Pub on the Shrubs Yarmouth Saturday League

The first of our Wiltshire Cup finalists is now known after an epic semi-final that really could have gone either way. In a game described as a fantastic advert for the league favourites Haven Bridge United entertained Wiltshire Cup holders Caister Roma on the Beaconsfield. The game was end to end first half with both sides missing chances to take the lead. The second period started like the first but finally the deadlock was broken as Caister Roma’s James Woods pounced to give his side the lead. The home side though are a battling bunch and restored parity when a trademark Scott Butler free kick found the net. Ninety minutes came and went and extra time followed the rest of the match with both sides looking to take the decisive lead but the game finished 1-1. Onto penalties and the score stood at 3-3 with both Malloy and Bollington both making a couple saves but in sudden death Caister made theirs count and Bollington became the hero as he saved Haven Bridge’s spot kick to send the holders back to the final. Congratulations to all at Caister Roma on making the show piece final on Monday, April 1. Their opponents will be known tomorrow as Wanderers entertain Catfield. This game must be played to a finish on the day. Catfield warmed up for this weeks semi final with a 7-0 league cup win over South Yarmouth played in a sporting manner. On to league matters and MK Shrubs have taken over top spot in Division 1 with a 4-0 win over Bohemians. Despite top place though they do have less games than others but if they can beat Catfield and Haven Bridge then who knows. Yarmouth internationals good run of form was ended in a 2-0 defeat to Albion Tramway. The two sides face each other again tomorrow. Over in Division 2 and Peelers are now the front runners for the title after a superb come back. Trailing 4-1 at home to Prostar Windows with 20 minutes to go they turned it round to win 5-4 and lead the table with three league matches to play. Caister A meanwhile put a dent into Wanderers title bid with a 4-1 win at Allendale and also keeping themselves in the hunt. Caister are still challenging for three trophies so well done to all concerned there. Filby & Runham won a tight match with Grosvenor Casino 3-1 and now have more wins than last season so certainly improvement there. Martham A also pushed MK Reserves close before finally going down 5-2. The league needs to make clubs aware of the semi finals rule that states players must have played in one previous round or played 3 league matches to be eligible. Any team caught offending this will be removed from the cup.

The Yarmouth & District Football League is still inviting applications for the 2013-14 season. Teams must be with 12 miles of the borough of Great Yarmouth (not town) and must be affiliated before the season commences to either Norfolk or Suffolk county FA. If you are interested or would like more details or help to get started then please contact league secretary Ryan Starkey on 01493 602345 or 07788 592529 or email ryan.starkey@sky.com