York Sunday Morning League

Reports - 26th November

Only one game was played in the top flight of the York Sunday Morning League as most teams were in cup action, but it certainly didn't disappoint as The Nag's Head won a cracker of a game with Wigginton Grasshoppers by four goals to two. After some initial pressing by 'Hoppers, the Nag's Head took firm control of the game with Alex Clark proving clinical and hitting a well-taken hat-trick within the space of 25 minutes as the hosts dominated proceedings. Grasshoppers tried to respond and pulled one back via Liam Robertson, only to see stand-in keeper Finlay Scott, a central defender by trade, pull off two magnificent saves to deny Terry Taylor and Matt Mulhearn. The second period saw 'Hoppers do most of the pressing, but it was again Clark who showed his quality with the ball, firing home to put the game beyond the away side. Another goal from Robertson started another push from Wigginton, but despite many chances, they were denied time and time again by Scott and his defenders. The result leaves The Nag's Head five points clear of Haxby Town who have two games in hand.

The only other league game was in Division Two, where South Milford suffered a 7-2 home defeat at the hands of Selby Olympia.

In the League Cup, goals from Dan Paterson, Tom Burnett, Seth Doughty-Thorpe and Ben Parker guided Atlanta through a fiery clash with Heworth Inn. Reuben Smith and Jake Bergin replied for Heworth who went down by four goals to two. Alex Masterman (2), Lewis Jeffers, Cole Lomax and Connor Moore struck for South Park Rangers in their 5-0 knockout win over Bramham. Jordan Emery and Ryan Sedman both bagged braces for Thorpe United Red in their 7-3 victory at K-Town. Ryan Franks, Jordan Leybourn and Ben Littlefields also netted for the visitors. Tim Blakey, Rhys Boulton and Billy Marshall found the net for the hosts. Haxby made light work of Rawcliffe United, scoring fourteen without reply. Robbie Macauley (4), Harry Blackwell (3), Jarrad Benson, Dan Clipston, Paul Holmes, Callum Pattison, Connor Ryan, Tom Kilvington and Dan Lister all shared the glory. Matthew Pearse, Louis Oldfield, Jaden Marshall, Max Seaman and Thomas Williams fired Thorpe Utd Blue to a 5-0 triumph at Strensall Tigers. Malt Shovel scored seven at Punch Bowl without a response.

Picture: Alex Clark showed his finishing prowess by hitting all four goals as Nag's Head defeated Wigginton Grasshoppers

Sunday 19th Nov

The Nag's Head continue to top the Timclad Ltd York Sunday Morning League Division One table following an impressive 7-1 defeat of Bramham. A rare hat-trick for Rob Forrester (including two penalties) was supported by a brace from Alex Clark, as the Heworth side controlled the game. Aldo Spinello and Chris Murray netted the other goals for the hosts.

Haxby Town sit two points behind the leaders with a game in hand following their 6-1 success at home to Malt Shovel. Robbie Macauley, Will Owen and Jarred Benson all complimented a hat-trick for Harry Blackwell. Third placed Wigginton Grasshoppers won 8-4 at Thorpe United Red. Joe Rawcliffe and Max Bauer both collected braces, with Harry Clapham, Liam Robertson, Tom Kite and Matthew Mulhearn also bagging. James Arnold (2), David Howard and Ben Littlefield replied for Thorpe. Ben Lawson Hall (2) and Harry James guided Pollington to a 3-0 triumph at South Park Rangers.

Wigginton Grasshoppers and Haxby Town played out a fiery derby at Mill Lane with the reigning League Cup holders and the current Timclad York Sunday Morning League Champions finishing deadlocked at 2-2 following a thrilling encounter.

The first chance of the game fell to 'Hoppers with Terry Taylor heading over from close range, but it was Haxby who took an early lead when Dan Clipston fired home a spot-kick following a push in the box. The visitors continued to press and hit the bar via a cross-cum-shot before Wigginton enjoyed a spell on top which saw Cole Carter head home after Joe Rawcliffe's shot cannoned back off the bar.

As discipline began to wane in a game that saw no less than thirteen cards shown, the home side were reduced to ten men when a player was sent to the sin bin. Town made the most of their extra man, carving out a move that saw Clipston fire in his second of the game from just inside the area. No sooner were Wiggy back to eleven than they were down to ten again, with one sin bin leading to another - and a permanent removal from the action for goalscorer Carter. Being a man less didn't seem to hinder 'Hoppers, and the game became very open with both sides creating plenty of scoring opportunities. The scores were brought back level ten minutes from time though, when Taylor was felled in the box allowing Liam Robertson to convert the resulting penalty. An entertaining, if at times ill-tempered derby game was finally brought to an end with the honours deservedly shared.

