March saw plenty of IFA action with at least one game every weekend, including the start of the Second Round of the 2022/23 IFA British Cup.
4th March
There were 3 games in the English League and 2 games in the Scottish League in an action packed weekend to kick off the month.
We Are Birmingham travelled to Rochdale in an exciting duel between two of the top English League teams. The contest was end-to-end, however neither team could find a winner. The game finished 3-3 with goals from Nathan Tipper, Nick Starkey and Luke Stokes of We Are Birmingham being evenly matched by an effort from Paul Hudson and a brace from Ryan Lockett of Rochdale.
Preston North End made the long trip to London to face Watford IFC prior to their respective clubs playing against each other at Vicarage Road. Watford IFC’s Ben Kelly got the only goal of the game as Watford IFC came out on top with a 1-0 win.
The English League also saw Claret Shoemakers host Abbey United, where a hat-trick from Cameron Scarr inspired the away side to a 0-6 win over the hosts. Ryan Johnson, Aaron Aspinall and Dave Webb were also on the scoresheet for Abbey United in a dominant display.
In a similar fashion, the Scottish League fixture between Glasgow Piraten and Queens Park also saw the away side take the 3 points after a 0-6 win at the expense of the hosts. Dylan Roberts, Adam Ellsworth, Neale Waugh and Grant McGillivray got a goal each for Queens Park and Darren Dunsmore got two.
The other Scottish League game saw a 1-1 stalemate between Livingston GS and Alloa Athletic. Chris Love was Livingston GS’ goalscorer, however a goal from Alloa Athletic’s Jordan McNabney ensured that both teams shared the points.
11th March
This weekend saw 2 games in the Scottish League and the first of four ties in the Second Round of the 2022/23 IFA British Cup. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, the English League game between We Are Birmingham and Shrewsbury Town was postponed.
Internazioswally hosted Preston North End in a Second Round tie of the 2022/23 IFA British Cup. The game was a 9-goal thriller with the English side edging the tie 4-5. Despite a goal from Greg Fernie and a hat-trick from Fraser Fernie, it wasn’t enough for Internazioswally. A Chris Chambers brace and goals from Jack Sumner, Phil Sumner and Jack meant that it would be Preston who would advance into the Semi-Finals.
In the Scottish League, Hibernifan hosted Alloa Athletic who were aiming to push towards the top of the Scottish League. Individual efforts from Jordan McNabney and James Green, plus a double from Blaine Prentice sealed a 0-4 away win for Alloa Athletic and helped them towards the summit with 3 vital points.
Two of the top Scottish League teams also faced each other as KaisAyr travelled to the current Scottish League Champions, Fir Park. Despite a goal from Fir Park’s Deane Brown, it was KaisAyr who ran out 1-2 winners at the home of the champions, thanks to goals from Marc McKinnon and Jordan Barclay.
18th March
The untimely March weather continued to take its toll on the IFA British League, however this weekend it was in the Scottish League, as the game between Queens Park and Real Maroon was postponed.
This meant that only one game took place, however it was another highly anticipated 2022/23 IFA British Cup Second Round tie between Watford IFC and Livingston GS. The Scottish side’s long trip to London was well documented so feel free to check out their experience and Watford IFC’s hosting skills…
8 minutes of footage of FC Livingston GS’ Second Round IFA British Cup trip to Watford
Although the first half ended 0-0, something must have been said during the half time team talks to inspire both teams to score some goals, as there were 7 of them in the second half! Watford IFC’s Matt Ladell and Charlie Wood got 2 of the goals, however Livingston GS’ incredible second half display saw them score 5 in order to win the game 2-5 and advance into the Semi-Finals. Joni Agini, Angus McGregor and Kevin Greenan got a goal each and John Alexander got a brace as the Scottish side prevailed.
25th March
The final weekend of March saw 4 games in all 3 IFA Competitions and a huge combined total of 34 goals!
The third of four IFA British Cup ties was played and it was an all-Scottish affair between the current holders, Fir Park, and Stirling Albino. Unfortunately for Stirling Albino, the 2021/22 Cup winners showed that they weren’t planning on letting go of the trophy any time soon after an emphatic 8-0 win. Craig Keatings scored a hat-trick, while David Grier and Jack Moore both got a brace. Deane Brown also scored for Fir Park who sailed through to the Semi-Finals, where they will now face Preston North End in a repeat of last year’s Final.
In the English League, Manchester United Supporters travelled to Shrewsbury Town and it was the away side who came out on top after a dominant 0-9 win. Tez Armstrong scored 4 of the 9 goals with the other 5 coming from Rob Curran, Dave Spruce, Nick Edge and a Paul Barnes brace.
The Scottish League saw Glasgow Piraten travel to Livingston GS who were looking to continue their fine form after beating Watford IFC in the IFA British Cup. The hosts appeared to make it back from Watford’s Popworld, as they won 9-1 thanks to doubles from Joni Agini and Paul Miller, as well as individual goals from Tom Cheeseman, Jordan McAlpine, Craig Bowman, Richard Harrison and Callum McCormack. Niall McCamley scored a consolation for Glasgow Piraten.
There was also an Edinburgh derby in the Scottish League as Hibernifan hosted Real Maroon. Although Ryan Church-Michael and James McFaul were on the scoresheet for the hosts, it wasn’t enough as it was the away side who took the local bragging rights, thanks to goals from Robbie Easton and Scott Cairney, as well as a hat-trick from Stuart Scott.