Report week ending Sunday 31 Oct 2004

Ranges Minnie Round-up Sends Leaders Tumbling

The CBC Premier leaders Minnies crashed to their third defeat of the season after being Round-ed up by the Ranges of Moorview and Lord Nelson lost their top spot in Division Two when they were emphatically beaten by Pen Nook, while four goal John Mellor helped Royal Oak to a surprise Division One triumph over Telecom Sports.

Moorview Ranges went into their game with CBC Premier leaders Minnies without a home win, but they began well and Ryan Douglas put them ahead with a brave header, so brave in fact that he couldn't continue.

If that wasn't a big enough blow, Minnies were soon level through James Hird, but Ranges hit back and went ahead again when Shaun Dale turned nicely before scoring.

In almost a carbon copy of the first goal, Dale was injured scoring and took no further part and when Shane Toulson equalised with a penalty just before half time, it looked as if the leaders would go on and win the game in the second half, but it was Ranges that scored the winner when Jon Round beat two men and the advancing keeper before trickling the ball home from the edge of the area.

With the help of an Otis Pike treble and an outstanding display from Ben Ward, Freedom House made up ground on the leaders when they ended Dronfield Talbot's three game winning run with a 4-2 victory.

Pike gave Freedom a two goal half time lead, but Nick Wells and Richard Beck goals early in the second half had the home side back on level terms. The game turned Freedom's way again when Pike stabbed home his third and victory was confirmed by a James Todd penalty.

Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A' finally had something to celebrate when Chris kelly's eye for a goal helped them to win number one of the season.

Visitors SCS Park were stunned when Mark Barrowclough gave Stocksbridge the lead from the edge of the area with almost their first attack, but Park hit back almost as quickly through Edwin Colton.

Kelly has always had the knack of scoring spectacular goals and he put Steels back in front from the edge of the area and sealed their first win with a twenty five yard free kick that beat the keeper all ends up.

Despite a depleted squad, also back to form was Hemsworth Villa, who gave one of their best performances of the season to win 3-0 at Handsworth Old Boys.

Craig Scholey had to fill in at right back, but his attacking instinct put him in the right place at the right time to head Villa in front. After that Villa always seemed to have the upper hand, but a second goal didn't arrive until the seventy fifth minute, when Lee Webber beat the offside trap before squaring the ball to give sub Pete Braybrook an easy tap-in with his first touch of the game.

There was no way back for the Old Boys after that and just to rub salt into their wounds, Webber netted his tenth of the season in the final minute.

Telecom Sports' Dean Grayson can consider himself the unluckiest player to end up on the losing side after netting his first hat-trick of the season, but both he and his team were outscored by Royal Oak Pitsmoor's John Mellor who scored all of his side's four goals.

Mellor put Oak ahead early on only for Grayson to level before half time, but the first attack of the second half saw Mellor put Oak back in front. Grayson again levelled, but two penalties in quick succession saw Mellor take his and Oak's tally to four and although Grayson netted his third with five minutes remaining, he couldn't quite match Mellor.

More successful with hat-tricks were Crookes Club's Paul Jennings and Redmires' Lee Rodgers with both sides enjoying 6-1 away wins at Niagara and Oughtibridge Village respectively.

Jennings celebrated his nomination as the first Angel Networks Peak Performer of the season by putting Crookes ahead after just five minutes and when Andy Thorpe added two more with the game barely ten minutes old, the game was as good as over.

With Scott Bennett pulling the strings in midfield Crookes were unstoppable and Jennings added two more before half time and although they eased up in the second half, Chris Smith added a sixth, while Mark Rushbrook netted a consolation for Niagara.

Richard Furness scored for the second successive game to give Redmires a tenth minute lead in their Junior Cup dress rehearsal with Oughtibridge Village and Simon Bradbury added a second from close range. Lee Rodgers headed his first before the break and soon after the interval the best move of the game ended with his second.

Rodgers displayed great coolness to score his third before Keith Hague lobbed stand-in keeper Luke Siggs for Oughtibridge's sole reply, but Redmires had the last word with Bradbury's second of the game.

Oxspring United had been thrashed 7-0 by St Cecelias the week before so they must have feared the worst when Matt Walsh headed the Saints into a tenth minute lead, but the games defining moment came soon after when Saints' keeper Ben Hilbert got his marching orders for bringing Ian Cooper down when clean through.

Not surprisingly, Oxspring began to get the upper hand and Dan Donovan levelled with a good finish and the second half wasn't too old when Chris Hall's solo run ended with him netting United's second. The Saints' ten men did their best to get back into the game, but sub Alan Crofts came on to kill the game with Oxspring's third near the end.

Noahs Ark upped their promotion challenge with a 4-2 home win over bottom of the table Civil Service, but they needed a helping hand to get going with their first coming from an own goal.

