31 Mar - CBC Premier - Jowitt strikes to give Steels the edge in title race -  A Tom Jowitt strike ten minutes from time saw Stocksbridge Park Steels beat leaders Ecclesfield 147 and Steels are now eight points behind with six games in hand.. Steels had the better of the windy conditions in the first half and had already hit the bar before Andy Horsfall took advantage of a mistake by the Ecclesfield keeper from a corner to give Steels the lead. 147 levelled before the break through Liam Wilkinson and with the wind at their backs in the second half, it looked like they would go on to win it, but the Steels defence held firm and when Jowitt bent a free kick round the wall it restored Steels lead with ten minutes remaining. Glen Bell twice went close to equalising after that, but the home defence held out.

Division 1 - Sam's the man as Millhouses end Redmires record -  A Sam Barthram (pictured right) deflected goal gave Millhouses Thermolast victory to end Redmires perfect league record. The goal came when Barthram's shot was deflected past his own keeper by Tom Hannaway, but it proved enough to end Redmires run.

Division 2 - Bryant pounces to make Niagara fall and Throstles also slip up -  Bulls Head are the new Division Two leaders and the League's only unbeaten side after a single Mark Bryant (pictured left) goal was enough to end Niagara's unbeaten league record. Callum Chambers netted twice as Old Blue Ball inflicted a shock home defeat on promotion chasing Throstles, while Ryan Campbell took his tally to five in two games for Oughtibridge Village as they win at The Park.

Both Bulls Head and Niagara went into their clash unbeaten and Bulls Head's dominant first half display was rewarded five minutes before the break when the Niagara keeper misjudged a back pass and Bryant nipped in to score the games only goal. Niagara stepped up a gear in the second half and almost levelled when James Shepherd hit the bar, but the Bull defence held out.

Old Blue Ball had Thorsles rocking when Callum Chambers outpaced their defence to score after just ten seconds and although Joe Lawson levelled for the home side, Ball re-took the lead when Rees McAndless found the corner of the net. Chambers again showed his pace to increase Ball's lead and it proved just enough after Daniel Bonnick netted a second for Throstles a couple of minutes before the end. Oughtibridge Village took control of their game at The Park in the first half with three Ryan Campbell strikes inside the first twenty minutes. Lee Bridges pulled one back for The Park, but Lee Smith added a fourth for Village just before half time to complete the scoring.

29 Mar - Division 2 - Simon says Niagara go third with victory over Crown -  Two Simon Staniforth (pictured right) strikes helped Niagara to victory over Highfield Old Crown and in to one of the automatic promotion places. Staniforth headed Niagara in front and Daniel Cooper's right foot soon drilled in a second from the edge of the area. Staniforth found himself unmarked on the penalty spot to hit home his second and the contest was as good as over before half time when Danny Bainbridge fired home from Niagara's fourth the right hand corner of the box. Crown did better in the second half and even pulled one back with an Eddie McErlain penalty, but Niagara never looked in any trouble.

27 Mar - Macron Cup Semi Finals - Service too good for West End, while Steels pip The Vine -  Civil Service reached the final for the first time with Tom Stubbs and Ben Brown goals in the first half and an Andy Bath strike in the second half gave them victory over Woodhouse West End. They will meet Stocksbridge Park Steels at Bramall Lane after Steels came from behind before beating The Vine with a very late John Ward header. The Macron Cup Final is  on Friday, 6 May, kick off at 7.30.

Pictured left is Danny Seaman scoring The Vine's opener, while Civil Service's Paul Billard skips past West End's Stuart Palmer under the watchful eye of referee Craig Grundy.

In the first of the Blades Super Draw Macron Cup semi finals League Champions Woodhouse West End were looking to reach a fifth successive final against fellow CBC Premier side Civil Service, but West End’s plans were hampered by suspension and injuries to key players, while the only change Service had to make was in goal where Steve Warrington, brother of Rotherham United’s Andy Warrington, took over from the injured Carl Whitby.

Service started the brighter of the two and when Wes Bamford was brought down on the edge of the area, Tom Stubbs took a quick free kick that West End keeper John Badkin couldn’t hold and the ball drifted over the line to open the scoring.

Most of the action was in midfield, but when the next threat came it was from Civil Service, but when Stubbs went over in the area, referee Craig Grundy brushed away any penalty appeals. With Warrington and his back four of Chris Fowler, John Charles, Gaz Griffiths and Baz Durrans dealing with anything that West End could throw at them, the next goal always looked likely to go Service’s way and just before half time a ball was played up to Danny Fowler and his short pass fell perfectly for skipper Ben Brown to hit a thunderous shot into the top corner.

