Seven far from heaven for Crown Inn

Crown Inn saw their run of defeats extended in crushing fashion with a 7-1 Isle derby defeat to Duffs Dynamos.

And it was largely thanks to free-scoring striker Ryan Maw who netted six to condemn ten man Crown to a fifth straight defeat in Scunthorpe and District Sunday League’s Division Five.

Losing keeper Josh Knibb to a red card certainly did not help matters for Crown, who have just one win in the league so far this season.

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A change in fortunes was hinted at by the Belton outfit when they took the lead from the game’s first shot in the second minute.

Winger Chris Ellis looped the ball over Duffs keeper Kieran Howitt from long distance.

The lead lasted ten minutes and was squandered when Rob Moore was allowed too much space in the penalty area and he grabbed the equaliser.

Three minutes later and Crown were behind. More hesitant defending, this time in search of an offside flag, allowed Maw to pounce for his first of the match.

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The ultimate dominance of Duffs could not be telegraphed until after Maw extended his side’s lead with a delicate chip over the advancing keeper.

The major event of the game brought Maw his hat trick and the end of Crown’s hopes.

Moore was fouled by Crown keeper Knibb, who was shown a straight red, leaving centre half Danny Taylor to take over in goal.

His first task was to pick the ball out of the net as Maw netted from the spot.

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Maw then added his fourth and Duffs’ fifth before the break.

It took four minutes of the second half for Duffs and Maw to strike again as he raced through on the left and fired an effort across Taylor into the bottom corner.

Things could have taken an even more disastrous turn for Crown moments later.

Taylor conceded a penalty but only earned a yellow card, much to the relief of everyone concerned with Crown.

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And there was even more relief for the stand-in keeper as he watched substitute Steve Duffy – after whom his team is named – slammed the spot kick wide of the post.

Duffs were not to be denied a seventh however and it came from Maw, who completed his double hat trick with half an hour left to play.

Crown, to their immense credit, refused to lay down and battled on superbly, preventing Duffs from inflicting further damage to their already poor goal difference.

In fact, they were the closest to scoring in the final 30 minutes when Ash Sidaway hit the bar late on.

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West Butterwick extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with an incredible 21-0 mauling of hosts of Winteringham Rangers.

Crowle Keys saw their Division Three clash postponed with their scheduled opponents in county cup action.

AFC Epworth were edged out to a 4-3 defeat by Trinity FC in Division Four.

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