County FA Senior Cup holders Wonford will look to make their home advantage count but will have to keep a close eye on Bluebird's Levi Landricombe whose hat-trick put pay to Wrightchoice in the 2nd round.
The 4th round ties are to be played on Sunday 23rd January.
The FA Sunday Cup blog
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Sunday 19 December 2010
2nd and 3rd round review
Despite a substantial thaw a few days before, the weather still played havoc with the Northern half of the draw, as the only game to take place North of the Home Counties was the delayed 2nd round tie between Witton Park Rose & Crown and Queens Park.
Witton had to forfeit their home advantage, due to previous postponements and travelled to West Kirby, where they were beaten 2-0.
Witton struggled to cope with Queens Park’s John Johnson, who opened the scoring on 37 minutes, when he pounced to score from close range.
An ill-timed challenge on Johnson resulted in Queens Park being awarded a penalty just before the interval, which Lee Gibson successfully converted, to give Queens Park a 2-0 lead, which they rarely looked in danger of surrendering.
Comets Sports Club 4 Clumber 4
Comets from the Berkhamsted league successfully navigated their way through a penalty shoot out for the second time this season, as they ousted Clumber from Nottingham.
Comets have a perfect record this season, having won all 13 league and cup games and scoring an impressive 86 goals in the process. Their opponents knocked out last season’s runners up, Magnet Tavern, in round 2, so both sides went in to this game full of confidence.
Comets drew first blood after just six minutes, but Wes Burke equalised for Clumber, with a free kick on the edge of the box mid way through the first half.
Clumber made it 2-1 just before half time, when Burke turned and shot into the corner of the net. Despite the home side piling on the pressure in the second half, it was Clumber who scored next to extend their lead after 75 minutes when Jaylee Hodgson headed in a Cashel Walters cross.
However, Comets clearly have a winning mentality and managed to force extra time with a matter of seconds left on the clock.
Comets regained the lead three minutes into the second period of extra time but a brilliant run by Cashel Walters enabled Jarrod Westcarr to make it 4-4 with four minutes remaining.
Chris Marsh, Stuart Deaton, Alex McCarthy and Nick Jackson scored Comets 4 goals.
Comets scored four successive penalties in the shoot out and Wes Burke, Tremaine Walters and Cashel Walters responded for Clumber. However, they were unable to level at 4-4, when Jarrod Westcarr saw his effort saved.
Comets then hit the post, while up stepped top scorer Jaylee Hodgson to send the shoot out in to sudden death. Unfortunately, the prolific Hodgson could not produce the goods this time and it was Comets who progressed to round 4 and another home tie against Belstone.
Belstone 2 Birstall Stamford 0
Belstone were indebted to the exotically named Denilson Vicente, who with a name like that, would sound more at home in the Premier League, rather than playing his football in the Harrow Sunday Challenge league!
However, his brace of goals was more than enough to send 3 time semi finalists Birstall Stamford packing.
Top Tips Update
It was not a good day for the teams that I tipped to do well in the competition, as Witton Park and Birstall Stamford went out (as reported above) and Hanham Sunday also lost at Knighton Arms from the City of Southampton league.
So, there are just 3 sides remaining from the list of teams I tipped at the start of the season and they are: Hetton Lyons, Huddersfield Irish and Oyster Martyrs.
Witton had to forfeit their home advantage, due to previous postponements and travelled to West Kirby, where they were beaten 2-0.
Witton struggled to cope with Queens Park’s John Johnson, who opened the scoring on 37 minutes, when he pounced to score from close range.
An ill-timed challenge on Johnson resulted in Queens Park being awarded a penalty just before the interval, which Lee Gibson successfully converted, to give Queens Park a 2-0 lead, which they rarely looked in danger of surrendering.
Comets Sports Club 4 Clumber 4
Comets from the Berkhamsted league successfully navigated their way through a penalty shoot out for the second time this season, as they ousted Clumber from Nottingham.
Comets have a perfect record this season, having won all 13 league and cup games and scoring an impressive 86 goals in the process. Their opponents knocked out last season’s runners up, Magnet Tavern, in round 2, so both sides went in to this game full of confidence.
Comets drew first blood after just six minutes, but Wes Burke equalised for Clumber, with a free kick on the edge of the box mid way through the first half.
Clumber made it 2-1 just before half time, when Burke turned and shot into the corner of the net. Despite the home side piling on the pressure in the second half, it was Clumber who scored next to extend their lead after 75 minutes when Jaylee Hodgson headed in a Cashel Walters cross.
However, Comets clearly have a winning mentality and managed to force extra time with a matter of seconds left on the clock.
Comets regained the lead three minutes into the second period of extra time but a brilliant run by Cashel Walters enabled Jarrod Westcarr to make it 4-4 with four minutes remaining.
Chris Marsh, Stuart Deaton, Alex McCarthy and Nick Jackson scored Comets 4 goals.
Comets scored four successive penalties in the shoot out and Wes Burke, Tremaine Walters and Cashel Walters responded for Clumber. However, they were unable to level at 4-4, when Jarrod Westcarr saw his effort saved.
Comets then hit the post, while up stepped top scorer Jaylee Hodgson to send the shoot out in to sudden death. Unfortunately, the prolific Hodgson could not produce the goods this time and it was Comets who progressed to round 4 and another home tie against Belstone.
Belstone 2 Birstall Stamford 0
Belstone were indebted to the exotically named Denilson Vicente, who with a name like that, would sound more at home in the Premier League, rather than playing his football in the Harrow Sunday Challenge league!
However, his brace of goals was more than enough to send 3 time semi finalists Birstall Stamford packing.
Top Tips Update
It was not a good day for the teams that I tipped to do well in the competition, as Witton Park and Birstall Stamford went out (as reported above) and Hanham Sunday also lost at Knighton Arms from the City of Southampton league.
So, there are just 3 sides remaining from the list of teams I tipped at the start of the season and they are: Hetton Lyons, Huddersfield Irish and Oyster Martyrs.
Postponements for Sunday 19/12
Lobster v Salisbury Athletic - thanks to Ian Porter for this info
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Oyster Martyrs
As far as I know, the above games (and any other postponements) will now be rescheduled for 9th January.
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Oyster Martyrs
As far as I know, the above games (and any other postponements) will now be rescheduled for 9th January.
Monday 13 December 2010
3rd round results & 4th round draw
3rd round results
Comets SC 4 Clumber 4 - Comets won 4-3 on penalties
The Lounge 0 Britannia United 3
Golden Lion 2 Club Lewsey 8
Bedfont Sunday 2 AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 0
FC Tripimeni-Aris 0 Northampton Duke of York 1
Knighton Arms 2 Hanham Sunday 1
4th round draw - games to be played on Sunday 23/1/11 - 13:00 KO:
Lobster or Salisbury Athletic v Mariners or Alder
Huddersfield Irish Centre or Oyster Martyrs v Sunderland RCA Barnes or Sandstone
Eden Vale or Queens Park v Hetton Lyons or Paddock
Northampton Duke of York v Travellers
Comets Sports Club v Belstone
Club Lewsey v Hundred Acre or Kingshurst Sporting Club
Bedfont Sunday v Wonford United or Bluebird United
Britannia United v Knighton Arms
Comets SC 4 Clumber 4 - Comets won 4-3 on penalties
The Lounge 0 Britannia United 3
Golden Lion 2 Club Lewsey 8
Bedfont Sunday 2 AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 0
FC Tripimeni-Aris 0 Northampton Duke of York 1
Knighton Arms 2 Hanham Sunday 1
4th round draw - games to be played on Sunday 23/1/11 - 13:00 KO:
Lobster or Salisbury Athletic v Mariners or Alder
Huddersfield Irish Centre or Oyster Martyrs v Sunderland RCA Barnes or Sandstone
Eden Vale or Queens Park v Hetton Lyons or Paddock
Northampton Duke of York v Travellers
Comets Sports Club v Belstone
Club Lewsey v Hundred Acre or Kingshurst Sporting Club
Bedfont Sunday v Wonford United or Bluebird United
Britannia United v Knighton Arms
Sunday 12 December 2010
2nd/3rd round results
FC Houghton Centre 1 Travellers 5
Belstone 2 Birstall Stamford 0
Queens Park 2 Witton Park Rose & Crown 0
Belstone 2 Birstall Stamford 0
Queens Park 2 Witton Park Rose & Crown 0
Saturday 11 December 2010
Postponements
Despite the recent improvements in the weather, it appears that it has come too late to save a lot of tomorrow's games from being postponed.
I've published a list of ties that I know have already been cancelled but if anyone knows of any other games that are off and would like me to update that list, please email the details to:
fasundaycupblog@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks
Ian
I've published a list of ties that I know have already been cancelled but if anyone knows of any other games that are off and would like me to update that list, please email the details to:
fasundaycupblog@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks
Ian
Friday 10 December 2010
3rd Round Postponements
The following games have been postponed and re-scheduled for Sunday 19th December at 1.00pm:
Wonford United v Bluebird United
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Sandstone
Hetton Lyons CC v Paddock
Huddersfield Irish v Oyster Martyrs
Lobster v Salisbury Athletic - Thanks to Ian Porter from Salisbury for this info
I was going to preview some of the 3rd round games but as two of those matches are on the above list of postponements, I'll wait until next week!
There is, of course, one outstanding 2nd round tie, Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park, which has already suffered three successive postponements (2 at West Auckland Town and last week at West Kirby).
Lets hope it's played soon and that we don't see a repeat of last season's 3rd round game between Wycombe Town and Unity Nirankari, which should have been played on 6th December but was delayed by 2 weeks due to Unity's outstanding 2nd round game against Club Lewsey.
The tie then suffered multiple postponements and was not played until Sunday 31st January, when Wycombe Town ran out 4-1 winners at Flackwell Heath's ground.
However, this game had to be replayed, as it transpired that underage officials had been appointed by the Berks & Bucks FA! So, the two teams met again the following Sunday (7th February) where Wycombe won by an even more convincing score of 10-2.
Wonford United v Bluebird United
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Sandstone
Hetton Lyons CC v Paddock
Huddersfield Irish v Oyster Martyrs
Lobster v Salisbury Athletic - Thanks to Ian Porter from Salisbury for this info
I was going to preview some of the 3rd round games but as two of those matches are on the above list of postponements, I'll wait until next week!
There is, of course, one outstanding 2nd round tie, Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park, which has already suffered three successive postponements (2 at West Auckland Town and last week at West Kirby).
Lets hope it's played soon and that we don't see a repeat of last season's 3rd round game between Wycombe Town and Unity Nirankari, which should have been played on 6th December but was delayed by 2 weeks due to Unity's outstanding 2nd round game against Club Lewsey.
The tie then suffered multiple postponements and was not played until Sunday 31st January, when Wycombe Town ran out 4-1 winners at Flackwell Heath's ground.
However, this game had to be replayed, as it transpired that underage officials had been appointed by the Berks & Bucks FA! So, the two teams met again the following Sunday (7th February) where Wycombe won by an even more convincing score of 10-2.