Martyn Twigger brought Service level before the interval, but afterwards Ark stepped up a gear and Matt Crossland put them back in front. Darren Coyle and Ross Stevens added two more before Chris Melluish marked his debut for Service with a goal, but that was as close as they got.

The day's biggest shock came in Division Two where leaders at the start of the day, Lord Nelson found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline at Pen Nook.

Nelson were their own worst enemy though missing a hat-full of chances and it was against the run of play when Craig Thickett gave Nook the lead midway through the first half. Nelson were further punished when Alistair Thomas beat keeper Joe Howarth at his near post just before half time.

Nelson went for broke in the second half with just three at the back, but it backfired on them when they were continually caught on the break. Paul Randall netted Nook's third from the penalty spot after Lee Revitt had been brought down in the area and Mark Woodcock carved out the fourth for Thickett, before Ryan Cockayne outpaced Nelson's defence for the fifth.

That gave Loxley the chance to go top and they just made it with a John Rhodes strike two minutes before the end giving them all three points at Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B'. Although just that one goal settled it, it had been an open game and Loxley were indebted to keeper Ian Cawthorne for keeping them in the game before Rhodes last winner.

Ball Boys moved up to third after pipping Laycock Sports in a real thriller. Luke Browse gave Ball the lead, only to see it cancelled out by Matt Kent's twenty yard strike. Both sides had chances to go in front and the only surprise was that it took until the second half for another goal to come.

When it did it was Gareth Simons that put Ball back in front and Craig Woolley netted a third soon after. Sam Sequerra pulled one back for Laycock's and almost had an equaliser, but it stopped on the goal line and was cleared.

Burgoyne Arms also improved up their promotion prospects with a 4-1 home win over Dynamo Hartshead. Darren Firth grabbed two, with Andy Mitchell and Chris Greenwood hitting Arms' others, while Paul Gregory struck Dynamo's consolation.

Bottom club Handsworth New Crown looked on course for at least another point after the first half of their game with Jordanthorpe Hotel ended goalless and had it not been for Jordanthorpe's keeper Danny Bowler they may well have built up a substantial lead, but the second half saw Jordanthorpe step up a gear and two from Lee Sergeant and one from skipper Scott Wostenhall was too much for Crown's sole reply from Chris James.

Dronfield Town joined Stannington Village and Woodhouse George in the last thirty two of the County FA Senior Sunday Cup when they saw off Rotherham's Reresby Arms Athletic 3-1.

Town's youngsters showed no fear and Shaun Boyd gave them a deserved lead and it was doubled before the break when Adam Fordham cracked home an unstoppable shot from twenty five yards.

Andy Ganje's cross-cum-shot made it three after the interval and although Reresby came into it more and pulled one back, Town went through and now face a visit to Worksop's Manton Club.

Stannington Village and Woodhouse George will figure in two of the ties of the fourth round when they meet two of the Meadowhall league's giants Royal Earl and Bradway respectively.

The Junior Cup has seen two of our survivors Oughtibridge Village and Redmires paired together, while Noahs Ark entertain Wath's Crown FC and Woodhouse West End entertain Barnsley's Cutting Edge.

Report week ending Sunday 24 Oct 2004

Late Slater goal stops leaders and Royal Oak hit seven for their first win, but New Crown hit the headlines by holding leaders Lord Nelson

Although CBC Premier leaders Minnies were held by Handsworth Old Boys and Division One strugglers Royal Oak Pitsmoor claimed their first win of the season at Civil Service, the big shock of the day came in Division Two where bottom club Handsworth New Crown amazingly claimed their first point of the season by holding leaders Lord Nelson.

Jason Ball fired Crown into a first half lead and when he grabbed a second early in the second half an even bigger shock looked likely, but Liam Echart began the leaders fightback and they drew level when Dave Thompson fired home.

Nelson then had the chance to take all three points when they were awarded a late penalty, but the chance was missed and Crown deservedly held on to that first point of the season.

Nelson would have lost their place at the top if Loxley had beat Burgoyne Arms by two or more goals and it looked good for Loxley when centre half Simon Mirfin gave them the lead, but instead of going on to get that second, it was Burgoyne that claimed a share of the points when a drilled cross was met at the far post by Jon Dixon.

One of the day's most entertaining games saw Laycocks Sports' progress up the table temporarily put on hold when they also had to settle for a share of the spoils with Ball Boys.

Lance Dixon drew first blood for Ball, but Mick Plumtree and a Sam Sequerra penalty saw Laycocks take the lead from them. The first half scoring wasn't over yet though and Dixon pounced for his second to bring Ball level.

The second half continued at the same furious pace as the first and it was Laycocks that regained the lead when James Hirst spotted the keeper off his line and beat him with a brilliant lob, but back came Ball and they deservedly levelled through Gareth Simons.

Ball could then have taken all three points when they were awarded a penalty, but Laycocks held on to their point thanks to a brilliant save by keeper Adam Green. 

