31 Jan - Redmires to face Niagara in Junior Cup semi final -  The League is certain to have a finalist in the Taylor & Emmet Sunday Junior Cup Final after Division One Redmires was paired with Division Two Niagara in the semi finals, dashing the hopes of an all Blades Super Draw Final. The tie is on 20 March at the Phoenix Sports Ground. The other semi sees Dene Brook at home against fellow Rotherham & District Division 3 side Arbourthorne SWD.

30 Jan - FIXTURE CHANGES IN DIVISION 1 -  On 13 Feb, the fixture Millhouses Thermolast v The Vine will now be their Macron Cup tie. On 27 Feb the change will see Redmires v Southey Social.

30 Jan - Macron Cup - Rikki chops Oak, while Mark is spot on for Thermolast -  Rikki Davidson (pictured left) hit a hat-trick as Division One The Vine twice came from behind before beating CBC Premier Pitsmoor Royal Oak, while Millhouses Thermolast dumped fellow Division One side Redmires out as keeper fist saved a penalty before stepping up to hit the winning penalty in a penalty shoot out.

Just a week after they had beaten the CBC Premier leaders, Pitsmoor Royal Oak found themselves on the end of a shock result when a Rikki Davidson inspired Division One The Vine twice came from behind to beat them in extra time. Will Blakeney went close for The Vine early on, but Pitsmoor responded with Delroy Elliott heading just wide and further pressure paid off when Gavin Davis gave Oak a lead they held til half time.

The Vine came out of the blocks quickest after the break and Craig Woolley flicked on for Davidson to level, but they were soon behind again when Davis found the top corner. The Vine were on top now though and although Oak keeper Ryan Graves did his best to keep them out, when sub Ricky Gregory threaded a through ball for Davidson he levelled a second time to take the game into extra time.

Both teams had chances in extra time but it was Davidson that put The Vine through when he reacted first to a goalmouth scramble and rounded the keeper to complete his hat-trick. Oak tried their best to level and only a goal line clearance stopped them taking the game to penalties, but The Vine held on.

The day’s other Macron Cup tie did go to penalties as Millhouses Thermolast became the first team this season to stop fellow Division One side Redmires from winning. Millhouses were first to strike as Thomas Higginbottom nipped in between the keeper and last defender to put them in front, but Redmires were level before the break when Andy Birks played Dave Knaggs in for the type of chance he doesn’t miss.

The second half saw Millhouses go back in front when Rob Gardiner’s free kick was met by his brother Tom, but Redmires levelled a second time when Simon Berry brought Knaggs down in the area and referee David Evans pointed to the spot. Knaggs picked himself up to score, but extra time came and went without any more goals so it went to penalties. Millhouses keeper Mark Davies (pictured right) became the hero as he saved three Redmires penalties before stepping up to hit the winning spot kick. Millhouses will now entertain The Vine in the quarter final on 13 February.

CBC Premier - Ecclesfield back on top after Senior is too much for Service, while West End held by Villa -  Craig Senior netted twice as Ecclesfield 147 went back to the top after beating Civil Service, while Woodhouse West End's charge up the table was slowed after Hemsworth Villa twice came from behind to claim a point. Action from the game is shown left. Lee Johnstone and Matt Asher both hit doubles as Stannington Village completed an eight day double over Woodhouse Angel.

With Stocksbridge Park Steels game postponed by frost, Ecclesfield 147 took advantage to go back to the top with a 4-0 victory over a Civil Service that has now claimed just a single point from their last nine games. Danny Touhey created the opening for Craig Senior to give Ecclesfield the lead from a narrow angle and Touhey was again the provider for Gavin Hunter to slide in and hit a shot in off the bar to double the lead.

Hunter thought he had a third when his shot came down off the bar, but he didn’t have to worry as Sheridan Bagshaw was first to the ball to head it home to give Ecclesfield a three goal lead at the break. With Nicholas Tummon outstanding at the back, Ecclesfield never looked like conceding in the second half and Senior finished off the scoring when he latched onto a poor goal kick to hit his nineteenth league goal of the season.

Woodhouse West End’s chances of taking a record fifth successive title was dented when they twice let a lad slip against Hemsworth Villa and drew for the fourth time at home. Spencer Taylor gave West End the lead when he forced the ball home at the second attempt, but they were pegged back when Peter Burgin set Luke Conway up for an equaliser.