Thursday 2 December 2010
2nd round review
I was hoping to feature more games in this round up and to have posted this article earlier but when you have 3 children under the age of 5, you find that spare time is a bit of a contradiction in terms and that even the FA Sunday Cup has to sometimes take a back seat!
Hundred Acre 6 Blue Mugge 4
The 2nd round’s highest scoring encounter saw 10 goals at Noose Lane, Willenhall, a venue which hosted 3 Sunday Cup semi finals between 1983 and 1990.
However, instead of legends like Lee Chapel North, Lodge Cottrell, Marston Sports and Eagle, the protagonists this time around were Hundred Acre of the Birmingham Festival league and Blue Mugge from the Potteries league.
Simon Lamour gave Hundred Acre the lead on 13 minutes, through a long-range strike after a fine solo run. Blue Mugge restored parity immediately through Tim Saunders and began to dominate possession, to the extent, that by half time, they had a 3-1 lead, courtesy of goals from Danny Smith and Shane Reaney.
However, the tie was far from over, as another wonder strike from Lamour only 2 minutes in to the 2nd half, was very quickly followed by 2 close range headed goals from defender Luke Woakes and within 7 minutes of the restart, Hundred Acre had amazingly regained the lead!
They made it 5-3 on 55 minutes when veteran Paul Devlin latched on to Simon Lamour’s though ball and finished well from just inside the penalty box.
Hundred Acre extended their lead on 81 minutes when Paul Devlin’s cross was deflected in for an own goal. Blue Mugge had the last say when they made it 6-4 with a goal scored in the final minute of play.
It is interesting to note that Hundred Acre decided to split their man of the match award between Simon Lamour and their goalkeeper, Nathan Woakes.
In fact, Hundred Acre were so impressed with their Leek based opponents, that after the game, secretary Martin Nugent said: "Blue Mugge murdered us in the first half and could have been ahead by five or six.
"We always knew it was going to be a tough game and for half-an-hour or so they were excellent. But their heads seemed to drop when we pulled it back to 3-3 and we went on to win a fantastic game which was played in a brilliant spirit."
Clumber 2 Magnet Tavern 1
Last season’s runners up, Magnet Tavern fell at the first hurdle, in what was undoubtedly the shock result of the competition so far.
However, it all started well for the Spalding league side, as they took the lead after just 6 minutes. Clumber hit back immediately to level within 60 seconds through Jaylee Hodgson (who is now scoring goals for Northern Premier league outfit Loughborough Dynamo, who are the 4th Saturday side he has been with this season!).
Clumber’s winner came midway through the first period, when Jared Westcarr fired home to earn the Nottinghamshire based side an away trip to Hertfordshire to face Comets Sports Club of the Berkhamsted league.
Belt Road 2 Birstall Stamford 3
This tie gave Cannock Chase league outfit Belt Road the opportunity to
avenge a 5-2 defeat they suffered at home to Birstall Stamford in the 4th
round, back in 2006/7.
Belt Road squandered a 2-0 lead with just 8 minutes left that day but this time, it was Birstall Stamford who threw away a 2-0 lead, although they did manage to get back in to the game and find another goal to squeeze in to the last 32.
Bluebird United 4 Wrightchoice Comm Sports Association 2
Two debutants came face to face at Elburton Villa, where Bluebird United of the Plymouth & West Devon Combination hosted Wrightchoice from the Senior Division of the Reading league.
Bluebird, no doubt inspired by the Sunday Cup achievements of local rivals Lakeside Athletic (2009 semi finalists) scored an impressive 6-3 first round victory away at Ashton but found themselves 1-0 down after only four minutes.
They levelled the score somewhat fortuitously, when the ball ricocheted off Sam Stevens and went in!!
Levi Landricombe scored a stunning volley to put Bluebird 2-1 in front. He then extended the lead with another volley after the break and then put the result beyond doubt when he completed his hat-trick
Hundred Acre 6 Blue Mugge 4
The 2nd round’s highest scoring encounter saw 10 goals at Noose Lane, Willenhall, a venue which hosted 3 Sunday Cup semi finals between 1983 and 1990.
However, instead of legends like Lee Chapel North, Lodge Cottrell, Marston Sports and Eagle, the protagonists this time around were Hundred Acre of the Birmingham Festival league and Blue Mugge from the Potteries league.
Simon Lamour gave Hundred Acre the lead on 13 minutes, through a long-range strike after a fine solo run. Blue Mugge restored parity immediately through Tim Saunders and began to dominate possession, to the extent, that by half time, they had a 3-1 lead, courtesy of goals from Danny Smith and Shane Reaney.
However, the tie was far from over, as another wonder strike from Lamour only 2 minutes in to the 2nd half, was very quickly followed by 2 close range headed goals from defender Luke Woakes and within 7 minutes of the restart, Hundred Acre had amazingly regained the lead!
They made it 5-3 on 55 minutes when veteran Paul Devlin latched on to Simon Lamour’s though ball and finished well from just inside the penalty box.
Hundred Acre extended their lead on 81 minutes when Paul Devlin’s cross was deflected in for an own goal. Blue Mugge had the last say when they made it 6-4 with a goal scored in the final minute of play.
It is interesting to note that Hundred Acre decided to split their man of the match award between Simon Lamour and their goalkeeper, Nathan Woakes.
In fact, Hundred Acre were so impressed with their Leek based opponents, that after the game, secretary Martin Nugent said: "Blue Mugge murdered us in the first half and could have been ahead by five or six.
"We always knew it was going to be a tough game and for half-an-hour or so they were excellent. But their heads seemed to drop when we pulled it back to 3-3 and we went on to win a fantastic game which was played in a brilliant spirit."
Clumber 2 Magnet Tavern 1
Last season’s runners up, Magnet Tavern fell at the first hurdle, in what was undoubtedly the shock result of the competition so far.
However, it all started well for the Spalding league side, as they took the lead after just 6 minutes. Clumber hit back immediately to level within 60 seconds through Jaylee Hodgson (who is now scoring goals for Northern Premier league outfit Loughborough Dynamo, who are the 4th Saturday side he has been with this season!).
Clumber’s winner came midway through the first period, when Jared Westcarr fired home to earn the Nottinghamshire based side an away trip to Hertfordshire to face Comets Sports Club of the Berkhamsted league.
Belt Road 2 Birstall Stamford 3
This tie gave Cannock Chase league outfit Belt Road the opportunity to
avenge a 5-2 defeat they suffered at home to Birstall Stamford in the 4th
round, back in 2006/7.
Belt Road squandered a 2-0 lead with just 8 minutes left that day but this time, it was Birstall Stamford who threw away a 2-0 lead, although they did manage to get back in to the game and find another goal to squeeze in to the last 32.
Bluebird United 4 Wrightchoice Comm Sports Association 2
Two debutants came face to face at Elburton Villa, where Bluebird United of the Plymouth & West Devon Combination hosted Wrightchoice from the Senior Division of the Reading league.
Bluebird, no doubt inspired by the Sunday Cup achievements of local rivals Lakeside Athletic (2009 semi finalists) scored an impressive 6-3 first round victory away at Ashton but found themselves 1-0 down after only four minutes.
They levelled the score somewhat fortuitously, when the ball ricocheted off Sam Stevens and went in!!
Levi Landricombe scored a stunning volley to put Bluebird 2-1 in front. He then extended the lead with another volley after the break and then put the result beyond doubt when he completed his hat-trick
Monday 22 November 2010
3rd Round Draw
Ties to be played on Sunday 12th December - 13:00 KO
Mariners v Alder
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Oyster Martyrs
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Sandstone
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club v Paddock
Eden Vale v Witton Park Rose & Crown or Queens Park
Lobster v Salisbury Athletic
FC Houghton Centre v Travellers
Comets Sports Club v Clumber
The Lounge v Britannia United
Belstone v Birstall Stamford
Hundred Acre v Kingshurst Sporting Club
Golden Lion v Club Lewsey
Bedfont Sunday v AC Sportsman & Ravensborough
FC Tripimeni-Aris v Northampton Duke Of York
Windmill or Knighton Arms v Hanham Sunday
Wonford United v Bluebird United
For me, the stand out tie is Huddersfield Irish v Oyster Martyrs and all being well, I'll be watching that one!
In the next few days, I'll post a review of the 2nd round and a top tips update. I'll also preview the 3rd round in early December.
Mariners v Alder
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Oyster Martyrs
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Sandstone
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club v Paddock
Eden Vale v Witton Park Rose & Crown or Queens Park
Lobster v Salisbury Athletic
FC Houghton Centre v Travellers
Comets Sports Club v Clumber
The Lounge v Britannia United
Belstone v Birstall Stamford
Hundred Acre v Kingshurst Sporting Club
Golden Lion v Club Lewsey
Bedfont Sunday v AC Sportsman & Ravensborough
FC Tripimeni-Aris v Northampton Duke Of York
Windmill or Knighton Arms v Hanham Sunday
Wonford United v Bluebird United
For me, the stand out tie is Huddersfield Irish v Oyster Martyrs and all being well, I'll be watching that one!
In the next few days, I'll post a review of the 2nd round and a top tips update. I'll also preview the 3rd round in early December.
Sunday 21 November 2010
2nd round scores
Here are the results from some of today's 2nd round games:
West Bowling 2 Mariners 5
Alder 4 Tower 2
Belt Road 2 Birstall Stamford 3
Kelloe WMC 2 Oyster Martyrs 3
Hetton Lyons 4 Brow 2
Salisbury Athletic 0 Poulton Royal 0 (SA won 4-2 on penalties)
Sunderland RCA Barnes 2 Derby Lane Gym 0
Dawdon Colliery Welfare 0 Paddock 3
Belstone 2 Nirankari Stevenage 0
Hanham Sunday 4 Lakeside Athletic 2
FC Tripimeni-Aris 4 Enfield Rangers 1
Fforde Greene 0 Sandstone 2
Huddersfield Irish 4 Hartlepool Lion 0
Postponed
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park
West Bowling 2 Mariners 5
Alder 4 Tower 2
Belt Road 2 Birstall Stamford 3
Kelloe WMC 2 Oyster Martyrs 3
Hetton Lyons 4 Brow 2
Salisbury Athletic 0 Poulton Royal 0 (SA won 4-2 on penalties)
Sunderland RCA Barnes 2 Derby Lane Gym 0
Dawdon Colliery Welfare 0 Paddock 3
Belstone 2 Nirankari Stevenage 0
Hanham Sunday 4 Lakeside Athletic 2
FC Tripimeni-Aris 4 Enfield Rangers 1
Fforde Greene 0 Sandstone 2
Huddersfield Irish 4 Hartlepool Lion 0
Postponed
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park
2nd round match report
This afternoon I went to see my local side, West Bowling (Bradford Sunday Alliance league champions and current holders of the West Riding County Sunday Cup) take on Mariners of the Ormskirk & District league.
West Bowling 2 Mariners 5
Mariners took to the field wearing the famous red & black strip of AC Milan and played some neat and attractive football, worthy of their more illustrious counterparts. They took the lead on 9 minutes, when a direct free kick on the edge of the Bowling 18 yard box, was slotted home by Sean Tierney, leaving the home team keeper rooted to the spot!