That result allowed Atlanta to move to the top of the table, follwing a 3-1 defeat of South Park Rangers, who also had two players see red in the game. Atlanta's third win in three games was brought about by strikes from Tom Burnett, Lewis Murray and Ben Parker. Jordan Leybourn and Callum Petch gained Thorpe Utd Red a point from their 2-2 draw with Malt Shovel. The Nag's Head enjoyed a 3-0 victory at Bramham.

K Town United made it three wins from three in Division Two, after putting in a magnificent second half performance to win 5-1 at home to Broken Bridge FC. The sides had been level at half-time. Joe Garrard, Max Russell, Jack Houldsworth and Alex Shaw (2) led the charge for K-Town. Thorpe Utd Blue are going stride-for-stride with K-Town though, and recorded their third success of the season via a 4-0 win at Selby Olympia. Mackenzie Oldfield, Patrick Harpham and Louis Oldfield all netted in the first half, with Thomas Williams rising from the bench to complete the scoring.

It was a more than convincing return to action for Heworth Inn as they put nine past South Milford without reply. The scoring started early when Jordan Willoughby was brought down in the box before getting up to slot home the resulting penalty. Tom Palmer and Patrick Dear then made it 3-0 before the break before Palmer added two more after the restart to complete his hat-trick. Peter Barrass came off the bench to bag a brace, with Rudy Dear and Rudy Dear Jr completing the scoring. Dylan Howlett was at the treble for Punch Bowl in a 6-2 win over Rawcliffe Utd. An own goal, plus efforts from Luke Howlett and Gareth Ridsell completed the Punch Bowl haul.

Reigning Timclad York Sunday Morning League champions Haxby Town got their new season off to a cracking start as they demolished newly-promoted Division One champions Bramham, winning by eight goals to nil. Rob Macauley led the scoring with a hat-trick and was supported by strikes from Harry Blackwell, Dan Clipston, Arron Rose, Luke Addison and Harry McMillan.

The other new teams in the division also had shaky starts. South Park Rangers suffered a 9-1 defeat at Wigginton Grasshoppers. Terry Taylor opened the scoring with a long range half-volley, before Joe Stamp (2), Max Bauer (3), Cole Carter, Liam Robertson and Jamie Willstrop combined to complete the hosts’ tally. FC Pollington also were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline. Alex Pinkney fired home for the hosts but goals for Jon-Paul Turbine and Fin Scott ensured that The Nag’s Head left with the points.

Atlanta got the better of Senior Challenge Trophy holders, Thorpe United Red, winning by three goals to two. James Sellars (2) and Scott Johnson netted for the home team with Jordan Emery and Callum Jackson on target for Thorpe.

K-Town United made a winning start in Division Two as efforts from Joseph Gatorade and Alex Shaw (2) saw them emerge as 3-2 victors from their clash with Rawcliffe United. Aaron Newman and Woody Pearson bagged for the visitors.

Selby Olympia made light work of South Milford. Goals from Adam Dalrymple (2), Ryan Garbutt, Callum Ransome and Elliot Clark saw the home team coast to a 5-0 triumph. Following a goalless first half, the game between Thorpe United Blue and Strensall Tigers erupted into life in the second period, with Thorpe emerging as 6-2 winners. Matt Pearse (2), Tom Williams, Louis Oldfield, Dan Kemp and Tyler Matthewman found the target for Thorpe.

League Cup Final Report

The Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning League Cup Final didn't disappoint as Wigginton Grasshoppers and Atlanta played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Atlanta moved into an early lead when Daniel Brown powered home a header from a corner only for Terry Taylor to level the scores with the half-time break approaching. Early in the second half, Taylor turned provider, sliding the ball across to allow Jason Ezard to force the ball into the net. Wiggy then had a chance to go further clear, but Dan Paterson produced an excellent save from Jamie Willstrop's penalty. Atlanta quickly responded and Shane Hand produced a neat finish across the goalkeeper to make it 2-2. Matthew Mulhearn then slid in to make it 3-2 for Wigginton, shortly before hitting a shot on the turn which came back off the inside of the post. With the seconds ticking away, Sean Robinson went on a jinking run before firing the ball home to send the game to spot-kicks. The first thirteen penalties were put away without issue, and when the seventh Atlanta strike hit the bar, the cup was Wigginton's, avenging their loss on penalties to Atlanta in the previous year's final.

Pic: Wigginton Grasshoppers celebrate their win

Reports - 1st April

Haxby Town secured a first Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning League Division One title following a convincing 5-0 success at K Town FC of Knaresborough. First half goals from Adam Chaplin and captain Dan Clipston put Haxby in the driving seat before a fantastic effort from Jean-Pierre Grenier put the game beyond K Town early in the second period. Late goals from Tom Kilvington and Rob Macauley secured a comfortable five-nil victory. The win sees Haxby crowned as champions with a game to spare.