West End hit back strongly and deservedly took the lead a second time when Mark Hopkinson was adjudged to have brought David Haley down in the area and Haley picked himself up to send keeper Shayne Bennett the wrong way - see picture left below. It might have been worse for Villa had Bennett not pulled off a terrific save just before the break, but the second half was a different story as this time Villa took the game to their hosts. They levelled a second time when a move, started by Bennett, was carried on by Ashley Emson and Conway before Nick Owen applied the finish the move deserved. More pictures from the game are shown below

Stannington Village eased any relegation fears by completing an eight day double over a Woodhouse Angel that is now in deep trouble. Lee Johnstone’s left foot volley put Stannington ahead, only for Adam Dickinson to level, but when Joe Barker rounded the keeper he unselfishly crossed for Matt Asher to put Stannington back in front.

Angel levelled a second time through Kirk Briddon before half time and took the lead early in the second half when Kirk Smith netted, but Village stormed back to level when Dean Jepson tapped in after the Angel defence had been ripped apart. Asher then put Stannington back in front when he lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper, before Johnstone had an easy tap in for his second, and sub Ashley Cross hit his first for the club to make it six.

Division 1 - Southey and Aston close in on leaders -  John Mellor hit two as Southey Social went level on points with the leaders with victory at Brinsworth Whitehill, while Ryan Hall and David Sills both hit doubles as Aston Swallownest went back into the promotion spots.

Southey Social made it seven wins out of seven in Division One with a 4-1 victory at Brinsworth Whitehill, to go level on points with the leaders with four games in hand. After a tight goalless first half, Southey began to impose themselves and took the lead with a Nicky Danks strike before John Mellor doubled it. Shaun Turner pulled one back as Brinsworth hit their visitors with a swift counter attack, but Brinsworth began to tire and Southey’s two goal lead was restored when referee Andy Hoole pointed to the spot and Mellor netted his second, befor Todd Guest completed the scoring by getting the final touch to a Lee Wilson shot.

Aston Swallownest got a shock when Mario Esposito put hosts Handsworth Old Boys ahead after just five minutes, but they soon reacted and Tom Payto-Greene,Ryan Hall and David Sills had them 3-1 ahead after just fifteen minutes. Hall and Sills hit two more, and despite a second for Esposito two more from Ross Edwards and Josh Batham saw Aston run out easy winners.

Division 2 - Bull end Throstles unbeaten run and Niagara win again -  Second place Bulls Head narrowed the gap at the top by ending Throstles unbeaten record, while Daniel Cooper netted twice as Niagara kept their unbeaten record with victory at Oughtibridge Village. A single Owen Clarke goal gave Royal Oak victory at Old Harrow, while Tom Galley hit three in Chapeltown RBL's drubbing of Crookes & District. Gary Wilkins grabbed two as Highfield Old Crown won at Junior Blades, while The Park made it two successive wins with victory over Old Blue Ball.

The big game in Division Two saw second place Bulls Head end an unbeaten record for the second week running when they beat third place Throstles 2-1. Bulls Head had ended leaders Fairbank-Rhodes unbeaten record the week before and quickly took charge again when Nick Ash set up Mark Bryant (pictured right) to score after just five minutes. Throstles fought back though and levelled just before half time with a Nick Curtis strike. It looked as if both sides would stay unbeaten until John Kent was brought down in the area and referee Paul Matthewson pointed to the spot. Ash stepped up to hit what proved to be the winner.

Taylor & Emmet Cup semi finalists Niagara got back to building a title challenge with a 4-1 victory at Oughtibridge Village. Daniel Cooper’s neat finish gave them a half time lead and Danny Bainbridge doubled it soon after the break. Cooper then netted his second after the keeper had blocked his first effort and although Oughtibridge pulled one back with a Kyle Tales penalty, Bainbridge set Chris Smith up for Niagara’s fourth.

Royal Oak got their challenge back on track, but only just as a single Owen Clarke (pictured left) goal gave them victory at Old Harrow. It should have been more, most notably a missed penalty by Paul Turner and an Allan Lam effort that came back off the bar, but Clarke’s strike proved to be enough.