Bowling's equaliser came when winger Damien Melvin's cross picked out Chris Wood, who swept the ball home from close range. After what had been a reasonably even game, Bowling stepped up a gear and created several very presentable chances, which they failed to convert. HT 1-1 (although to be honest, it could have been 4-2 to the home side)
After being fortunate to go in on level terms at half time, Mariners started the 2nd half with a real purpose and were back in front just 4 minutes after the restart, when Sean Tierney found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area and drilled the ball home with ease.
Mariners made it 3-1 just 5 minutes later, when the Bowling keeper failed to collect a cross and Mariner's centre half, Mike White, scored from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for the home side, when Cory Larkin was shown the red card for an incident I failed to see, as the huge dugouts at Horsfall blocked my view!
Mariners Ryan Keyo, who had been impressive throughout then played a key role in most of what happened next. He was fouled in the box, which lead to a penalty being awarded (which was missed by John Cass - the follow up was then blazed over the bar!) Keyo then scored with an audacious lob from 30 yards out and after Bowling had scored a 2nd through Damien Melvin, Keyo then wrapped it up with a 5th near the end, to give Mariners a deserved win but will leave Bowling to rue those spurned chances late in the first half.
West Bowling 2 Mariners 5
Mariners took to the field wearing the famous red & black strip of AC Milan and played some neat and attractive football, worthy of their more illustrious counterparts. They took the lead on 9 minutes, when a direct free kick on the edge of the Bowling 18 yard box, was slotted home by Sean Tierney, leaving the home team keeper rooted to the spot!
Bowling's equaliser came when winger Damien Melvin's cross picked out Chris Wood, who swept the ball home from close range. After what had been a reasonably even game, Bowling stepped up a gear and created several very presentable chances, which they failed to convert. HT 1-1 (although to be honest, it could have been 4-2 to the home side)
After being fortunate to go in on level terms at half time, Mariners started the 2nd half with a real purpose and were back in front just 4 minutes after the restart, when Sean Tierney found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area and drilled the ball home with ease.
Mariners made it 3-1 just 5 minutes later, when the Bowling keeper failed to collect a cross and Mariner's centre half, Mike White, scored from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for the home side, when Cory Larkin was shown the red card for an incident I failed to see, as the huge dugouts at Horsfall blocked my view!
Mariners Ryan Keyo, who had been impressive throughout then played a key role in most of what happened next. He was fouled in the box, which lead to a penalty being awarded (which was missed by John Cass - the follow up was then blazed over the bar!) Keyo then scored with an audacious lob from 30 yards out and after Bowling had scored a 2nd through Damien Melvin, Keyo then wrapped it up with a 5th near the end, to give Mariners a deserved win but will leave Bowling to rue those spurned chances late in the first half.
Saturday 13 November 2010
2nd Round Preview
With the 2nd round only a week away, here is a preview of some of the more eye catching ties:
Fforde Grene v Sandstone
Locking horns for the third season running, are Leeds Combination outfit Fforde Grene and Sandstone from the Liverpool and District league.
The luck of the draw has handed home advantage to Fforde’s every time, although their 3-1 third round victory in 2008 was at Chester City, following two postponements at Yorkshire Amateur. Fforde’s became the first Leeds team to reach the semi finals in over 40 years that season, when they lost 3-2 to Oyster Martyrs at Guiseley.
Sandstone gained their revenge in the first round last season, when they won 3-1 at Garforth Town.
So, with each team winning 3-1 on the other’s ground, home advantage has counted for very little!! I think the score line will be closer this time and the result could well be decided by a Dominic, as both sides have in form strikers with this name.
Dominic Blair’s goals were a key factor in Fforde’s 2008/09 run, including a brace in the game against Sandstone. He was also amongst the goals in the first round win at Red Lion. Dominic Grant’s hat trick secured Sandstone’s place in the 2nd round, as they overcame fellow Scouser’s Obiter.
Kelloe WMC v Oyster Martyrs
One of the standout ties of the round, it’s a shame that these two are meeting so early in the competition.
Oyster’s don’t find the North East an easy place to visit, as they needed penalties to edge past Murton Victoria of the Peterlee & District league in 2007, before losing 3-1 at Hetton Lyons in the next round.
Although they are more comfortable at home against Durham opposition, where they have beaten former winners Coundon Conservatives and Witton Park Rose and Crown (twice).
Kelloe had to battle from 2-0 down against North Riding County Cup winners South Bank in the preliminary round, before receiving a walkover in round 1.
I think this will be a close game with Oyster just shading it.
Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic
Another contender for tie of the round, this pits the strongest sides left from the South West.
2009 semi finalists Lakeside had an impressive win in Bristol in the first round, when they beat Lebeqs Tavern Courage 2-0.
Lakeside will have to nullify the threat of Hanham’s free scoring Plummer’s if they want to progress to the 3rd round. Former England U18 international Tristan Plummer scored four in the first round 11-1 demolition of Applebys from Torbay. Ex Bristol Rovers striker Niekel Plummer bagged a brace while Twaine Plummer weighed in with one.
So, Lakeside will need a watertight defence to keep Hanham’s Plummer’s redundant!!
Clumber v Magnet Tavern
Prolific striker Jaylee Hodgson is Clumber’s main goal threat. Brereton Town found him too hot to handle in their first round encounter, as Hodgson banged in 4 goals in Clumber’s 7-0 win. He was also amongst the goals for Heanor Town at the start of this season, before moving up the pyramid to Long Eaton United and then to Rainworth Miners Welfare.
Magnet Tavern are certainly coping well with the loss of their successful manager, John Chand, as they are unbeaten in 6 games this season and have scored 43 goals, whilst only conceding 4.
I think this will be a close game with the Sunday Cup know how of Magnet Tavern tipping the balance in their favour.
Hundred Acre v Blue Mugge
This all Midlands clash should be an intriguing watch, as Blue Mugge had an impressive win in the 1st round, which had Dave Hillier (manager of their opponents R.H.P. Sports and Social) stating “we were given a footballing lesson and, in all honesty, it was a pleasure to watch. It shows us what we have to aspire to in this competition in the years to come.”
The Newark Advertiser also reported that Blue Mugge fielded 5 players from Northern Premier league outfit Kidsgrove Athletic and were captained by Jimmy McCarthy, who plays in the Blue Square Premier for Altrincham.
However, Hundred Acre (if you can pardon the pun) are clearly no mugs themselves, after thrashing Barwell Sports 7-1. Top scoring with a hat-trick, was Hundred Acre’s player/coach, Paul Devlin, the former Scotland International, who made over 500 professional appearances in 14 years, most notably for Notts County, Birmingham City and Sheffield United. With 9 goals in 6 games, the 38 year old Devlin is the man Blue Mugge need to keep quiet if they are to progress.
Fforde Grene v Sandstone
Locking horns for the third season running, are Leeds Combination outfit Fforde Grene and Sandstone from the Liverpool and District league.
The luck of the draw has handed home advantage to Fforde’s every time, although their 3-1 third round victory in 2008 was at Chester City, following two postponements at Yorkshire Amateur. Fforde’s became the first Leeds team to reach the semi finals in over 40 years that season, when they lost 3-2 to Oyster Martyrs at Guiseley.
Sandstone gained their revenge in the first round last season, when they won 3-1 at Garforth Town.
So, with each team winning 3-1 on the other’s ground, home advantage has counted for very little!! I think the score line will be closer this time and the result could well be decided by a Dominic, as both sides have in form strikers with this name.
Dominic Blair’s goals were a key factor in Fforde’s 2008/09 run, including a brace in the game against Sandstone. He was also amongst the goals in the first round win at Red Lion. Dominic Grant’s hat trick secured Sandstone’s place in the 2nd round, as they overcame fellow Scouser’s Obiter.
Kelloe WMC v Oyster Martyrs
One of the standout ties of the round, it’s a shame that these two are meeting so early in the competition.
Oyster’s don’t find the North East an easy place to visit, as they needed penalties to edge past Murton Victoria of the Peterlee & District league in 2007, before losing 3-1 at Hetton Lyons in the next round.
Although they are more comfortable at home against Durham opposition, where they have beaten former winners Coundon Conservatives and Witton Park Rose and Crown (twice).
Kelloe had to battle from 2-0 down against North Riding County Cup winners South Bank in the preliminary round, before receiving a walkover in round 1.
I think this will be a close game with Oyster just shading it.
Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic
Another contender for tie of the round, this pits the strongest sides left from the South West.
2009 semi finalists Lakeside had an impressive win in Bristol in the first round, when they beat Lebeqs Tavern Courage 2-0.
Lakeside will have to nullify the threat of Hanham’s free scoring Plummer’s if they want to progress to the 3rd round. Former England U18 international Tristan Plummer scored four in the first round 11-1 demolition of Applebys from Torbay. Ex Bristol Rovers striker Niekel Plummer bagged a brace while Twaine Plummer weighed in with one.
So, Lakeside will need a watertight defence to keep Hanham’s Plummer’s redundant!!
Clumber v Magnet Tavern
Prolific striker Jaylee Hodgson is Clumber’s main goal threat. Brereton Town found him too hot to handle in their first round encounter, as Hodgson banged in 4 goals in Clumber’s 7-0 win. He was also amongst the goals for Heanor Town at the start of this season, before moving up the pyramid to Long Eaton United and then to Rainworth Miners Welfare.
Magnet Tavern are certainly coping well with the loss of their successful manager, John Chand, as they are unbeaten in 6 games this season and have scored 43 goals, whilst only conceding 4.
I think this will be a close game with the Sunday Cup know how of Magnet Tavern tipping the balance in their favour.
Hundred Acre v Blue Mugge
This all Midlands clash should be an intriguing watch, as Blue Mugge had an impressive win in the 1st round, which had Dave Hillier (manager of their opponents R.H.P. Sports and Social) stating “we were given a footballing lesson and, in all honesty, it was a pleasure to watch. It shows us what we have to aspire to in this competition in the years to come.”
The Newark Advertiser also reported that Blue Mugge fielded 5 players from Northern Premier league outfit Kidsgrove Athletic and were captained by Jimmy McCarthy, who plays in the Blue Square Premier for Altrincham.
However, Hundred Acre (if you can pardon the pun) are clearly no mugs themselves, after thrashing Barwell Sports 7-1. Top scoring with a hat-trick, was Hundred Acre’s player/coach, Paul Devlin, the former Scotland International, who made over 500 professional appearances in 14 years, most notably for Notts County, Birmingham City and Sheffield United. With 9 goals in 6 games, the 38 year old Devlin is the man Blue Mugge need to keep quiet if they are to progress.
Tuesday 2 November 2010
The long and the short of it
Fans of the competition will no doubt be familiar with some of the more unusual names of current and former entrants. Even the FA have commented about this on their website.
