The CMAFL Roundup for August 5th.

Thanks to Darren Wilkinson for the photo from Mansfield Hosiery Mills match with Arnold Town

The newly titled league got underway with several midweek fixtures and a reduced Saturday programme as many match officials were required for FA Cup ties.

The first goal of the new season came as early as the 3rd minute, AFC Bentley’s Craig Aspinall scoring in his team’s 3-0 defeat of SJR Worksop in the Black Dragon Badges North Division. Aspinall’s opener was followed by further strikes from Jordan Snodin three minutes before half time and Josh Gibbons on the hour. Woodhouse Colts will be disappointed with their 3-2 defeat at Staveley Reserves as they surrendered a two goal half time lead. Jonathan Jenkinson put Woodhouse in front on 13 minutes, Jayden Bull adding number two with 32 played. Staveley responded with two goals in three minutes early in the second half, Danny Fullwood and Ethan Robinson on target, before Staveley stole the points in the sixth minute of added time, 17 year old Michael Wilson the matchwinner. Much fancied Dearne & District attracted an impressive crowd of 451 to their season opener against Yorkshire Main. A first half hat trick from Bayley Lowe and one for Regan Kelly saw Dearne finish 4-1 winners, Main’s goal coming from Ashton Jacques. Despite the winter weather on Saturday, only Harworth’s match was postponed. Retford Reserves switched their game to Dinnington’s all weather pitch, the Yorkshire side winning 3-1 with two goals from Alex Rippon and one for Nathan Jessop., Liam Cross with Retford’s reply. An encouraging start for Doncaster City in their league debut as they beat Hatfield Town 2-0. Both goals came in the second half, Muhamet Gashi with the opener on 73 minutes, Rio Allan making sure in the final minute. Elite AFC, also playing their first Premier Division, were also 2-0 winners, Tommy Pallett’s goal in first half stoppage time followed by one on the hour from Sam Amissah giving them the points against AFC Phoenix.

In the Premier South division promoted AFC Normanton got their campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 win against Mickleover RBL thanks to goals at either end of the game. Josh Manfield got a 6th minute opener, but Normanton had to wait until a minute from time to wrap up the points, Jak Lightly the scorer. It was the same scoreline at Mansfield Hosiery Mills where the hosts got the better of Arnold Town with a goal in either half. Cory Burton got the first two minutes before the interval with Tom Suter adding the second with 77 played to ensure maximum points for the Millers. There was frustration for Graham St Prims who were leading 3-1 in their match with Wirksworth Ivanhoe when the lights went out. An early local derby resulted in a 2-1 win for South Normanton at neighbours Pinxton. Grant Mitchell gave the Shiners a 32nd minute lead, Liam West bringing the scores level at half time. The all important decider didn’t arrive until the 83rd minute, Logan Liggins clinching it for the visitors. An inspired substitution gave Teversal the points at Linby. The sides were level at the break, Danny Fletcher’s 12th minute penalty for the visitors answered by Ashdon Bernard on 32 minutes. With both sides reduced to ten men, Linby took the lead through Dylan Walker on 73 minutes but Tevie took the points as sub Isaac Potter scored with his first touch two minutes later, going on to complete an eight minute hat trick to seal a 4-2 win. An all Derby clash resulted in a 3-2 win for Derby Singh Brothers at Mickleover Reserves. Lee Williamson with two and Raza Mughal on target for Singhs with Dean Ironmonger and an own goal not quite enough for the hosts.

Bentley's winning start to the season continued in the John Preen Memorial Cup beating SJR Worksop's Development side 6-1. Goals from Jordan Snodin, Shaun Carrington, Bailey Willard, Ryan Shaw, and a brace from Brad Sykes took Bentley into the semifinal of the competition against South Elmsall United Services to be held on December 30th..

Richard Lane