The day’s top scorers was Chapeltown RBL who heaped more misery on a Crookes & District defence that has now conceded ninety nine goals after a 9-2 thrashing. Tom Galley hit three, Ben Palmer two and singles came from Simon Blantern, Dan Shillito, Joe Maples and Sam Walsh, while Crookes’ consolations came from Carl Sinchcombe and Craig Peppard.

Highfield Old Crown grabbed their second away win of the season, 3-0 at Junior Blades. Slack marking allowed Kieron Wilson to head home from a corner and when two defenders left the ball for each other, Gary Wilkins nipped in to make it two by half time. The Blades dominated after the break but they couldn’t break down a solid defence and when Rob Bidwell ended a run with a clever backheel, Wilkins hit Crown’s third.

The Park made it two successive wins with a narrow 3-2 victory over local rivals Old Blue Ball. Ryan Jones put The Park ahead and although Ball’s man of the match John Heritage soon levelled with a header, The Park was back in front before half time with a Matt Cundy strike. Ben Lee added a third for the home side after the break and although Ball pulled one back with a Josh Jones penalty, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

26 Jan - February Fixtures and referees now listed -  See Fixtures for details. Please note that if any Macron Cup games are postponed on either 30 Jan or 6 Feb, it may lead to fixture changes on 6, 13 or 20 Feb. Clubs will be notified if there is any changes.

23 Jan - Taylor & Emmet Sunday Junior Cup - Niagara and Redmires through to semi finals -  Division Two Niagara and Division One Redmires both saw off strong opposition to land places in the semi finals. Daniel Cooper grabbed two as Niagara saw off Mexborough Wetherspoons, while Dave Knaggs (pictured right) hit two in Redmires victory over Doncaster side Sprotbrough.

Blades Super Draw League clubs make up half of the last four of the Taylor & Emmet Sunday Junior Cup after Division Two Niagara and Division One Redmires both pulled off terrific wins against quality opponents. Niagara entertained Mexborough Wetherspoons and had a two goal lead at half time with a Danny Cooper strike and a horrendous back pass by a Mexborough defender that flew over his own keeper.

The visitors hit back after the break to draw level, but Niagara went back in front with a Steve Simmons free kick. The visitors were struggling to cope with the pace of the Niagara forwards and it was no surprise when Cooper produced a low finish to extend the lead. Danny Bainbridge then hit his eighth of the competition before Simon Staniforth added a sixth with another low finish.

Redmires entertained Doncaster side Sprotbrough and took the lead after fifteen minutes when Ben Palmer scored from close range. The visitors responded and it needed some stout defending, but Redmires always looked likely on the break and Dave Knaggs grabbed their second just before the break with a great solo effort. More defending was needed in the second half, but Sprotbrough thought they were back in the tie when they scored with ten minutes remaining, but any thoughts of forcing extra time were quickly dismissed as Andy Dalby crossed for Knaggs to hit his second and Redmires third.

CBC Premier - Davis double stops leaders in their tracks -  Gavin Davis (pictured left) scored twice as Pitsmoor Royal Oak came from two down to end leaders Stocksbridge Park Steels unbeaten away record and throw the title race wide open. David Haley hit two as Woodhouse West End ended Yew Tree's unbeaten home record and Ecclesfield 147 ended Laycock Sports unbeaten home record to get back into the title race. Luke Conway netted twice (pictured below is his first goal) as Hemsworth Villa completed an eight day double over Ranch, while Liam Simmonite (pictured right) hit a treble as Handsworth WMC condemned Civil Service to a seventh defeat in eight games, and Stannington Village pulled further away from danger with victory over Woodhouse Angel.

The CBC Premier title race was blown wide open when leaders Stocksbridge Park Steels let a two goal lead slip before crashing to their first away defeat of the season at a Pitsmoor Royal Oak that started the day just above the relegation zone. It looked like it would go to form when Mitchell Savage headed Steels in front and Kevin Davies made it two, but Oak had other ideas and Craig Graham headed one back before Leon Stocks’ defelected shot brought them level.

There might have been a hint of handball about Kevin Davies’s first for Steels, but there was nothing anyone could do to stop him showing real quality to curl his second to put Steels back in front for half time, but instead of deflating Oak, they came out for the second half with all guns blazing. Gavin Davis’s pace was causing the leaders real problems and it was no surprise when he brought Oak level again before sub Craig OBrien put them ahead. Steels tried to respond and threw men forward in search of an equaliser, but they paid the price when Leon Stocks robbed the lone defender before giving the ball to Davis to score his second.