The second half saw West End try to get back into it, but it was Service that always looked the more dangerous and they confirmed their victory with a third goal ten minutes from time. A ball out of defence found Lee Wild and he put fellow sub Andy Bath through to round the keeper and score from an acute angle (pictured right). After that only West End keeper Badkin stopped his side from a more embarrassing defeat with two top drawer saves from a Paul Billard shot and a Stubbs header. Service’s only black spot on the day was a sending off for Bath for his second yellow card, but that couldn’t stop them celebrating the prospect of a first ever visit to Bramall Lane. More action below

The second semi final saw Division One The Vine trying to win their first semi final at the third attempt against CBC Premier title favourites Stocksbridge Park Steels and it was the Division One side that got off to the perfect start when a Joe France throw was flicked on by Will Blakeney and Danny Seaman slid in to put The Vine ahead.

They should have increased their lead when Seaman crossed for Rikki Davidson, but their leading scorer missed the open goal and the chance was gone. Steels then started to impose themselves on the game and their man of the match Mitchell Savage hit both post and bar, but the pressure eventually had to tell and when Oliver Ward used his hand to stop Savage going past him in the area (pictured right), referee Paul Evans pointed to the spot. Steels top scorer Adam Todd stepped up to expertly put the penalty past James Marshall to draw his side level.

Boosted by that goal, Steels started the second half the stronger of the two and when a Matt Price free kick was only cleared to the edge of the area, Kevin Davies met the ball with a sweet left foot volley that beat the keeper’s left hand into the bottom corner of the net. Savage then forced Marshall into a terrific save as they looked to put the tie beyond The Vine, but they held on and began to put the Steels defence under pressure.

Sub Josh Connor nearly made a sensational start when his first touch almost found the top corner and then a move started by Seaman, then carried on by Craig Woolley saw Connor’s lob over the keeper come back off a post. The Vine finally got the break they deserved when a quick throw by Andrew Marsh found Blakeney and his cross saw Joe France, brother of the Blades Ryan France, outjump two defenders to put s header past the despairing dive of Liam Grayson in the Steels goal.

The Vine looked the more likely winners at this stage, but Steels showed why they are the League title favourites when they forced a corner and Nick Ward’s corner was met by his namesake John Ward to head powerfully into the net. Steels still had some defending to do and just to add to the drama, Savage saw red for kicking out after the ball had gone, but they held on to reach Bramall Lane for the first time since 2001. More action from the game is below

CBC Premier - Stannington surge goes on, while Angel make late bid to beat the drop -  Stannington are up to second after victory over Ranch, while a single Lee Marshall strike gave Woodhouse Angel a vital three points Yew Tree. Hemsworth Villa got back to winning ways with a home win over Pitsmoor Royal Oak.

Stannington Village are up to second in the CBC Premier with a 3-0 victory over a Ranch side that is just one more defeat away from certain relegation. Sam Eric provided the opening for Matt Asher to toe poke the ball home for the opener and Eric doubled their lead before half time when he knocked home the rebound after the keeper had saved his first attempt. Richard Berry made several saves to keep Ranch in the game, but he eventually conceded a third when Lee Johnstone converted Josh Coulson’s header across goal.

Woodhouse Angel did their chances of survival when a tenth minute strike by Lee Marshall gave them victory and three points at Yew Tree. Angel had other chances, but they needed an outstanding performance by Tom Goodall in a rearguard action in the second half that saw Tree hit the woodwork twice.

Hemsworth Villa got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Pitsmoor Royal Oak. Pat O’Brian beat two defenders before crashing the ball home to give Villa a first half lead and Nick Owen cut inside before beating the keeper to double their lead in the second half. Oak’s cause wasn’t helped when they lost keeper Jamie Jowitt to injury and they were also out of luck when Scott Spzajer’s effort came back off the bar. Action from the game is below

Division 1 - Southey blast Handsworth, but Aston and Redmires also win -  Southey Social hit eight past Handsworth Old Boys, but wins for Aston Swallownest and Redmires means the title chase is still as it was. Millhouses Thermolast were denied victory by a last gasp Jamie Radford strike for Brinsworth Whitehill.

Division One leaders had been fortunate to beat bottom club Handsworth Old Boys the week before, but a week later they made no mistake as they signalled a return to form by hitting eight without reply. Chris Roberts hit three, John Mellor two, while Simon Jebson, Nicky Danks and Rob Womack added the others.

Aston Swallownest went second with a narrow win at Anston Athletic. Billy Evans opened the scoring for Aston and although Anston levelled before the break with a James Lawton strike, a second goal from Evans gave Aston the points. Right behind them though is Redmires after they kept up their perfect record with victory at relegation threatened Loxley. Chris Cotterill crossed for Ben Palmer to gives Redmires the lead and Andy Birks volleyed a second before a four man move ended with Dale White applying the finishing touches

Millhouses Thermolast’s promotion bid looks to be over after they let two points slip to a last minute goal at Brinsworth Whitehill. Arron Turner hit a thirty five yard volley to give Brinsworth a half time lead, but Danny Turner crossed for Ash Gordon to flash the ball into the bottom corner to level and Danny Turner put Millhouses ahead when he headed home after his first header had come back off the bar. Lewis West then stopped Ben Woodman from increasing the lead and after a scramble in the box, Jamie Radford headed home the equaliser with time almost up.

