Sunday League: Fixture list halved as clubs fail to raise a side

It seems as though players do not want to fulfil their commitment to their respective Clubs when they feel there is nothing at stake, clubs are fined for non-fulfilment of fixtures and players seem to have little regard for this and leave their secretaries and officials to pick up the pieces.

We all accept that times have changed and there are very many other avenues open to young people today besides football but if you sign for a club to play for as season it cannot be asking too much for them to show a good level of loyalty. Of the 10 scheduled games only five actually took place – very disappointing to say the least.

Mattersey by virtue of B R S A not playing them duly finished the season with a perfect record of 14 wins from 14 games and no one can argue their right to be called champions for the second season in a row.

Rose & Crown have finished in a strong third position in the table and they concluded their season with an emphatic 6-0 defeat of BFC Clumber who never really threatened to upset a Rose & Crown team that can be proud of their first season back in Division One.

Tuxford Working Men’s Club and Kings Arms Reserves shared the points and the goals in a one goal each draw that was a fair reflection of a very close game.

Neither of the scheduled games in Division Two took place with Kings Arms Reserves and Smiffys United being awarded points when Horse & Jockey and Rose & Crown Reserves could not be bothered to play.

In Division Three Owston Ferry Sports Club rounded off what has been a perfect season for them with a 5-1 win at Leverton United Reserves giving the Isle of Axeholme Club the title by four points from Albertos.

Albertos just defeated Ropery Rangers by 3-2 to finish a good second in the table and they should look upon their first season in the League as a success.

Morton F C were awarded the points when Ropery Inn also failed to raise a team.

The Annie Lawson Cup Final took place on Thursday night with a very good crowd in attendance on the Northolme to see Friendship F C just defeat fellow Gainsborough team Smiffys United, the game was a good advert for local football.

With the Sporting Club Cup final on Thursday night and the Junior Trophy final on Friday night both on the Northolme good quality Sunday League Finals are in prospect.

Mattersey FC face Rose & Crown on Thursday and Owston Ferry F C face Walkeringham FC on Friday, all support will be welcome and the games kick off at 7.00pm.