Second place Ecclesfield 147 had won just one of their last six, but they stopped the rot by ending Laycock Sports unbeaten home record. 147 moved Liam Wilkinson up front to partner Craig Senior and the move paid off almost immediately as Wilkinson’s shot proved to hot for the keeper and Senior knocked in the loose ball. Laycock’s replied by hitting a post, but they fell two behind before the break when Gavin Hunter’s shot was spilled by the keeper and this time Wilkinson picked up the pieces.

Laycock’s came out more determined for the second half and quickly had 147 on the back foot, so it was no surprise when Steve Morris produced a good finish to reduce the arrears. They then had two penalty appeals waived away and only a brave block by Kevin Wraith and a string of saves by 147’s man of the match Fraser Hartley kept them at bay.

Woodhouse West End’s chances of a record fifth successive title improved when they ended fourth placed Yew Tree’s unbeaten home record. Tree keeper James Mark’s pulled off a great save to deny Dave Kippax, but resulting corner wasn’t cleared and Sammy Glaves scrambled the ball home to put West End in front. Tree soon levelled though when a rare mistake by keeper John Badkin from Pete Gill’s cross allowed Danny McLean to put the ball into the empty net.

Gill quickly turned from hero to villain when he felled Mark Calvin in the area and David Haley stepped up to send Marks the wrong way and give West End a half time lead. An injury to Glaves meant veteran striker John Faruga was introduced and he quickly showed his class with a clever back heel to set Haley up for his second. Tree responded and pulled one back when Nathan Hanson headed Tom Nelson’s cross home, but the nearest they came to another equaliser was Mark Dobbs goal ruled out for offside.

Hemsworth Villa’s challenge gathered pace when they completed an eight day double over bottom club Ranch. Luke Conway and Mark Hopkinson goals gave Villa a two goal lead at the break, but Richard Berry pulled one back in the second half when he headed Ben Hartley’s cross home. They might have levelled had Breon Fogarty not blazed over when Steve Batty put him through and they soon paid for it when Conway headed his second and Nick Owen added Villa’s fourth from Scott Reece’s cross. Pictures from the game below

Stannington Village eased their relegation fears with a narrow 2-1 victory over Woodhouse Angel. Ben Cook and Dean Jepson combined to set Matt Asher up for Stannington’s first and Joe Barker laid on a second for Sean Flynn before half time. Angel did better after the break and Karl Colley’s defence splitting pass paved the way for Kirk Briddon to pull one back, but despite having a strong penalty appeal turned down Angel couldn’t find a second.

Civil Service’s desperate run continued with yet another home defeat by Handsworth WMC. It started well for Service when Lee Wild put them ahead, but it was cancelled out before half time when Handsworth keeper Tony James’ kick was flicked on by Dale Moore and Liam Simmonite raced away to score.. Soon after the break Simmonite’s brother Sean put him through to give Handsworth the lead and although a Danny Leesley handball in the area allowed Tom Stubbs to level from the spot, Handsworth won it when Robert Pratt’s through ball gave Liam Simmonite the chance for his hat-trick.

Division 1 - Roberts four lifts Southey, while Gardiners dig for Millhouses victory -  Chris Roberts hit four as Southey Social beat Loxley to go second, while brothers Rob and Tom Gardiner both found the net for leaders Millhouses Thermolast. Rikki Davidson scored twice as The Vine ended Aston Swallownest's recent run, while Jamie Radford netted two to give Brinsworth Whitehill victory at Handsworth Old Boys. Rivelin made it successive away wins with victory at Malthouse.

Division One leaders Millhouses Thermolast got back to winning ways with a 5-0 victory at Anston Athletic. Danny Turner’s cool finish gave them the lead on the half hour and man-of-the-match Rob Gardiner (pictured right) found the top corner to double it before half time. After the break, Gardiner took Ali Berry’s pass in his stride for his second, before his brother Tom got in the act from another Berry pass. Another Berry cross allowed Turner to head the fifth into the top corner. Millhouses also thanked Anston secretary Dale Turner for his handling of the game when he stepped in after the original referee had to cry off.