However, an interesting observation that does seem to have gone unreported, is that teams from Liverpool typically prefer as short a team name as possible, whilst our friends in the North East tend to opt for the longest of names, as demonstrated below:
Merseyside
Lobster
Fantail
Eagle
Avenue
Almithak
Nicosia
Seymour
Allerton
Canada
Melrose
Newfield
Salerno
Canon
Sandon
Britannia
Dock
Mitre
Napoli
Boundary
Woodpecker
Falcon
Pelican
Alder
Mariners
Paddock
Barry’s
Harry’s
Some Scouse sides even prefer initials, so they can minimise the number of letters even more, such as:
BRNESC
JOB
A3
N.U.R.5
North East
Langley Park Rams Head
Humbledon Plains Farm
Hartlepool Lion Hotel
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club
Coundon Conservative Club
Winlaton West End
Newbiggin Sports Centre
Dudley & Weetslade
Shildon Elm Road WMC
Esh Winning Pineapple
Willington Belle Vue
Peterlee Moorcock
Cramlington Benedictine
Framwellgate Moor & Pity Me WMC
Shankhouse United
Stockton Roseworth Social
Witton Park Rose & Crown
Sunderland RCA Barnes
Blyth Waterloo Social Club
Horton Three Horse Shoes
Crook Old Horse Shoe
Morpeth St Georges
Ashington Excelsior
Boldon Shack Social
Dawdon Colliery Welfare
So, if a team with a short name plays a team with a long name, you can expect to hear plenty of Liverpudlian and Geordie/Durham accents!!
Or if you prefer a more exotic sounding name, you need to head down south:
London & Home Counties
Nirankari Sports Sabha – Stevenage
AFC Kumazi Strikers – London
FC Tripimeni-Aris – London
Kerria Sports – London
Ouzavich – London
Venceremos – Middlesex
However, an interesting observation that does seem to have gone unreported, is that teams from Liverpool typically prefer as short a team name as possible, whilst our friends in the North East tend to opt for the longest of names, as demonstrated below:
Merseyside
Lobster
Fantail
Eagle
Avenue
Almithak
Nicosia
Seymour
Allerton
Canada
Melrose
Newfield
Salerno
Canon
Sandon
Britannia
Dock
Mitre
Napoli
Boundary
Woodpecker
Falcon
Pelican
Alder
Mariners
Paddock
Barry’s
Harry’s
Some Scouse sides even prefer initials, so they can minimise the number of letters even more, such as:
BRNESC
JOB
A3
N.U.R.5
North East
Langley Park Rams Head
Humbledon Plains Farm
Hartlepool Lion Hotel
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club
Coundon Conservative Club
Winlaton West End
Newbiggin Sports Centre
Dudley & Weetslade
Shildon Elm Road WMC
Esh Winning Pineapple
Willington Belle Vue
Peterlee Moorcock
Cramlington Benedictine
Framwellgate Moor & Pity Me WMC
Shankhouse United
Stockton Roseworth Social
Witton Park Rose & Crown
Sunderland RCA Barnes
Blyth Waterloo Social Club
Horton Three Horse Shoes
Crook Old Horse Shoe
Morpeth St Georges
Ashington Excelsior
Boldon Shack Social
Dawdon Colliery Welfare
So, if a team with a short name plays a team with a long name, you can expect to hear plenty of Liverpudlian and Geordie/Durham accents!!
Or if you prefer a more exotic sounding name, you need to head down south:
London & Home Counties
Nirankari Sports Sabha – Stevenage
AFC Kumazi Strikers – London
FC Tripimeni-Aris – London
Kerria Sports – London
Ouzavich – London
Venceremos – Middlesex
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Scottish Amateur FA Sunday Trophy
Thought the FA Sunday Cup was the only competition of its kind? Well think again, as Scotland has its very own version!
Whilst Sunday football in England was not permitted until 1960, the ban in Scotland lasted much longer and it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the Scottish FA finally allowed football to be played on the Sabbath.
It was John Adams of the Maybury Amateur FA who first proposed the idea of a national Sunday amateur cup in 1977. The Scottish Amateur FA (who govern all amateur football north of the border) acted on his suggestion and the competition commenced in 1978.
103 teams took part in the first season and such was the interest in the competition, that only three seasons later, the number of entrants had more than doubled to an impressive 271 (which dwarfs the record for the FA Sunday Cup which was set in 2007/08, when 149 teams entered).
The most successful competitor is Finnart from Glasgow, who play in the Carluke & District league. They have appeared in 8 finals, winning the trophy on 6 occasions.
Perhaps Finnart should play Hetton Lyons in a 'Battle of Britain' game to decide who is the best Sunday team in the UK! Afterall, it wouldn't require a lot of travelling from Durham to Glasgow.
Winners
1978-79 Liberton Cropley
1979-80 G. J.'s
1980-81 Elphinstton/Hillburn beat Cambridge United at Tynecastle
1981-82 Cambridge United
1982-83 Duncraig
1983-84 Cambridge United
1984-85 C.I.S.W.O.
1985-86 Cambridge United
1986-87 Househill
1987-88 Dolphin
1988-89 Linden 30 Club
1989-90 Cambridge United
1990-91 St. Lawrence
1991-92 F. J. R.
1992-93 Jolly Farmer
1993-94 Gauntlet
1994-95 Tower
1995-96 Finnart
1996-97 Finnart
1997-98 Cathkin
1998-99 Railway Hotel
1999-00 Finnart
2000-01 Centaur
2001-02 The Braes
2002-03 Cavendish
2003-04 Harvester
2004-05 Cavendish
2005-06 Rowantree
2006-07 Finnart
2007-08 Finnart
2008-09 Gantry
2009-10 Finnart 3 Hallglen 2
Whilst Sunday football in England was not permitted until 1960, the ban in Scotland lasted much longer and it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the Scottish FA finally allowed football to be played on the Sabbath.
It was John Adams of the Maybury Amateur FA who first proposed the idea of a national Sunday amateur cup in 1977. The Scottish Amateur FA (who govern all amateur football north of the border) acted on his suggestion and the competition commenced in 1978.
103 teams took part in the first season and such was the interest in the competition, that only three seasons later, the number of entrants had more than doubled to an impressive 271 (which dwarfs the record for the FA Sunday Cup which was set in 2007/08, when 149 teams entered).
The most successful competitor is Finnart from Glasgow, who play in the Carluke & District league. They have appeared in 8 finals, winning the trophy on 6 occasions.
Perhaps Finnart should play Hetton Lyons in a 'Battle of Britain' game to decide who is the best Sunday team in the UK! Afterall, it wouldn't require a lot of travelling from Durham to Glasgow.
Winners
1978-79 Liberton Cropley
1979-80 G. J.'s
1980-81 Elphinstton/Hillburn beat Cambridge United at Tynecastle
1981-82 Cambridge United
1982-83 Duncraig
1983-84 Cambridge United
1984-85 C.I.S.W.O.
1985-86 Cambridge United
1986-87 Househill
1987-88 Dolphin
1988-89 Linden 30 Club
1989-90 Cambridge United
1990-91 St. Lawrence
1991-92 F. J. R.
1992-93 Jolly Farmer
1993-94 Gauntlet
1994-95 Tower
1995-96 Finnart
1996-97 Finnart
1997-98 Cathkin
1998-99 Railway Hotel
1999-00 Finnart
2000-01 Centaur
2001-02 The Braes
2002-03 Cavendish
2003-04 Harvester
2004-05 Cavendish
2005-06 Rowantree
2006-07 Finnart
2007-08 Finnart
2008-09 Gantry
2009-10 Finnart 3 Hallglen 2
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Bungay Town and Goring Rangers
The above teams were unable to fulfil their 1st round fixtures on Sunday and have both been removed from the competition.
Monday 18 October 2010
1st round review
I thought I'd do a quick review of the 1st round and catch up on how my ‘top tips’ are doing!
The FA also review the 1st round games on their website but in my opinion, they focus too much on the high scoring ties, which just heaps more unwelcome attention on the mis-matches that tend to occur in the early rounds of any competition, not just the Sunday Cup.
I was surprised to see that the FA has reported Gossoms End 7-2 loss at Belstone as a 'shock defeat'. I say this, as despite being a former winner, Gossoms End has a remarkably average record in the competition.
In fact, they have only won two games since lifting the trophy back in 2005 and have failed to progress beyond the 2nd round in 5 attempts. Whilst Belstone have only once failed to reach the 3rd round during the same period, so for me, this does not qualify as a shock.
It was not a good day for the three Cumberland based sides, Frizington Whitestar, St Bees Village and Red Lion, all of whom received a home draw but none of them could make the advantage count, as they were all beaten.
Red Lion’s game against Fforde Grene from Leeds, was played at Aspatria RU ground. The home side made the referee aware before kick off that the pitch did not seem long enough, as the goals were in front of the rugby posts, as they cannot be removed.
While the pitch complies with the FA rules (ie at least a minimum 90 yards long) it does not comply with the specific Sunday Cup rule, which is a minimum of 100 yards! It could have been interesting if Fforde’s had lost!! (thanks to Andy Gilman for this info)
Blue Mugge had an excellent 5-2 win against Newark Alliance Champions R.H.P Sports & Social.
Top Tips Update
Birstall Stamford
Received a walkover in to the 2nd round
Hetton Lyons
Exempt until the 2nd round
Huddersfield Irish Centre
Squeezed past St Sebastians (3-2) from the Liverpool Business Houses league
Lebeqs Tavern Courage
Are the first tip to bite the dust, after losing 2-0 at home to Lakeside Athletic from the Plymouth & West Devon Combination, who reached the semi final two seasons back.
So, Lebeqs proud record of reaching the last 16 every season since 2003/04 comes to an end.
Hanham Sunday
Made the headlines for thrashing debutants Applebys 11-1.
Hanham now face another Devon based side, as they have drawn Lakeside in round 2, in what I believe to be one of the ties of the round.
Magnet Tavern
Like Hetton, they are exempt to round 2, where they face a difficult trip to Nottingham to face Clumber.
Oyster Martyrs
Had a fairly routine 4-1 win over on the Wirral against Woodchurch. They will find their 2nd round trip to the North East against Kelloe to be a much harder proposition.
Witton Park Rose and Crown
Gave last season’s quarter-finalists, Shankhouse United, an old fashioned 6-1 hiding, with tormentor-in-chief, Mattie Moffat, scoring 4 times.
Kelloe WMC
Received a walkover in to the 2nd round
The FA also review the 1st round games on their website but in my opinion, they focus too much on the high scoring ties, which just heaps more unwelcome attention on the mis-matches that tend to occur in the early rounds of any competition, not just the Sunday Cup.
I was surprised to see that the FA has reported Gossoms End 7-2 loss at Belstone as a 'shock defeat'. I say this, as despite being a former winner, Gossoms End has a remarkably average record in the competition.
In fact, they have only won two games since lifting the trophy back in 2005 and have failed to progress beyond the 2nd round in 5 attempts. Whilst Belstone have only once failed to reach the 3rd round during the same period, so for me, this does not qualify as a shock.
It was not a good day for the three Cumberland based sides, Frizington Whitestar, St Bees Village and Red Lion, all of whom received a home draw but none of them could make the advantage count, as they were all beaten.
Red Lion’s game against Fforde Grene from Leeds, was played at Aspatria RU ground. The home side made the referee aware before kick off that the pitch did not seem long enough, as the goals were in front of the rugby posts, as they cannot be removed.