Division 2 - Bull held by Village, while the rest of the promotion pack win -  A second half Nick Ash penalty rescued Bulls Head's unbeaten record against Oughtibridge Village, and a Liam Bonnick penalty for Throstles kept their challenge going with victory against Junior Blades.Fairbank-Rhodes, Niagara and Royal Oak all also took three points..

Division Two leaders Fairbank-Rhodes took the lead at home against The Park when Hilton Stratford-Smith converted Scott Whittington’s through ball, but the visitors took the game to them and were unlucky to hit the bar more than once. Paul Horton also needed to be solid at the back for Fairbank, who confirmed their win when Andy Baxter unselfishly gave Whittington an empty net to score.

Bulls Head stayed second, but they let two priceless points slip at home to Oughtibridge Village. Lee Gelder fired Village in front from twenty five yards and with Richard Hurst and David Buckley solid at the back and Jordon Hague running midfield, it looked as if they might end Bull’s unbeaten record, but Bull began to pin them back and when Nick Ash was felled in the area he picked himself up to net the equaliser from the spot.

Third place Royal Oak went goal crazy at Crookes & District with an Owen Clarke treble and two from Simon Major helping them into double figures. Wayne Royal, Stuart McGregor and Matt Dickinson also scored along with two own goals, while Jonnie Butler hit Crookes’ late consolation.

Niagara also had the help of an own goal to give them the lead at home against Old Blue Ball, but it was soon added to by Tom Staniforth and Danny Bainbridge. Despite John Morgan’s best efforts for Ball they conceded two more in the second half as Paul Cadman and another from Bainbridge made it 5-0.

20 Mar - Taylor & Emmet Sunday Junior Cup - Niagara fall as Redmires land final spot for a record second time -  Division One Redmires created history by becoming the first Blades Super Draw League club to reach a County FA Cup Final for a second time when they won their all-Blades Super Draw semi final tie with Division Two Niagara thanks to two Joe Gray goals. It was no stroll in the park though as Niagara gave them a real test, but with Andy Jones and James Kirkham firm at the back and Andy Birks outstanding in midfield, Redmires just about deserved it. They were also thankful to some terrific saves by keeper Karl Taylor (pictured right) who showed why they have only conceded four goals in the seven rounds so far.

A four man move midway through the first half gave Gray the chance to open the scoring and a cross from the left saw Gray produce a smart finish for his second after the break. Niagara can count themselves unlucky though, with Daniel Cooper hit the bar with one effort and Danny Bainbridge hitting the keeper when clean through. Ben Dronfield also headed over when well placed and they had a good shout for a penalty turned down near the end, but try as they might, Niagara couldn’t find a way through and Redmires marched on to their historic second final where they will face Rotherham League side Arbourthorne SWD.

CBC Premier - West End run stopped by 147, but Steels lose out to Tree -  Ryan Keeney & Sheridan Bagshaw doubles saw Ecclesfield 147 bring Woodhouse West End's title charge to a halt by inflicting the heaviest ever defeat on the champions since they joined the league in 2003, but it wasn't all bad news for West End as Stocksbridge Park Steels fell to a second successive defeat at the hands of local rivals Yew Tree. Stannington Village moved up to third with victory over Handsworth WMC, while Civil Service eased their relegation fears with a last gasp win at Hemsworth Villa, while Laycock Sports problems deepened with defeat at Pitsmoor Royal Oak.

Champions Woodhouse West End’s chances of taking a fifth successive title was hit when their fourteen match unbeaten run was ended when current leaders Ecclesfield 147 inflicted West End’s heaviest ever defeat since they joined the league in 2003. It could have been much worse for West End though, as their main challengers, Stocksbridge Park Steels, also slumped to defeat at local rivals Yew Tree.

Sheridan Bagshaw gave Ecclesfield an early lead and it was doubled when Ryan Keeney (pictured left) scored from the penalty spot after Gareth Hunter had been felled in the area. West End quickly responded though and were level by half time with a Sammy Glaves strike and Nick Hague’s first league goal for the club after eight years of trying, but that was as good as it got for the champions as they were blown away in the second half.

With Ian Wilkinson outstanding, Ecclesfield were unstoppable after the break. Bagshaw restored Ecclesfield’s lead from thirty yards and Ryan Keeney netted his second penalty of the game after he had been brought down by Sammy Glaves. That also saw West End reduced to ten men as Glaves received his second yellow card. Craig Senior then beat his marker to hit the home side’s fifth and he then turned provider for Jayson Reeves to make Ecclesfield the first team to hit six past West End in the league.

