|
Worksop Town 0 Sheffield FC 2
Sheffield & Hallamshire
Senior Cup Final
Thursday, 08/05/08
So the season ends in a party
fashion for Sheffield FC, ending a tremendously eventful season on a high, winning the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior
Cup for the third time in four attempts. A goal in each half from skipper (and ex-Worksop player) Gavin Smith saw Club home,
in a remarkably comfortable display against higher league opponents, one that saw Club rarely step out of first gear. Whilst
the performance is scant consolation for missing out on promotion, it gave a taste of what might have been against opposition
from that level, and the prospect that life in the UniBond Premier Division would not have been that scary at all.
If anything Worksop started
the liveliest, and it was they who took the game to Sheffield, and should have taken the lead after some early chances. Paul
Stansfield's mis-kicked effort fell kindly to David Cockerill, whose first time effort struck the foot of the post, whilst
Jamie Holmshaw had to be at his best - tipping over an Andy Boyce header, following an excellent Ryan Ludlam cross. When Cockerill's
corner was met at the back post by a diving header from Andy White, it looked a certainty that the Tigers would take the lead,
inexplicably though the effort sailed wide of the mark. And that was all Worksop had to offer, as in the 27th minute Sheffield
took a lead that they never looked like relinquishing, with the Tigers lacking bite from hereon in. In their first real sortie
on goal, Chris Dolby played a neat one-two with Vill Powell, before sending in a neat chip to the back post where GAVIN SMITH
was steaming in with a trademark header.
Club looked a class above
Worksop on the field, playing a calmer and composed game, soaking up anything the Tigers had to throw at them - with Rob Ward
looking imperious at the back. All Town had to offer in the second period was a sole volley from David Cockerill, one that
sailed wide of the mark, other than that it was plain sailing for Messrs McCarthy and Walshaw's charges. Sheffield were always
the more threatening, and the longer the game went on, the more likely it looked they would get a second goal. Matt Lowton's
long ball found Vill Powell, and it took some brave keeping from Dave Ratcliffe to deny the Sheffield forward, diving at Powell's
feet as he broke through one-on-one. Ratcliffe was stopping the game turning into a rout, and he had to be at his best to
turn a Darryl Winter shot round the post, but in the 69th minute there was nothing the stopper could do to deny Club that
inevitable second goal. A corner was whipped across, the ball fell to Peter Davey who stabbed the ball to the edge of the
six yard box, and there lurking with goal on his mind was GAVIN SMITH - making no mistake with his effort, in the meantime
setting the party in motion. After this Worksop looked spent, their supporters streamed towards the exits once again, and
all that was left was for the double-goal-scoring-captain-for-the-day Mr Smith (G) to lift the trophy on behalf of a very
happy bunch of people.
The trophy was always going
to be a consolation prize after missing out on promotion, but it serves as much more in a historic celebration season, where
any silverware would be gratefully received. This season has been memorable in more than one way, and everyone who has pulled
on a maroon shirt has contributed in some way, with the final week's events beyond most people's expectations way back in
August. But now we know what it's like in UniBond World, next season we won't be the new boys, and if this season is anything
to go by - well, 2008/09 will be another rollercoaster ride of emotions, hopefully with happiness and success at the forefront.
Here's to next season, enjoy the summer, and we'll see you all again in pre-season!
BTF Club Man of the Match - Rob Ward (yes Rob, you!)
Worksop Town: Ratcliffe,
Ludlam, Davies, Akers (Palmer), Boyce, Dawson, Stansfield, Robinson, White, Sansay, Cockerill. Subs Not Used: Smith, Burridge,
Jordan, Stothard.
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, G.Smith, P.Smith, Lowton, Boulter, Davey, Winter, Dolby (Holmes), Powell (J.Smith),
Copnell (Roney), Ward. Subs Not Used: Townsend, Haystead.
Att: 583.
Time for the travelling hordes to celebrate - Rob Ward's 90th minute equaliser
(unfortunately John and Trev's arms got in the way of the shot of the ball hitting
the net !)
Nantwich Town 2 Sheffield FC 2 AET (Nantwich win 4-1 on pens)
UniBond
Division One South Play Off Final
Saturday, 03/05/08
It's all over as Smith scores and the Dabbers celebrate (click on image to enlarge)
So it all ended in heartbreak; falling at the final hurdle
in the worst possible way, a penalty shootout defeat ends the debut UniBond season adventure of Sheffield FC. After an entertaining,
yet tense game, ended all square after 120 minutes - there was only one way to separate these two great teams - and that was
through the lottery of spot-kicks. A bumper crowd of 1,354 turned up to the Weaver Stadium baked in glorious early summer
sunshine, and they weren't disappointed with the drama on show, as Sheffield dragged themselves back from the jaws of defeat
with goals at the narrow end of each half. Paul Smith equalised with the last kick of the first half, after Glyn Blackhurst
had put the hosts in front on 32 minutes, whilst Rob Ward repeated the feat at the end of normal time after Dave Walker regained
the lead for the Dabbers on 71 minutes. Two periods of extra time couldn't separate the two sides, and when it came to penalties,
Welsh keeper Lee Jones turned out to be the hero to send Nantwich into the UniBond Premier Division.
Like Sheffield, Nantwich have suffered somewhat with
the pitch this season - ravaged by all the elements during their debut season at the Weaver - so it was no surprise that the
surface resembled an uneven dustbowl, with both teams struggling early on to get a grip on their game plan. Nantwich looked
the more promising of the two sides, with Jamie Holmshaw the busier of the two keepers, having to save twice from Adam Beasley
- the second a fantastic point blank save. Referee Madley was punctuating the game with frequent stoppages, causing a great
deal of frustration, especially as he was increasingly influenced by the falling antics of certain players in green - in particular
young Mr Griggs. Just after the half hour mark the hosts took a deserved lead, an Ashley Carter cross broke kindly, and there
to tuck it into the corner was BLACKHURST. If anything Nantwich looked in control at this stage, and a weaving run by Carter
was finished by a Beasley shot, fortunately the ball deflected wide. But as expected Club didn't lie down, and were rewarded
on half time as Stewart Copnell was tripped on the edge of the box, which is a bit like awarding a spot kick to PAUL SMITH
- who curled it under the wall, after a Copnell step-over, placing it in the bottom corner.
The late goal boosted Sheffield's morale by some measure,
and it was the visitors who threatened to go in front; however the breaks didn't fall their way. This was summed up in a nutshell
by Vill Powell's strong break, turning a vicious ball across the face of goal, but no-one could make any contact - with even
Jamie Smith stretching without joy. The Dabbers went perilously close to regaining the lead, when Phil Parkinson's cross was
met by Andy Kinsey's volley, one that rattled the cross-bar and had it shaking for minutes after. If that was fortunate for
Sheffield, their luck certainly deserted them twenty minutes from the end, as Glyn Blackhurst stabbed the ball into the box
- Club couldn't clear their lines - and there to poke home into the corner was the substitute WALKER. Sheffield certainly
didn't give up the ghost though, and could have drawn level after Jamie Smith flicked on a throw onto Peter Davey, with the
Sheffield substitute shooting just over. Then Matt Lowton pushed the boundaries of misfortune even further, as his solo run
ended with a cross the face of goal affair, again no-one could get that vital touch. The last throw of the dice amazingly
turned up snake-eyes for the Dabbers, a corner from the left was met by a mêlée of players, and there to head home was the
ever reliable WARD - 2-2 and extra time was looming!
Sheffield could have wrapped it up in the first period
of extra time, Vill Powell Blazed over from close range, and Matt Roney shot straight at Jones - on recent form you'd have
backed both to have netted with each effort - whilst Chris Clements produced a wonderful save from Jamie Holmshaw, who seemed
to have found some great form at just the right time. In the second period the home side went closest, Matt Lowton lost possession
to Danny Griggs who skipped away to set up Andy Kinsey, again it was down to Jamie Holmshaw to save the day. And saving the
day was the next on the agenda with the inevitable penalty shootout; first up was Kinsey who slotted it home, followed by
Paul Smith and Ashley Carter who did the same. When Gavin Smith stepped to the plate, Paul Jones threw himself the length
of the goal, tipping the ball onto the post. It was advantage Nantwich now, and with Dave Walker converting his spot kick,
it fell to the young shoulders of Matt Lowton to rescue the situation for the visitors. No-one can fault the bravery of the
youngster for throwing his name into the hat, and sadly finesse wasn't going to beat Jones, the keeper saved it leaving Richard
Smith to plant the decisive kick into the net.