Up to second are title favourites Southey Social who also won 5-0 against Loxley to keep their perfect record in tact. The destroyer in chief was Chris Roberts  who scored a first half hat-trick before adding his fourth after the break. John Mellor netted their other and Andy Guest made sure of another clean sheet with a penalty save.

Aston Swallownest’s good run was brought to an abrupt halt by fellow promotion challengers The Vine. Danny Seaman gave The Vine the lead, but Maxwell Graham and David Sills strikes put Aston ahead.. Their joy was short lived though as Rikki Davidson almost immediately drew the sides level again. The second half saw The Vine go back in front through Davidson’s second, before Jack Heffran hit their fourth.

Brinsworth Whitehill put themselves back in the promotion race when a second half double by Jamie Radford saw them come from behind to win at a Handsworth Old Boys that led at half time through Greg Burgin. Rivelin improved their chances with a second successive away win at Malthouse. Lewis Nicholson put Rivelin ahead and Tom Bermingham doubled it with his second in as many games. After the break Malthouse threw everything at them and pulled one back through Matt Meaney, but Rivelin’s left back Andy Coy and keeper Scott Tilney made sure Malthouse didn’t get a second.

Division 2 - Leaders find you cant beat a bit of Bully -  Second place Bulls Head narrowed the gap at the top by ending leaders Fairbank-Rhodes' unbeaten record and Throstles kept pace with them with victory over Crookes & District, but Royal Oak let two points slip at home to Old Harrow. Tom Goodison hit three as Old Blue Ball thrashed Chapeltown RBL, while Oughtibridge Village pipped Junior Blades and The Park grabbed their first away win at Highfield Old Crown.

The big game in Division Two saw second place Bulls Head end leaders Fairbank-Rhodes unbeaten record with a thoroughly deserved 4-0 victory. John Ward pounced on a loose ball to give Bull the lead before Alan Mowforth’s pinpoint pass put Nick Ash in for number two. Despite the best efforts of Fairbank Rhodes’ Scott Abramski, Bulls Head continued to dominate after the break and Tom Cocker glanced home a header for their third and Mark Bryant completed the scoring from the edge of the area.

Third place Throstles made no mistake against bottom club Crookes & District as doubles by Brook Duncoombe ans Joe Lawson together with singles from Mark Grayson and Fraser Burnand gave Throstles a 6-0 victory. Despite leading twice, Royal Oak couldn’t take full advantage of the leaders defeat as they were held by Old Harrow. Cole Stakes gave Oak a half time lead, but soon after the break Old Harrow were awarded a penalty and although Liam Peace saw his spot kick saved by the keeper, he was able knock in the rebound to level. Starkes gave Oak the lead for a second time, but the visitors took a point home after Zak Wright-Fleming popped up at the back post to level a second time.

The day’s biggest win went to Old Blue Ball as they hit ten without reply against Chapeltown RBL. Tom Goodison grabbed three of them and Zak Crownshaw, Josh Jones and Marcus OMalley all grabbed doubles, while Mikey Thompson added the other. The Park grabbed their first away win of the season at Highfield Old Crown. Veteran Marcus Pass gave them the lead with a free kick and Ben Lee doubled it from an acute angle. Although an own goal a minute before the break put Crown back in the game, the nearest they came to an equaliser was Gary Wilkins’ glaring miss in front of an open goal.

Junior Blades are still seeking a first away point after a narrow defeat at Oughtibridge Village. James Baker’s cross shot gave Oughtibridge a first minute lead before Jake Schofield crashed home an equaliser for the Blades before half time. The home side took command in the second half with goals from Lee Gelder and Lee Smith and although Adam Caywood pulled one back through a crowded penalty area, Oughtibridge held on for the win.

22 Jan - MACRON CUP DRAW -  The Macron Cup quarter final draw has seen both Woodhouse sides paired together, while the only other side definitely through to the quarter finals, Division One Southey Social, could meet a third successive CBC Premier side if Stocksbridge Park Steels get past Handsworth Old Boys in Round 3. The full draw is: Woodhouse Angel v Woodhouse West End; Oughtibridge Village or Handsworth WMC v Hemsworth Villa or Civil Service; Redmires or Millhouses Thermolast v The Vine or Pitsmoor Royal Oak; Southey Social v Stocksbridge PS or Handsworth OB. The ties are scheduled to be played on Sunday 27 February 2011.