Stocksbridge Park Steels had a real chance to take a stranglehold on the title, but there nearest rivals, Yew Tree had other ideas and instead inflicted a second successive defeat on the Steels. Tree’s man-of-the-match Jack Jones gave Tree the lead, but on the stroke of half time Mitchell Savage levelled for Steels and soon after the break he put Steels ahead with his second of the game.

Tree hit back to level through Ryan Cockayne (pictured right) and stunned their local rivals by taking the lead again with a Nathan Hanson strike. Steels threw everything at them to rescue something from the game and their onslaught of the Tree goal saw them hit the woodwork twice, but Tree held on to keep the title race wide open.

Up to third is Stannington Village after making it twenty two out of their last twenty four points with a narrow victory over Handsworth WMC. Matt Asher turned on a sixpence before finding the bottom corner to give Stannington a first half lead and he turned provider after the break for Lee Johnstone to double their lead. Sean Flynn almost had a third, but saw his shot brilliantly tipped onto a post, but they were made to sweat after Dale Moore pulled one back for Handsworth when he bundled the ball home. Tom Crosby and Liam Simmonite went close to equalising, but Stannington held on.

Hemsworth Villa’s hopes of staying in the title race took a knockout blow when a last gasp Wes Bamford strike saw Civil Service inflict a second defeat in a month on Villa. Paul Billard's flying header put Service ahead (pictured left) and he turned provider for Tom Stubbs to double their lead. Villa’s leading scorer Nick Owen pulled one back and after Pete Burgin had robbed a defender of the ball he crossed for Owen to hit his second and level things up (pictured left below).

Villa then threw everything at them, but Service keeper Steve Warrington, brother of the Millers keeper Andy Warrington, was a barrier they couldn’t beat again. One save from Alex Yule in particular would have made his brother proud and after Andy Bath had missed one chance, with virtually the last kick of the game Villa were hit by a quick break and Wes Bamford hit a real beauty into the top corner to win it for Service.

The days other CBC Premier game turned into a real feisty affair between Pitsmoor Royal Oak and Laycock Sports with both sides ending the game with just nine men each. Luke Parwana put the ball into his own net to give Laycocks the lead and it looked like they would have a comfortable victory when Oak were reduced to nine men, but against all odds, two Gavin Davis strikes put Oak ahead. Steve Morris levelled for Laycocks before he was dismissed and Oak went back in front as Davis completed his hat-trick. Although Laycocks were also reduced to nine men, they levelled again when Ryan Collier picked up a loose ball, but Oak finally took the points when Leon Stocks poked the ball home after Scott Spzajer had flicked on a Craig O’Brien throw.

Division 1 - Southey get a scare before going back to the top, as The Vine are held by Loxley -  Southey Social regained top spot in Division One after they won at Handsworth Old Boys and The Vine were held by Loxley. Southey were given a real shock when Mario Esposito took advantage of a poor Nicky Danks back-pass to give the bottom club the lead and although Chris Roberts levelled when he got on the end of a John Mellor flick on, Handsworth were back in front by half time with a Tom Houghton strike.

The second half saw Rob Womack bring Southey level again and after Mellor had put them ahead for the first time, Womack added his second to double their lead. They needed it though as Handsworth pulled one back with a Ryan Gruscott penalty and they needed to hang on as the home side went flat out for an equaliser.

After a goalless first half, The Vine took the lead against Loxley through Rikki Davidson. Danny Seaman hit both post and bar, but Loxley’s centre half Sam Barrett stood firm to most things and Loxley were showing they were dangerous themselves. Geoff Mayfield was always a threat in the air and it was almost inevitable that he would grab an equaliser.

Another game that saw a goalless first half was Anston Athletic’s visit to Aston Swallownest, but the second half saw Aston step up a gear and earn the victory that saw them climb back into the top three. Although David Sills first was cancelled out by Simon Herberts, two from Josh Bell and Sills’ second put Aston in control. Anston grabbed a second with a James Lawton free kick, but Aston had the final say with a Josh Batham strike.

A Sam Bartram handball allowed Karl Fox to give Malthouse the lead at home to Millhouses Thermolast and it looked good for the home side when Adam White scored his first for them to give Malthouse a two goal half time lead. It was a different story after the break though with Tom Gardiner reducing the arrears from an Ali Berry cross and after that Malthouse seemed to fall to pieces. Danny Turner hit a hat-trick and Paul Scott added a fifth for Millhouses before Nick Glover scored a late consolation for the home side.

Division 2 - Bulls Head given scare by Crown, while Throstles beat Royal Oak - Bulls Head had to come from behind three times before winning at Highfield Old Crown, but leaders Fairbank-Rhodes also won at The Park. Throstles won their six-pointer with Royal Oak, while there was also wins for Junior Blades, Old Blue Ball and Oughtibridge Village.