It is a harsh way to exit a competition, and even harsher
that it determines a whole season's fixture list, but the result is what has to be abided to. Nantwich are probably the best
footballing side Sheffield have faced all season, and they probably deserved to go up on their performances against Sheffield
alone, naturally we wish them luck come August. As for Sheffield - well what can you say? If someone had said last August
we would be talking about Play-Off finals, taking 300 plus supporters (including vocal backing from Retford fans amongst others)
all the way across to Cheshire, and missing out by the width of a gnat's chuff - you'd have been accused of either taking
hallucinogens or being over optimistic - but that is what our first venture into UniBond football has brought. Whilst it is
obvious everyone at the Club is disappointed with this result, the positives are there for everyone to see, and everyone should
feel rightly proud with this season's achievements. So let's dust ourselves down, strap a smile to our faces, and get to Hillsborough
on Thursday night to see if this great season can blossom with a bit of silverware.
BTF Club Man Of The Match - Jamie Holmshaw
Nantwich Town: Jones, Donnelly, Kiss (Walker), Smith,
Taylor (Suhaj), Parkinson (Clements), Carter, Blackhurst, Kinsey, Beasley, Griggs.
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, G.Smith, P.Smith,
Lowton, Boulter, Ingall, Hawes (Roney), Winter (Davey), Powell, Copnell (J.Smith), Ward.
Att: 1,354.
Sheffield FC 4 Stocksbridge Park Steels
1
UniBond Division One South Play-Off Semi Final
Tuesday, 29/04/08
Sheffield Football Club marched into the play-off final,
where they will meet Nantwich Town at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday, after a convincing 4-1 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Two goals each from Stewart Copnell and Vill Powell saw off the visitors, after an impressive performance from the hosts stifled
everything that was thrown at them, with a solitary Alvyn Riley penalty the response from the Steels. Club more or less wrapped
the game up by five minutes into the second half, and despite a spirited rally from Stocksbridge, it was a game that was under
control from the word go.
As you'd expect in a semi-final of any kind, this game
started in a very tense fashion, with neither side giving anything away and playing pretty much a tight midfield game. It
burst into life though on fifteen minutes, with the first chance of the game being converted, as POWELL took advantage of
some slack defending to tuck the ball outside the hand of Siddall in the Stocksbridge net. The match continued to be tight
despite the goal, and chances were very few and far between, with the closest being as Gavin Smith's cross was met by the
outstretched foot of Vill Powell who diverted the ball just over the bar. Just before the half hour mark Club made another
breakthrough, and a delightful one it was at that, as Paul Smith's crossfield ball was met by the half-volley of COPNELL who
sent the ball whizzing into the corner. The home support was now in raptures, and although the hosts had played a schedule
from hell over the last few weeks, the fatigue barely showed. Eventually Steels broke past the rigid defensive partnership
of Rob Ward and Jon Boulter to get some efforts on goal, with Alvyn Riley crossing and Andy Ring header going over the bar,
and the best of all seeing a Darren Schofield cross leaving Carl Fothergill the simplest of tap-ins - somehow he miscued embarrassingly
to allow Jamie Holmshaw the opportunity to reel the ball in.
Club started the second half looking like a team high
on confidence, and high on ability, leaving Stocksbridge looking rather shell-shocked. Paul Smith sent a searching long ball
which found Vill Powell; he turned the defence to leave himself on goal, with his shot whipped just outside the upright. Seconds
later though the third goal came, this time Stewart Copnell lofted the ball over the static defence, POWELL took the ball
on, and finished with a sublime effort slotting the ball under Richard Siddall. At three-nil Club could be forgiven for taking
their foot off the gas, but Steels are a team with great talent themselves, and could have pulled one back almost instantly
if it hadn't have been for a tremendous save by Jamie Holmshaw. Sheffield still looked threatening and the combination of
Copnell and Powell was giving the Stocksbridge defensive line nightmares, with both having near misses within seconds of each
other, after some great inter-play between the forwards. Stocksbridge were given a lifeline on the hour mark, as the hosts
were penalised for a push in the box, and RILEY converted the spot-kick sending Holmshaw the wrong way. It seemed to give
the visitors a bit of renewed hope, and when Carl Fothergill lashed just over the bar, any thought that this WAS over were
sorely mis-given. But Club had it under control, and threatened to add to the scoreline even more, as man of the match Vill
Powell showed great balance and poise in the box - breaking through several challenges to produce a great save from Siddall.
The fat lady started to sing ten minutes from the end, as Matty Lowton burst down the right wing, sending in a sensible cross
to give COPNELL one of the easiest finishes he'll ever have - cue delirium! It could really have been that little bit worse
for Steels, as Paul Smith sent in a vicious cross that rattled the inside of the far post and out to safety, and inch to the
left and it would have been five.
Don't read into this scoreline that Stocksbridge were
a poor side, Gary Marrow's charges really played pretty well, as well as they were allowed anyway - with players like Andy
Ring and the giant Brett Lovell having standout performances. The truth was Club were awesome and showed that they are a team
for the REAL big occasions, and if they could have played like this in EVERY game this season... well, we wouldn't be talking
about play-off finals would we? But we are, and next along the line is the biggest game of the season, at the Dabberdome (Weaver
Park) on Saturday, where no doubt a big crowd (possibly over 1,000) will be there to give a great game a great atmosphere.
Hopefully that will end with the right result, giving the culmination of a great debut season in the UniBond - but whatever
the result, everyone at the World's Oldest Club can be rightly proud of a great season with some fantastic memories.
BTF Club Man of the Match - Vill Powell.
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, G.Smith, P.Smith, Lowton, Boulter,
Ingall, Hawes, Winter (Davey), Powell (Roney), Copnell (J.Smith), Ward.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Siddall, Adams, Schofield
(Sidebottom), Lovell, Kennedy, Ring, Richards (Wilkinson), Telling, Fothergill (Oldham), Ward, Riley.
Att: 430
Alsager Town 3 Sheffield FC 3
UniBond Division One South
Saturday, 26/04/08
Sheffield wrapped up their regular league season, and an
exhausting week to boot, with an enthralling six-goal thriller at the Town Ground this afternoon. After losing a player each
in the first minute through a red card, the Bullets and Club served up a feast of entertaining football, with Sheffield producing
a storming comeback in the last ten minutes after Alsager roared into a shock 3-1 lead. Goals from Ricky Bridge (20 minutes),
Dave Whittaker (56 minutes) and Chris Budrys (74 minutes) looked to have given the hosts all three points, but replies from
Darren Holmes (37 minutes), Vill Powell (82 minutes) and Tom Carney (89 minutes) salvaged pride for the visitors who finished
the season in fourth spot. Results elsewhere meant that the outcome of this match was effectively meaningless, and with Dave
McCarthy having one eye on Tuesday night's play-off game against Stocksbridge, resting key players was the main objective.
The game hadn't even warmed up before the controversy began,
as Alsager's Jimmy McCarthy took it upon himself to punch Darryl Winter after an innocuous challenge, and when Winter retaliated
by grabbing McCarthy the referee decided that red cards should be merited for both players. It was a decision that set a precedence
for an eccentric performance by the man in the middle, and for much of the first quarter it was the official that grabbed
most of the attention, with football coming a poor second to the intermittent whistling that punctuated the game. It took
a freak goal to liven things up twenty minutes in, as a cross-cum shot by BRIDGE sailed straight over Holmshaw and into the
net, giving Alsager a shock lead. Holmshaw made amends moments later, as he had to be at his best to block a shot from Chris
Budrys, after being set up by a Ricky Bridge cross. Club looked to be on the ropes at this point, and the fatigue of playing
the previous night looked to have taken its toll, as Gavin Smith had to clear off the line from Budrys. The only way Sheffield
would get back into this contest was through something special, and eight minutes from the break it was delivered, in the
form of a wonderful curving dipping strike from HOLMES that left Town's keeper Jowsey grabbing thin air.
