Report for Tuesday 16 May 2006

Villa slam the Village people to lift the Cup again

Hemsworth Villa lifted the Blades Super Draw League Cup at Bramall Lane for a second season in succession when they defeated fellow CBC Premier side Stannington Village 4-1.

Right from the start Villa caused the Stannington defence problems and only a couple of timely interventions and saves by Ben Ashton stopped Villa from taking an early lead, but it was only a matter of time and when Villa skipper Scott Moat produced a defence splitting diagonal ball, leading scorer Lee Webber used his pace to speed away before lifting the ball over Ashton to give Villa a lead they richly deserved.

Stannington were struggling to make any impact on the Villa defence, but were nearly gifted an equaliser when Villa keeper Jamie King kicked a clearance against one of his own defenders. The ball spun into the air and before an attempted clearance by the defender sliced the ball towards his own net, but with Stannington's Steve Taylor closing in for the kill, King recovered his ground just in time to push the ball to safety.

Stannington looked more purposeful at the start of the second half and looked as if they might get a foothold in the game, but Villa still looked the more likely to score and when Villa's Mark Ward cut in from the left his curling shot produced a breathtaking one-handed save by Ben Ashton 

That was a warning of things to come as soon after Ward produced a piece of magic that must have crushed Stannington's spirits. Villa won a free kick about twenty five yards out and Ward stepped up to hit a real curler over the wall and into the top corner.

Stannington tried to respond, but with man of the match Mark Hopkinson and Kev Symington, in his last match before retiring (again), solid at the back, the Villa defence was rarely under threat and it was Villa who looked the more likely to add to their score.

A third goal came with about ten minutes remaining when Ward was brought down just inside the area and referee Roger Evans, who along with his assistants Mark Thompson, Andy Hoole and Gary MacFarlane had a game to be proud of, pointed to the spot, Webber stepped up to hit the ball firmly past the keeper's left.

Stannington didn't give up though and they almost reduced the arrears when David Hague hit a free kick over the wall, but keeper King produced a tremendous save to preserve Villa's three goal lead and three soon became four.

Ward wriggled past a couple of defenders before unselfishly squaring the ball past the stranded keeper to give sub Ian Holmes the simplest of tap-ins and Villa knew their name would be on the cup for a third time in four seasons.

Stannington did get some reward for their efforts when Ben Palmer finished off their beast move of the game with a neat finish, but it wasn't enough to take the shine off Villa's victory and it was skipper Scott Moat that stepped up to take the trophy at the end of a what had been a thrilling game. 

Report for Thursday 4 May 2006

Village miss out on fourth spot after Steels kept the Firth

Despite goals from Lee Adnett and Wayne Bird, Stannington Village missed out on fourth place in the CBC Premier as Stocksbridge Park Steels hit back to take a share of the points with goals from Gary Barraclough and veteran Julian Firth. 

Report for Tuesday 25, Thursday 27, Sunday 30 April and Tuesday 2 May 2006

West End and Pitsmoor clinch second spots, while Woodseats Abbey take final promotion place

There Woodhouse West End won a last match decider against Hemsworth Villa to pip Villa to the CBC Premier's runners-up spot and after Pitsmoor Hotel held onto the Division Two runners-up spot, the last of the Division Two promotion issues was settled by Woodseats Abbey winning three games in the final week of the season to pip Ball Boys and Half Moon to the third automatic promotion place.

Things began to swing West End's way in midweek when Villa slipped to their first ever defeat by Dronfield Town. Villa perhaps knew it wasn't going to be their night when Cole Hattersley's shot came back off the bar and almost straight away Town broke for Adam Fordham to slot home.

Town were adopting sit back and wait tactics and they worked perfectly a second time for Fordham to race away for his second just before half time. Villa again had plenty of the ball in the second half but again the nearest they came to scoring was when Hattersley hit the post with a free kick and it was Town that made sure that manager John Burgin ended his reign with a win.

At the weekend Hemsworth Villa put themselves back into contention with 2-1 victory over The Park. The might have thought it was going the same way again when they had two efforts cleared off the line early on, but their nerves were settled when Craig Scholey netted from close range to give them the lead midway through the first half.

Lee Taylor then provided the perfect cross for Lee Rodgers to head home and double their lead on the stroke of half time, but The Park got themselves back into the game in the second half when Lee Bridges scored and had they not missed the easiest of sitters late in the game they may well have taken something from it.

