END OF SEASON REVIEW

A goal by Scott Coupland in the Kelly Read Cup Final was the final act of the 2009-10 season in the Sills and Betteridge Lincoln Sunday League, extended by almost two weeks due to the big freeze in Dec/Jan. For some teams, this signalled celebration, for others it was time to reflect where it all went wrong.

The Premier League trophy went to GE Rustons for the fourth season in succession. Although not quite as dominant as recent seasons, they were still 6 points ahead of their closest rivals, Welton S&SC. FSC Victory finished third after threatening to challenge for the honours while FVA Jerusalem will hope to play next season as well as they did since November, when they hadn’t even earned a draw. Anglers FC Saxilby’s 7-2 victory in their last match condemned Gatehouse to the foot of the table.

Division One Champions, Moorlands Railway, were the only undefeated team in the League and the first to wrap up their title. They will be joined next season in the Premier Division by AFC Hykeham who pushed them hard for the majority of the season. CW Golden Eagle’s third spot was the Club’s highest League position in their history. Waggon and Horses finished in the basement and may relish playing at a lower level next season.

The Division Two title was between three teams right up until the final two games. Royal Oak Washingborough had the chance to steal the honours had they won their last two matches but defeat handed the title to Horncastle Town. Credit to Bailgate Athletic, who finished second in their first season at this level, but also for their exploits in the County Cup, reaching the quarter final. Golden Cross ‘A’ were the Division’s whipping boys but to their credit, they did complete the season in a Division where three other teams folded.

Ivy Tavern were the Division Three Champions on goal difference after handing Dynamo Varsity the mountainous task of requiring to win by 24 goals in their final match. Five clubs battled for third, with only two points separating them. Sean Cann’s late arrival for the Ivy ensured goals flowed freely for the club. George and Dragon look likely to be relegated for the second season on the trot.

Division Four also went all the way, with Welton S&SC Reserves doing what their first team couldn’t, finish above GE Rustons, albeit on goal difference, helped by the League’s top scorer, James Drabble. This Division was the most exciting of the League with seven teams in with a chance coming into the final month of the campaign.

The League’s leading scorers with 117 goals, Railway Inn Thorpe, finished on top of Division Five ahead of North Lindum Hawks. This Division was essentially decided when the two sides played each other in the final week of the season. Metalhead Town, who despite conceding 133 goals, could’ve conceded many more but for their keeper.

Cross AFC were Division Six Champions, ahead of AFC Rustons. Travellers Rest were in the mix right up until the final weeks but defeat to AFC Rustons at Easter possibly decided their fate.

Ruston Sports went one better this season in the Ron Eaglen Cup, as last year’s finalists defeated Hunters Leap 4-1. Dynamo Varsity won the Fred Quibell Cup on penalties against Plough Sturton after the best final in recent memory while Victory Athletic were the Jock Mitchell Trophy winners as they overcame a strong Newton Utd side 4-0. Welton S&SC retained the Kelly Read Cup after a 6-3 win over FVA Jerusalem after extra time.