The second half was just over ten minutes old when Alsager
re-took the lead, and it was an excellent shot that left Holmshaw floundering, with WHITTAKER the perpetrator with a wicked
right foot strike. Club looked a little more composed as they pressed forward in search of an equaliser, and when Matt Lowton
put in a testing cross that was stepped over by Liam McMann, James Jowsey had to be at his most alert to deny a fluke goal.
But the last thing that was expected straight after was for the Bullets to extend their lead, but that's exactly what they
did, breaking straight up the field from the resulting clearance and BUDRYS finished with aplomb past Holmshaw. It looked
all over now, and with news filtering through of Nantwich's annihilation of Goole ensuring the result in this game was academic,
the match looked like it would be played to a tame finish. Again the assumption was wrong, and eight minutes from time Matt
Roney's cross was diverted home by POWELL, and all of a sudden it was game on. A minute from time Liam McMann tripped Darren
Holmes on the edge of the area, the free kick was set up by CARNEY, and the substitute curled a beauty in the top corner
of the net. Amazingly and against the odds the game was all-square, and with Alsager looking absolutely punch drunk, it took
the referee's whistle to put them out of their misery and save them from the ignominy of losing such a convincing lead.
The sad thing about today's encounter was the attendance,
a paltry 92 attending, nearly all of whom had travelled over from Sheffield. Alsager are appealing against their demotion
and are hoping to overturn the UniBond decision, but without the support of the vocal Far-Side Ultras - noticeable by their
absence today - it looks a fruitless exercise. Club end the season in fourth, and face last night's opponents once again on
Tuesday night, who themselves ended their season with an unconvincing two-all home draw with Warrington Town. Not much should
be taken from today's results, but with home advantage and a couple of days recuperation Sheffield should start favourites,
but no doubt Stocksbridge will have other ideas. A big crowd is expected on Tuesday night, and a great game is in prospect,
and a place in the play off final against either Nantwich or Grantham is at stake - it's all very exciting, and it is getting
to be squeaky bum time. Anything can happen!
Alsager Town: Jowsey, Sanders, Bridge, Brotherton (White),
McMann, Leigh, Sobolojew, Whittaker, Budrys, Talbot (Edwards), McCarthy. Sub Not Used: Miller.
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, G.Smith, Townsend, Lowton, Winter,
Jones, Hawes (Carney), Holmes, J.Smith (Powell), Roney, Ward (Carnell).
Att: 92.
Sheffield FC 1 Stocksbridge Park Steels 1
UniBond Division One South
Friday, 23/04/08
A late fluke of a goal all but handed third place to Nantwich
Town tonight, as Stocksbridge's Mark Ward ensured that tonight's fixture will almost certainly be a dressed rehearsal for
the play-off semi final next Tuesday, with the South Yorkshire Derby ending a one-all draw. A Stewart Copnell goal ten minutes
into the second half looked to have secured all three points for Sheffield, and with it an almost guaranteed third place into
the bargain, with both teams seemingly coasting towards an inevitable result on a very heavy pitch. But as the game was in
its final death throes a free-kick from fully fifty yards was floated in by the Steels' substitute, sailing past everyone
in the defence and into the net, sending the tiny band of visiting supporters into raptures.
After last night's postponement of this fixture, the chances
of this being played on anything other than a pudding of a pitch were remote to say the least, and the chance of quality football
would be remote. Both sides were showing the signs of a hectic close to the season, and in Stocksbridge's case it manifested
itself in the forgetting of their kit, having to turn out in Sheffield's third strip - next time boys, you'll have to play
in your vest and pants! Sheffield showed first, with Gavin Smith having his header cleared off the line, by the head of Tom
Jowitt. Vill Powell took advantage of a Richard Adams slip, following a Darryl Winter through ball, and it took a good block
from Steels' version of Tom Jones to save the day. Stewart Copnell hit one inches over the bar, then it was Stocksbridge's
turn to run things, with Mark Crossfield seeing his snap-shot saved by Holmshaw. The visitors held the upper hand for much
of the remainder of the half, but it was Club which came closest, with Vill Powell having his shot tipped over by Richard
Siddall - and Paul Smith being denied by a deflection off Matt Telling.
The second half was set at a much slower pace, with Daz
Winter shooting the closest early on after being set up by Gav Smith, but ten minutes into the half it was the hosts that
took the lead - with COPNELL showing both strength and composure to hold off the attentions of the defence, before slotting
the ball under Siddall. It could - and should - have been two moments later, as Siddall got in a right two-and-eight with
his defence, allowing Powell to get the ball back to Winter who shot straight at the keeper. The game from then on was played
at a much more relaxed pace, with Club never really looking in danger, but as things tend to pan out in situations like this
Stocky got a sucker punch right at the end. A harmless looking free-kick on half way and on the touchline was sent into
the box by WARD, Holmshaw missed it, the ball went into the net and the result was set.
Overall this could be argued as a fair result, but as things
usually stand in local derbies, both sides will feel hard done to. It appears to have set the stage for the same fixture to
be played next Tuesday, Stocksbridge WILL finish in fifth, whilst Club will be looking over a few miles up the road into
"Dabber-land" for their result against Goole as Sheffield face Alsager. That game against the Bullets takes place in less
than twenty four hours - get some rest.
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, G.Smith, P.Smith (Roney), Lowton,
Winter, Jones, Hawes, Ingall (Dolby), Powell (J.Smith), Copnell, Ward.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Siddall, Jones, Jowitt (Riley),
Oldham, Adams, Wilkinson, Sidebottom, Telling, Ring, Crossfield (Ward), Beggs. Sub Not Used: Lovell
Att: 310.
Sheffield FC 7 Spalding United 2
UniBond Division One
South
Wednesday, 23/04/08
It was a truly "fizzy" night for Sheffield Club tonight,
as they went "7-UP" against already relegated Spalding United, at the Bright Finance Stadium. Despite having to come from
behind in this one after Ben Garrick opened the scoring for the visitors on seven minutes, it always looked like a bit of
a cake-walk for Club, with Jamie Smith leading the way with a second half hat-trick. Goals from Gary Townsend (20 minutes),
Paul Smith (23 minutes), Vill Powell (31 minutes) and Asa Ingall (36 minutes) wrapped the game up by the interval, whilst
Garrick gave the score a bit more respectability with a consolation on 75 minutes. It could have been a perfect night for
Sheffield; however that was dampened by the late win by Nantwich elsewhere, snatching all three points at Kidsgrove in a 3-2
win.
Only a fool would suggest that Sheffield were anything
other than odds-on favourites in this one, and the writing was on the wall for the Tulips after less than a minute, as a Paul
Smith cross was met by an Asa Ingall header that rattled the frame of the goal. But the visitors obviously hadn't read the
script, and on their first foray into Sheffield territory Andy Stanhope's shot from the edge of the area was only parried
out by Jamie Holmshaw - making his first appearance since November - and there to stab it home was GARRICK. To be honest the
first quarter had the form book turned upside-down, and if it wasn't for a good stop by Holmshaw, Stanhope could have given
the visitors a second. On twenty minutes though Club started to impose themselves on the game, and when another Paul Smith
cross was headed back across the goal by Asa Ingall, TOWNSEND had the easiest of jobs to head into the empty net. Three minutes
later Sheffield got the lead they were never going to lose, and in all fairness it was a bit of a gift from referee Hargreaves,
as James Doughty clumsily leapt into Jamie Smith - and from the spot PAUL SMITH sent the keeper the wrong way. It was really
all one-way traffic now, and it wasn't going to be a case of "would Sheffield win", more like "by how many?" It was only a
matter of time before Club added to their tally, with Jamie Smith hooking wide and Asa Ingall heading just over, the signs
were looking ominous for Spalding. In the end it took eight minutes between goals, as Asa Ingall headed against the bar for
a second time, the ball fell to Jamie Smith who took time to control and square the ball, with POWELL having the easy tap-in
to make it 3-1. And three became four less than five minutes later, again it was the Paul Smith and Asa Ingall combination
that caused the damage, with the cross in from the left met by the diving INGALL who finished in a John Arne Riise-esque fashion
to beat Doughty. It could be argued that Club took the foot off the gas a little before the break, as it allowed Adam Stanhope
to test Holmshaw, and Paul Smith had to pull off a great goal-line clearance after Ben Garrick took the ball round the keeper.
