The GFSN Gay National League season ended with an emphatic victory for Nottingham Ball Bois FC, this month.

They remained unbeaten throughout the whole season, finishing seven points clear of closest rivals, Birmingham Blaze.

There were further celebrations for the East Midlands club as midfielder Craig S took the golden boot for most GFSN goals scored during the season.

The story of the season was one of Midlands rivalry and domination, with the early pace set by Leicester Wildecats.

As the season progressed, Leicester, Birmingham and Nottingham emerged as the three serious challengers to the title. Whilst Leicester faded towards the end of the season, eventually finishing fifth, and Birmingham suffered a couple of late defeats which harmed their chances, Nottingham held out to become the first Midlands club to take the GFSN title since its inception in 2002.

Gatecrashing the Midlands party at the top, GFC Bournemouth finished third after a steady set of results throughout the year. London Titans were resurgent in the latter part of the season, climbing to fourth, and were the only team to take points from the champions with a draw in their final game.

Their fortunes were in marked contrast to fellow Londoners, and last year’s champions, London Falcons who finished in eighth place.

Newcomers Hotscots FC from Edinburgh finished in a creditable sixth, and will also be pleased with victory in the GFSN Cup competition. Edinburgh also saw the first abandoned game in GFSN history as stormy Scottish weather forced the eventual champions, Nottingham, to make two trips north of the border on their way to the title.

Nottingham Chair, Tony Lynn, said of the club’s victory: “It’s testament to the commitment and spirit in the club that the players and supporters have regularly travelled the length and breadth of the country to make this victory possible. I am incredibly proud of the club and our achievements this year.”

On a sunny day in Woking, Hotscots FC defeated GFC Bournemouth 1-0 to win the GFSN Cup.

A goal from Craig P mid-way through the first half settled the game - a deflected shot from 20 yards that skidded into the far bottom corner.

Both sides enjoyed spells of possession throughout the match, but rarely was each keeper tested - a testiment to the defending of each team.

The first opportunity broke to Bournemouth, working down the right flank well before a dangerous ball was whipped into the box. Amidst the confusion, the ball was cleared but it signalled the intent of a Bournemouth side resurgent this season.

Hotscots were more than holding their own, and as the first half wore on they creeped back into the match with a series of corners, putting the GFCB defence under pressure.

Clear-cut chances remained few and far between, that is until the 34th minute.

Seemingly out of nothing, Craig P struck a low shot from just outside the area. The ball seemed to take a slight deflection en-route to the bottom right hand corner, with the Bournemouth goalkeeper unable to stretch far enough to prevent the opening goal.

The goal sprang the Scots into life, with the remainder of the half played in the Bournemouth half.

A number of corners and half-chances fell to the Edinburgh side, but the first 45 finished 1-0.

The second half was a scrappy affair; Hotscots were evidently nervous protecting their slender lead and Bournemouth were committing players forward on the counter-attack.

Bournemouth brought on Jon F upfront, and almost immediately he created an opportunity, but couldn’t get a shot away to goal - suffocated by the admiral Hotscots defence.

Stew F, later named man-of-the-match, played extremely well in picking up loose balls in midfield and creating attacking situations - but the south coast side had the better of the play in the second period.

Bournemouth played some good passing on the left wing, but ultimately the strong Hotscots defence dealt comfortably with any danger. Colin S, as throughout the season, was a rock at the heart of the Hotscots defence.

And so, as the minutes ebbed away, Bournemouth attempted to besiege the Scots goal but it wasn’t enough - a lack of creativity in the final third meant the Scots keeper wasn’t tested.

At the final whistle, the Hotscots players and fans celebrated their victory with pride. All credit to Bournemouth, who played well in a good spirited match between the two sides.

The day was a huge success for the two sides, and the GFSN League as a whole. Thanks must go to Gavin, Andy, Matt & Russ for officiating on the day, and Andy Turner of London Titans & Woking FC matchday announcer.

And so, another season draws to a close with new winners in both the league and cup, new applications from teams wishing to join the league, and teams continuing to travel up and down the country to play football, make new friends, and enjoy themselves. LGB-friendly football has never been healthier.

Nottingham Ballbois were confirmed GNL Champions for 2008/2009 after beating Leicester Wildecats 1-0 at Victoria Embankment.

The East Midlands side have won every game en-route to the title so far, with one game remaining against London Titans on May 10th.

The goal, scored by James H, came in the final few minutes of the match in a tie noted for it’s spirit and fair-play.

Nottingham will be presented with the trophy and medals on May 10th after their game with London Titans.

Meanwhile, the Titans defeated Leftfooters 4-nil at Wormwood Scrubs to give themselves a chance of finishing in the top three. They must hope for a win against Ballbois in their final game, and hope Birmingham Blaze and Leicester draw in the final game of the league season.

Birmingham Blaze defeated Brighton Bandits 3-1 as they battle for 2nd place, and GFC Bournemouth travelled to Yorkshire and returned victorious after beating Terriers 2-1.