What was also good about the game was that both sides reported that referee Mr Compton more than played his part in keeping the game flowing and looked to have enjoyed the game as much as the players.

One team that did keep their climb going was New Inn Norton, who came from a goal down to beat Dynamo Hartshead 3-1. Good work by John Rhodes paved the way for Paul Gregory to give Dynamo that early lead, but the game swung Inn's way when James Sullivan levelled things up just before half time.

The second half saw Inn have the lion's share of possession and it came as no surprise when leading scorer Alex Yule kept his record of scoring in every game by netting two in the second half to give Inn the points.

CBC Premier leaders Minnies looked set for a comfortable victory when they raced into a two goal lead inside the first ten minutes thanks to strikes from Ryan Holmes and James Hird, but Handsworth Old Boys' Robert Pratt pulled one back before the interval and soon after the break Chris taylor had them level.

Hird netted his second of the game to nudge Minnies back in front, but they couldn't hold out and Simon Slater grabbed a last minute leveller for the Old Boys.

An even later goal came in Moorview Ranges victory at a Hemsworth Villa who just don't seem to be having much luck at all.

Kirk Hardman drove Ranges into a twenty minute lead and although Scott Moat levelled just before half time, Gary McWilliams headed Ranges back in front soon after the break.

Mark Hopkinson then headed Villa level a second time, but the hero turned villain when he gave the penalty away that allowed Hardman to put Ranges ahead for a third time.

Villa came back again when a push on Nigel Potts in the area allowed Lee Webber to score a spot kick for them and they looked to have rescued a point until good work by Gary Ellis gave Shaun Dale the chance to hit the winner with what was literally the last kick of the game.

Dronfield Talbot's climb up the CBC Premier table when they claimed a third consecutive victory with a 3-2 win at SCS Park.

Gavin Smith struck twice early on to put Talbot in charge, but SCS hit back strongly and were level by half time thanks to goals from Edwin Colton and Steve McMain. The second half could easily have gone Park's way, but they were left ruing a host of missed chances when Steve Adie grabbed a winner for Talbot.

Royal Oak Pitsmoor celebrated their first win of the season by hammering Civil Service 7-1 and St Cecelias also hit seven in their victory over third place Oxspring United.

It looked as if it would be another bad day for Oak when Martyn Kitridge pounced to give Service an early lead, but Oak didn't let their heads drop and once they started to score they couldn't stop. Andy Jones and Frank Grayson both hit their first of the season and they were joined on the scoresheet by Lee Clarke, John Miller and a Julian Wood treble.

St Cecelias hadn't won since the opening day of the season, but they made that record look silly by hammering third place Oxspring United 7-0. Stacey Sharif hit three, Gareth Lindley two, with the others coming from Andy Fitzmaurice and Mark Staniland.

COUNTY FA SUNDAY CUPS

The Blades Super draw clubs had a decent day in both County FA Sunday Cups, with two out of three successful in the Senior Cup and four out of seven successful in the Junior Cup.

Leading the way in the Senior Cup yet again was Stannington Village who made it three wins without conceding a goal with a 3-0 victory over top Rotherham Sunday League side Thurcroft Hotel.

Simon Howe gave them the lead when he fired through the legs of the advancing keeper and the lead was doubled with a Lee Adnett header. Ben Palmer then missed a great opportunity to make it three, but that third wasn't too long coming with Howe netting his second of the game.

Woodhouse George also gave another impressive performance with a 5-3 victory at Barnsley's Gawber Rd. Paul Hancock blasted in a twenty five yard free kick to give them a tenth minute lead and although that's how it stayed until half time, the second half was just two minutes old when Michael Blythen doubled their lead.

Their hosts hit back to reduce the arrears just two minutes later, but it wasn't long before Michael Towey gave Blythen the chance for his second. Chris Towey and Shaun Waller hit further goals for Woodhouse to take their tally in the competition to thirteen.

The faller was Handsworth WMC who, despite a Wes McDonald strike went out to The Gate, but a third side could go through if Dronfield Town's postponed tie with Reresby Arms Athletic is played tomorrow.

Oughtibridge Village were our best winners in the Junior Cup with a Dave Hudson double and one from Steve Manley giving them a 3-0 victory at Rotherham Transport and they were joined in the last thirty two by Redmires, Noahs Ark and Woodhouse West End.

After kicking uphill during the first half, Redmires found themselves two down at half time at Sunnyside, but, helped by the slope after the interval, Ian Gambling started the fightback when he lobbed the keeper just five minutes into the second half.

Simon Bradbury then levelled from the penalty spot after Richard Furness had been brought down in the area. That took the tie into extra time and keeper Karl Taylor kept Redmires in it with two outstanding saves before Furness struck a winner for Redmires.