The game was obviously won by the break, so with two
games in 72 hours still to be contested, energy conservation and squad rotation was the order of the day. Even so Sheffield
had more than a little too much for the Lincolnshire outfit and many will be wondering how the hosts hadn't added to their
tally, as Vill Powell gave Jamie Smith the easiest of tap-ins, one that the lanky striker somehow squandered allowing Doughty
to scramble off the line. As on Monday though, the introduction of Matt Roney produced an instant goal, and seven minutes
into the second period Roney put a deep cross to the back post that was headed home by JAMIE SMITH. With the pace dropping
to an almost pedestrian speed Spalding pulled a goal back, and to be fair it was a bit of a gift, as Jamie Holmshaw allowed
a long distance shot from GARRICK pass straight through his hands. With ten minutes to go Sheffield made it six, this time
a Chris Dolby free kick caused panic in the defence, with JAMIE SMITH stabbing a foot out to direct it home. With three minutes
to go the scoring was complete, again Dolby was the provider - this time from a corner - and once more JAMIE SMITH was there,
this time rising above everyone to head into the net via a couple of ricochets. Even then it could have ended with eight,
as Roney burst through on goal, only to fire wildly over the bar and into the car-park.
This was never a contest, but given the hectic nature
of this week, a game like this was a welcome diversion. Spalding have had a torrid season in the UniBond, and Sheffield have
been pretty much their worst torturers, running in ten goals over the two games and looking more than comfortable with an
under strength side. The vital game comes on Thursday night, as Sheffield entertain an in-form Stocksbridge, with the winners
possibly earning a home tie in the play-offs. A point for Sheffield would guarantee the home semi final game, a win puts them
in the driving seat for a home final tie too, should they win the semi-final - of course.
BTF Club Man of the Match - Jamie (Thunderbolt) Smith
Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, Foulkes, P.Smith (Roney), Lowton,
Boulter, Jones (Dolby), Hawes, Ingall, Powell (Copnell), Townsend, J.Smith.
Spalding United: Doughty, Rhule, Buckley, Goosey,
Pearson, George, Stanhope, Hargreaves, Murphy, Garrick, Orrey (Hone). Sub Not Used: Ward.
Att: 201.
Sheffield FC 3 Parkgate 0
Sheffield
& Hallamshire Senior Cup Semi Final
Monday, 21/04/08
Sheffield marched into their third final in four
years, tonight at the Bright Finance Stadium, as they comfortably turned over Parkgate 3-0 with an impressive second half
show. Having already eliminated Parkgate's Reserve outfit in an earlier round, Club had no difficulty dispatching the first
team, in a pretty one sided encounter. Goals from Stewart Copnell in the 50th minute, an excellent solo effort from Darren
Holmes in the 67th minute, and a Matt Roney effort in the 76th minute were enough to wrap things up. It could have been a
whole lot worse for the Steelmen had it not been for some outrageous good fortune; however the scoreline was enough to send
Club through to the final, where they will meet Worksop Town at Hillsborough.
The first half told a story of a team
who were out for the kill, and one of who would hang on for dear life, with a litany of chances going begging for the hosts.
But it didn't start that way, as Ryan Johnson went on an unchallenged solo run in the opening minute, one that ended with
Martin Kearney having to make a solid stop. After that... well it was all Sheffield really, and to be truthful it looked like
it could be a rugby score after the assault Club inflicted on the visitors. A Chris Dolby free kick was headed wide by a
curiously unmarked Tom Jones; Vill Powell crossed the ball to Stewart Copnell who hit the bar, and when Dolby gave Powell
the opportunity to hook the ball over Liam Copley, it had to cleared off the line by Mark Cooper. And that was in the first
five minutes alone, and the attacks kept coming, with Parkgate looking nothing like a side that had comfortably demolished
Hallam 5-0 at Sandygate two days earlier. A Chris Dolby corner was met by the head of Tom Jones, who was dominating everything
in the opposition box - again the ball had to be scrambled off the line by Liam Copley - whilst Vill Powell saw another
effort cleared off the line by Wesley Hill. But instead of going six goals up, Sheffield still couldn't break the flimsy
looking defence, and all of a sudden the game went flat. That was livened up though when Sheffield lost Martin Kearney
through an ankle injury midway through the half, with the keeper having to be replaced by Danny Haystead, himself not fully
recovered from the injury he picked up at Belper Town last Tuesday.
So after a half that promised so much, but delivered so
little, it came as no surprise that Sheffield broke the deadlock almost immediately. Chris Dolby played a short corner with
Matt Lowton, then put in a cross that had Liam Copley flapping at the ball, with it kindly falling to COPNELL who turned it
into the net. Moments later Copnell was denied a second as his free kick was turned round the post by Copley, and then Copnell
denied team-mate Rob Ward a goal, when he tipped the ball over the bar with his head when it was bound for the top corner.
Mark Cooper came to the rescue of the Steelmen once again, as yet again he cleared off the line, this time from Asa Ingall
who had volleyed from Paul Smith's cross. Copnell nearly set Powell up with a good goal, this time the forward just missed
the target, hooking the ball wide by inches with Copley well beaten. Then midway through the half the game was over as a contest,
as HOLMES set off on a weaving solo run that left ex-Clubbie Bob Moorwood on his arse, before coolly slotting past Copley
for the goal of the night. Parkgate's midfield was almost non-existent now, and it seemed that everyone wanted to have a run
at them, with Matty Lowton producing the best of these and finishing with a shot that had Copley scrambling to turn it round
the post. Fifteen minutes from the end Powell was replaced by Matt Roney, and with his first involvement he made it three,
as a Dolby ball over the top found RONEY who took his first three touches of the game before finishing with aplomb - giving
Copley no chance and scoring his fourth goal in Parkgate's last three games... only this one was against Parkgate, instead
of for them... if you know what I mean!
Probably the scoreline doesn't do justice to the pure dominance
that Sheffield had in this one, clearly if it hadn't been for some amazing luck on the part of the visitors, it could easily
have ended ten-nil - honestly. But a score like that does no-one any favours, and to be fair the mission was to win this game,
one that was achieved comfortably as Club barely broke sweat. So that means that the season WILL go on to May, and Sheffield
FC will celebrate their 150th anniversary with at least one cup final, but now the task is to get to the second - the UniBond
Division One South play off final. The next step on that little quest is the visit of Spalding United, who will travel up
from deepest Lincolnshire on Wednesday to play at the BFS for the first time against Sheffield, a win for the hosts is both
expected and needed.
Sheffield FC: Kearney (Haystead), Lowton, P.Smith,
Holmes, Boulter, Jones, Copnell, Dolby (Townsend), Powell (Roney), Ingall, Ward. Subs Not Used: J.Smith, G.Smith.
Parkgate:
Copley, Harrison, Hill, Patterson, Moorwood, Battersby, Stocks, Grady, Ward, Johnson, Cooper. Sub Not Used: Hobson.
Att:
223
Warrington Town 2 Sheffield FC 1
UniBond Division One South
Saturday, 19/04/08
Pineapple, or no pineapple on his head, Diego Bassanini
was still instrumental in helping his side claim maximum points from Sheffield
It was a frustrating afternoon at Cantilever Park this
afternoon, as Sheffield surprisingly lost to Warrington Town 2-1, yet there was still a silver lining as Club's place in the
play offs was secured due to results elsewhere. In a game which was mostly dominated by the visitors, two goals against the
run of play and some pretty diabolical refereeing decisions saw Warrington win the game, and Club dropping back down
to fourth place in the table. A goal from Anthony Daniels four minutes into the second half followed by another from Carl
Randall on 67 minutes were enough to give the Wire the game, and despite peppering the hosts goalmouth for the entire second
period, a solitary goal from Asa Ingall five minutes from the end was all but a consolation for Dave McCarthy's charges.