While the pitch complies with the FA rules (ie at least a minimum 90 yards long) it does not comply with the specific Sunday Cup rule, which is a minimum of 100 yards! It could have been interesting if Fforde’s had lost!! (thanks to Andy Gilman for this info)
Blue Mugge had an excellent 5-2 win against Newark Alliance Champions R.H.P Sports & Social.
Top Tips Update
Birstall Stamford
Received a walkover in to the 2nd round
Hetton Lyons
Exempt until the 2nd round
Huddersfield Irish Centre
Squeezed past St Sebastians (3-2) from the Liverpool Business Houses league
Lebeqs Tavern Courage
Are the first tip to bite the dust, after losing 2-0 at home to Lakeside Athletic from the Plymouth & West Devon Combination, who reached the semi final two seasons back.
So, Lebeqs proud record of reaching the last 16 every season since 2003/04 comes to an end.
Hanham Sunday
Made the headlines for thrashing debutants Applebys 11-1.
Hanham now face another Devon based side, as they have drawn Lakeside in round 2, in what I believe to be one of the ties of the round.
Magnet Tavern
Like Hetton, they are exempt to round 2, where they face a difficult trip to Nottingham to face Clumber.
Oyster Martyrs
Had a fairly routine 4-1 win over on the Wirral against Woodchurch. They will find their 2nd round trip to the North East against Kelloe to be a much harder proposition.
Witton Park Rose and Crown
Gave last season’s quarter-finalists, Shankhouse United, an old fashioned 6-1 hiding, with tormentor-in-chief, Mattie Moffat, scoring 4 times.
Kelloe WMC
Received a walkover in to the 2nd round
2nd round draw
Ties to be played on 21st November, with a scheduled kick off at 13:00
West Bowling v Mariners
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Derby Lane Gym
Dawdon Colliery Welfare v Paddock
Kelloe WMC v Oyster Martyrs
Alder v Tower
Salisbury Athletic v Poulton Royal
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club v Brow
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park
JOB v Lobster
Fforde Grene v Sandstone
Home & Bargain v Eden Vale
Hundred Acre v Blue Mugge
Loughborough Saints v Travellers
Belt Road v Birstall Stamford
AC Sportsman & Ravensborough v Loughborough Falcons
Clumber v Magnet Tavern
Kingshurst Sporting Club v Advance Couriers
FC Houghton Centre v Rumours
Club Lewsey v St Margarets
Silsoe Park Rangers v Northampton Duke Of York
AFC Donsville v The Lounge
Nicholas Wybacks or Bungay Town v Golden Lion
North West Neasden v Comets Sports Club
Greengate v Bedfont Sunday
FC Tripimeni-Aris v Enfield Rangers
Belstone v Nirankari Stevenage
Offley Moat v Britannia United
Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic
Springers v Wonford United
Windmill v Knighton Arms
Bluebird United v Wrightchoice Comm Association Sports
There are a couple of standout ties, namely Kelloe v Oyster Martyrs, Clumber v Magnet Tavern and Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic.
You have to feel sorry for Brow from the Birkenhead SL, who received the one tie that nobody wanted...away to Hetton Lyons! Ah well, there's always next year!
West Bowling v Mariners
Sunderland RCA Barnes v Derby Lane Gym
Dawdon Colliery Welfare v Paddock
Kelloe WMC v Oyster Martyrs
Alder v Tower
Salisbury Athletic v Poulton Royal
Huddersfield Irish Centre v Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club v Brow
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Queens Park
JOB v Lobster
Fforde Grene v Sandstone
Home & Bargain v Eden Vale
Hundred Acre v Blue Mugge
Loughborough Saints v Travellers
Belt Road v Birstall Stamford
AC Sportsman & Ravensborough v Loughborough Falcons
Clumber v Magnet Tavern
Kingshurst Sporting Club v Advance Couriers
FC Houghton Centre v Rumours
Club Lewsey v St Margarets
Silsoe Park Rangers v Northampton Duke Of York
AFC Donsville v The Lounge
Nicholas Wybacks or Bungay Town v Golden Lion
North West Neasden v Comets Sports Club
Greengate v Bedfont Sunday
FC Tripimeni-Aris v Enfield Rangers
Belstone v Nirankari Stevenage
Offley Moat v Britannia United
Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic
Springers v Wonford United
Windmill v Knighton Arms
Bluebird United v Wrightchoice Comm Association Sports
There are a couple of standout ties, namely Kelloe v Oyster Martyrs, Clumber v Magnet Tavern and Hanham Sunday v Lakeside Athletic.
You have to feel sorry for Brow from the Birkenhead SL, who received the one tie that nobody wanted...away to Hetton Lyons! Ah well, there's always next year!
Sunday 17 October 2010
1st round match report and a couple of results
Malt Shovel 1 West Bowling 2 (Played at Thackley FC)
Malt Shovel got off to the worst possible start when their goalkeeper flattened the lively West Bowling winger and the referee correctly awarded a penalty in the first minute of play. This was duly dispatched and for the next 15 minutes, West Bowling should have added several more, the most notable was a bullet header from close range which was brilliantly tipped over by Shovel's keeper.
Shovel then settled down and began to play some good football and equalised on 25 minutes. However, they were unable to field their main goalscoring threat, Tom Greaves, a man with a proven track record in the Northern Premier League and he was clearly missed, as they created some good chances which they could not finish. They did however, have an excellent strike on goal near the end of the 1st half, which the Bowling keeper did well to keep out.
The 2nd half was mostly a non event, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but doing very little with it. In fact, a lot of the time they were reduced to shooting from long range, with zero accuracy!
As we braced ourselves for extra time, West Bowling did manage to find the net and broke Shovel hearts with the winning goal in the 88th minute. A rather cruel end for a spirited Shovel team but on this showing, I doubt very much that Bowling will progress much farther and I believe that most decent Scouse teams (and the better teams from the North East) would have beaten either side comfortably.
Other 1st round results
Towngate 1 JOB 2
Red Lion 2 Fforde Greene 3
Salisbury Athletic 4 Oak Tree Pub 2
Witton Park Rose & Crown 6 Shankhouse United 1
Malt Shovel got off to the worst possible start when their goalkeeper flattened the lively West Bowling winger and the referee correctly awarded a penalty in the first minute of play. This was duly dispatched and for the next 15 minutes, West Bowling should have added several more, the most notable was a bullet header from close range which was brilliantly tipped over by Shovel's keeper.
Shovel then settled down and began to play some good football and equalised on 25 minutes. However, they were unable to field their main goalscoring threat, Tom Greaves, a man with a proven track record in the Northern Premier League and he was clearly missed, as they created some good chances which they could not finish. They did however, have an excellent strike on goal near the end of the 1st half, which the Bowling keeper did well to keep out.
The 2nd half was mostly a non event, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but doing very little with it. In fact, a lot of the time they were reduced to shooting from long range, with zero accuracy!
As we braced ourselves for extra time, West Bowling did manage to find the net and broke Shovel hearts with the winning goal in the 88th minute. A rather cruel end for a spirited Shovel team but on this showing, I doubt very much that Bowling will progress much farther and I believe that most decent Scouse teams (and the better teams from the North East) would have beaten either side comfortably.
Other 1st round results
Towngate 1 JOB 2
Red Lion 2 Fforde Greene 3
Salisbury Athletic 4 Oak Tree Pub 2
Witton Park Rose & Crown 6 Shankhouse United 1
1st round preview
I was hoping to preview around 10 to 12 first round games but sadly, events
have conspired against me this week and I just simply haven't had enough spare time to do this.
However, I have been able to preview the following games:
Malt Shovel v West Bowling
Wharfedale Triangle champions Malt Shovel take on Bradford Alliance league
winners and West Riding County Cup holders West Bowling for the second time this season, as they met back in August for an inter-league challenge match and season 'curtain raiser'.
West Bowling were victorious then and I expect the same outcome on Sunday, although Malt Shovel are a decent side with a couple of very good players, so it won't be a formality for Bowling. I'll be at this game and will post a match report on Sunday evening.
Applebys v Hanham Sunday
Bristol sides have a decent record in the Sunday Cup and Hanham are the champions of the Bristol & District league, which is strongest of the three Bristol leagues that have entered teams in this season’s competition.
Hanham hit the national headlines last year, when their end of season tour to Crete saw 17 of their party arrested for wearing nun’s costumes!!
Apparently, fancy dress themed tours are a club tradition dating back to the 1960’s, although the Greek authorities failed to see the funny side and players and officials from Hanham weren’t laughing either, when they had to spend 40 hours in a prison cell they described as ‘cramped and disgusting’.
Hopefully their journey to Torbay will be a little less adventurous but lets hope they haven’t forgotten their winning habit!! (groan).
Blue Mugge v R.H.P Sports & Social
This tie pits a team from the second division of the Potteries league (Blue Mugge) against opposition from the Senior division of the Newark Alliance.
At first glance, it would seem a stroll in the park for R.H.P, however, appearances can often prove deceptive and last season Blue Mugge lifted an incredible 7 trophies, including the Leek & District league Premier Division title and the Staffordshire County FA Premier Cup (they beat Sunday Cup regulars Belt Road 3-1 in the quarter-final). It was due to this hugely successful season that they can now appear in the Sunday Cup.
They now decided to try their luck in the Potteries league, which is considered to be of a higher standard to the Leek and District.
R.H.P, like Blue Mugge, are also reigning league and County champions, as they lifted the Nottinghamshire FA Senior Trophy last season. They are 100% after 3 league games this season and can boast a +13 goal difference, so will give the Leek outfit a real test.
have conspired against me this week and I just simply haven't had enough spare time to do this.
However, I have been able to preview the following games:
Malt Shovel v West Bowling
Wharfedale Triangle champions Malt Shovel take on Bradford Alliance league
winners and West Riding County Cup holders West Bowling for the second time this season, as they met back in August for an inter-league challenge match and season 'curtain raiser'.
West Bowling were victorious then and I expect the same outcome on Sunday, although Malt Shovel are a decent side with a couple of very good players, so it won't be a formality for Bowling. I'll be at this game and will post a match report on Sunday evening.
Applebys v Hanham Sunday
Bristol sides have a decent record in the Sunday Cup and Hanham are the champions of the Bristol & District league, which is strongest of the three Bristol leagues that have entered teams in this season’s competition.
Hanham hit the national headlines last year, when their end of season tour to Crete saw 17 of their party arrested for wearing nun’s costumes!!
Apparently, fancy dress themed tours are a club tradition dating back to the 1960’s, although the Greek authorities failed to see the funny side and players and officials from Hanham weren’t laughing either, when they had to spend 40 hours in a prison cell they described as ‘cramped and disgusting’.
Hopefully their journey to Torbay will be a little less adventurous but lets hope they haven’t forgotten their winning habit!! (groan).
Blue Mugge v R.H.P Sports & Social
This tie pits a team from the second division of the Potteries league (Blue Mugge) against opposition from the Senior division of the Newark Alliance.
At first glance, it would seem a stroll in the park for R.H.P, however, appearances can often prove deceptive and last season Blue Mugge lifted an incredible 7 trophies, including the Leek & District league Premier Division title and the Staffordshire County FA Premier Cup (they beat Sunday Cup regulars Belt Road 3-1 in the quarter-final). It was due to this hugely successful season that they can now appear in the Sunday Cup.