Haxby's success follows on from their League Cup win last season, and the club has an opportunity to collect a memorable double this season. They will face local rivals Wigginton Grasshoppers at Ethel Ward Playing Fields in the semi-final of the League Senior Challenge Trophy on Sunday 23rd April. The winner will face the winner of the match between The Nag's Head and Thorpe United Red, which will be played on the same day at York University, with the final taking place at New Earswick on Sunday 7th May.

Goals from Iancu Vasile (2) and Sergiu Pitaru helped FC Dracula to a 3-2 success over Thorpe United Red. Malt Shovel entertained The Nag's Head, and following a scrappy, goalless first-half, the sides played out an enthralling 3-3 draw in the second period.

The York Sunday Morning League Junior Trophy semi-finals saw plenty of goals. FC Pollington's game with visiting Burton Leonard was one-way traffic with the hosts romping to a 9-1 triumph. Selby Olympia and Thorpe United Blue were deadlocked at 4-4 after ninety minutes in their clash, with Thorpe scoring a 4-2 success on penalties. The game between FC Pollington and Thorpe United Blue for the Junior Challenge Trophy will take place at New Earswick following the Senior Trophy final, and will bring the curtain down on the 2022-23 season.

Pics: Haxby Town celebrate their York Sunday Morning League Division One title

Reports - 19th March

FC Dracula defeated Heworth Inn in the only game to be played in Division One of the Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning league last weekend. Sergiu Pitaru opened the scoring mid-way through the first half, before Harrison Booth equalised shortly before the interval. Second half goals from Pilly Gabitzu, Iancu Vasile and Chiriac Vasile saw Dracula secure the points after a comfortable 4-1 success.

Bramham secured the Division Two title following a 4-2 victory at Thorpe United Blue. After just one season away, the Freely Lane side return to the top flight complete with silverware after a dominant campaign that has only seen stem taste defeat once. FC Pollington now sit second after completing all of their league games, finishing their campaign with a 6-0 success at Strensall Tigers. The win leaves FC Pollington with an anxious wait as South Park Rangers play out their final two games. If successful in both, Rangers could steal the second promotion spot on goal difference. Ben Rowe struck for Burton Leonard as they drew 1-1 with Selby Olympia.

Wigginton Grasshoppers progressed to the final of the League Cup with a 3-1 success over The Nag’s Head. An early penalty from Liam Robertson put the hosts ahead, before the striker smashed in a spectacular volley part way through the second half. Jack Simpson halved the deficit with a stunning finish of his own before a late free-kick from Jamie Willstrop ended the tie. Grasshoppers will play the winner of the match between Atlanta and South Park Rangers, which is scheduled for the coming weekend.

Reports - 12th March

Haxby Town moved to within just two points of securing the Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning League Division One title after dishing out a 10-2 humbling to fellow challengers Thorpe United Red. Will Owen (2), Robbie Macaulay (2), Luke Addison, Harry Blackwell, Adam Chaplin, Lewis Clark, Kris Robertshaw and Tom Kilvington all netted in the win as Haxby hit five in each half to close in on the club’s first mens’ top flight title win since lifting the York Premier League in 2009-10. Haxby now sit eight points clear of The Nag’s Head with two games to play. Though their last remaining challengers have an extra game, Haxby also have a commanding edge with goal difference, so a draw from their final two games should easily be enough to become champions.

Iancu Vasile and Valeriu Ciocan-Boicea netted for FC Dracula to earn their team a 2-2 draw at The Nag’s Head, putting a nail in the coffin of their hosts’ rapidly fading title hopes. The same 2-2 scoreline was seen at Malt Shovel vs Heworth Inn, with all four goals coming in the first half. Alex Wilkinson and Archie Wilks netted for Shovel, with Sam Smith (2) responding. It was the Dan Hickey show at Wigginton Grasshoppers, with the forward scoring after just one minute before adding a further hat-trick in just four minutes around the half-hour mark to give his side a 4-0 half-time lead over K-Town. Their opponents responded just after the break but a goal from Liam Robertson, and a further effort from Hickey, were supplemented by a Jack Bell penalty as Grasshoppers ran out 7-1 winners.

Bramham clinched promotion back to the top flight with a 1-1 draw at home to South Park Rangers, for whom Jake Bayram found the net. The Freely Lane side now just need one point from their remaining two games to make sure they return to Division One as champions, after just one year in the second tier. Selby Olympia turned around a 1-0 deficit at the half-way mark to inflict a 3-1 defeat on Rawcliffe United by full-time.