The first half was pretty much a non-event, as Sheffield
faced the pretty stiff breeze and Warrington made nothing of the advantage, with neither keeper having to make a single save.
One slight worry was the removal at half time of the inspirational Steve Hawes with a toe injury, but things were to get a
whole lot worse after the restart, as Warrington scored with the first shot of the game. Four minutes into the second half
Karl Brown scuffed the ball across the goal to DANIELS, he got some kind of contact on the ball, enough to steer it past Martin
Kearney to give a surprising lead. After that it was all Sheffield, yet they were thwarted by a competent display by the Argentine
keeper Diego Bassanini, with shots from Gary Townsend and Vill Powell dealt with competently. Midway through the half - and
again against the run of play - Sheffield lost possession in a dangerous position, and RANDALL capitalised with a good finish.
Club no way deserved to be behind in this game, let alone behind by two goals, and it got all the more frustrating as it went
on as Sheffield had two stonewall penalties denied by referee Hilton - with the keeper bringing down Vill Powell the most
obvious penalty in a while, yet the referee didn't even award the next best thing in a corner. Five minutes from time Club
got a lifeline, as Paul Smith put in another of those corners that has the defence in pieces, and as always INGALL was there
to head home at the back post. Sheffield could have got a lifeline minutes later, as Vill Powell got a snap-shot off from
a difficult situation; however Bassanini pulled off the best save of the afternoon to turn the ball round the post to ensure
all three points stayed at Cantilever Park.
Results elsewhere meant that Cammell Laird got the promotion
they missed out on last season, and Nantwich and Sheffield guaranteed their spots in the play-offs, with the most interesting
talking point being "who will get third spot?" Sheffield will no doubt be disappointed at this result, and in particular the
performance of a referee who had trouble keeping up with play, yet wins in the remaining three games will ensure home games
in the play-offs. Next along is a little respite from UniBond football, with a Senior Cup semi final against Parkgate on Monday
on the agenda, and a place in the Hillsborough final at stake. After that are games on consecutive nights against Spalding
and Stocksbridge, both of whom played against each other this afternoon, with the Steels winning 2-0. Read into that result
what you will, both will offer opposition of varying strengths, both of the games will be expected to won by the Sheffield
FC side.
BTF Club Man Of The Match - Matt Lowton
Warrington Town: Bassanini, F.Smith (Fitzsimmons), Everett,
Spearritt, Thomas, Prescott, Daniels (Davies), Brown, Randall, Lamb (Williams), Owens.
Sheffield FC: Kearney, G.Smith (Copnell), P.Smith, Lowton,
Boulter, Ward, Hawes (Townsend) Powell, Ingall, J.Smith. Sub Not Used: Dolby.
Att: 155.
Colwyn Bay 0 Sheffield FC 0
UniBond Division One South
Thursday, 17/04/08
Sheffield moved into third place tonight, at Llanelian
Road tonight, after one of the most entertaining goal-less draws you'll ever have the privilege to see. In a game that was
dominated by two players, both of whom seemingly having a point to prove, as the keepers of both teams having the game of
their lives. Without question the man of the match was Colwyn's Jamie Speare, who single-handedly saved the North Wales outfit
from what could have been a drubbing, thus wiping out the memory of his last encounter with Sheffield. At the other end of
the park Martin Kearney grabbed his opportunity with both hands, and whilst he was the less busy of the two stoppers, he made
manager Dave McCarthy grateful for the strength in depth in this position.
It was a much changed Sheffield team that started this
game, with Kearney making a return to the starting line up at the expense of Danny Haystead, who was missing due to the nasty
hip injury he sustained at Belper 48 hours earlier. Returning to the starting eleven in a squad rotation policy were Darren
Holmes, Gavin Smith and Rob Ward. Colwyn were the first to take the initiative, with Neil Black forcing a good save from Martin
Kearney, after the Seagulls' leading scorer found space behind the Sheffield defensive line. The visitors weren't long in
taking their turn to threaten the goal, as first Vill Powell shot into the side netting after being put through by Steve Hawes,
then Darryl Winter hit the next shot over the bar. It was Bay however that went closest in the first half, as a Joe Fowler
corner beat everyone in the middle, leaving Chris Taylor free to head against the bar. Kearney pulled off a fantastic save
towards the end of the half, tipping Black's effort over the top, whilst moments later Speare produced an equally spectacular
save from a thirty yarder from Hawes. And in the next episode of "battle of the keepers", Kearney turned another Black effort
round the post, frustrating the Colwyn striker for a third time.
The second half was almost entirely dominated by Sheffield,
and following a very poor free kick from the hosts was capitalised on by Darryl Winter who galloped the length of the field
before laying off to Vill Powell, the forward released a solid shot that was excellently stopped by Jamie Speare. Shortly
after Hawes threaded the ball to Powell, who hit a shot on the turn, yet again Speare produced another save. There were chances
galore coming Club's way, however a mixture of bad luck and fantastic goalkeeping kept Sheffield at bay, and despite looking
as threatening as they had all season - a goal-less draw always seemed the odds-on result. Probably the best chance to break
the deadlock came as Vill Powell broke down the left wing, crossing across the face of the goal, with Darryl Winter blazing
over from an acute angle. Speare though was the difference between an away win and the status quo, and he produced several
further stops of note in the game, frustrating Club at every turn. A Hawes free-kick was met by substitute Townsend's first
touch after coming on the field, his flick was turned on by Powell, and Speare pulled off another terrific save from Winter.
Powell fed the ball to Townsend, yet again Speare was there to deny a goal, and when Vill laid the ball on to Gav Smith -
who pulled the ball wide - it was all but obvious it wasn't to be Sheffield's day.
This was a tremendous effort by Sheffield, especially
given the schedule over the last week or so, and (as stated so often) it could have been a whole lot better if not for the
antics of the Bay keeper. It has to be said that of all the teams Club have come across this season, Colwyn have turned out
to be the most entertaining opponents, and with the most sporting fans in the league. Sadly though it appears this result
has opened the door for Cammell Laird to seal automatic promotion, all the Birkenhead outfit need to do is beat Grantham on
Saturday, and they will be too far out of Sheffield's reach. Needless to say Club will be aiming to finish in third spot now,
to ensure a home play off tie - and if successful - a home tie in the play off final. On Saturday Sheffield travel to Cantilever
Park, home of Warrington Town, knowing a victory in this game will seal at least the last play-off spot. Following that is
what can only be described as a very busy week, as Club march into the season finale with four games in six days... phew!
BTF Club Man of the Match - Steve Hawes
Colwyn
Bay: Speare, Callaghan, P.Williams, Rowland, Taylor, R.Williams, Fowler, Hoolickin, Black (Wright), Quayle, Wade. Subs Not
Used: Wynne, Finley.
Sheffield FC: Kearney, G.Smith, P.Smith, Lowton, Boulter, Ward, Hawes, Winter, Powell, Holmes, J.Smith
(Townsend). Subs Not Used: Jones, Ingall.
Att: 215
Belper Town 1 Sheffield FC 4
UniBond
Division One South
Tuesday, 15/04/08
It was an extraordinary result on an extraordinary night, at Christchurch
Meadow tonight, as Sheffield FC proved lightning CAN strike twice by beating Belper Town 4-1 on their own patch for the SECOND
time this season. What made it extraordinary was the fact that Club finished the game with ten men, and with striker Rob Ward
between the sticks, after Tom Jones was dismissed ten minutes into the second half and Danny Haystead went off injured ten
minutes later. Sheffield showed what they can do on an excellent playing surface, which looked impeccable despite being subjected
to what now seems to be a customary pre-match downpour, racing into the half time break three goals to the good. A goal from
Asa Ingall twelve minutes into the game started things rolling, followed by a second from Vill Powell five minutes before
the break, and another Ingall strike in injury time. Powell wrapped things up for a short handed Sheffield side fifteen minutes
from time, whilst Dick Tracey took advantage of a defensive mix-up to grab a consolation goal on 81 minutes, by which time
any worry of the visitors' goalkeeping deficiencies were long gone.
