Fall of Two Cities

Promoted from Division 1 as Champions, Ravenshead FC commenced their start to their Premier Division campaign with a 2 – 0 victory at the expense of FC Coopers who were playing their first match in the MAA. Coopers were on top for the majority of the first half but conceded a 33rd minute goal to Ravenshead who gradually took charge of the match and went on to clinch the points in the second half through Jordan Phillips’ strike. Elsewhere Michael Allen and Zeke Cox netted the goals to provide Bestwood MWFC with a similar 2 – 0 victory over Southwell City III. Following their 5 – 1 defeat of Trent Vineyard the previous week, AS Plant United’s’s two goals went unanswered by newly formed club AFC Farnsfield. Meanwhile Matt Bloor, Michael Nester and Dom Lynas were among the goals during Woodborough United’s 5 – 1 defeat of new boys Nottingham City.
In Division 1 Bridon AFC followed up their 10 – 3 defeat of Bilborough United Reserves last week with a 3 – 1 victory at the expense of Steelers. However Bridon were made to work hard for their points against 10 men opponents who eventually conceded a double to Jack Grinwood and a goal to Jack West. Ashfield FC pipped local rivals Sutton Travellers 2 – 1 thanks to goals from Austin Bowler and Rob Bradley, their task made easier when a Travellers’ player was given his marching orders. Sunnydale snatched a last minute equaliser to force a 2 – 2 draw with Bilborough United Reserves whilst another last minute goal earned AFC South Wingfield 93 a best of seven goals victory at the expense of Alvaston United. Nathan Cossey with a double and Karl Clifford netted for United whilst Chris Evans forged a hat-trick for South Wingfield with substitute Kieran Ferguson contributing to the tally. A Jamie Petman double and a goal from Magdala Amateurs Reserves’ Isaac Walker proved insufficient to prevent an 8 – 3 defeat at the hands of last season’s Division 1 Runners-Up, Old Elizabethans II. A Mark Hosker double and goals from Matt Alfred, Grant Strickson, Dave Crosby, Kial Thurman and Elliot Perry helped Derbyshire Amateur through to a 7 – 0 victory over newcomers Southwell City IV. A Scott Hughes hat-trick allied to goals from Aiden Cronin and Richard Wright saw ex Premier Division outfit Wollaton III through to a 6 – 1 defeat of Old Bemrosians who replied through Joshua Dexter.