West End meanwhile travelled to second bottom Crookes Club and took an early lead through Spencer Taylor, but any thoughts that Crookes would be a pushover were soon dispelled when the home side's pressure forced a West End defender to put through his own goal.

The second half saw Taylor restore West End's lead, but Crookes again fought back to level through Phil Entiknap. West End didn't panic though and when Sam Glaves put them ahead for a third time Crookes looked beaten and Dave Kippax added a fourth. to clinch the points for West End.

That meant that the final match of the season for Woodhouse West End and Hemsworth Villa would see them meet to decide the runners-up spot. It first swung Villa's way when Nigel Cox put them ahead early on, but West End soon hit back when man of the match Spencer Taylor scored with a thirty yard stunner. Spurred on by that and a strong wind at their backs, West End forced Villa backwards and a second was long in coming when Lee Glaves fired home and they doubled their lead before half time when Wayne Fuller blasted home.

Villa had plenty of possession in the second half, but they couldn't break down a resolute West End defence and they hung on to take the runner-up spot in their first season in the top flight.

In Division Two, Ball Boys went into the final week of the season knowing that just one win from their final two games would give them the final automatic promotion place and two wins could even give them the runners-up spot, but it all started to go wrong in the first of them when Scott Kirk scored two second half goals for Half Moon. Jonathan Riley did manage to pull one back late on, but it wasn't enough.

Ball had a second chance to clinch it two days later when the faced the Woodseats Abbey side chasing them the hardest, but Ball found themselves behind after just five minutes when Mark Richards fired home.

Adrian Von Wurzbach kept his recent hot streak going to double Abbey's lead before half time and they clinched it when Chris Garlick netted the rebound after seeing his penalty initially saved by the keeper.

Half Moon kept themselves in the chase by coming from two goals down to beat the new Division Two champions Ecclesfield Travellers 4-2. Kevin Wraith and Chris Brown goals saw Travellers go into the break with a two goal lead, but Moon were unstoppable in the second half and won it with goals from Scott Kirk, Nathan Kingswood, Ryan Reed and Chris Critchlow.

That meant that Abbey would take the final promotion place if they avoided defeat in their final two games, both against Half Moon, while two wins for Moon would give them the final place, whereas one draw and one win for Moon would see Ball take it.

Moon got off to the perfect start when slack marking allowed Darren Woodhouse to put them ahead, but the game started to swing Abbey's way when Adrian Von Wurzbach levelled and the second half was only five minutes old when Mark Richards put Abbey in front. They quickly built on it with a thirty yard special from Chris Garlick before Sol Falsey made it four and Richards made that third place absolutely certain with his second of the game.

There was little to play for when the two sides met two days later and a much more low key affair saw Abbey again take the points with a first half John Kilcoyne strike.

As a result of Ball's defeats, Pitsmoor Hotel were safe in second place and they celebrated with a 2-0 victory over Hartley House given to them by a Scott Spiers goal in each half. Spiers was on target again in Pitsmoor's final game at home to Cutlers Arms, but they were four down at the time as Cutlers again belied their lowly position with a Dan Skinner strike and a Roger Hyde treble.

In Division One Telecom Sports continued their recent impressive form with a 4-2 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B'. Adam Podmore and Simon Smith put Telecom two up before Mick Smith pulled one back, but on the stroke of half time Podmore struck again to restore the home side's two goal lead.

In the second half, sub Paul Clarke again reduced the arrears for Steels, but Podmore had the final say in the last minute when the keeper scuffed a goalkick straight to his feet and he accepted the gift to complete his hat-trick.

Report for week ending Sunday 23 April 2006

St George's day in Woodhouse

There were real St George's day celebrations in Woodhouse as Woodhouse George took the CBC Premier title for a second season in succession with a 7-0 victory at Crookes Club and their were celebrations for Ecclesfield Travellers after their 4-3 win at Tosalisana landed the Division Two title for them at their first attempt.

Woodhouse George set up the chance to take the title with a midweek 4-1 victory over arch rivals Woodhouse West End. George had the better chances early on, but it needed a deflected Michael Blythen effort to finally give them a first half lead.

The second half was only a few minutes old when Wes Pierce doubled their lead from close range and when West End keeper Alan Parkin received his marching orders for handling outside his area, the game looked over, but West End showed their spirit and Lee Glaves pulled one back soon after and almost added another.

George's nerves were settled when Paul Robertson stooped to score from a corner and Pierce rounded stand-in keeper Danny Hooper to rub salt into West End's wounds.