Division Two leaders Fairbank-Rhodes found The Park’s defence too hard to crack in the first half, but straight after half time a penalty allowed Andy Baxter to put Fairbank ahead. Scott Whittington soon added a second and Jon Tomlinson’s long range effort made it three. The Park hit back though and after Lee Bridges headed their first, Nick Baxter grabbed a second from a Marcus Pass free kick, but Andy Baxter completed his man of the match performance by volleying his second from the edge of the area to settle the game.

Second place Bulls Head had an even narrower squeak, with Highfield Old Crown taking the lead three times before Bull finally took the points. A Gary Wilkins penalty gave Crown a second minute lead and although a Nick Ash penalty levelled for Bull, Crown were back in front before half time when Robbie Doszczeczko scored. Ash’s second brought Bull level again after the break, but Shaun Whaller’s deflected shot put Crown in front again. Ash then levelled a third time and just when it looked like they would have to settle for a point a terrific free kick by Alan Mowforth in the last minute gave Bull all three points.

Throstles took the lead in their promotion six pointer at Royal Oak with a Brook Duncombe strike after just three minutes and despite Oak pressure, Throstles doubled their lead in the second half with a James Stone goal. Oak pulled one back when Owen Clarke lobbed the onrushing keeper, but Throstles held on to clinch a vital win.

Junior Blades grabbed their third win of the season with a five goal demolition of bottom club Crookes & District. Two Adam Caywood strikes gave the Blades a half time lead and a Tom Grapes half volley made it three after the break. Chris Jones added a fourth before Grapes headed his second to complete the scoring.

Oughtibridge Village keeper Matt Luttrell was outstanding as he kept his side’s first home clean sheet to earn a victory over Chapeltown RBL. That clean sheet meant that Jordan Hague’s header from Danny Hill’s corner proved enough to give Oughtibridge all three points.

Old Harrow looked like they were on their way to three points when Joe Bilby and Andy Hallam gave them a two goal lead at Old Blue Ball, but the home side, driven on by the impressive Daniel Dunkerley hit back to win. Callum Chambers pulled the first back before Tom Goodison levelled. Josh Jones then put Ball ahead and Marcus O’Malley made their victory certain.

13 Mar - WEST END CHARGE GATHERS PACE - The big clash in the CBC Premier saw 3rd placed Woodhouse West End overcome the team above them Stocksbridge Park Steels with a decisive  5-2 victory. Steels tried hard but found West End too strong despite two Adam Todd goals, one from the spot and one where he dribbled around the keeper.

 Leaders Ecclesfield 147 were held to draw by Yew Tree  after Nathan Hanson had equalised with a header to level Scott Johnson opener for Ecclesfield which saw him finish off a good move. After half time, it was Yew Tree’s Pete Gill who put them in front with an excellent run from the halfway line which saw him run nearly the length of the pitch beating two players to score a great goal, but after several attempts and some great goalkeeping by Steve Marshall for Yew Tree a Gavin Hunter special from the edge of the box flew into the top corner to level the match.

There were two relegation battles involving the bottom four clubs and the clash of the bottom two saw Woodhouse Angel beat Ranch 2-0  and although Angel dominated the first half they could not find the net with Gareth Simons missing a penalty. However he made amends just after the break to put Angel in front after latching on to  header from Chris Towey bravely just getting there before the keeper. Mark Coggin made things safe for Angel when deftly lobbing the keeper after a through pass from Rich Newey.

In the other relegation 6 pointer it was Civil Service who came through against an out of sorts Laycocks side. Service opened the scoring after half an hour when Stavros was adjudged to have brought down Adam Firth and despite some protests Danny Fowler kept his nerve to put Service in front. A second goal for Fowler soon after the break increased Service’s lead and despite a slight revival Laycocks could not get back into the game and an OG meant they went away empty handed in this vital game.

A hard fought but eventful battle took place between Handsworth WMC and Pitsmoor Royal Oak with the home side coming out on top in a match well refereed by Brent Marsh.. Oak opened the scoring when Gavin Davis scored but this was equalised when a long punt by Andy Stevens was misjudged by the Oak keeper  leaving the score at half time at one all. In the second half full of incident a brilliant save by Stevens prevented Oak taking the lead ,unfortunately Stevens was not the keeper and had to be red carded. Gavin Davis then missed the resultant penalty and Oak applied much pressure to get the winner, which despite hitting  the bar three times and the post, they could not find the net. Following heavy Oak pressure Handsworth grabbed the winner on the break when Robert Pratt fed Sean Simmonite  and he knocked it through for brother Liam to hit the winner.

 In the other Premier match , old rivals Hemsworth Villa and Stannington Village fought out a high scoring match with Village coming out on top 7-3 Matt Asher opened the scoring for Village but this was equalised by Ashley Emson . Josh Coulson then gave Village a half time lead when he scored from the spot and scored another after the break following a good move. Hemsworth’s keeper Steve Bennett made some fine saves in the 2nd half but was helpless to prevent a further three  goals from Asher and  one from Sami Eric. Villa were hampered with an injury to centre back Ryan Powell but two strikes from ace poacher Nick Owen kept Villas hopes alive.

