The League got its season underway with the Arthur Boswell Cup, being played between Premier Division Winners, Fifteen Degrees and The Hewitt Memorial Cup Runners Up, Queens Arms at Lawford FC.
The game started as an even encounter with Fifteen Degrees looking to control possession in the early stages, however a resilient Queens Arms determined to minimise any chances for them.
In the 15
th minute, Ryan Ellis in the Fifteen Degrees backline picked up the ball and lofted a ball forward which was met by the run of
Robbie Taylor in the box and he finished calmly into the corner of the net to make it Fifteen Degrees 1-0 Queens Arms.
Queens Arms looked to get back a foothold in the game, however in doing so saw themselves committing fouls as they tried to stop Fifteen Degrees from breaking. Two such challenges in quick succession saw them have Reuben Cowler shown a yellow card.
They didn’t have to wait much longer as in the 24
th minute, some good work in the box by Queens Arms’ Wayne Blackman saw the ball fall to
Matthew Gray who finished well into the bottom corner, making it Fifteen Degrees 1-1 Queens Arms.
Just four minutes later, Fifteen Degrees thought that they had got themselves back in front as they had the ball in the net, however it was ruled out by the linesman for offside, which was the last action of note before the half time whistle was blown.
Half Time: Fifteen Degrees 1-1 Queens ArmsThe second half started slowly with both teams looking to create chances but not give the opposition any chances, and it took until the 53
rd minute before this resulted in a goal, with Queens Arms taking the lead as
Wayne Blackman finished well high into the net despite the best efforts of the Fifteen Degrees ‘keeper.
Fifteen Degrees controlled possession and created numerous chances, however, were met by a resolute Queens Arms backline. Shane Goodyear was getting involved and felt aggrieved at some such decision, which resulted in him being sent to the sin bin for a show of dissent in the 63
rd minute, leaving Fifteen Degrees to play with ten players for a ten-minute period.
Fifteen Degrees continued to press despite the man advantage however were unable to convert their chances, with the next real action of note coming in the 72
nd minute as play was temporarily suspended to due to a pitch invasion from a small child!
In the 82
nd minute, Fifteen Degrees captain Callum Rogers was shown two yellow cards in quick succession resulting in a red card and leaving Fifteen Degrees looking for an equaliser once again with a man disadvantage.
With Fifteen Degrees pushing forward, Queens Arms capitalised in the 90
th minute as a ball cleared forward was collected by
Matthew Gray on the edge of the box and he rolled his man to burst through and slam the ball home.
That proved to be the final action of the game, as the referee promptly blew for full time following the re-start.
Full Time: Fifteen Degrees 1-3 Queens ArmsThank you to our Match Officials; Referee: John Watson, Assistant Referees: Simon Bowey & Anthony Vaughan and Fourth Official: Nathan Tansley
The League were delighted to be joined by the family of Arthur Boswell, who selected their man of the match as Matthew Gray of Queens Arms and presented the winning trophy to Queens Arms Captain, Jamie Duffus.
Many thanks to Lawford FC for the use of their facilities and
Mr Boswell for attending the final and presenting the trophies.
Match report and photos courtesy of League Sec. Aaron Finch.
Mr Arthur Boswell presenting the Man of The Match Award to Queens Arms’ Matthew Gray
Mr Arthur Boswell presents the Arthur Boswell Cup to Queens Arms’ Captain Jamie Duffus.