Despite playing much of the game with just ten men, Spencer Taylor and Lee Glaves goals gave Woodhouse West End a narrow victory at Crofton Colts, while Noahs Ark had to rely on a penalty shoot-out before easing past Fairways. Lee Sweet had scored Ark's goal that took it to the penalties and they held their nerve to go 3-1.

Despite good performances both Lynthorpe Oak and Crookes Club went out to single goal defeats. After falling behind midway through the first half, Oak couldn't budge a well organised High Green Salutation defence and it was a similar story for Crookes at Kilton Inn, although it might have been very different had Dave Rowe's first minute shot gone in instead of coming back off the woodwork.

Telecom Sports were our third team to go out when a much weakened side were thrashed 8-0 by a strong South Hiendley outfit.

Report week ending Sunday 17 Oct 2004

Fordham and Blythen bag four each as Dronfield Town and Woodhouse George

While it was a double joy day for Dronfield in the CBC Premier as Town scored a remarkable 9-2 victory over Handsworth WMC and Talbot pipped Stocksbridge Park Steels to seal their  second successive victory. By contrast that defeat for the WMC made it a double misery day for Handsworth as the Old Boys let a two goal lead slip before losing to leaders Minnies.

Dronfield Town's young side had lost to Handsworth WMC just a couple of weeks before, so it was expected to be a tough game for them, but after rattling in four early goals it was never a contest.

After Ben Kistell had netted his first goal for them, Town's goals came thick and fast with Adam Fordham helping himself to four, while Ross Carey and Shaun Boyd bagged two each. Handsworth played much better than the scoreline suggests though and deserved more than the goals from Paul Webster and David Cawrey.

Town weren't the day's biggest scorers though as a remarkable game saw Woodhouse George make it eighteen goals in two games by hammering Moorview Ranges 10-2.

It was remarkable because two Gary Ellis strikes had seen Ranges go in to half time with a two goal lead, but George sent on sub Wes Pierce and his darting runs changed the game.

Goals flowed freely as Pierce helped himself to three, but even he was outscored by Michael Blythen's four. Gary Waller grabbed two and Chris Towey the other as Ranges confidence disintegrated.

Handsworth Old Boys also let a two goal lead slip after Lee Brunt and Scott Abramski had given them the early advantage against visitors Minnies. That would have been too much for the Minnies of old, but the early leaders are made of sterner stuff these days and in the end won comfortably with a James Hird double and three more from Shane Toulson, Ryan Holmes and Nathan Pleat.

Another two goal lead was swept away as two each from David Hague and Kevin Bly helped Stannington Village to come from behind to beat SCS Park 6-4.

Michael Wood and a double from veteran Steve McMain had SCS still in front by half time, but Bly's second just before the interval proved to be the turning point and Simon Howe and Michael Barnes eventually gave Village enough breathing space to make Matt Hill's penalty for SCS no more than a consolation.

Two Steve Adie strikes put Dronfield Talbot on charge against Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A' and although the visitors pulled one back through Craig Barrowclough, Richard Beck quickly re-established Talbot's two goal advantage.

Matt Price pulled another back for Steels in the second half, but they couldn't break down an organised Talbot defence again and their unbeaten away run ended.

Niagara's fall in Division One finally came to an end when they picked up their first three points with victory over Civil Service, while leaders Woodhouse West End marched on with a 2-0 victory at Telecom Sports.

Niagara had not always had the rub of the green this season, but this time they were helped by two defensive blunders and a terrific penalty save. Simon Staniforth and Liam Hunt took advantage of those errors to put them two up, but Service hit back through Martyn Kitridge.

It then needed Steve Brady to save Mark Simms spot kick to keep Niagara in front as Service pushed hard for an equaliser, but their nerves were calmed when Paul Cadman netted their third.

Spencer Taylor's first half goal and sub Lee Dolan's second half strike maintained Woodhouse West End's 100 per cent record at Telecom Sports and had it not been for an inspired display by the home keeper the winning margin may well have been much more.

Noah's Ark also boast an all-win record after finally overcoming an Oxspring United that were well in the game until late on.

Lee Sweet put Ark ahead after fifteen minutes only to see a handball give Oxspring a penalty, rammed home by Mark Hodgkinson, but Ark went bacvk in front just before half time when Dave Thornhill found the net. The second half saw both sides have chances to add to their tally, but it was Ark that sealed the points with a Nick Bond strike.

The battle of last year's relegated clubs saw Royal Oak Pitsmoor's stay on the slide as Oughtibridge Village's climb continued. Danny Hill, Keith Hague, Ian Phillips and Ollie Hague all found the net as Village made it three wins out of four.

Redmires promotion charge continued with a five star performance at St Cecelias. James O'Connell, Andy Birks with two, Pete Walton and Lee Rodgers put Redmires five up before the Saints grabbed a late consolation from Stacey Sharif.

While the three clubs below them all dropped points, Lord Nelson increased their lead at the top of Division Two when a single Matt Bray strike proved enough for victory over Lynthorpe Oak.