In the First Division , with leaders The Vine and Southey Social not playing unbeaten Redmires grasped the chance to go top of the league despite being without several regular first teamers against a Malthouse side that had won its last three matches. Things could not have started better for Redmires when they scored with their first attack through winger Joe Gray eager to make up for missed chances last week. Malthouse showed they were up for the battle however when a slight mix up left keeper Karl Taylor unable to keep out a lob from Lee Campbell. A great goal by the rejuvenated Andy Birks saw Redmires get right back on top and he and Ben Palmer added further goals to go in at half time 4-1 up. After the break a further two from  Birks, Palmer (header) and a Chris Cotterill inswinging corner saw Redmires well on top with Lee Campbell pulling one back for Malthouse near the finish.

Out of form Loxley caused something of a surprise against in form local rivals Rivelin in a hard fought match eventually decided by a penalty in which Loxleys Anthony Marshall was brought down ,took the penalty  himself ,failed to score but had Danny Bray on the alert as he followed up after the ball had spilled from the keepers grasp just before half time. In the second half Rivelin pressed hard but the Loxley rearguard held firm. In the only other match played in the First Division, a grim battle saw Handsworth Old Boys take the points against a weakened  Brinsworth Whitehill side. Mario Esposito got the all important goal just after half time to seal the points for the improving Handsworth side.

In the 2nd Division, unbeaten Niagara , with Ben Dronfield outstanding were held at home by Throstles after taking a half time lead with a Tom Staniforth header. Throstles who managed to nullify the threat of Niagara’s prolific strikers were good for their point earned with a Nick Wells free kick in the second half .

Bottom club Crookes and District ‘s nightmare continued with another heavy defeat at home to  Highfield  Old Crown. Crookes took an early lead via Chris Cottyn which woke up Old Crown who surged to a half time lead of 5-1 and eventually running out easy winners with their seven goals coming courtesy of a Rob Bidwell hat trick,Daniel Stanton Keiron Wilson Gary Wilson and the best one of all and excellent strike by Andy Boyle.

Chapeltown RB led early at home to The Park through a Simon Blandford goal but the second half belonged to The Park. Marcus Pass opened The Park’s account when he made a great solo run and finished with aplomb and it was Pass who made the opening for Shannon Marsland to grab the second. There was no way back for Chapeltown and a clever lob from Ryan Jones sealed the points for The Park.

Bulls Head maintained their challenge for the title and moved to within one point of the leaders with an emphatic 7-3 beating of lowly Junior Blades, John Ward with three and two from Alan Mowforth including one which was an absolute screamer from the edge of the box plus a Matt Evans header , and a first touch goal from Nick Ash were Bull’s match winners with Alan Trinder 2 and Tom Grapes replying for Blades.

A keenly fought match took place between Old Blue Ball who entertained Royal Oak with the latter coming out on top by the odd goal of five. Paul Turner opened the scoring for Oak with a great shot from the edge of the box and that was the way it stayed up to half time and after the break Ball equalised through Reece McAndless  but a penalty from Carl Cole put Oak in front. John Morgan pulled one back for Ball but it Owen Clark who broke through the Ball defence to grab the winner.

Oughtibridge started well against Old Harrow with a strike from man of the match  by Tom Fletcher and this was equalised when Jordan Broadbent went through for a one on one with the keeper and came out best. Tom Burkinshaw restored Oughtibridge’s lead before half time and that was the end of the scoring with neither team really getting on top in a very tight game.

6 Mar - APRIL & MAY FIXTURES NOW LISTED -  The April & May Fixtures - including 29 or 31 March midweek and all other midweek games are now listed. All home teams should immediately make sure their ground is available for all the dates shown.

Please let Keith know straight away if your pitch is not available for any of the dates shown - ring him on 0794 091 3288.

If the team you share with is in another league, and they are given a home game for the same Sunday date as you, you will need to negotiate with them and, if necessary, you might have to play an afternoon game if your pitch allows it.

Home teams must also confirm the games with their referees and opponents immediately - PLEASE NOTE MANY REFEREES HAVE NOT INDICATED WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK GAMES, SO YOU NEED TO CHECK WITH THEM IMMEDIATELY. Please email Keith if any of the referees tell you they cannot do the fixture listed.

6 Mar - Macron Cup - Billard snookers Handsworth -  After taking over in goal after the Civil Service keeper dislocated a finger, Paul Billard went on to make a vital save in a penalty shoot out as Service went through to the semi finals where they will face Woodhouse West End.

Civil Service had an unlikely hero in Paul Billard as they came from behind to claim a second ever Macron Cup semi final place with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over fellow CBC Premier Handsworth WMC. Paul Billard had to take over in goal when keeper Carl Whitby suffered a dislocated finger and he went on to stop anything that Handsworth threw at him before making the vital penalty save that allowed his team to go on and win it.