21 Jan - LEAGUE MEETING ON MONDAY 24 JAN - VENUE CHANGE -  Clubs are reminded that it is the next monthly League Meeting at Bramall Lane next Monday 24 Jan 2011 at 7.30pm, but clubs should note that instead of it being held in the John Street stand, it will be in the Platinum Suite, which is accessed via the main car park on Cherry Street. The entrance to the Platinum Suite is next to the Players Entrance. Anyone attending should be able to park in the main car park.

16 Jan - FIXTURE CHANGES in Div 1 & 2 for 23 Jan -  Because both Redmires and Niagara will be playing Sunday Cup ties, there are the following changes to fixtures for Sunday 23 Jan: Div 1: Southey Social v Loxley (ref J Southam) Div 2: Old Blue Ball v Chapeltown RBL (ref M Bell); Oughtibridge Village v Junior Blades (ref M Archibald); Throstles v Crookes & District (ref P Richards)

4 Jan - Fixture change in Division 1  -  Southey Social will now have a home game against The Vine, instead of Rivelin. The league would like to thank Rivelin for their help with this change, which has been made to try to help The Vine avoid further fixture problems caused by their extended run in the Sunday Cup.

2 Jan - CBC Premier - After the freeze, Village are hit by Leeks, while Keeney saves Ecclesfield -  After the freeze two Chris Leek strikes helped Yew Tree to victory at Stannington Village, while a Ryan Keeney penalty rescued a point for Ecclesfield 147 Players Lounge at home against Hemsworth Villa. Pictured left is Chris Leek celebrating his second goal.

Stannington Village found out that after the freeze, Leeks can cause you problems as Yew Tree’s Chris Leek netted twice as his side brought Stannington’s revival to a temporary halt and pushed Tree up to third in the CBC Premier.

Scott Birch set him up for his first after just five minutes and fifteen minutes later Adam Myers set him up to put his second into the top corner. It stayed like that until the first minute after the break when Lee Johnstone’s free kick was flicked in by Dean Jepson to reduce the arrears, but Stannington’s cause wasn’t helped when they were reduced to ten men and Yew Tree took full advantage to make certain of victory when Nathan Hanson put Scott Birch through to lob the keeper for their third. More pictures from the game are below:

Although most games again fell to frozen and waterlogged pitches, Concord Park’s all weather surface ensured the Blades Super Draw League’s game between the CBC Premier title challengers Ecclesfield 147 Players Lounge and Hemsworth Villa would go ahead. Although Ecclesfield were able to welcome back Danny Touhey to their line up after a seven week lay off, their plans were hit when their keeper, their keeper, the ex Blades trainee Frazer Hartley, had to miss the game after being up all night awaiting the birth of his child, meaning that Andy Woodward had to come in for his first game of the season. Villa had no late changes to their side.

Villa were first to show as leading scorer Nick Owen twice went close, but Ecclesfield soon got into their stride and their leading scorer Craig Senior lobbed just over the bar. A minute later Danny Touhey and Gavin Hunter combined to give Senior another chance, but he pulled his shot wide, as did Scott Johnson after Touhey had put him through. Villa responded with a through ball from skipper Scott Preece that looked certain to give Pat O’Brien the opener until Liam Wilkinson came from nowhere to snuff out the chance, before Mark Hopkinson did the same at the other end to stop Senior.

Matt Clarke then had a header tipped over and from the resulting corner Ben Hill missed a great chance to head Ecclesfield in front, but Ecclesfield continued to press and they were eventually rewarded when a poor clearance fell to Gavin Hunter and he hit a dipping volley past Shayne Bennett. He would have doubled the lead had Senior spotted he was unmarked in front of goal, but Senior’s shot brought a smart save from Bennett.

Villa changed their line up at half time to a more adventurous 3-4-3 formation and it almost brought an immediate reward when Preece had a free kick tipped round the post by Woodward. Preece was injured soon after though and Luke Conway came on for his debut and he quickly became a Villa hero when he was on hand to tap in to an empty net after Woodward could only block a Hopkinson shot from close range. Villa were on top at this stage and only a defender’s head stopped O’Brien putting Villa ahead, before he was denied again by Wilkinson’s goal line clearance. O’Brien wasn’t going to be denied though and when Owen and Tom Turner combined to give him a chance he knocked it past Woodward at the second attempt.

