Metheringham FC Update Winter 2009

As we approach the halfway stage of our season (although most teams have only played a third of their matches) it is time to reflect on our progress so far.

Stuart Robinson's very young Senior Saturday side is having a much improved season, being only one victory away from third place in the Lincoln League. Management upheaval and sickness has not helped the Sunday First Team's Premier progression. They have played only a few league games and have already suffered an unexpected dismissal from the County Cup by a lesser Grimsby side.

Dave Atkin's Sunday 2nd XI side are currently third in Division Three and having an excellent season. The Under 18s, led expertly by Alan Ward and Andy Blackband, are, in the main, last year's U16s and are taking time to settle at this level. An excellent result in the Charity Cup where they beat Woodhall Spa 9 - 8 on Penalties after being level 2 - 2 at the end of extra time. In the next round they will entertain one of Lincolnshire's better Intermediate sides, Lincoln United, and that will certainly be a stern test of how much they have improved.

Unfortunately, we lost two of our junior sides, Under 11s and 13s at the start of the season due to lack of players, always a struggle for village sides. We now have only(!!) six sides competing in the MidLincs league. Barry King's Under 15s are finding playing in the 'A' League a difficult proposition after last season's promotion. Roy Roger's Under 14s continue to impress and are vying for the leadership of their 'B' league. Paul Scigala's Under 12s are in mid table in Division D and are still in the Cup after an impressive victory over Cranwell 'A' from a higher league. John Haresign's Under 10s and Paul Chamber's Under 9s both are currently mid table in their respective leagues and are coming along nicely. Chris Wood's Under 8s play only 'non-competitive' matches. That is to say there is no league table produced, not that the lads and lasses don't get stuck in.

It is obviously expensive to run a club with ten teams and luckily for us, Liz Rogers joined our committee at the last AGM, and is responsible for fund raising. So far Liz has, in conjunction with The Mowgli, organised an "Indian Evening" which was well supported, and raised a large amount of money that has been split between the Club and a Mowgli supported School in Bangladesh and has also helped organise and run our Mulled Wine stall at the Fair & Feast, again raising much needed funds. Along with her husband Roy and other enthusiast they won the best decorated Stall with their adaptation of "Oliver". Well done to everyone concerned.

Next event will be a Christmas Fair in the Village Hall on Saturday, 5th December.

We are also very lucky to be able to call on several local organisations for help and none more so than Maggie and Butch from the Star and Garter Hotel who have always been a great help.

As I write this, I have just returned from the cremation of Derek Sampson, ex youth team manager, ex Vice-Chairman, Life Vice President and all round good guy. A gentleman who always had a smile on his face, even when obviously in great pain. He brightened up our Monday evenings (meeting nights) with his array of exotic football shirts, especially a vivid Marseille creation and a 1970s Gunners example and will be sadly missed by his many friends at Metheringham Football Club.

John Wood - Chairman