Handsworth were first to show and took the lead when a cross by Andy Stevens was headed back across goal for Liam Simmonite to swivel and put his side ahead. Kieran Gallagher and Simmonite both went close again in the first half, but the tide was turning and Service began to take control and despite the loss of their keeper they went on to dominate the second half.

An equaliser had to come and it was leading scorer Wes Bamford that got it, but they were guilty of creating, then missing chances, so the game went into extra time. Service continued on top, but the introduction of Tom Crosby on his return from Australia put Handsworth back into the game more and Lee Dolan almost won it for them when his shot was cleared off the line and so it went to penalties. Both sides missed one of their first five, but after Billard saved Carl Atkins seventh kick for Handsworth, Service skipper Ben Brown (pictured left) stepped up to win it for his side.

Referee Craig Grundy played his full part in a truly absorbing contest and he went on to say that it was one of the best Sunday League games he had been involved in, in his fifteen years as a referee and two hours of intensely good football with hardly a bad challenge made the game a real credit to the two teams and the league, and it was a pity one team had to lose.

CBC Premier - West End close up on leaders, while Laycocks climb out of bottom three -  David Haley scored for a sixth successive game as Woodhouse West End went joint second with victory over Ranch, but title rivals Yew Tree and Hemsworth Villa both slipped to defeat. Laycock Sports beat Woodhouse Angel to climb out of the bottom three.

David Haley netted for a sixth successive game as Woodhouse West End turned the heat up on the teams looking to stop them taking a record fifth successive title with victory over bottom club Ranch and it turned out to be an even better day for them as two of the challengers, Hemsworth Villa and Yew Tree both slipped to defeats.

Ashley Atkins put veteran striker Spencer Taylor through for him to open the scoring and Atkins was again involved when he played a short corner routine with Haley before Haley turned to put his side two up. Despite their scratch side that included manager Carl Pierce being forced into an emergency stint in goal, Ranch began to get into the game and deservedly pulled one back when Chris Wajs fed Scott Thompson to go on a mazy run past four defenders before he beat keeper John Badkin.

Ranch’s celebrations were short lived though as the home side went straight down the pitch from the kick off and restored their two goal advantage with Atkins firing into the top corner. Ranch tried to get back into the game and probably shaded the second half, but Badkin was in no mood to be beaten again and West End moved level on points with second placed Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Ashley Emson twice put Hemsworth Villa in front at Stannington Village, but his first was cancelled out when Dean Jepson crossed for Robin Elliott to score and his second was levelled when Matt Asher fed Sean Flyn, and although his first effort hit the post, the ball fell kindly back to him to score at the second attempt. Asher then had an easy tap-in to put Stannington ahead for the first time, but that was cancelled out when Mark Hopkinson was brought down in the area and Nick Owen rifled home the spot kick. Both sides went flat out for a winner and it came Stannington’s way when centre back Dan Green got on the end of a Lee Johnstone free kick to head home. Action from the game is below

Yew Tree found themselves behind after just five minutes at Pitsmoor Royal Oak when Luke Parwana fed Gavin Davis and his cross saw Craig Graham rise highest to score. Tree dragged themselves level though when Scott Bich ended his goal drought, but he missed several chances to put his side ahead and Phil Cookson hit a post. Oak made them pay when Davis crossed again for Leon Stocks to head home and when Tree pressed for an equaliser, they looked to have got it until Oak’s man of the match Delroy Elliott came from nowhere to clear off the line. A furious finish saw davis blast over and the Oak keeper Ryan Greaves make a vital save to keep them their three points and put a real dent in Tree’s title ambitions.

A relegation six-pointer between Laycock Sports and visitors Woodhouse Angel produced a seven goal thriller that just went Laycock’s way and see them climb out of the bottom three. Matt Edwards’ scuffed shot gave Laycock’s the lead and it was doubled when Lucas Baker beat the offside trap to score. Kirk Briddon pulled one back for Angel, but Laycock’s were two in front again by the break when Steve Morris volleyed home.

Angel came out all guns blazing for the second half and after Adam Dickinson had pulled one back, Gareth Simons brought the sides level. Angel looked certain to go on and win it as the put the home defence under pressure, but Laycock’s always looked dangerous on the break and the points went their way when Baker streaked clear to hit his second and the winner.

Division 1 - Seaman double sends The Vine top as Southey lose again -  As Southey Social slipped to a third successive league defeat against Rivelin, a last gasp David Seaman strike saw The Vine beat Millhouses Thermolast and go top, and Aston Swallownest went second after a narrow win over Handsworth Old Boys. Redmires maintained their perfect record as a Dave Knaggs hat-trick helped them to victory, while Matt Meaney hit four as the Malthouse recovery gathered pace with victory at Anston Athletic.