In the first encounter between these two teams
in September, Sheffield were two goals to the good inside the first five minutes, and it seemed that the Nailers had learned
a valuable lesson that night by the way they started this one. Even so Club still looked threatening with some nice movement
and solid midfield play, which saw Vill Powell have a goal ruled out for offside, and Darryl Winter squandering an empty goal
chance from near half way after Paul Pettinger went walkabout. But as Belper started to press forward in search of a chance
of their own, they were caught with a sucker punch of epic proportions, as Jamie Smith flicked on a Peter Davey cross from
the right wing and INGALL slammed home at the back post. The goal evidently stung the hosts, and the nearly drew level moments
later as a Scott Lowe free-kick whistled past the post, with Danny Haystead well and truly beaten. The threat Belper posed
always ensured that Club had to be on the highest alert, and if it wasn't for some below-par finishing the lead could have
been whittled away, with Krystof Kotylo's hooked effort from a Anthony Wilson assist the closest the home side came. The tension
on the field was starting to get a little fraught, and Anthony Wilson could count himself to be very lucky to stay on the
field, after his blatant elbow flattened Sheffield skipper Tom Jones. But when situations arise like these the best way to
reply is with style, and five minutes before the break the style came on show in a big style, Daz Winter's defence splitting
pass found POWELL - Cool - Calm - Goal! At 2-0 Belper looked absolutely shell-shocked, and when Anthony Wilson lobbed the
ball past Danny Haystead to an empty goal, Tom Jones' all-too-cool method of watching the ball hit the post gave the impression
that it wasn't going to be Town's night. And in injury time that theory was given massive credence, with Jamie Smith's cross
watched by all and sundry across the face of the goal, and once again poaching at the back post was INGALL. And there was
even time for Sheffield to go close to grabbing a fourth, as Vill Powell went inches away from scoring, after his toe-poke
went just the wrong side of the post.
In the bar before this game it was said that there was absolutely no way that
Sheffield would go into the break 3-0 up at half time again, yet that's exactly what happened, and it wasn't as if Belper
had played poorly - it was just a well organised Club outfit that was playing a class above. The Nailers tried and tried to
break down a well drilled defence, and with Danny Haystead in good form saving an Anthony Wilson header from a Danny Hudson
free-kick, little looked to be going the way of the hosts. But ten minutes in a little lifeline was offered, following a Jon
Boulter trip on Wilson, Tom Jones lashed out leaving the Belper player on the floor - the referee immediately brandished a
red card, giving Belper the break they needed. If that break wasn't enough, moments later they got another as Vill Powell
was cynically hauled down by Paul Pettinger with the goal at the striker's mercy, this time referee Meredith decided a yellow
card was appropriate. But still the breaks kept on coming Belper's way, this time Ross Hannah saw his effort brilliantly save
by Haystead, who then had to leave the pitch after suffering some severe discomfort. On came Rob Ward to take his place -
he's a striker... and a defender... now he's a keeper - is there anywhere the big lad can't play? And with someone like Ward
in the goal and with a man to the good, you'd expect that Belper would dominate proceedings from hereon in, but just a minute
later Ward's goal kick was flicked on to POWELL who strolled in to make it four after Richard Haigh had played the Sheffield
striker onside. Nine minutes from the end Belper got their consolation as a bad clearance found its way to TRACEY, for once
the opportunity wasn't wasted, and the substitute slammed home from ten yards out. It may have signalled a late revival, but
Sheffield had other ideas as three minutes later Tracey saw his volley brilliantly saved by Ward, and when Karl Ashton missed
what was probably the easiest open goal of the season - well it summed tonight up to a tee, and he couldn't even blame the
pitch!
After results like this it is easy to
crow and beat your chest about how great the team is, but it proved that when the crunch is coming in the play-offs, Sheffield
WILL be the team to watch. Mathematically automatic promotion isn't out of Sheffield's reach, although it must be said that
Cammell Laird must be odds-on favourites to take second spot, and with Nantwich losing to Stocksbridge tonight - third spot
looks the most likely finish. One thing that has to be mentioned about tonight's game was the critical calls by Mr Meredith,
and this is not a criticism of his performance, in the way that Wilson's blatant assault on Jones and Pettinger's "professional
foul" on Powell only merited yellow cards - whilst Jones received a straight red for his offence. I'm in no way trying to
defend the indefensible with the Sheffield captain, but the other two offences were also worthy of equal justice, it just
seems that those two calls spoilt a good performance by the man in the middle. But that aside Club can look forward to Thursday
as a team in form, but it also seems that Colwyn Bay will be a bigger hurdle to jump, as they are turning out to be proper
dark-horses with their impressive 3-1 win at Brigg Town. Hopefully Club can turn in an equally good performance as tonight's,
and hopefully Thursday will also see lightning strike twice, with Sheffield emulating the result way back on October 6th.
Belper
Town: Pettinger, Harcourt, Haigh, Kotylo (P.Smith), Hobson, Lowe, Walker (Tracey), Stevenson, Wilson (Ashton), Hannah, Hudson.
Sheffield
FC: Haystead (Ward), Davey (G.Smith), P.Smith, Lowton, Boulter, Jones, Hawes, Winter, Powell, Smith Jamie (Dolby), Ingall.
Att:
189
Sheffield FC 2 AFC Ajax Amsterdam 0
150th Anniversary Celebration Game
Sunday, 13/04/08
Sheffield Football Club's 150th anniversary celebrations
continued with a highly impressive victory, this afternoon at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, as they romped to a
surprisingly comfortable 2-0 victory over a young and very skillful Ajax outfit. Goals in each half from Jamie Smith and Vill
Powell set Club up with a momentous victory, despite spending much of the afternoon in a rear-guard action, and if it hadn't
have been for offside rulings it could have been even an more impressive scoreline. A good crowd of over 5,000 were in attendance
to watch the events unfold, and whilst today's game never had the side attraction of the great Pelé to draw in curious spectators,
nevertheless it was an impressive crowd on such a dull day with other attractions to compete with.
It was always manager Dave McCarthy's intentions to utilise
his squad today, with the idea being to give every player about half a game each, especially given the important business
of trying to get promotion into the UniBond Premier Division amidst a frantic end to the season. The way this manifested itself
was that Sheffield started the first half with a relatively strong side, with many of the players backing up from the previous
day, so it was no surprise that the Dutch side were the most dominant from the start. But given this dominance, they showed
very little in the way of threat around the goal, with their shooting having... shall we say "slecht doel" (bad aim). So
it didn't seem in the least bit surprising that it was Club that took the lead on 19 minutes, as Chris Dolby made a clever
little turn to bamboozle the defence, before squaring to JAMIE SMITH who had the easiest of tap-ins. Ajax's football was pretty
to say the lead, but sadly for them there was no end product, still they seemingly had Sheffield pinned in their own area
with no way out for the home side. Despite the lack of pressure and possession it was still Club who were the next to trouble
the notepad, when the Dutch keeper handled outside the area and Chris Dolby took a quick free-kick, one that sailed just
over the bar.
With the expected substitutions starting to trickle through,
the second half had a totally different complexion to the way the first had panned out, and with it Sheffield looked a little
more threatening. Early on in the half Club had the ball in the back of the net, with Chris Dolby taking another quick free
kick to Rob Ward; however his "goal" was ruled out for a very dubious offside call. That was just a taste of what was to come,
as just before the hour mark Darren Holmes played a ball through to Vill Powell in the box, the first effort was blocked but
nothing could stop the second as POWELL made no mistake with the rebound. A few minutes later the Bramall Lane support was
on its feet again, as Matt Roney's cross was met by the most sublime of volleys by Mr Powell - bulging the back of the net
- again, Mr Offside Flag was there to deny another notch on the pole. Ajax tried to get back into the game, and despite going
close a couple of times - hitting the bar and being denied by Martin Kearney in a one-on-one - the Sheffield defence (despite
its changes) was far too stubborn to concede anything like a goal, and Club were able to say they had a famous scalp under
their belts.