They now decided to try their luck in the Potteries league, which is considered to be of a higher standard to the Leek and District.
R.H.P, like Blue Mugge, are also reigning league and County champions, as they lifted the Nottinghamshire FA Senior Trophy last season. They are 100% after 3 league games this season and can boast a +13 goal difference, so will give the Leek outfit a real test.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Yet another team withdraws...
I'm going to have to stop looking on the FA website, as I've discovered that West Lee from Hull have become the 8th side to withdraw this season!
Kelloe WMC from Co Durham therefore receive a walkover in to round 2.
Kelloe WMC from Co Durham therefore receive a walkover in to round 2.
Monday 11 October 2010
Sunday Cup legends Nicosia withdraw
When I set up this blog, I didn't envisage reporting on so many withdrawals.
However, two time former Champions, Nicosia of the Liverpool Business Houses SL have become the highest profile side to withdraw from the competition.
Its a shame to see a proud former champion team, arguably the best ever side from their league and one of the strongest teams from Liverpool feel that they cannot compete at this level.
A quick look on their league website reveals why they have probably decided to pull out, as they have lost all 4 league games this season and occupy the bottom spot.
On a more positive note, I will be updating the blog in the next few days with a preview of some 1st round games.
However, two time former Champions, Nicosia of the Liverpool Business Houses SL have become the highest profile side to withdraw from the competition.
Its a shame to see a proud former champion team, arguably the best ever side from their league and one of the strongest teams from Liverpool feel that they cannot compete at this level.
A quick look on their league website reveals why they have probably decided to pull out, as they have lost all 4 league games this season and occupy the bottom spot.
On a more positive note, I will be updating the blog in the next few days with a preview of some 1st round games.
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Yet more bad news!!
More sad news, I'm afraid. Sandy (Sunday) of the Bedford & District league have become the 6th team to withdraw from the competition. AFC Donsville from Slough have received a walkover in to the 2nd round.
As a massive fan of this competition, I find it very disappointing that so many teams, for whatever reason, have decided to withdraw.
A very quick look through my records has revealed that this season has seen the highest number of withdrawals since 2007/08 season, when there were 5. Lets hope there are no more.
As a massive fan of this competition, I find it very disappointing that so many teams, for whatever reason, have decided to withdraw.
A very quick look through my records has revealed that this season has seen the highest number of withdrawals since 2007/08 season, when there were 5. Lets hope there are no more.
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Silsden Sunday (more bad news)
I'm sorry to announce that one of my local sides, Silsden Sunday, have folded.
I can't say I'm surprised by this, baring in mind that they failed to raise a team for their scheduled game on Sunday.
They also have the dubious honour of having twice broken the record for the worst defeats in the Premier Division of the Bradford Sunday Alliance league, this season, as they have been beaten 14-0 and 19-0.
This is particularly disappointing for a team that a few seasons back reached the last 16 of the FA Sunday Cup and played in at least one West Riding County Sunday Cup final.
Amazingly, I heard a bizarre rumour today that they still intend to play in the Sunday Cup!! As their withdrawl from the league has been verbally confirmed to my Dad by a league official, I doubt this will happen.
However, a precedent has been set by another local side, Stanley Road, who like Silsden, suffered a dreadful start to the 2004/05 season and withdrew from the Bradford Sunday Alliance after playing only a few games. They somehow kept this information from the FA and played Fantail (MF Logistics) from Liverpool, losing 6-0, so I for one will be interested to see if the game goes ahead.
I can't say I'm surprised by this, baring in mind that they failed to raise a team for their scheduled game on Sunday.
They also have the dubious honour of having twice broken the record for the worst defeats in the Premier Division of the Bradford Sunday Alliance league, this season, as they have been beaten 14-0 and 19-0.
This is particularly disappointing for a team that a few seasons back reached the last 16 of the FA Sunday Cup and played in at least one West Riding County Sunday Cup final.
Amazingly, I heard a bizarre rumour today that they still intend to play in the Sunday Cup!! As their withdrawl from the league has been verbally confirmed to my Dad by a league official, I doubt this will happen.
However, a precedent has been set by another local side, Stanley Road, who like Silsden, suffered a dreadful start to the 2004/05 season and withdrew from the Bradford Sunday Alliance after playing only a few games. They somehow kept this information from the FA and played Fantail (MF Logistics) from Liverpool, losing 6-0, so I for one will be interested to see if the game goes ahead.
Saturday 25 September 2010
The Danger Men...A preview of the the teams to avoid
With the Preliminary round starting tomorrow, I thought I’d preview some of the teams that I believe will contest the competition’s latter stages.
For the regular followers of the competition, this preview will not contain many surprises, as I my ‘top tips’ are the teams with a solid track record, however, I have included a couple of the lesser fancied sides as well.
Birstall Stamford
Current Charnwood Sunday League champions, they have reached the semi finals of the Sunday Cup on three occasions.
They also have reached the second round without playing a game, due to the withdrawal of their scheduled opponents, Warstones Wanderers.
I thought they would be a cert to reach the quarter finals but they have had a very poor start to the season, losing their opening games 6-0 (to fellow Sunday Cup entrants Loughborough Falcons) and 4-1, so it will be interesting to see how they fare this season.
Hetton Lyons CC
What can you say about them that hasn’t already been said? Absolute Sunday Cup legends, the first team to lift the Cup three times.
They dominate Sunday football in Durham, winning 9 of the last 10 Durham & District league Premier Division titles and have lifted the Durham County FA Sunday Cup for the last 5 seasons!
Despite the above achievements and winning countless other honours, Hetton have never retained the Sunday Cup and I would think they are desperate to achieve this.
One thing’s for sure, they will be tough to beat and any team capable of beating them, will probably go on to win the Sunday Cup, as happened in 2007 (when Coundon Cons beat Hetton on penalties in the second round) and in 2009, when Scots Grey beat Hetton 1-0 in the 4th round.
They certainly mean business this season, as they have a 100% record after seven games (including two cup matches) and have scored 39 goals in the process!! Without a doubt, they are the team to beat.
Huddersfield Irish Centre
Quarter finalists two seasons ago, they pulled off a stunning fight back to beat 2009 runners up Oyster Martyrs last season. There was certainly no shame in their 4th round 1-0 loss at Hetton Lyons, especially when you bear in mind that Hetton had scored 15 goals in the first three rounds and conceded none.
Huddersfield & District Sunday League champions for the last three seasons, they have certainly been in the goals in their opening two league matches, beating Leeds Road Wanderers by 20-4 and Rose and Crown 9-1!!
Providing they can avoid Hetton Lyons, I can see the Irish reaching the semi finals (now I’ve stuck my neck out and said that, they will probably go out in the 1st round!!)
Lebeqs Tavern Courage
Lebeqs are one of the competition’s mainstays and have reached a level of consistency that few teams can match. You have to go back to the 2003/04 season to find the last time that Lebeqs failed to reach at least the last 16.
Runners up in 2006/07, Lebeqs have been a major force in Bristol Sunday football for years, racking up countless league and cup titles and will once again prove a stern test for any team.
However, the current Bristol and District Sunday league champions are Hanham Sunday, who didn’t lose a league game last season, scored an impressive 61 goals in 14 games, and conceded only 8. They also lifted the Gloucestershire County FA Sunday Premier (South) Cup and are my outside tip for a place in the last 8.
Magnet Tavern
Last season’s runners up hail from the Spalding Sunday League and besides reaching the final, are probably best known for fielding former England U21 international Julian Joachim last season (although he didn’t play in the final).
Magnet have reached at least the last 16 for the last 3 seasons but it will be interesting to see how they cope without their successful manager, John Chand, who is now in charge of United Counties league side Holbeach United. A few weeks after unveiling Chand as their manager, Holbeach signed…Julian Joachim.
Oyster Martyrs
Another former runner up, the Croxeth side enjoyed their moment in the national spotlight, due to there biggest fan…Wayne Rooney, whose Uncle manages the team (his brother and cousin play for them)
If for nothing else, they deserve respect for winning the Premier Division title of one of the Country’s toughest competitions, the Liverpool & District league. Oyster have made a good start to their domestic campaign, beating fellow Sunday Cup competitors Dengo United 7-0 and Lobster 4-1.
Another team to avoid, the Oyster’s will take some beating and I would love to see them battle against Hetton in the quarters or semi finals, or even another epic clash against Huddersfield Irish.
Witton Park Rose and Crown
Members of the Wear Valley Sunday League, this will be Witton’s 3rd season in the Sunday Cup and they will be keen to avoid Oyster Martyrs, who have ended their interest in the previous two seasons (Witton reached the quarter finals in their debut season).
Witton are another team to have made a perfect start to their league campaign and they certainly don’t hang about in the Wear Valley league, as Witton have already played 6 games!! They have won the lot, scoring 26 goals and conceding 5.
Witton are certainly dangerous opponents, who had the misfortune to receive 2 tough draws last season. By all accounts, their 1st round game against Kelloe WMC was an absolute cracker, with Witton victorious by the odd goal in 7!! Then they played Oyster again, losing 4-2 in the 2nd round.
Providing they can avoid some of the ‘big guns’, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see Witton reach the last 8 again.
Speaking of Kelloe, they are another team that I believe are capable of progressing to the latter stages of the competition. Currently second in the Durham and District league, Premier Division, Kelloe have only lost one of their six league games so far.
Apart from the above mentioned Bristol sides, there has been a definite Northern/Midlands bias to most of my ‘top tips’. This is primarily to do with the success of teams from those areas over the last 10 years or so.
So in an attempt to even things up, I was going to extol the virtues of Wycombe Town, who made the last 8 in the debut season two years ago and lost a 4th round game to Lebeq last season.
Unfortunately, Wycombe have recently withdrawn from the Sunday Cup. I’m not sure why, although their website confirms that they have a new management team in place and that they have lost two leagues games already this season. Not too much wrong with that, you may think, but Wycombe only lost 2 leagues matches during the previous 3 seasons!!
Perhaps their new management team thought they weren’t ready for the Sunday Cup yet. I hope they enter next season.
Another reason for featuring mostly Northern sides is that being based in West Yorkshire, these are the sides I get to watch!! I can’t say I have expert knowledge of Sunday football in the South, so I was going to play it safe and feature Hazelhurst of the Morden & District league and Sungate of the Essex Corinthian.
Both sides were new entrants last season and they met in a quarter final tie, with Hazelhurst winning 4-1. Hazelhurst were beaten 2-1 in the semi by Hetton Lyons. However, neither side has entered this season!!
So, apart from the Bristol sides, it appears that the Southern half of the competition is wide open.
For the regular followers of the competition, this preview will not contain many surprises, as I my ‘top tips’ are the teams with a solid track record, however, I have included a couple of the lesser fancied sides as well.
Birstall Stamford
Current Charnwood Sunday League champions, they have reached the semi finals of the Sunday Cup on three occasions.
They also have reached the second round without playing a game, due to the withdrawal of their scheduled opponents, Warstones Wanderers.
