Sport Three abandoned games on league's opening weekend
N.U.R. 0, Victoria Rangers 2
The reigning champions registered an opening day win in the Goole and District Sunday League Division One with a comfortable win at Kent Road against N.U.R. on Sunday morning.
They dominated large parts of the game, putting the home defence under pressure on numerous occasions, although it took them a long time to break the deadlock.
After the home keeper had pulled off a series of fine stops, Rangers took the lead after 35 minutes when Ben Eastwood's back heel was parried by Matty Burnitt for Jason Gibbon to net from the rebound.
N.U.R. almost equalised in a rare raid, Steve Willuams making a finger-top save from a direct free kick.
The second half continued in much the same way, but Rangers confirmed their superiority with a second goal from a 35-yard free kick by Eastwood.
Andy Gill had a late free kick disallowed, and perhaps the champions could have won by a wider margin.
The Mansfield Brewery Man of the Match for Rangers was Ben Eastwood.
Victoria Hotel 3, Drax Athletic 1
The home side started strongly, creating early chances, the best of which saw Chris Moffatt spring the Drax defence open, releasing Rob Rockett to cross, and debutant Rob Butler headed just wide.
It took 25 minutes for the Vic. to finally break the stubborn visitors when Man of the Match Stuart Cutter held the ball up well in the area before teeing up Rob Rockett.
The second half started much the same as the first, with the Vic. on top, and Rockett scored a second with a shot deflected past the in-form Drax keeper.
Justice for the scorer as he had a shot which appeared to cross the line cancelled out.
Steve Merrill replied for Drax to give them a chance, but Vic. manager Dave South rectified the problem by bringing on Chris Howard, who did a great job of bolstering the midfield. With fellow substitute Phil Gray's power causing all sorts of problems for the Drax defence, it wasn't long before he was on the score sheet to finish the game with a neat chest and volley combination.
Green Dragon 2, Buchanan 1
(abandoned after 55 minutes)
Green Dragon started life in the Goole and District League Division Two in controversial fashion, the referee abandoning the game after Buchanan manager Paddy Standard refused to leave the touchline after being 'sent off' after a disagreement with the official.
There was little sign of controversy before the incident, with both sides competing keenly. It was the Buchanan who started strongly, and could have scored on a couple of occasions inside the first 10 minutes.
The Dragon's course wasn't helped with the loss of Ryan Stewart with a nasty gash to his shin on the quarter hour, which required four stitches.
Dragon scored first, Chris Davies' low shot parried into the path of goal-poacher Tony Hurrel, who made no mistake from six yards.
More good work by Man of the Match Chris Davies led to the Dragon's second goal, neat play down the left allowing Davies to find Bembridge, who sidefooted home.
Before the break Buchanan pulled one back with a well-taken goal, before Davies almost restored the two-goal lead.
With the second half barely started the aforementioned controversy struck, and that was that: the ruling of the league committee will determine what happens.
This coming Sunday the Dragon entertain Drax at the Moorends Rec., kick off 10.30am.
Players to meet at 9.30am prompt.
The team would like to thank Thorne Super Bikes for there sponsorship, and Linda for providing excellent food.
Howden Minster 5, Arcadia 3
Howden Minster kicked off the new Sunday League campaign with a 5-3 victory over Arcadia, who were clearly not ready for the start of the campaign.
After average performances in friendlies it eventually clicked for the Newport-based side, who played good football from the start.
Minster scored first after early pressure, only to concede straight away, Wayne Strutt scoring for the Goole side, but at half time they held a 2-1 advantage.
An early goal in the second half should have killed off Arcadia but they responded well and fought back to 3-2 with a poacher's finish in his own net from Karl Horsfield. In what was turning into a cracking game, Minster then netted twice quickly to give them a cushion at 5-2 and a good opening day result. Arcadia pushed on at the end, scoring a cracking consolation and the game finished 5-3.
Minsters scorers were Danny Smith (2) and a hat-trick for Mike Whur.
Thanks to the Kings Arms for after-match hospitality.
Canal Tavern F.C. 12, Cowick Cavaliers 0
The Canal Tavern made a flying start as the two newcomers made their Sunday League debuts.
The main problem for the Cavaliers was the tremendous pace from ex-Yorkshire sprinters Darren Brown and Man of the Match Lee Pearson.
Tavern were soon in control and by half time they were 4-0 up, with Pearson scoring them all
Although the visitors battled throughout, the Tavern looked fitter and stronger.
Pearson continued on to score seven, Brown netted three, with McCarthy and Patrick the other scorers.
Thanks go to main sponsors Don DESPATCH and Brian Warren Roofing.
The two other abandoned games were Old Goole Veterans v Vikings, (committee decision) where the referee walked off the pitch, and at White Hart v Thorne Demi, where a serious injury put paid to the game.
Published on 14th September 2006 in Sport.
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