No doubt there are plenty of people who questioned the
wisdom of playing such a fixture at such a vital time of the season, but after this weekend it can be safe to say that many
of those doubters will have been silenced, and many of the 4,500 additional supporters in attendance today will have
been both entertained and impressed with the performance of the World's Oldest Football Club. The young Ajax squad were excellent
ambassadors and showed the spirit of total voetbal is far from dead, and they made more than a few friends with a
display of great skill and enthusiasm, it was just a shame for them that they couldn't produce an end product to add gloss
to a great display. To them can we say "vele dank aan fantastische Ajax Amsterdam voor het helpen van ons onze 150ste
verjaardag vieren" - and for Sheffield FC, it caps a wonderful year of celebrations and worthy time in the limelight
as the only club in the world than can say it has played club football for 150 continuous years. Without argument the World's
FIRST Football Club.
Sheffield FC: Haystead (Kearney), G.Smith (Lowton), Boulter
(Hadfield), Davey, Winter (Holmes), Jones (Boden), Hawes (Ingall), Dolby (Liversedge), J.Smith (Powell), Townsend (Roney),
Ward (Copnell, Thorpe).
AFC Ajax Amsterdam: Ouwerkerk, Danso, Tillema, Schell,
Antonia, Huijsman, Resida, Lachman, Olijve, Zeegelaar, v.d Meulen, Jongebloet, Burger, Claasen, Apau, Lazic.
Att: 5,137.
Sheffield FC 2 Gresley Rovers 0
UniBond Division One South
Saturday,
12/04/08
Vill Powell manages to get his shot in despite the close attention of
the Gresley defence
Sheffield continued their assault on the
play-off positions with another win, this time against Gresley Rovers at the Bright Finance Stadium, with Club running out
2-0 winners. On a heavily sanded pitch following the recent deluge, this was a game that was ground out with some hard work
- and although it took time to finally overcome the opposition - the result was never in doubt after the hosts opened the
scoring. That was in the 58th minute, with Chris Dolby getting his second in as many games, whilst Jamie Smith helped improve
his confidence with a very well taken second goal in the 77th minute. The Moatmen gave a good account of themselves, and they
must be pleased with the improvements they've made since the last encounter with Sheffield, but on the day they were no match
for a seemingly revitalised Club outfit.
The heavy conditions were always going to be a contributory
factor to any incidents in this game, and it has to be said the ground staff did excellently to even get the game under way
at all following a pre-match downpour, but early on it seemed to suit the visitors more than Sheffield. Gresley looked to
have most of the possession in the opening half, but all they really had to show for this domination was an effort by Brian
Woodall, which was well stopped by Danny Haystead who was making his return to the starting line up following his Thursday
rest. Despite not ruling the roost on the pitch, Sheffield were better at creating chances, although none of them ended in
a goal. Chris Dolby set up Stewart Copnell, who curled his effort just over the bar, whilst Vill Powell went even closer from
a Peter Davey through ball by actually hitting the bar. Paul Smith created probably the best opening for the hosts, sending
a pinpoint cross-field pass onto the head of Darryl Winter who headed it straight at David Clarke, and Clarke produced an
even better save from a Chris Dolby volley after being fed by Vill Powell.
Their first half efforts seemed to have taken their
toll on the Gresley players, and even from early on they looked a tired outfit when allowing Stewart Copnell to nip between
Jamie Hood and Dave Clarke, with Copnell taking it to Vill Powell who couldn't get the ball from under his feet in the muddy
area with the goal at his mercy. Rovers still had an air of menace about them and could have pulled one out of the bag, when
Stefan Marshall played Jordan Nadat in, with the left winger shooting into the side netting. Just before the hour though saw
an inspired substitution (of sorts), as Dave McCarthy introduced Jamie Smith into the affray and it was an instant impact
for the lanky substitute as he picked out Pete Davey with an excellent defence splitting cross field pass, he in turn laid
it off to DOLBY whose deflected shot from the edge of the area crept into the corner. Club seemed to settle at this point,
but were put a little on the rack as the Moatmen had their best spell, forcing Danny Haystead to really earn his corn. After
stopping an excellent Shaun Ridgeway shot from distance with an equally good save, Haystead had to regain composure to pull
off another block from an impressive bicycle kick by Miles Chamberlain, and moments later he had to be brave to get his body
in the way of a Stefan Marshall effort from Gavin Saunders' corner. As Rovers started to tire even more, Sheffield started
to turn the screw, with the possession finally swinging almost all the home team's way. The fresh substitutes were finding
loads of space, and were combining to great effect, with Rob Ward finding Gavin Smith with an excellent example - the final
shot though is better not described. Midway through the half Sheffield wrapped things up, as Ward again turned through ball
specialist supplying Jamie Smith with a great effort, SMITH showed pace and strength to hold of the defence and stayed cool
enough in difficult conditions to steer the ball into the corner.
So this is another one off the list of games to play,
and to be fair for once it wasn't the Sheffield players who looked the most tired, this week that award goes to the Bright
Finance Stadium pitch. Even though there is no first team action in Dronfield for the next nine days, there are still games
to be played in the interim, giving the groundkeeping team a massive headache keeping it playable. Fortunately that is one
more headache than the coaching staff seem to have, and have now seemingly figured a good system out of how to get the rest
of the games played, whilst still keeping the players fresh and match-fit. And they'll need to be as the games keep coming,
with a Tuesday night trip down to Belper Town next on the list, who must be smarting from today's 4-1 thrashing at play-off
rivals Nantwich Town this afternoon. Elsewhere in the play-off zone Cammell Laird, Grantham and Stocksbridge picked up much
needed wins, with Goole losing and Colwyn Bay being pegged back by the champions Retford - meaning Sheffield remain in fourth
behind the Lairds and Dabbers, with Grantham and Goole holding the last two places. One final word on today's game was that
of the referee Mr Newman - normally in these pages a mention of the referee is normally paired with a controversial decision
or bad performance; today though Mr Newman allowed the game to flow impeccably, going almost unnoticed unless he was needed.
An excellent display worth mentioning when often it seems we are burdened with sub-standard performances - a big thank you
goes to that gentleman and his assistants.
BTF Club Man Of The Match - Danny Haystead
Sheffield FC: Haystead, Davey, P.Smith, Lowton, Boulter,
Jones, Winter, Dolby (G.Smith), Powell (Ward), Copnell (J.Smith), Ingall.
Gresley Rovers: Clarke, Groves, Roberts, Chamberlain,
Hood (Hollis), Mellon, Ridgeway, Saunders, Marshall (Hemmings), Woodall, Nadat (Sleath).
Att: 365.
Sheffield FC 4 Kidsgrove Athletic 1
UniBond Division
One South
Thursday, 10/04/08
Sheffield moved into fourth place tonight, at a rain swept Bright
Finance Stadium, with a comfortable win over Kidsgrove Athletic. Following last week's 4-1 drubbing in the Potteries, Club
turned the tables with an identical scoreline, although it has to be said it could have been a lot more painful for the Staffordshire
outfit had the hosts not taken their foot off the gas in the second period. Goals from Asa Ingall, Tom Jones, Vill Powell
and Chris Dolby did the damage for a Sheffield side that seemed in cruise control for much of the game, whilst Michael Lennon
got the solitary reply for the visitors.
Club made several changes from the side that suffered at the hands of Cammell
Laird on Saturday, most notably Martin Kearney making a return between the sticks in place of Danny Haystead, whilst Kidsgrove
made two minor changes to the team that looked such a confident outfit a week ago. On a stodgy pitch following a heavy downpour
moments before the kick off, it was the home side that looked the most competent, with Grove looking a sad shadow of
their last showing against Sheffield. The only surprise about Club taking the lead was that it took so long, as ten minutes
in Chris Dolby whipped in a cross from the left wing, finding the head of Asa Ingall unmarked in the middle - and
in inimitable style INGALL buried the ball at the second attempt after James Coates could only parry his first effort. The
domination of the home side was pretty much apparent as Kidsgrove seemed to offer very little opposition, leaving acres of
space for an energetic Sheffield midfield to create a shed load of chances, with Daz Winter providing the pick of these with
a shot that fizzed past the post. 25 minutes in came a highly interesting moment as Matt Elder challenged Stewart Copnell
in the area, with the Sheffield forward going over the referee "awarded" a very harsh penalty against the visitors' number
two, but after consulting with his assistant he overturned this to a corner - much to the confusion of both sets of players.