Nelson's victory was far from easy though and they needed keeper Joe Howarth to be at the top of his game to keep a Scott Allen inspired Oak at bay. Shaun Dolby also hit the woodwork for Oak, but they were eventually beaten by a real scorcher from Bray.

Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B' were second at the start of the day, but after Sam Sequerra put visitors Laycock Sports ahead after fifteen minutes a third defeat of the season for the home side always looked on and so it proved as Mick Plumtree and Stavros Kontou added two more for Laycocks while Steels only reply came from Adam Cox.

Loxley went back into second place, but only on goal difference after they were held by fourth place Pen Nook. Mick Smith in his first game up front twice got onto the end of Geoff Mayfield flicks to level for Loxley after Craig Doyle and Ryan Cockayne had twice put Pen Nook in front.

Ball Boys edged nearer to the teams above them when second half goals from Matt Parkes and Lance Dixon gave them victory over Dynamo Hartshead and New Inn Norton are also getting into the promotion race after Alex Yule made it fourteen for the season with the two late goals that saw off local rivals Jordanthorpe Hotel.

James Sullivan's first half goal for Inn was cancelled out by Graig Green, but Inn always looked the hungrier of the two and deservedly took the points with Yule's late brace.

Burgoyne Arms hit the net six times to end a run of three defeats with victory over Handsworth New Crown. Darren Firth, Andy Mitchell with two, Dale Hurst, an own goal and one from Bull were the scorers, while Crown's sole reply came from Jason Ball's penalty.

GB DEAFLYMPICS SQUAD vs CROOKES CLUB

Crookes Club gave the Great Britain Deaflympics squad just the tough game they were looking for when the Blades Super Draw League side held them to a 2-2 draw.

Peter Wood gave the GB team a first half lead, but Dave Rowe cancelled it out in the first minute of the second half and then put Crookes ahead on the hour mark. GB then came back strongly and Alistair Dalziel (pictured in blue) grabbed a deserved equaliser when he pounced on indecision in the Crookes defence.

TOMORROW'S GAMES

Blades Super Draw League sides go for further glory in the County FA Sunday Cup competitions tomorrow and in the Senior Cup all four of the League's survivors are at home. Dronfield Town entertain Reresby Arms Athletic, Handsworth WMC face The Gate, Thurcroft Hotel are Stannington Village's visitors and Woodhouse George entertain Gawber Rd from Barnsley.

It's virtually the opposite in the Junior Cup with six of the seven survivors away from home. Noahs Ark are the odd one out and entertain Fairways, while Woodhouse West End travel to Crofton Colts, Lynthorpe Oak go to High Green Salutation, Crookes Club visit Kilton Inn, Oughtibridge Village travel to Rotherham Transport, Telecom Sports go to South Hiendley and Redmires visit Sunnyside.

The CBC Premier sees leaders Minnies at home to Handsworth Old Boys, Moorview Ranges travel to Hemsworth Villa, Dronfield Talbot visit SCS Park and Freedom House visit Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A'.

In Division One Civil Service entertain Royal Oak Pitsmoor and Oxspring United visit St Cecelias, while in Division Two, leaders Lord Nelson visit Handsworth New Crown, Pen Nook travel to Jordanthorpe Hotel, Laycock Sports entertain Ball Boys, Burgoyne Arms visit Loxley and New Inn Norton play host to Dynamo Hartshead.

Report week ending Sunday 10 Oct 2004

Changes at the top while Dynamo charge to first ever win, while Woodhouse George send the Horse packing with an eight goal salvo in the Senior Cup.

The CBC Premier and Division Two both have new leaders after last weekend's much reduced league programme, Civil Service picked up their first points in Division One, but the even bigger celebrations will have come at Dynamo Hartshead after they powered to their first ever victory when they beat a Pen Nook side that had boasted a 100 per cent win record.

Dynamo had previously not won even a friendly and having lost to Pen Nook in the ACC Milk Cup earlier in the season, a first win hardly looked possible, especially as Nook had won all its games so far, but just like they did in that cup tie, it was Dynamo that drew first blood when Colin Green's left foot shot found the net.

The lead didn't last long though as Craig Dole levelled for the home side, but Dynamo went straight back down the pitch and John Rhodes had them back in front when he got onto the end of a right wing cross to bundle the ball home.

Dynamo found themselves under pressure early in the second half, but keeper Tony Clifford made an outstanding save to keep them in front and his efforts soon got an even better reward.

Another right wing cross found Tony Pearson unmarked and he made no mistake to put Dynamo in charge. Nook hit back again and managed to pull one back from the penalty spot and Dynamo manager Alan Gibb must have had his heart in his mouth after seeing his side previously throw good leads away, but for once all his good work with the team paid off and they held on for that famous first ever win.

Further up the table a Brian McGuire treble saw Lord Nelson beat Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B' and take over the top spot for the first time.

