The last Saturday before Christmas had only four fixtures on the schedule but with two of those being the semi finals of the Division One Presidents Cup what was missing in terms of numbers was made up in the quality of the games. With an all Gainsborough and all Retford semi in each game the local rivalries were bound to be intense. AFC Friendship faced Smiffys FC  on the Middlefield Road Sports ground and with both sets of players knowing each other so well there was always going to be plenty of tension in the game. AFC Friendship as the holders of the Trophy were intent on not losing that hold and in a game that was always very close it was AFC who came out on top by two goals to nil. Although they had not made the best of starts to the season so far by their own high standards the will to win once came to the fore. With Smiffys FC heading the league table at Christmas from their nearest rivals the rest of the season will see many more games like this one. White Lion had to dig very deep to defeat proven cup fighters Rampton Hospital in the second semi final, in a very open game where both teams went all out for victory it was White Lion who booked their final spot after four goals to two victory. The game was a true cup tie and was a credit to both and if the final is as good as this then the spectators will be in for a treat. The two games played in Division Two saw differing fortunes for two of the sides from the top table of the league table. Ropery Inn enhanced their title hopes after a very convincing six goals to nil win over bottom team Marshalls Sports and are on this showing genuine title challengers. Playing an all out attacking game this was a very impressive showing from Ropery Inn. Saxilby Athletic who started the season so well have somewhat fell away in recent weeks and Saturday’s visit to Sun Inn Wheatley again brought them no joy. Sun Inn always held the edge and deservedly ran out three goals to one winners to give them a boost for the Christmas period. There are no fixtures scheduled for this coming Saturday and only the outstanding Annie Lawson Cup semi final between Harworth Colliery Juniors and Mattersey due to be played on Saturday January 3. it will therefore be January 10 before the league programme get back to full swing so we wish all of you a happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to an exciting second half of the season.
Results
Division Two: Sun Inn Wheatley 3,  Saxilby Athletic 1; Ropery Inn 6, Marshalls Spts 0.
 Presidents Cup Semi Finals: AFC Friendship 2, Smiffys 0; White Lion 4, Rampton Hospital 2.