Regardless of this Paul Smith took the corner, and everyone on both sides stood in admiration, as JONES headed home from ten
yards out. It was wave after wave of Sheffield attacks now, and following a quickly taken Paul Smith free-kick, Vill Powell
saw his effort well blocked by James Coates. On the half hour though the game was over after some more excellent build up
play, Peter Davey lobbed the ball into the middle, Asa Ingall challenged Coates forcing the keeper to produce a sloppy punch
which fell invitingly for POWELL to hook home. Kidsgrove did look as though they could make a game of it as Nigel Edwards
shook the bar with an excellent long distance effort, whilst Liam Shotton always looked a danger, forcing a decent save
from Martin Kearney.
It was obvious at this point that the points were well
and truly in the bag for Sheffield, and with this the hosts visibly took their foot off the gas, giving the visitors a greater
percentage of possession. Kearney had to be at his best again to deny Shotton early on after the restart, making an impressive
save from the Kidsgrove player's header, but it only delayed what seemed to be an inevitable goal. Ten minutes into the half
Ashley Hill took advantage of some slack defending to take the ball outside Kearney, before squaring the ball to LENNON, who
slotted the ball home from close range. But any hope the visitors might have had was soon extinguished, as on the hour Copnell
held off a challenge on the edge of the area to lay the ball off to DOLBY, with the midfielder coolly placing the ball into
the corner. At 4-1 it was job done and for the last thirty minutes the biggest threat to Sheffield was the rain, as Kidsgrove
failed to produce anything like the quality of a week ago, with the strutting and spirit notably absent from the visitors'
play. The chances mostly came Sheffield's way, but only one chance from Jamie Smith - which forced a good one handed save
from Coates - meriting anything worth noting.
Overall this was a stroll in the park against a real
Jekyll and Hyde team; Kidsgrove were really poor and Sheffield took real advantage of this, giving them a nice relaxing ninety
minutes (for once) in a hectic schedule. As stated earlier Club overtake Grantham to go into fourth spot, with Nantwich in
third the next on the horizon, three points ahead having played two games more. Next along is the visit of Gresley Rovers,
who will no doubt be itching to get some kind of revenge for the 3-0 drubbing down at the Moat last month, and are in a little
bit of form after giving Stocksbridge a bit of a kicking last weekend.
BTF Club Man of the Match - Vill Powell
Sheffield FC: Kearney, Davey, P.Smith, Lowton,
Boulter, Jones, Winter, Dolby (J.Smith), Powell (Ward), Copnell, Ingall (Townsend).
Kidsgrove Athletic: Coates, Elder,
Eyre, Beeston (Matranga), Kielthy, Edwards, Hill, Baker, Shotton, Lennon, Hadland. Subs Not Used: Jones, Everall.
Att:
208
Cammell Laird 4 Sheffield FC 1
UniBond Division One South
Saturday, 05/04/08
Cammell Laird all but confirmed their place as runners-up
in the UniBond Division One South, as they turned out winners in an entertaining game at Kirklands this afternoon, winning
4-1 over promotion rivals Sheffield FC. Despite what could be seen as a repugnant running theme in Sheffield's recent fortunes,
the 4-1 scoreline hardly reflected a game that had more effluent tidal changes than the River Mersey itself, and the visitors
could count themselves very unfortunate to end up on such a scoreline. Leading the way for Lairds was Mark Reed who scored
a goal in each half, whilst they were supplemented by strikes from Ian Cooke and Chris Nezyania, with Club's response came
from Stewart Copnell. At first glance it looks as if Lairds dominated this game, but the scoreline was grossly inflated by
two goals in injury time, and it must be said that Club looked a much better proposition than their recent form suggests.
Lairds started with the stiff breeze at their backs, and
whilst it has to be said Sheffield didn't really dominate matters, they weren't exactly overawed by the high-flying hosts.
What did come as a surprise was the fact that Lairds took the lead on eight minutes, when Derek Ward crossed a free
kick in from the right, with COOKE catching the vital glance on the ball to steer it into the corner past Danny Haystead.
Midway through the half the lead was doubled, and almost from an identical situation, when an Eddie Jebb cross from the right
was met by a REED header that was likewise diverted beyond the Sheffield stopper. The two goal lead was a little harsh given
the circumstances the game was being played in, as Club looked to be the better of the two sides, but as they say it is the
score that matters rather than balance of play. Regardless of cognition matters it was Sheffield who looked more likely to
be next on the score sheet, and Stewart Copnell finally made Lairds' keeper Paul Whitfield do some work, forcing the stopper
to produce a top draw save to maintain the status quo. At the other end Danny Haystead blocked an effort from Mark Reed, following
a good Chris Adamson cross, whilst Sheffield's Chris Dolby will be wondering how he wasn't on the scorers list after his volley
was blocked by a Lairds defender - getting a block on a sure-fire goalbound volley.
The breeze picked up considerably in the second period,
and with this Cammell found it increasingly difficult to break out of their own half, and with this advantage Sheffield were
pressing from the off. The chances were quick to come, and most of which were down to the inventiveness and adventure of the
Sheffield players, with the hosts lucky not to concede. A quick free kick from Paul Smith found Chris Dolby in space, his
shot was blocked out as far as Rob Ward, and his goalbound effort was blocked by Gary Townsend - talk about wrong place, wrong
time! The chances weren't exactly flowing at the moment, but when Rob Ward set up Gary Townsend with an opportunity that went
just over, there was a feeling that Club would break their duck shortly. A triple substitution by Dave McCarthy shook things
up somewhat, but when Paul Smith floated an inch perfect free kick from fully fifty yards found a diving Asa Ingall's header,
Paul Whitfield's top class save gave the impression luck wasn't on Sheffield's side. Ten minutes from the end Club saw a ray
of hope, as Steve Hawes controlled a long ball, picking out COPNELL in the box who coolly slotted past Whitfield. Sheffield
threw everything forward in a last throw of the dice that could get a vital point, but as sucker punches go in injury time,
the way this finished beggared belief. As the stoppage time board was being shown, substitute Chris Nezyania skipped a challenge
on the left wing, squaring the ball to REED who steadied himself to place the ball home for Lairds' third. Moments later adding
insult to injury, Club were caught out by some wayward wandering, as NEZYANIA latched onto the ball to walk home into an empty
net - giving the scoreline a bizarre slanted look.
So with Retford winning the title this afternoon - congratulations
to them - the win gives Cammell Laird an almost insurmountable lead in second spot. Whether that means automatic promotion
or not remains to be seen, but as the other results fell into place this afternoon, it didn't seem such a tragic result. Manager
Dave McCarthy said after the game "I can't believe we lost a game after we had so much possession, it was only a coupe of
lapses in concentration against a decent side,that cost us so dearly. Either way,I still believe we are a good bet for a play-of
position!" The run-in still seems to be a big ask, with lots of travelling still to be done by a bunch of players, who have
day jobs besides the task of playing a game every other day. After two defeats on the road, a trip to North Wales is the last
thing Sheffield's players wanted, but that is what is next on the menu. And following the Colwyn Bay trip is the visit
of Kidsgrove two days later - the games just keep on coming...
Cammell Laird: Whitfield, Ward, Lynch (Clampitt), Rendell
(Sheehan), Collins, Jebb, Reed, Cooke (Nezyania), Hay, Adamson.
Sheffield FC: Haystead, Winter, P.Smith, Davey, Ingall,
Jones, Hawes,Dolby (Powell), Copnell, Townsend (Boulter), Ward (J.Smith).
Att: 149
Kidsgrove Athletic 4 Sheffield FC 1
UniBond Division One South
Wednesday, 02/04/08
|