That meant that George needed just a point from their St George's day visit to Crookes Club and although they struggled to break down the home side at first, once Wes Pierce had netted their opener and Kirk Briddon had volleyed a second before the break the title was on it's way back to Woodhouse. In the second half, Briddon added another, Chris Towey netted twice and Gareth Simons and Michael Blythen completed the scoring to spark off the celebrations.

West End are now struggling to hold onto second place after that defeat by George was followed with another at the hands of Stannington Village. After Simon Howe had volleyed Stannington in front before the interval, Spencer Taylor headed West End level in the second half, but Stannington made it three wins out of three against West End when Wayne Bird headed a corner home and Howe added their third after a mistake by a defender left him clear.

Level on points with West End is Hemsworth Villa after they won 3-1 at Redmires. Villa took the lead when Scott Moat slid in to convert Joe Shaw's cross, but Redmires levelled before the break when Simon Bradbury found the net. Villa took it in their stride though and when Steve Jones won the ball he gave Mark Hopkinson the perfect through ball to restore their lead. Hopkinson was also on hand to make it safe when Moat knocked Craig Scholey's pass into his path.

Dronfield Town kept up their quest for a top four finish with a 3-1 home win over Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A'. Adam White put them ahead in the first half and Rod Fairhurst and Ian Parr added two more in the second half before Chris Kelly netted Steels' consolation.

The Division One title race is still in full swing with current leaders Laycock Sports just coming out on top in their penultimate game with Burgoyne Arms, while two wins in four days by Bagshaw Arms keeps them in the hunt.

Steve Morris netted with a trademark chip to open the scoring for Laycock's at home to Burgoyne and after Danny Milner's flying header and Sam Sequerra's more subtle header had given them a three goal half time lead the game looked all over, but Burgoyne hit back after the break through Darren Firth and a forty yard screamer from Mark Groves and in the end Laycock's were glad to hear the final whistle.

Bagshaw Arms first game in the week was a less than convincing win against bottom club Oxspring United who lead at one stage Alan Crofts took advantage of a rare Chris Bell error. Bagshaw kept their nerve though and after Richard Dale levelled, Alex Yule put them ahead before half time and another goal each from Dale and Yule in the second half made the points safe.

Bagshaw's second victory was a much more convincing 5-0 victory over an in-form Telecom Sports. Dale and Yule were on target again along with James Sullivan, Oliver Wilson and Danny Rower as Bagshaw coasted to victory.

Telecom had been much better four days earlier when they came away from Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B' with a 3-2 victory. Steels led early on through John Ward but Telecom levelled when Dan Nelson flicked Richard Hanson's free kick into the net. Two more set pieces saw Dan Mace and Paul Marrison extend Telecom's lead, but they had to hang on in the end after Paul Clark pulled one back for the home side.

Steels did much better at the weekend when they sent Jordanthorpe Hotel packing. Two John Ward goals gave Steels the half time advantage and Luke Birkinshaw added a third before Rob Ross netted Jordanthorpe's only consolation in a defeat that saw them slide back into the bottom three.

That was because Oughtibridge Village scored their biggest ever victory, 13-3 over a luckless Oxspring United. David Ward hit four of Oughtibridge's goals, while there were doubles for Pete Wells, Matt Siddall and Oliver Hague. Mick Smith, Jason Birkett and Matt Hill netted Village's others while Lewis Dickinson, Richard Parkin and Ian 'Crusty' Cooper hit Oxspring's consolations.

The Division Two title was finally won by Ecclesfield Travellers after they completed two wins in four days. The first looked to be tricky as they faced promotion chasing Woodseats Abbey, but the visitors were blown away by a brilliant four goal salvo by ace marksman Craig Senior. Jamie Grayson and Ben Hill added two more, while Chris Garlick and an Adrian Von Wurzbach penalty were Abbey's only consolations.

That left Travellers needing just two points from their visit to bottom club Tosalisana and although they got the victory they required their hosts made a real game of it. Senior kept up his impressive form to give Travellers an early lead, but it was wiped out by a Nadel Mdakay strike.

Senior then hit his second to give Travellers a half time lead, but Moden Rodrigues netted straight after the break to level again. Travellers brought on three subs to freshen up their legs and it worked a treat as the first of them, Paul Bashforth slotted home a free kick to restore their advantage and another sub, Danny Archer, extended their lead still further. Rodrigues then hit his second for Tosalisana, but Travellers hung on to claim the three points and the title.

Two wins in four days also helped Ball Boys into the automatic promotion places, but a defeat and a draw saw Half Moon's promotion hopes fade.