For a long time it was a very tight game and Nelson's stand-in keeper Andy West had to make several good saves before McGuire fired them in front on the stroke of half time.

The second half wasn't as close and with Dave Thompson dominating midfield Nelson always looked in charge and won it comfortably as McGuire completed his hat-trick.

The CBC Premier also has new leaders after Minnies saw off a stubborn Stocksbridge Paark Steels 'A' 2-0 and give man-of-the-match Alistair Thomas the perfect birthday present.

The game was goalless for more than an hour until Leon Stones marked his return from injury with the breakthrough for Minnies and ten minutes later James Hird made the points safe after making a one-on-one with the keeper look easy.

In Division One, Civil Service celebrated their first win of the season when they hit top form to thrash St Cecelias 5-0.

David Devey netted the first with a good finish and when Mark Simms was brought down in the area, he dusted himself down to score the second from the penalty spot. The game was as good as over when Martyn Kitridge produced an exquisite finish to put Service three up with barely half an hour on the clock.

St Cecelias made more of a game of it after that, but Service rubbed it in when Kitridge and Simms added two more near the end.

COUNTY FA SUNDAY CUPS

Woodhouse George, Stannington, Dronfield Town and Handsworth WMC carry the flag into the 3rd Round of the Senior Cup

Although the Blades Super Draw League had four fallers in the County FA Senior Sunday Cup, they also had four winners, with Woodhouse George leading the way with an astonishing 8-1 victory over Pack Horse Inn.

Michael Blythen again showed what a talent he is with three of George's goals, but he wasn't the only star performer as George strolled through. Brothers Chris and Michael Towey hit three more between them, while Shaun Waller and an own goal completed the rout.

Stannington Village also progressed without too much trouble with a second victory over Meadowhall opposition when they won 4-0 Brunsmeer Athletic 'B'. Antcliffe and Simon Howe goals quickly had them in charge and victory was secured with second half goals from David Hague and Kevin Bly.

More of a rollercoaster ride was Dronfield Town's 6-4 victory at Recap. Town found themselves three down at half time, but a few harsh words from secretary John Burgin during the interval obviously did the trick.

Adam Fordham and Ross Carey pulled two back, but it was in the last twenty minutes that the fireworks really started. Andy Ganje levelled before Adam White put Town ahead and although Redcap quickly levelled, Fordham and White both smashed another to see Town through.

More straight forward was Handsworth WMC's victroy at Cart & Horses as they went through with goals in each half from David Cawrey and Carl Eaton's penalty.

Less fortunate was Handsworth Old Boys as they went out on a penalty shoot out to local rivals Handsworth White Rose. Dale Moore and Chris Taylor strikes twice brought the Old Boys level and after both sides failed to find the net in extra time. That took it to the dreaded penalties and they finally went out 8-7.

Even less fortunate were Hemsworth Villa, who despite dominating the whole game went out 1-0 at Woodseats Abbey. Villa frequently had their hosts on the wrack, but for once their finishing edge was missing and they paid dearly when Abbey's only shot at goal found the target.

Dronfield Talbot also lost narrowly, 2-1 to a New Crown Handsworth that had to thank their keeper for a number of fine saves. Crown were two up before Matt Joicey netted for Talbot and they were denied an equaliser when Steve Adey was harshly judged offside.

Moorview Ranges also gave a good account of themselves before they went out 2-0 at HSBC.

Telecom lead the way as seven triumph in the Junior Cup

The Blades Super Draw League had more winners in the Junior Cup with seven of its teams progressing to the third round.

Leading the way was Division One side Telecom Sports who hit seven past a Forum Senators that fell away badly in the second half.

Telecom were just an Adam Bellamy goal in front at half time, but the second half was one way traffic as Paul Marrison hit three, Larry Moss two and Dean Grayson one.

Oughtibridge Village weren't far behind as Ollie Hague and Matt Siddall both helped themselves to doubles in a 6-1 victory over Blackburn Railway. Ian Philips and Keith Hague netted Village's others.

Lee Glaves and Spencer Taylor also found the net twice as Woodhouse West End again showed why they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy when brushing Ecclesfield White Bear aside 5-0. Liam Kippax struck his first of the season to complete the rout.

Another double came the way of Crookes Club's Kev Haigh as his side totally dominated at Nags Head to win 5-1. Dave Rowe was first on the scoresheet and although Nags levelled once Haigh put them back in front there was no stopping them. Paul Jennings kept up his record of scoring in every game and Simon Bellamy hit their fifth.

Mark Plumtree gave former Junior Cup winners Laycock Sports the lead at fellow Blades Super Draw side Redmires with almost the first attack of the game, but the lead was soon wiped out when a defender turned James O'Connell's cross into his own net and the tie was only fifteen minutes old when Simon Bradbury put Redmires in front.