The last two matches (rearranged from February) take place on May 10th:

Nottingham Ballbois vs London Titans
Birmingham Blaze vs Leicester Wildecats

Congratulations to Nottingham Ballbois.

Ian suffered an impact fracture which has broken both the tibia and fibia in his right leg in Birmingham’s game against Yorkshire on Sunday 19th April.

Hopefully Ian will be having surgery this weekand will need to stay in hospital in Sheffield (where the game was played) for a couple of days before hopefully moving closer to his home town at the end of the week.

Everyone associated with the league is really shocked and sadden to hear of the injury, and hope to see him back on the football pitch as soon as he can.

The GFSN League is pleased to announce that the GFSN Cup Final will be hosted by Woking FC.

The 6,000 seater stadium will host the final on Sunday 3rd May, with kick-off at 1pm.  Many thanks to London Titans chairman, and Woking matchday announcer, Andy Turner for liaising with the club and making it happen.

Woking play in the Blue Square Premiership (commonly referred to as the Conference).  They currently lanquish in 21st position - a relegation spot.  They have one more game remaining (which the must win) and hope other results go their way.

The two GFSN teams competing in the final are GFC Bournemouth and Hotscots FC.

Bournemouth reached the final last month defeating Village Manchester on penalties, whilst Hotscots FC reached the final after a superb 3-2 win away at London Falcons (AET).

Ground Name: Kingfield Stadium
Capacity: 6,000 (2,500 Seated)
Address: Kingfield, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9AA

GFC Bournemouth reached their second GFSN Cup Final in three years after defeating the current cup holders Village Manchester on penalties.

The south coast side raced into the lead after only four minutes, Wayne B half-volleying home for the visitors after latching onto a flick-on.

The home side rallied however, and eventually equalised after 30 minutes.  Liam M slid home after racing onto a through ball.

The game was described by the referee as a hard, but fair match - Daniel S of Manchester was booked after 72 minutes for dissent, as both sides battled hard searching for a winning goal.

Extra time was a procession of missed chances, with GFC Bournemouth putting pressure on the Manchester goal - keeper Craig N was being kept very busy.

With two minutes to go, Bournemouth’s Martin H came up with a Brazilian-esque overhead kick that flew towards the top corner, but the chance was headed off the line.

As can be expected, the resultant penalty shoot-out was a tense affair.  VMFC missed their first spot kick, whilst GFC Bournemouth converted all of their first four penalties.

Manchester’s Chris W then went onto miss their final kick, meaning GFC Bournemouth reached the final again.  They’ll face Falcons GFC or Hotscots FC in the cup final, which is provisionally dated for Sunday 10th May.

Referee: P.Kirkham (Middlesex County FA)

Village Manchester FC Match Report - Click Here
GFC Bournemouth Match Report - Click Here 

However, Nottingham Ballbois 13-1 win over Leftfooters at Regents Park means they extend their unbeaten record at the top of the table.

On Sunday 22nd March, GFC Bournemouth beat Birmingham Blaze 1-nil to strengthen their slim title hopes.

A week later, Hotscots humbled Brighton Bandits 2-0 in Edinburgh to keep in touch with the league leaders.

But it wasn’t a good weekend for Leicester Wildecats, who were beaten 2-nil at home to London Titans - who have a 100% win record on their travels in the league.

The defeat leaves Leicester languishing three points behind rivals Nottingham, who also have a game in hand.

Yorkshire Terriers meanwhile, managed a sound result to beat Falcons 3-1 in Leeds, which moves them upto 8th in the table. Falcons now only have one game left, a home tie to title-contenders Hotscots on Saturday 18th April.

With many fixtures yet to be rescheduled following the winter disruption, there’s a dis-jointed look to the fixtures calendar over the next few weeks.

However, on Sunday 12th April - Nottingham return to Hotscots in a league tie that will surely play a major part in deciding where the league title ends up for 2008/2009.

The game, rearranged from 8th February, was level at half-time but 2 second-half goals from the hosts puts them 8th in the table above Brighton and Leftfooters.

The league began on 29th September 2002, when Yorkshire were beaten at home 2-5 by Leicester Wildecats, and in the past seven years the league has grown to 10 teams and a cup competition.

So far, 977 goals have been scored since the league’s inception and the 1000th goal looks certain to be reached before May.

Congratulations and well done to all the teams, players, managers and supporters who have been involved in the league over the last seven years.

However travelling Hotscots once again showed they are no pushovers, trouncing Leicester Wildecats 5-2.  The defeat means Ballbois and Wildecats are tied at the top of the table, with Nottingham having a game in hand.

Birmingham Blaze kept in touch at the top of the table with a 2-1 win at Titans. Two goals either side of half-time but them in control, and they bravely survived an on-slaught on their goal towards the end of the match to return up the M40 with all three points.

Leftfooters vs Yorkshire ended in a 4-nil win to the visitors, their first points of the season, and Bournemouth vs Falcons ended in a goaless draw down on the south coast.

Ties to be played before the end of April, although with the fixture backlog (following the recent weather) this may not be possible.