Ball travelled to Hollin Bush in midweek and quickly established a two goal lead through Ben Prior and Will Blakeney. Kyle Kilham pulled one back for Bush, but after Bush had a player dismissed, the second half belonged to Ball with Joe France, brother of Hull City's Ryan France, netting two more for a 4-1 victory.

France was at it again at the weekend, giving Ball an early lead at Capita Hartshead. Chris Shirtcliffe headed a second and France hit another before half time. Will Blakeney added a fourth after the break before Nathan Stewart netted a consolation for Capita, but Ball had the final say with a Lee Godwin strike.

Half Moon's challenge hit the skids in midweek when Hartley House reversed an earlier heavy defeat with a 7-1 scoreline. Ryan Inkles, Danny Hewitt and Jamie Grayson all scored twice with Martin Claridge adding House's other, while Nathan Kingswood's goal for Moon was of little consolation.

Moon did better at the weekend against Loxley, but despite Shaun Collins and Nathan Kingswood twice giving Moon the lead, they were pegged back both times. Scott Parkin netted his thirteenth goal of the season for Loxley's first and after Chris Whalley had been brought down in the area, Tom Shelton netted their second from the spot.

Hollin Bush and Lynthorpe Oak finished off their season with an entertaining game that went Bush's way 4-1. Oliver Sayles, Mark Rowe and a Kyle Kilham double did the damage for Bush while Oak's man of the match Jamie Kay grabbed their consolation.

Report for Tuesday 11 & Thursday 13 April 2006

Village people top the West End show... again

Woodhouse West End will be sick of the sight of Stannington Village after Village followed up their recent Cup semi final victory over West End with a league victory that leaves West End's CBC Premier title hopes hanging by a knife edge.

Despite a Dave Kippax goal, West End were never really in the game and had it not been for an outstanding display by keeper John Badkin the defeat would have been far heavier. As it was even he could do nothing to stop the Shane Toulson and David Hague strikes that gave Stannington victory.

Rodgers bucks up Villa, but they leave it late to catch The Park on the Hop

Just behind West End are Hemsworth Villa after they kept their title hopes alive when a last gasp Mark Hopkinson goal gave them a 3-2 victory at The Park.

The Park made all the early running and Tom Farrell deservedly put them in front after four minutes and it could easily have been doubled when further pressure saw the ball hit the Villa woodwork. Villa did eventually to get a foothold in the game and when Kev Symington linked up with Craig Scholey, Scholey's low cross was steered home by Lee Rodgers.

That's how it stayed until the interval and the second half saw both sides have their chances before Rodgers was on target again. This time it was all his own work. He set off on a mazy run which saw him get into the area and unleash a shot the keeper couldn't hold. The ball came back to Rodgers and although his second attempt was foiled by a block on the line, when the ball came back to him again, he made no mistake at the third time of asking.

The Park didn't let it rattle them though and their front two continued to ask all sorts of questions of the Villa defence and it came as no surprise when veteran striker Steve McMain levelled the scores. It came from a corner that stand-in keeper Nick Hay could only knock up into the air and when the ball came down McMain was the first to get his head to it to place it into the back of the net.

The game looked certain to end level, but in one last attack Rodgers managed to get in a cross that was only half cleared and Mark Hopkinson smashed the ball home to give Villa the three points that leaves them nine points behind the leaders, but with two games in hand.

Bagshaw keep on title trail, but defeat for Nelson leaves Pen Nook celebrating

In Division One, while two victories in three days saw Bagshaw Arms keep their title dream alive, Lord Nelson's defeat at Niagara ended Nelson's automatic promotion hopes and guaranteed that Pen Nook could now celebrate promotion.

In the battle of the Arms, Burgoyne Arms more than matched Bagshaw Arms in the first half, but all their endeavours were undone in the second half when a penalty was awarded and Lee Connor stepped up to put Bagshaw in front and it wasn't too much longer before Alex Yule fired home to double the lead. Burgoyne continued to try to get forward, but the game was finally taken out of their reach when Richard Dale netted a third for the home side.

Two days later Bagshaw had an even more important victory when they hammered leaders Laycock Sports 6-2. Victory for Laycock's would have given them the title, but as soon as Danny Anson gave Bagshaw an early lead it never looked likely to be Laycock's night.

Oliver Wilson quickly added two more and although Sam Sequerra netted for Laycock's, Bagshaw's three goal lead was restored by Alex Yule before the interval. After the break it was Bagshaw that continued to dominate and Yule added two more to complete his hat-trick before Danny Milner hit a second consolation for the leaders.

