25th July 2000   

Latics make final again!!!

ATHLETIC were grateful for some lenient refereeing last night as they reached the final of the Isle of Man International Festival. Danny Boshell could have been sent off for lashing out at an opponent but, rather than take drastic action, ref. Kevan Maitland told Andy Ritchie to take his young midfielder out of the fray. Instead of seeing red — and missing the first three league games of the season — Boshell escaped lightly for his flash of indiscipline. He was substituted after 35 minutes and, having avoided a ban for violent conduct, remains a part of Athletic's immediate plans. In the 2-1 victory over the Isle of Man, Boshell (19) reacted angrily in an off-the-ball incident with rival midfielder Lee Dixon.

The players appeared to make contact with each other and Mr Maitland advised both managers to make quick substitutions. Boshell was replaced by Ritchie, 20 years his senior and filling in so that John Sheridan could have a game off. The manager helped to create his team's winning goal, which was scored in injury time by Andrew Holt. Athletic now face one of Stoke, Darlington or Bury in Saturday's final at the Bowl, Douglas (3pm). Shaun Garnett picked up a slight injury, but he is expected to recover as the tournament holders defend their crown.

A strong Athletic reserve team will play a pre-season friendly at Guiseley tonight (7.30 kick-off). Paul Beavers plays in defence, while full-back Richard Dunning, who is on an extended trial after being released by Blackburn, has another chance to impress. The squad includes 16-year-old Toni Leonoff, one of two Finnish youngsters who have signed up as trainees.

ATHLETIC (from): Campbell, Tait, Dunning, Beavers, Futcher, Thom, Salt, Smith, Froggatt, Walsh, McLoughlin, Haining, Leonoff, Clark, Otto, Whittle.

Teenage striker Jonathan Froggatt — told last season that he would be released —has earned a reprieve after impressing Athletic's management. David McNiven, who is looking for a club after his contract ran out last month, is having trials with York City.

IT was a case of the late, late show as Athletic clinched a place in the final of the Isle of Man International Football Festival last night. A 92nd-minute header from full-back Andrew Holt sealed a 2-1 victory over the amateur hosts, but the match was marred by controversy when Manx referee Kevan Maitland forced Athletic to substitute midfielder Danny Boshell after just 35 minutes of the Group A match at Ramsey. Boshell appeared to push Island midfielder Lee Dixon in the face after the two players clashed in an off-the-ball incident. And the official warned boss Andy Ritchie he would send off both players unless they were substituted. Aware a dismissal would lead to a ban for Boshell at the start of the league season, Ritchie brought himself into the fray for a rare appearance — and went on to play a part in the winning goal.

It had all started comfortably for Athletic. In fact, an onslaught looked on the cards when Mark Allott continued his fine pre-season form with the opening goal after just three minutes. Craig Dudley released Matthew Tipton down the right and his inviting cross was tucked away by Allott. Only a timely block from Island goalkeeper John Ward denied Allott again in the 11th minute after another Tipton pass. Ward, later voted man of the match, produced a string of fine saves in the early stages to deny Shaun Garnett and a long-range drive from Paul Rickers. However, the Isle of Man battled back bravely and levelled on the half-hour when Rickers was dispossessed 20 yards from goal and former Stockport reserve Paul Jones fired a swerving shot past David Miskelly. The loss of Boshell affected Athletic’s rhythm and Garnett joined him on the sidelines early in the second half after receiving an accidental kick from Island striker Peter Langridge.

Despite Athletic’s dominance, a penalty shoot-out looked on the cards as the Isle of Man’s solid defence restricted the reigning champions to long-range efforts. However, with just seconds left, Ritchie was brought down 30 yards from goal and Holt rose unmarked to head Lee Duxbury’s free-kick past Ward. Ritchie said: “We didn’t play well, but we’re in the final and that’s all that matters. “The Island could feel aggrieved to lose at the death like that. But we should have scored more than one when we were in total control early on. “We can play a lot better, but it was our second game in two days and I’m just delighted to be back in the final.”

ATHLETIC: Miskelly, Jones, Garnett (Duxbury 55), Hotte, Dudley, Holt, Rickers, Boshell (Ritchie 35), Innes, Tipton, Allott (Whitehall 77).

First Division Champions;   Blackburn.(oops...sorry!)
                    Runners Up;  Sheffield Wednesday.
                    Play Offs;      Wimbledon, Fulham, Barnsley, Watford
                    Relegated;     Crewe, Gillingham, Stockport.

Second Division Champions;  Millwall
Second Division Runners up;  Swindon
  "          "          Play Offs;     Port Vale, Wigan, Stoke, Bristol Rovers....(sorry lads.....but where is our 20 goal man????)
                        Relegated;    Colchester, Peterborough, Rotherham, Oxford

Third Division Champions;    Blackpool
Third Division Runners up;    Darlington
  "        "           Play Offs;    Scunthorpe, Cardiff, Brighton, Chesterfield
                    Relegated;      Kidderminster Harriers

FA CUP WINNERS;          Liverpool
League Cup;                     Everton

Scottish Premier;   Celtic!!....(we live in hope!!)