It stayed like that until half time, but soon after the interval veteran Andy Register brought Laycock's level and the game was living up to its billing as the tie of the round. Laycocks then had their best spell of the game and it needed Carl Taylor in the Redmires goal to keep them level.

The game swung Redmires way after some inspired substitutions as their fresh legs began to stretch some tired ones in the Laycock's defence. Bradbury was on hand to put Redmires back in front from close range and Lee Rodgers quickly added another before Pete Walton rubbed salt into his former club's wounds with a fifth.

It took another inspired substitution to finally see Noahs Ark through against a stubborn Prince of Wales Norton. Darren Coyle and Matt Crossland goals in the first ten minutes seemingly had Ark in control, but after the visitors had pulled one back Ark struggled to finish them off and it was only after two strikes in the final ten minutes from sub Dave Thornhill that Ark could relax. 

Helped by a crucial penalty save by Wayne Brailsford, Lynthorpe Oak were our only Division Two side to go through, coming from behind to win 3-1 at Wincobank Rangers.

A Hilton Stratford strike was sandwiched between two Richard Tidy goals and even after injury after using all their subs had reduced them to ten men couldn't stop Oak marching on.

John Rhodes was an unlucky loser with Loxley after his hat-trick proved in vain as they lost a penalty shoot out with Roland Arms. Paul Simpson scored Loxley's other as the teams shared eight goals before the penalty lottery saw them crash out.

A Jon Dixon double and one from Jon Callender also proved in vain for Burgoyne Arms as they lost by the odd goal in seven to High Green Salutation and elsewhere there were other narrow defeats for New Inn Norton and Niagara as they went out to single goals by Frecheville Hotel and Arbourthorne Hotel respectively.

Handsworth New Crown's prospects weren't helped when striker Phil Bingham had to leave when his wife went into labour and his side had pains of their own as they went out 4-0. At least Phil and his wife Clair had success as she gave birth to daughter Grace.

Report of games played week ending Sunday 3 Oct 2004

Sam the man helps uncles see off nephews in Plumtree family affair 

The Plumtree family get together for Laycock Sports clash with one of Division Two's pacesetters Lord Nelson, saw uncles Mark and Mick Plumtree put their nephews Martin and Paul Plumtree firmly in their place, but not without a little help from Sam the man.

It was the first time that the four Plumtrees had clashed in a meaningful game and uncles Mark and Mick must have feared the worst as they went into the game without a win, while Martin and Paul's Lord Nelson side had yet to drop a point.

It was Laycocks that drew first blood though as Stavros Kontou put them in front, but the lead didn't last too long as Liam Echart levelled for the visitors. Having thrown good leads away before, Laycocks must have feared the worst, but cometh the hour, cometh the man - Sam the man.

Sam Sequerra had been Laycocks' leading scorer for a number of years and his decision to return to the Laycocks fold could be crucial in their quest for honours. He showed he had lost none of his touch by restoring Laycocks lead and even though Danny Goodwin again levelled for Nelson, Sam quickly had the home side back in front with a trademark header.

Sam completed his hat-trick before half time and made victory certain with a fourth in the second half and had it not been for Joe Howarth in the Nelson goal he may well have had a few more. As it was four was enough to leave Mark and Mick telling their nephews that they have something to learn yet.

Despite taking a second minute lead through John Bailey, leaders Loxley also slipped to defeat at Jordanthorpe Hotel.

Spurred on by a terrific performance by Jamie Sargent, Jordanthorpe pushed Loxley back after half time and it was no more surprise when Jonathan Turton levelled, before Daniel Waterfall hit a very deserved winner.

Pen Nook are the only Division Two side yet to drop a point after they made it three wins out of three with a 4-1 triumph at Burgoyne Arms.

Bill Horton had Nook in the lead at half time, but soon after the break Jonathan Dixon had Burgoyne all square. That was as good as it got for Burgoyne though as Alistair Thomas again showed that he is a striker to be feared with his second treble in as many games to give Nook a comfortable win.

Just above Nook are neighbours Stocksbridge Park Steel's 'B''. They also had a hat-trick hero in Lee Swift and with doubles from Luke Burkinshaw and Adam Todd they proved too strong for Dynamo Hartshead.

Dynamo didn't give up easily though and James Mace, Tom Connelly on his debut and John Lloyd all found the net to keep them in the game until running out of steam late on and they can take a lot of positives from the game.

Ball Boys progress was slowed as Matt Nesta hit a late saver for Lynthorpe Oak, but it looked as if it would be much worse when Steve Fairbank and Shaun Dolby goals had Oak two up. Ball hit back to eventually lead with a Ryan Dixon double and one from Matt Parkes, but they had to settle for a point after Nesta's late strike.

Alex Yule took his tally to twelve with two of New Inn Norton's goals in a 6-0 victory at Handsworth New Crown. Richard Dale also grabbed two, with the others coming from Mark Sanderson and Ryan Williams.