Lord Nelson knew they had to win at Niagara to have any chance of a top three finish, but neither side looked likely
to make the breakthrough until Niagara forced a last gasp corner and Karl Boldock netted the winner with the final kick of the game. The win for Niagara kept them in the top three and means that they will finish no lower than fourth, but for Nelson it was an end to their promotion hopes.

Travellers look set to take the title after Pitsmoor held by Abbey

The Division Two title race looks likely to be won by new leaders Ecclesfield Travellers after they collected four points in three days, while Pitsmoor Hotel were held to a goalless draw by Woodseats Abbey.

It didn't look so good for Ecclesfield Travellers when they failed to collect all three points at in-form Ball Boys but in the end they were grateful for a Craig Senior double to rescue them a point. 

Joe France is currently in a rich vein of form up front for Ball Boys and it was no surprise when he grabbed the lead for the home side and it got worse for Travellers when Chris Shirtcliffe added a second before the interval. It was a different story in the second half though as Travellers with the wind at their backs forced the home side onto the defensive and two Craig Senior strikes earned them a point.

Two days later Senior was again the two goal hero as Travellers claimed top spot with a 2-0 victory over Lynthorpe Oak. Oak's cause wasn't helped when they had to play with ten men for the whole of the second half after their keeper was injured and while Jamie Kay did his best to keep Oak in the game he couldn't stop Travellers collecting all three points.

Pitsmoor Hotel lost top spot as they were held to a goalless draw by third place Woodseats Abbey. Neither side looked likely to break the deadlock, although Pitsmoor's cause wasn't helped when they had a player dismissed after just half an hour.

It was Woodseats Abbey's second draw in three days after they had earlier been held by lowly Cutlers Arms. It was a game Abbey were expected to win, but after twice falling behind, they probably now see it as a point gained rather than two points lost.

Roger Hyde kept his good form going for Cutlers when he gave them a fifteenth minute lead and although it was cancelled out on the half hour mark when Leighton Brooks netted for Abbey, Cutlers went straight back down to the other end for Daniel Skinner to restore their lead.

It stayed like that until after the break and with keeper Lee Budd making some crucial saves it looked as if Cutlers would hang on for a shock victory, but Budd was eventually beaten by that man Brooks again and Abbey went home with the point that helped keep them in third place.

Report for week ending Sunday 9 April 2006

Steel Pierced by George

Wes Pierce slammed four goals as Woodhouse George stayed top of the CBC Premier with a 6-2 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels, but neighbours Woodhouse West End maintained their challenge with a midweek victory at Dronfield Town.

Shaun Waller and Pierce gave George a two goal half time lead and Pierce added two more after the break before Steels hit back through Andy Hibbert and Adam Todd, but George made the three points safe with another from Pierce and one from Michael Blythen.

Woodhouse West End kept their title bid going with a narrow 2-1 victory at Dronfield Town. Damien Blakemore in the first half and James Walters in the second gave West End a two goal lead, but it wasn't easy and centre back Nick Hague had to be at his solid best and after Nick Horsefield pulled one back with ten minutes remaining, keeper John Badkin made several vital saves to preserve West End's lead.

In midweek Hemsworth Villa's John Swinburn appearance as a sub against Royal Oak Pitsmoor was his 350th for the club, but Villa couldn't fashion a win as Oak's keeper Simon Morfitt kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. His best saves denied Lee Webber three times and Webber also hit a post in both halves and the game ended goalless.

Oak couldn't quite match that at the weekend as Stannington Village completed a 5-0 victory over them. Village were gifted the lead when a defender turned Lee Adnett's cross into his own goal. Steve Taylor tapped in a second, before full backs Matt Elliott and Shane Hinshelwood both got their names on the scoresheet and, after the keeper had saved his first shot, Michael Barnes netted the fifth at the second attempt.

Hemsworth Villa had better luck at the weekend when they came from behind to beat Handsworth WMC 2-1. David Cawrey put Handsworth ahead in the first half, but it only stayed in tact thanks to some terrific saves by keeper Tom Bryan. When Villa did level it had an element of luck about it as Lee Rodgers mazy run ended with a cross that found it's way into the top corner. Lee Taylor thought he would be celebrating his 18th birthday with goal, but Bryan somehow got a hand to it only for Craig Scholey to follow up and score Villa's winner.