Ecclesfield responded by throwing men forward, including their all-time leading scorer Jayson Reeves who came on for the unlucky Danny Touhey picked up another injury. They kept plugging away, but they were gifted the equaliser when defender Steve Jones pushed Gavin Hunter in the area and referee Paul Cooper pointed to the spot. Ryan Keeney took the spot kick and although Bennett tipped his first attempt onto the post, Keeney followed up to spare his blushes and give his side a deserved share of the points, although it wasn’t enough to see them return to the top of the table.

Division 1 - All Division 1 games postponed -  All Division 1 games were postponed.

Division 2 - Knight rides to leader's rescue, while Broadbent blast sees off Crookes  -  Division Two leaders were thankful to Joe Knight as he rode to their rescue beat a very unlucky Old Blue Ball. Scott Whittington set Knight up for his first to give Fairbanks a half time lead, but Ball hit back after the break and with man of the match Josh Jones dominant, they grabbed a deserved equaliser through Michael Thompson. Ball looked the more likely to go on and win it, but Fairbank’s man of the match Andy Baxter set Knight up for his second, although he needed two attempts after the keeper parried his first shot. It was all Ball after that, but although they deserved another equaliser, the Fairbanks defence held firm to extend their lead to nine points.

Royal Oak knew anything less than victory at Junior Blades would damage their promotion bid, so they were glad to quickly get off the mark through Owen Clarke’s eleventh of the season and just a few minutes later Lewis Barker hit a blistering shot in off the bar to double Oak’s lead. Junior Blades hit back before the break though as Danny Law set Jon Sheldon up to score at the back post, but any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dispelled after the interval when a needless handball in the area allowed Ryan Barker to score Oak’s third from the spot.

The day’s top scorers though were Old Harrow as Jordan Broadbent hit four and Pat Lynch and Liam Peace one each for a 6-1 victory over Crookes & District. Craig Peppard briefly put Crookes back in it at 2-1 and they might have levelled when Matt Garnett hit the bar, but despite Chris Cottyn’s best efforts Crookes were 5-1 down at the interval and they never looked like getting back into it.  Pictured left below is Old Harrow (in blue) scoring their sixth goal and an action picture (right) (pictures thanks to Graham Leary).

Macron Cup - Haley rocks to send West End through -  After he was brought down in the area, David Haley (Pictured right) picked himself up to score the penalty that proved enough for Woodhouse West End to beat fellow CBC Premier side Ranch. Although West End had one penalty appeal turned down, they took the lead when Ranch’s new dad of twins Ian Cooper mistimed a tackle on David Haley in the area and Haley picked himself up to confidently score from the spot. Ranch responded with a Tom Hartley effort that came back off the bar and a Richard Honeyman shot that was well saved. Hartley had another effort bound for the top corner until West End keeper John Badkin pulled off another save, but they could only go close with a Scott Thompson effort once in the second half and West End comfortably held on in difficult conditions.

This weekend, the last remaining Division Two side, Oughtibridge Village, will find it hard to progress at home against CBC Premier and former holders Handsworth WMC, while Hemsworth Villa entertain fellow CBC Premier side Civil Service. Current CBC Premier leaders have a more comfortable looking tie at home against Division One strugglers Handsworth Old Boys.

Taylor & Emmet Sunday Junior Cup - Ford helps The Vine speed through to last 8  -  The Vine became the first to claim a quarter final spot with a comfortable victory at Doncaster & District Division One side Hatfield Celtic. Will Blakeney set Kevin Ford up to give The Vine the lead and it was doubled before half time when Danny Seaman was brought down in the area and Rikki Davidson netted from the penalty spot. After the break, Brent Heeley scored for the third successive round when he drilled home from the edge of the area and victory was confirmed when Josh O’Connor netted his first for the club.

Division Two Niagara will hope to join them this weekend when they try to make it a hat-trick of victories against Meadowhall Division Two sides when they entertain Ridgeway Athletic, and Redmires will also hope to claim a last eight place against the Sunday Imperial Division Two leaders Earl Marshall.