Just like their Division Two counterparts, the CBC Premier's top two also dropped their first points of the season as leaders Stannington Village shared eight goals with Hemsworth Villa, while Freedom House conceded their first goals of the season in their defeat at Minnies.

Hemsworth Villa's early season form had been patchy to say the least, but with veteran striker Carl Fairhurst making a rare appearance, they tore into Stannington right from the start and it was Fairhurst that set Lee Webber up to give Villa the lead.

Webber took his season's tally to eight with Villa's second and Villa looked on their way to a famous victory when Fairhurst made it three by half time, but Stannington didn't take the title by giving up and they got a real boost when Simon Howe reduced the arrears straight after the break.

Stannington then got the piece of luck all good sides seem to get when Paul Womack's fifty yard punt upfield flew Beckham-style past Villa's stranded keeper.

The champions were really on fire now and their comeback was completed when Lee Adnett levelled, but Villa are fighters themselves and when Fairhurst stabbed home his second to put them back in front it looked like they would win it until Simon Howe smashed his second with a late free kick to save Stannington's unbeaten record.

Freedom House must have thought they were going to produce a repeat of last season's ACC Milk Cup semi final victory over Minnies when Sean Flynn and Otis Pike gave them an early two goal lead, but for the first time this season their defence was broken as Shane Toulson became the first man to score against them this season.

Worse soon followed when an own goal levelled and the second half wasn't too old before Holmes put Minnies in front for the first time. Andy Gray then spurned a great chance to level for Freedom when he saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Minnies keeper Paul Bradshaw, but soon after Andy's brother James Gray did bring the scores level.

The game could have gone either way at that stage, but Minnies determination to gain revenge for that cup defeat eventually won through when Lee Renshaw smashed home their late winner.

That defeat gave Woodhouse George the chance to take over second spot and they made no mistake as they came away from Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A' with a victory that was even more comfortable than the 3-1 scoreline.

It might have been very different had Steels not wasted two golden opportunities early on and it was Wes Pierce that showed them how to do it to give George the lead.

Steels hit back almost immediately when Mark Carr headed a rare goal, but after that it was almost one way traffic. Kirk Briddon restored George's lead and Shaun Waller made it three and had it not been for a catalogue of missed chances, George may well have had a hatful.

Dronfield Talbot had something like a full squad for the first time this season and it showed as Richard Beck and Gavin Smith strikes quickly established a two goal lead at home to Handsworth Old Boys.

Stung by that, the Old Boys hit back strongly and after dale Moore pulled a first back, he levelled from the penalty spot. They then looked as if they would go on to win it, especially after Chris Taylor smashed them into the lead, but Talbot weren't done for and this time they hit back.

Chris Haywood dragged them level with his first of the season, Martin Bowyer put them back in front and Smith netted his second to make their first three points of the season safe.

Dronfield Town couldn't match their neighbours in their reverse game with Handsworth WMC and after Carl Eaton had given Handsworth the lead from the penalty spot, the result never looked in doubt. Eaton hit a second just past the hour mark and David Cawrey wrapped things up with a third five minutes from time.

SCS Park's recovery gathered pace as they brushed aside Moorview Ranges 5-1. Thomas Farrell grabbed two, with the others from Matt Hill, Adam Parker and Michael Wood, while Ranges sole consolation came from Jon Round.

Division One leaders Woodhouse West End looked as if they were going to lose their 100% record when visitors Crookes Club raced into two goal lead when first Scott Bennett beat the offside trap, before Paul Jennings headed home Danny Bennett's free kick.

The turning point came just before the break when Dave Kippax grabbed a lifeline for West End, but they still needed two great saves from their keeper to stop them falling further behind.

They eventually began to dominate and Lee Glaves struck an equaliser and they just about deserved their winner from Kippax's second of the game, but it was a bit harsh on Crookes after a terrific game.

Acorn Academicals went back into second place when they came from behind to earn their third win of the season, 3-1 at home to Niagara.

Paul Staniforth gave Niagara the lead and they may well have had more but for the woodwork on several occasions, as it was, Ian Cooper levelled for Acorn before half time and Acorn never looked back.

Substitute Alan Crofts came on to score with virtually his first touch of the game and Mick Furniss sealed the points with his first of the season.

Dean Grayson and Rob Lawson both hit doubles as Telecom Sports moved up to fourth with a comprehensive 5-1 victory at Civil Service. Adam Bellamy hit a 25 yard belter for their other, while Service's only consolation came from Richard Hodgson.

Oughtibridge Village also hit five after getting over the shock of falling behind to Stacey Sharif's early opener for St Cecelias. Saints were brushed aside after that as David Hudson with three and Danny and Oliver Hague with one each put Oughtibridge firmly in control, despite a second for Sharif in the second half. .

Awards | News | Clubs | History | Sponsors | Management

Email : sssl