I thought they would be a cert to reach the quarter finals but they have had a very poor start to the season, losing their opening games 6-0 (to fellow Sunday Cup entrants Loughborough Falcons) and 4-1, so it will be interesting to see how they fare this season.
Hetton Lyons CC
What can you say about them that hasn’t already been said? Absolute Sunday Cup legends, the first team to lift the Cup three times.
They dominate Sunday football in Durham, winning 9 of the last 10 Durham & District league Premier Division titles and have lifted the Durham County FA Sunday Cup for the last 5 seasons!
Despite the above achievements and winning countless other honours, Hetton have never retained the Sunday Cup and I would think they are desperate to achieve this.
One thing’s for sure, they will be tough to beat and any team capable of beating them, will probably go on to win the Sunday Cup, as happened in 2007 (when Coundon Cons beat Hetton on penalties in the second round) and in 2009, when Scots Grey beat Hetton 1-0 in the 4th round.
They certainly mean business this season, as they have a 100% record after seven games (including two cup matches) and have scored 39 goals in the process!! Without a doubt, they are the team to beat.
Huddersfield Irish Centre
Quarter finalists two seasons ago, they pulled off a stunning fight back to beat 2009 runners up Oyster Martyrs last season. There was certainly no shame in their 4th round 1-0 loss at Hetton Lyons, especially when you bear in mind that Hetton had scored 15 goals in the first three rounds and conceded none.
Huddersfield & District Sunday League champions for the last three seasons, they have certainly been in the goals in their opening two league matches, beating Leeds Road Wanderers by 20-4 and Rose and Crown 9-1!!
Providing they can avoid Hetton Lyons, I can see the Irish reaching the semi finals (now I’ve stuck my neck out and said that, they will probably go out in the 1st round!!)
Lebeqs Tavern Courage
Lebeqs are one of the competition’s mainstays and have reached a level of consistency that few teams can match. You have to go back to the 2003/04 season to find the last time that Lebeqs failed to reach at least the last 16.
Runners up in 2006/07, Lebeqs have been a major force in Bristol Sunday football for years, racking up countless league and cup titles and will once again prove a stern test for any team.
However, the current Bristol and District Sunday league champions are Hanham Sunday, who didn’t lose a league game last season, scored an impressive 61 goals in 14 games, and conceded only 8. They also lifted the Gloucestershire County FA Sunday Premier (South) Cup and are my outside tip for a place in the last 8.
Magnet Tavern
Last season’s runners up hail from the Spalding Sunday League and besides reaching the final, are probably best known for fielding former England U21 international Julian Joachim last season (although he didn’t play in the final).
Magnet have reached at least the last 16 for the last 3 seasons but it will be interesting to see how they cope without their successful manager, John Chand, who is now in charge of United Counties league side Holbeach United. A few weeks after unveiling Chand as their manager, Holbeach signed…Julian Joachim.
Oyster Martyrs
Another former runner up, the Croxeth side enjoyed their moment in the national spotlight, due to there biggest fan…Wayne Rooney, whose Uncle manages the team (his brother and cousin play for them)
If for nothing else, they deserve respect for winning the Premier Division title of one of the Country’s toughest competitions, the Liverpool & District league. Oyster have made a good start to their domestic campaign, beating fellow Sunday Cup competitors Dengo United 7-0 and Lobster 4-1.
Another team to avoid, the Oyster’s will take some beating and I would love to see them battle against Hetton in the quarters or semi finals, or even another epic clash against Huddersfield Irish.
Witton Park Rose and Crown
Members of the Wear Valley Sunday League, this will be Witton’s 3rd season in the Sunday Cup and they will be keen to avoid Oyster Martyrs, who have ended their interest in the previous two seasons (Witton reached the quarter finals in their debut season).
Witton are another team to have made a perfect start to their league campaign and they certainly don’t hang about in the Wear Valley league, as Witton have already played 6 games!! They have won the lot, scoring 26 goals and conceding 5.
Witton are certainly dangerous opponents, who had the misfortune to receive 2 tough draws last season. By all accounts, their 1st round game against Kelloe WMC was an absolute cracker, with Witton victorious by the odd goal in 7!! Then they played Oyster again, losing 4-2 in the 2nd round.
Providing they can avoid some of the ‘big guns’, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see Witton reach the last 8 again.
Speaking of Kelloe, they are another team that I believe are capable of progressing to the latter stages of the competition. Currently second in the Durham and District league, Premier Division, Kelloe have only lost one of their six league games so far.
Apart from the above mentioned Bristol sides, there has been a definite Northern/Midlands bias to most of my ‘top tips’. This is primarily to do with the success of teams from those areas over the last 10 years or so.
So in an attempt to even things up, I was going to extol the virtues of Wycombe Town, who made the last 8 in the debut season two years ago and lost a 4th round game to Lebeq last season.
Unfortunately, Wycombe have recently withdrawn from the Sunday Cup. I’m not sure why, although their website confirms that they have a new management team in place and that they have lost two leagues games already this season. Not too much wrong with that, you may think, but Wycombe only lost 2 leagues matches during the previous 3 seasons!!
Perhaps their new management team thought they weren’t ready for the Sunday Cup yet. I hope they enter next season.
Another reason for featuring mostly Northern sides is that being based in West Yorkshire, these are the sides I get to watch!! I can’t say I have expert knowledge of Sunday football in the South, so I was going to play it safe and feature Hazelhurst of the Morden & District league and Sungate of the Essex Corinthian.
Both sides were new entrants last season and they met in a quarter final tie, with Hazelhurst winning 4-1. Hazelhurst were beaten 2-1 in the semi by Hetton Lyons. However, neither side has entered this season!!
So, apart from the Bristol sides, it appears that the Southern half of the competition is wide open.
Sandon Dock withdraw
Sandon Dock have become the 4th casualty, as they have withdrawn from their preliminary round game against Oak Tree Pub, who are now away at Salisbury Athletic in the first round.
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Wycombe Town withdraw from Sunday Cup
Wycombe Town, quarter finalists 2 seasons and good enough to reach the last 16 last season, have surprisingly become the 3rd team to withdraw from the competition.
Their schedules opponents, Silsoe Park Rangers from the North Home Counties league, now have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
When my limited spare time allows, I was working on a preview of sides I thought would reach the last 8 this season. Wycombe were one of the teams I was going to feature!! Back to the drawing board on that then!!
Their schedules opponents, Silsoe Park Rangers from the North Home Counties league, now have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
When my limited spare time allows, I was working on a preview of sides I thought would reach the last 8 this season. Wycombe were one of the teams I was going to feature!! Back to the drawing board on that then!!
Thursday 9 September 2010
Possible 1st round double header
As London Maccabi Lions v Enfield Rangers are kicking off at 11:15 in Barnet, there could well be the potential to watch two 1st round games, as the afternoon matches are all scheduled for a 2:00 kick off.
Saturday 4 September 2010
Another one bites the dust...
Wisbech St Mary have become the second side to withdraw from the competition before its even begun.
The team from the Kings Lynn Sunday league were due to travel to Cannock Chase, to face Belt Road, who now have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
Hopefully, there will be no more withdrawal's but I wouldn't bank on it.
The team from the Kings Lynn Sunday league were due to travel to Cannock Chase, to face Belt Road, who now have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
Hopefully, there will be no more withdrawal's but I wouldn't bank on it.
Thursday 2 September 2010
It didn't take long...
Warstones Wanderers of the Wolverhampton & District SL have become the first casualties in the Sunday Cup, before they have even played a game in it!!
They have withdrawn from the competition, so their opponents, 3 time semi finalists Birstall Stamford of the Charnwood SL, have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
Unfortunately, hardly a season goes by without a team (sometimes more than one) withdrawing before the competition has started. Lets hope there are no more.
They have withdrawn from the competition, so their opponents, 3 time semi finalists Birstall Stamford of the Charnwood SL, have a walkover in to the 2nd round.
Unfortunately, hardly a season goes by without a team (sometimes more than one) withdrawing before the competition has started. Lets hope there are no more.
Saturday 28 August 2010
Teams that didn't make it...
As mentioned earlier, 131 teams applied and the FA accepted 130, so on the face of it, it sounds like just 1 team was denied entry in to the competition.
However, on closer examination, 4 applicants were refused (Canada, Garston, Lion Athletic and Seymour). 3 of these sides are from the Liverpool & District SL. Lion Athletic are members of the Crosby & District league.
So, not a good day for the Liverpool FA then, losing 4 sides. This would be a big problem for the majority of County FA's but as Liverpool will still have 22 sides in the cup, it doesn't affect them too much!
Replacements
CB Hounslow United - West Middlesex SL
Golden Lion - Croydon SL
Towngate - Heavy Woollen Gate SL (West Riding)
All of the above were not on the original list of entrants. I guess they were late in applying.
This is definitely the case with Towngate, as I discussed the FA Sunday Cup with their manager at the Farsley v Brighouse Town game on 10th August and he told me that they hadn't applied yet but intended to do so. I advised him to get a move on, as the deadline for applications was 1st August! He said he'd call the FA the day after. I'm glad he did and that they were accepted in.
However, on closer examination, 4 applicants were refused (Canada, Garston, Lion Athletic and Seymour). 3 of these sides are from the Liverpool & District SL. Lion Athletic are members of the Crosby & District league.
So, not a good day for the Liverpool FA then, losing 4 sides. This would be a big problem for the majority of County FA's but as Liverpool will still have 22 sides in the cup, it doesn't affect them too much!
Replacements
CB Hounslow United - West Middlesex SL
Golden Lion - Croydon SL
Towngate - Heavy Woollen Gate SL (West Riding)
All of the above were not on the original list of entrants. I guess they were late in applying.
This is definitely the case with Towngate, as I discussed the FA Sunday Cup with their manager at the Farsley v Brighouse Town game on 10th August and he told me that they hadn't applied yet but intended to do so. I advised him to get a move on, as the deadline for applications was 1st August! He said he'd call the FA the day after. I'm glad he did and that they were accepted in.
