1980 - 1981 - First Team Consolidate in Second Division

This was a much better year for Laxey First Team, and they finished solidly in the Second Division. New signings included Ian Astin, an accomplished full back, who went on to play for the Island, and the infamous Bruce Dawkes, a strong centre forward and skilful player who mostly played at centre forward, but was equally useful at the back.

The records I have showed that the team played 25 games, won 15, drew 3 and lost 7. On the present point scoring system they amassed 42 points, and scored 73 goals while conceding 43.

Their biggest win was an 8 - 1 win against Ayre, and their biggest loss was 7 - 1 to Marown.

They lost in the first round of the Woods Cup, but won both first round games in the FA Cup and Hospital Cup, losing both cups in the second round.

Players used that season were:

John Leece / 25
Ian Astin / 24
Gary Beattie / 24
David Cole / 24
Carl Senogles / 23
Ian McMullin / 23 (Goalkeeper)
Trevor Cowin / 22
Phil Garrett / 22
Gregory Kneale / 19
Bruce Dawkes / 16
Paul Desmond / 15
Keith Cody / 9
Davey Quayle / 8
Neil Kinrade / 5
David Ball / 3
David Wallis / 3
Alan Hannay / 3
Paul Marriott / 2
and one each for Dave Corlett, John Brown, Peter Kinnish, Paul Renard and Alan Kennaugh.

George Lawson and Derek Atkinson both had turns as subs, but did not play.

Once again John Leece (father of Jonathan) racked up a hefty score of appearances. Could he be the most profilic player at Laxey in their recent history?

Carl Senogles is still active, finishing the Parish Walk last year, and becoming a rapidly improving race walker. He also will have amassed a high number of appearances.

Superiority Stats

Every First Team game, I keep a record of shots on target and off target, both for Laxey and the opposition. I do the same for corners awarded.

I have been aware that every game our figures are usually much better, sometimes hugely better than the opposition.

I think I do it fairly, recording what shots look to be on target. Sometimes it is a bit of a subjective argument as you can sometimes not be absolutely sure where the ball would have ended up.

However, with Corners, there is no doubt and I am sure I recorded them accurately.

The figures are amazing. The only team which came close to us so far this season is Old Boys, who had more corners than us, and more shots off target, though one less on target.

Here are the total stats up to date :

Laxey /The Rest

Shots on Target 102/ 35

Shots off Target 80/ 45

Corners 92/ 30


Which begs the question - how many of those 92 corners have we converted directly into goals?

I suspect it is very few.

We need A Plan.......