Division One has new leaders after a Danny Seaman double gave The Vine victory over promotion rivals Millhouses Thermolast, while former leaders Southey Social slipped to a third successive league defeat at home against the fast improving Rivelin.

Ali Berry crossed for Danny Turner to put Millhouses ahead after just five minutes and Turner then had a great chance to double their lead, but he squandered the chance and Will Blakeney created the chance for  Seaman to level after fifteen minutes. Although both sides had other chances it stayed like that until the final minute when Rikki Davidson beat the offside trap and crossed for Seaman to grab his second and the winner that took them to the top for the first time this season.

Up to second is Aston Swallownest, although they were given a real fright by bottom club Handsworth Old Boys before they finally took the points. Two David Sills goals and one from Josh Batham had Aston apparently in control by the break, but Tom Houghton had scored one for Handsworth in that first half and when Dave Turner and Ben Rowlinson added two more to draw Handsworth level, Aston knew they had a real job on their hands. Aston kept their nerve though and won it when Sills completed his hat-trick with a diving header.

Southey Social had looked certain to take the title a few weeks ago, but after Rivelin condemned them to a third league defeat in a row, even promotion looks in the balance. Rivelin’s man of the match Josh Bermingham opener for his side was cancelled out by Nicky Danks goal for Southey early in the second half, but Rivelin were soon back in front with a Matt Law strike and Tom Bermingham soon made it three. John Mellor chipped the keeper to pull one back for Southey, but their defensive frailties were exposed again as Josh Bermingham grabbed his second. An own goal gave Southey hope they could snatch something from the game, but their hopes were dashed when Clive Pickering fired home a fifth for the rampant visitors.

New title favourite is Redmires after they maintained their all-win record with a 4-0 victory over Brinsworth Whitehill. Dave Knaggs gave them a tenth minute lead and he then turned provider for Nick Hickson to double it before half time. With Luke Siggs pulling the strings in midfield, Redmires continued to dominate in the second half and they hit a third when Knaggs raced onto a through ball from Andy Birks before Knaggs completed his hat-trick for the fourth.

Malthouse continued their quest towards safety with a big win at Anston Athletic, but it didn’t look too likely when James Lawton and Simon Herberts gave Anston a two goal lead. It was all down hill for the home side after that though as Matt Meaney helped himself to four goals along with two for Paul Smith and a seventh from Lee Grocock.

Division 2 - Throstles held by The Park as all other title challengers win - A Lee Adnett strike saw The Park draw with Throstles, while all the other title challengers won. A Jordon Broadbent double gave Old Harrow a draw at home to Old Blue Ball

Four of Division Two’s main promotion challengers all picked up maximum points, but Throstles had to settle for a point at home to The Park. After a goalless first half, Nick Curtis broke the deadlock when he gave Throstles the lead, but the couldn’t hold on to it and Lee Adnett (pictured left) got on the end of a Marcu Pass free kick to put a dent in the Throstles promotion hopes.

Leaders Fairbank-Rhodes did take all three points, but only just against a spirited Highfield Old Crown. Again neither side could find the net in the first half, but after the break, Andy Baxter began to pull the strings in midfield for Fairbank and Hilton Stratford-Smith’s opener was quickly followed by a second from Scott Whittington. It looked as if they would win comfortably until a long clearance by Crown keeper Jamie Frost was turned into his own net by a Fairbank defender and the leaders were suddenly on the back foot, but they managed to stop any further disasters.

Another game that was goalless in the first half was at Royal Oak, where Oughtibridge Village were the visitors, but Oak stepped up a gear after the break and were soon in front when Owen Clarke shot low past the keeper. Matt Dickinson then had a bit of luck when his cross sailed over everyone into the net to double Oak’s lead before a Cole Starkes penalty wrapped things up.

Second place Bulls Head took the lead at Junior Blades through Joe Keighley, but it didn’t last long as the Blades levelled with a Tom Grapes strike. Bull didn’t panic though and were back in front before the interval as Keighley turned provider for Alan Mowforth to score. Mowforth’s expertly taken free kick gave him a second after the break and Keighley also helped himself to a second to complete the scoring and maintain Bulls unbeaten record.

Niagara are also unbeaten after victory over Chapeltown RBL. Simon Staniforth and Danny Bainbridge strikes put Niagara in charge and although Scott Brearley pulled one back before the break, Bainbridge’s second soon after the break restored Niagara’s two goal lead. Chapeltown showed real spirit though and again pulled one back through a Tom Gally strike, but Niagara were in no mood to let any points slip and they wrapped up the win with further goals from Danny Cooper and Staniforth’s second.

A Jordon Broadbent free kick gave Old Harrow the lead at home to Old Blue Ball, but with Tom Goodison outstanding, the visitors first levelled through skipper John Heritage and then took the lead with an Alan Chambers strike. It looked like they would be enough to take all the points, but in the final minute Broadbent popped up to head home and give Old Harrow their fifth draw in their last seven games.