Friday 27 August 2010
First Round Draw
Ties to be played on Sunday 17th October at 2.00
Swanfield v Sunderland RCA Barnes
West Lee v Kelloe WMC or South Bank (2006)
AFC Blackburn Leisure v Dawdon Colliery Welfare
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Shankhouse United
Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter v Hessle Rangers
Derby Lane Gym v Salford Celtic
Paddock v Ford Motors
Frizington Whitestar v Eagle Cons or Eden Vale
Poulton Royal v Thirly
Malt Shovel v West Bowling
Woodchurch v Oyster Martyrs
Silsden (Sunday) v Alder
Salisbury Athletic v Sandon Dock or Oak Tree Pub
Chapeltown Brazil v Mariners
Tower v Dengo United
Allerton v Lobster
Queens Park v BRNESC
Huddersfield Irish Centre v St Sebastians
Obiter v Sandstone
Nicosia v Home & Bargain
Red Lion v Fforde Greene
St Bees Village v Brow
Towngate v JOB
Belt Road v Wisbech St Mary
Loughborough Falcons v Bartley Green Sunday
Advance Couriers v Britannia Revolution
Loughborough Saints v Station Gates
Barwell Sports Bar v Hundred Acre or Plough Barfly’s
Warstone Wanderers (Sunday) v Birstall Stamford
Brereton Town v Clumber
The Blue Mugge v R.H.P Sports & Social
Kingshurst Sporting Club v Thatch
Coventry Colliery v Travellers
Club Lewsey v Dee Road Rangers
St Josephs (Luton) v Northampton Duke Of York
Britannia United v Houghton Town (Sunday)
Rumours v Celtic SC (Luton)
Wrightchoice Comm Spts Association v Stanbridge & Tilsworth
AC Sportsman & Ravensborough v Standens Barn
Gamlingay United Sunday v FC Houghton Centre
Wycombe Town v Silsoe Park Rangers
AFC Donsville v Sandy (Sunday)
St Margarets v Crawley Green (Sunday)
Comets Sports Club v Hammer
Nicolas Wybacks v Bungay Town
Belstone v Gossoms End
Offley Moat v Royal Falcons
Torrun United v Nirankari Stevenage
FC Tripimeni-Aris v AFC Harrow
Broadfields United v Greengate
CB Hounslow (Sunday) v North West Neasden
London Maccabi Lions v Enfield Rangers
Bedfont Sunday v AFC Kumazi Strikers
Knighton Arms v Goring Rangers
Baldon Sports v The Lounge
Ajax LA v Golden Lion
Lebeqs Tavern Courage v Lakeside Athletic
Windmill v Downend
Sporting Bristol v Wonford United
Springers v C.K.
Ashton v Bluebird United
Applebys v Hanham Sunday
The first round has thrown up several interesting ties, fans in the North East won't want to miss 2009 quarter finalists Witton Park Rose & Crown play host to Shankhouse United, who lost at the same stage last season.
Lebeqs Tavern Courage have reached the latter stages on numerous occasions and will face a tricky game against Plymouth's Lakeside Athletic, semi finalists 2 seasons ago.
Swanfield v Sunderland RCA Barnes
West Lee v Kelloe WMC or South Bank (2006)
AFC Blackburn Leisure v Dawdon Colliery Welfare
Witton Park Rose & Crown v Shankhouse United
Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter v Hessle Rangers
Derby Lane Gym v Salford Celtic
Paddock v Ford Motors
Frizington Whitestar v Eagle Cons or Eden Vale
Poulton Royal v Thirly
Malt Shovel v West Bowling
Woodchurch v Oyster Martyrs
Silsden (Sunday) v Alder
Salisbury Athletic v Sandon Dock or Oak Tree Pub
Chapeltown Brazil v Mariners
Tower v Dengo United
Allerton v Lobster
Queens Park v BRNESC
Huddersfield Irish Centre v St Sebastians
Obiter v Sandstone
Nicosia v Home & Bargain
Red Lion v Fforde Greene
St Bees Village v Brow
Towngate v JOB
Belt Road v Wisbech St Mary
Loughborough Falcons v Bartley Green Sunday
Advance Couriers v Britannia Revolution
Loughborough Saints v Station Gates
Barwell Sports Bar v Hundred Acre or Plough Barfly’s
Warstone Wanderers (Sunday) v Birstall Stamford
Brereton Town v Clumber
The Blue Mugge v R.H.P Sports & Social
Kingshurst Sporting Club v Thatch
Coventry Colliery v Travellers
Club Lewsey v Dee Road Rangers
St Josephs (Luton) v Northampton Duke Of York
Britannia United v Houghton Town (Sunday)
Rumours v Celtic SC (Luton)
Wrightchoice Comm Spts Association v Stanbridge & Tilsworth
AC Sportsman & Ravensborough v Standens Barn
Gamlingay United Sunday v FC Houghton Centre
Wycombe Town v Silsoe Park Rangers
AFC Donsville v Sandy (Sunday)
St Margarets v Crawley Green (Sunday)
Comets Sports Club v Hammer
Nicolas Wybacks v Bungay Town
Belstone v Gossoms End
Offley Moat v Royal Falcons
Torrun United v Nirankari Stevenage
FC Tripimeni-Aris v AFC Harrow
Broadfields United v Greengate
CB Hounslow (Sunday) v North West Neasden
London Maccabi Lions v Enfield Rangers
Bedfont Sunday v AFC Kumazi Strikers
Knighton Arms v Goring Rangers
Baldon Sports v The Lounge
Ajax LA v Golden Lion
Lebeqs Tavern Courage v Lakeside Athletic
Windmill v Downend
Sporting Bristol v Wonford United
Springers v C.K.
Ashton v Bluebird United
Applebys v Hanham Sunday
The first round has thrown up several interesting ties, fans in the North East won't want to miss 2009 quarter finalists Witton Park Rose & Crown play host to Shankhouse United, who lost at the same stage last season.
Lebeqs Tavern Courage have reached the latter stages on numerous occasions and will face a tricky game against Plymouth's Lakeside Athletic, semi finalists 2 seasons ago.
Preliminary Round Draw
Games to be played on 26th September at 14:00
Kelloe WMC (Co Durham) v South Bank (Stockton)
Sandon Dock (Liverpool) v Oak Tree Pub (Liverpool)
Eagle Cons (Liverpool) v Eden Vale (Liverpool)
Hundred Acre (Birmingham) v Plough Barfly’s (Nottingham)3 local derby games and an West v East Midlands clash to start this season's competition. There is one very local derby between Eagle Cons and Eden Vale, who are both ground sharing at Bootle!!
Tuesday 24 August 2010
FA Update
The draw for the Preliminary and First rounds and the list of teams accepted in to this season's competition, will be published on the FA's website on the week commencing 30th August.
Thursday 19 August 2010
2010/11 New Applicants
The FA have recently produced a list of the 131 applications they have received for this season's competition.
As usual, the Liverpool FA dominate the number of applicants, with a staggering 26 teams!!
This number of Merseyside teams increases to 31, when you include the 5 sides representing the Cheshire FA, as 4 play in the Birkenhead SL with the other from Wallasey!!
The next best represented County FA is Bedfordshire with 11.
Quite a few of my local (West Yorkshire) sides have decided not to enter, including: Bolton Woods, East End Park, Lindley WMC and Towngate (although they thought the deadline was later than August 1st and have approached the FA to see if they will accept them, so they maybe on the list of accepted entries, which is due out next week).
If the final number of teams accepted in exceeds 130, it will be the 6th season running that the competition has topped this figure, which is not bad considering that in the 4 seasons from 2000/01 to 2003/04, the highest number of applicants was just 97.
As usual, the Liverpool FA dominate the number of applicants, with a staggering 26 teams!!
This number of Merseyside teams increases to 31, when you include the 5 sides representing the Cheshire FA, as 4 play in the Birkenhead SL with the other from Wallasey!!
The next best represented County FA is Bedfordshire with 11.
Quite a few of my local (West Yorkshire) sides have decided not to enter, including: Bolton Woods, East End Park, Lindley WMC and Towngate (although they thought the deadline was later than August 1st and have approached the FA to see if they will accept them, so they maybe on the list of accepted entries, which is due out next week).
If the final number of teams accepted in exceeds 130, it will be the 6th season running that the competition has topped this figure, which is not bad considering that in the 4 seasons from 2000/01 to 2003/04, the highest number of applicants was just 97.
Thursday 12 August 2010
Malt Shovel
I've heard that the Wharfedale Triangle league champions, Malt Shovel, have also applied for this season's Sunday Cup.
They intend to play their home games at Thackley.
They intend to play their home games at Thackley.
Saturday 7 August 2010
Crossflatts FC
Sad news on the former Wharfedale Triangle league champions and Sunday Cup competitors, I'm afraid, as I've recently heard that they have wrapped up during the summer.
Crossflatts entered the Sunday Cup for 4 seasons but were unable to replicate their domestic successes on the national stage and did not manage to win a game, losing their debut at Cougar Park, against Coloner Prior from Sunderland and then 3 successive losses on Merseyside.
Crossflatts entered the Sunday Cup for 4 seasons but were unable to replicate their domestic successes on the national stage and did not manage to win a game, losing their debut at Cougar Park, against Coloner Prior from Sunderland and then 3 successive losses on Merseyside.
Wednesday 21 July 2010
New Entrants
I have it on good authority that West Bowling, the current Bradford Sunday Alliance league champions and West Riding County Sunday Cup holders are looking to enter this season's competition.
They have enquired about using both Liversedge and Bradford Park Avenue, as they require a ground on the south side of Bradford, to be near to their base.
A long established side, West Bowling have only recently developed a side capable of lifting major silverware. Their title deciding game with Buttershaw White Star at the end of last season, attracted the largest crowd seen for many a year for a league game (it was estimated to be watched by over 400 people).
I hope they will enter, as Bradford were represented by just 2 teams last season (Bolton Woods and Silsden) which is the lowest since Central 8 and Whetley Lane entered in 1987/88.
They have enquired about using both Liversedge and Bradford Park Avenue, as they require a ground on the south side of Bradford, to be near to their base.
A long established side, West Bowling have only recently developed a side capable of lifting major silverware. Their title deciding game with Buttershaw White Star at the end of last season, attracted the largest crowd seen for many a year for a league game (it was estimated to be watched by over 400 people).
I hope they will enter, as Bradford were represented by just 2 teams last season (Bolton Woods and Silsden) which is the lowest since Central 8 and Whetley Lane entered in 1987/88.
Monday 19 July 2010
2010/11 New Entrants and Draws
The FA have announced that they will post a list of entrants for this season's competition on the week commencing 9th August.
The draw for the early rounds (normally the preliminary and 1st rounds) will appear on TheFA.Com by Friday 27th August.
The draw for the early rounds (normally the preliminary and 1st rounds) will appear on TheFA.Com by Friday 27th August.
2010/11 Round Dates
Preliminary Round - Sunday 26 September 2010
First Round - Sunday 17 October
Second Round - Sunday 21 November
Third Round - Sunday 12 December
Fourth Round - Sunday 23 January 2011
Fifth Round - Sunday 20 February
Semi Final - Sunday 20 March
Final Sunday - 1 May
First Round - Sunday 17 October
Second Round - Sunday 21 November
Third Round - Sunday 12 December
Fourth Round - Sunday 23 January 2011
Fifth Round - Sunday 20 February
Semi Final - Sunday 20 March
Final Sunday - 1 May
Welcome!
Hi
Thanks for visiting my FA Sunday Cup blog. I believe that this is the first blog devoted entirely to this wonderful competition and I intend to provide regular updates throughout the coming season and beyond.
For the uninitiated, the FA Sunday Cup is the nation's premier cup competition for Sunday league football teams. I will shortly create a post on the history of the Sunday Cup, for those who wish to know more about the 46 year history of the competition.
Ian
Thanks for visiting my FA Sunday Cup blog. I believe that this is the first blog devoted entirely to this wonderful competition and I intend to provide regular updates throughout the coming season and beyond.
For the uninitiated, the FA Sunday Cup is the nation's premier cup competition for Sunday league football teams. I will shortly create a post on the history of the Sunday Cup, for those who wish to know more about the 46 year history of the competition.
Ian
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