Pic: Luke Addison was on target for Haxby Town in their 10-2 success over Thorpe Utd Red

Reports - 5th March

Haxby Town took a giant step towards winning the Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning League Division One by defeating title rivals The Nag’s Head by five goals to one at the University of York. The Nag’s Head were stunned into submission during the first half when a rampant Haxby side moved into an unassailable five goal lead. Adam Chaplin (2), Lewis Clark, Will Owen and Harry Blackwell all hit the target as the Ethel Ward side put one hand on the title. The second half proved better for the hosts with Jack Simpson winning and scoring a penalty, but that proved little more than a consolation.

The Division’s other game saw FC Dracula put up a convincing performance to secure a 6-3 home win over Malt Shovel. Daniel Bahica opened the scoring with a pinpoint header before Malt Shovel levelled the match shortly afterwards. Sergiu Pitaru then made it 2-1 to Dracula before the interval, with strikes from Iancu Vasile and Gabriel Tilibasa making it 4-1 after the restart. Two goals from Shovel followed as they threatened to come back from the dead but a 35-yard effort from Vasile put the result beyond doubt. A late effort from Darius Constantin put the icing on the cake for the home side. Shovel’s goals came via Jake Raistrick (2) and Cameron Crowder.

Bramham now need just two points from their remaining three games to secure the Division Two title following their 9-1 success at Selby Olympia. George Coe (4), Reece Parker (2), Joe Parnaby (2) and Andy Wheatley fired the league leaders to victory. Thorpe United Blue picked the wrong time to lose momentum in the promotion race, drawing nil-nil at home to fellow promotion rivals South Park Rangers. This result meant that both lost ground on FC Polllington who sit second after a 5-1 win at Rawcliffe united, for whom Zak Fletcher scored. Both Thorpe and Rangers have games in hand on the second-placed team, however. Burton Leonard sailed past Strensall Tigers, winning by eight goals to one. Ben Rowe (3), Matthew Wood, Jordan Atkinson, Ben Atkins, Arran Kelly and Daniel Collett all bagged for the home team.

Pic: Jack Simpson put away a consolation penalty for The Nag’s Head. (Credit: Pickering Town FC)

Reports - 26th February

It was cup week in the Fastpack Ltd York Sunday Morning League and there wasn’t a shortage of goals with the seven ties producing forty-seven between them.

The Senior Trophy saw title rivals Haxby Town and Atlanta square up, and it was Town who emerged with a convincing 5-2 win. Adam Chaplin (2), Dan Clipston, Dan Lister and Will Owen fired Haxby through to the semi-finals, with Sean Robinson supplementing an own goal for the Atlanta total. Vasile Chiriac and Sergiu Pitaru netted for FC Dracula, but couldn’t prevent their side suffering a 6-2 defeat at the hands of The Nag’s Head. Callum Petch (2), Louis Smith (2) and Jordan Welsh struck for Thorpe United in a 5-2 win at Heworth Inn. Harrison Booth and Ben Bellerby replied. K-Town and Wigginton Grasshoppers couldn’t be separated after ninety minutes in their clash. Rhys Bolton struck either side of goals from Wiggy’s Liam Robertson and Cameron Mulhearn to send the teams to penalties following a 2-2 draw. ‘Hoppers won the shootout by five kicks to four.

In the League Junior Trophy, Selby Olympia shocked Bramham, defeating their opponents by five goals to one. Burton Leonard joined them in the semi-final draw after an 8-2 home win over South Park Rangers. Thorpe United Blue also progressed following a 4-1 success at Strensall Tigers.

Pic: Haxby Town progressed towards another cup final after a 5-2 win at Atlanta

Sunday 12th February

Only two games went ahead in the York Fastpack Ltd Sunday Morning League Division One this weekend. One of the four title hopefuls, Thorpe United Red, had a real setback when they were sunk by three goals to two at K-Town United. Danut Calin, Ethan Kent and Rhys Bolton netted for K-Town, who were collecting only their second league victory of the season. Last season’s champions, Wigginton Grasshoppers saw any faint title hopes they had left truly eradicated when they were on the wrong end of a 7-2 defeat by The Nag’s Head. Despite goals from John Cavanagh and Tom Kite, ‘Hoppers were put to the sword by the Heworth side, who can move level on points with the top two, should they win their game in hand. The Nag’s Head’s haul was shared between Jack Simpson (3), Fraser Hansen, Joey McCormick, Alex Zachariou and John Paul Turbine.

In Division Two, Bramham defeated Clock House by four goals to two and take their record to nine wins from eleven. Second-placed FC Pollington’s title charge stuttered as they drew 3-3 at home to Strensall Tigers.Thorpe United Blue’s promotion challenge continued as they defeated Rawcliffe United by four goals to nil. Josh Lamming, Bailey Moore and Connor Rawdon found the target four South Park Rangers in their 3-2 victory at Selby Olympia.

Picture: Highly-rated referee Ellis Douglas took charge of the game between Thorpe United and Rawcliffe United (Pic courtesy of Mark Crow)