Dronfield Town also put their midweek defeat behind them to win 2-1 at Redmires. Adam Fordham put Town ahead midway through the first half, but Simon Bradbury levelled for Redmires before the and they almost snatched the lead when Ian Gambling hit a post. Redmires looked as if they would get a vital point, but with ten minutes remaining Fordham struck again to give all three points to Dronfield.

Sam's the man for Laycock's, but Bagshaw stumble

In Division One, Sam Sequerra was Laycock Sports hero with all three goals in their narrow 3-2 win at relegation threatened Oughtibridge Village, but it was such good news for title rivals Bagshaw Arms as they were held at home by Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B' and Burgoyne Arms promotion bid is in tatters after two defeats.

Oughtibridge Village looked anything but relegation candidates as they stormed into the lead against leaders Laycock Sports when Danny Hill's strike was deflected past his own keeper by Simon Turner. Sequerra levelled when he headed home Simon Bartles pinpoint cross, but they went behind again when David Hudson scored. 
Sequerra levelled again with a chip over the keeper and with just ten minutes remaining he slammed home the winner to keep them firmly on course for the title.

Bagshaw Arms couldn't quite match it, but after twice being behind, they might see the point from their 3-3 draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B' as a point gained rather than two lost. John Ward outpaced the Bagshaw defence to give Steels the lead, but two Alex Yule strikes had Bagshaw ahead by the break. They could hold on to it though as Steels levelled through Ben Lewis and then went back in front through Phil Cookson, but Bagshaw claimed their point with a late James Sullivan strike.

Burgoyne Arms' promotion bid first suffered damage at relegation threatened Jordanthorpe Hotel as a Rob Ross double and one from Russ Gilson gave Jordanthorpe a 3-0 victory and that was followed by a heavy 5-2 defeat at Niagara. Chris Smith gave Niagara the lead only for Gary Cooper to level and after Simon Staniforth put Niagara ahead a second time, Simon Marcus again levelled.

When Liam Pigott put Niagara ahead a third time it seemed to knock the stuffing out of Arms and Jez Ward made it four before skipper Brendan Burns hit his first goal for seven years for Niagara's fifth.

Niagara are now up to third after completing a midweek 5-0 victory over Civil Service. with Liam Pigott (2), Chris Smith and Simon Staniforth all again on target, while Ricky Parsisson added their fifth.

That defeat has seen Civil Service slide into the bottom three, but Oughtibridge Village gave themselves some hope with a point from a 2-2 draw at Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B'. Steels led early on through James Smith, but he went from hero to zero by conceding the penalty that allowed Dave Hudson to level. John Ward put Steels back in front, but Village got that vital point with a Craig Couldwell equaliser.

It was good news for Oxspring United though as they are now certain to finish bottom after Telecom Sports crushed them 11-2. Simon Smith hit five, while Paul Marrison, Dan Nelson and James Skelton all grabbed a brace. The only spark for Oxspring was 17 year old Richard Beever's first goal for the club, while Chris Hall netted their other.

Ecclesfield Travel towards the title after Pitsmoor slip

The Division Two title race now looks likely to be won by Ecclesfield Travellers after they completed three victories while current leaders Pitsmoor Hotel suffered a second successive shock defeat

In midweek it looked good for Pitsmoor at half time as they led with a Scott Spiers goal, especially as Cutlers Arms could hardly remember the last time they won a game, but Roger Hyde's return from injury proved vital as he set up all Cutlers goals in a 4-1 victory. Daniel Skinner hit three of them and sub Pete Smith hit the clincher. 

At the weekend, Pitsmoor ended their slump to hold onto top spot as a Scott Spiers double, one from Thomas Pyecroft and a Leon Stocks penalty gave them victory at Tosalisana, who's only reply came from Kromah Oumary.

Ecclesfield Travellers are now just a point behind them with two games in hand. A Craig Senior double gave them a 2-1 victory at Hollin Bush on Tuesday and Senior was on target again on Thursday as Travellers completed the double over Hartley House. Keiron Webb and Benny Hill netted their others for a 3-0 victory.

They followed that with a narrow 2-1 victory at Loxley. Craig Crownshaw netted at the second attempt to give Loxley the lead and only the woodwork stopped Geoff Mitchell from doubling it, but Ecclesfield were level by half time when Craig Senior netted for the third game in a row.

Both sides had chances and Ecclesfield had keeper Andy Woodward to thank on a number of occasions before sub Lee Sykes hit the winner with his first goal for the club, but it was gained at some cost when Jayson Reeves was injured making a vital block.

The defeat for Loxley saw them slip out of the promotion places after wins for both Woodseats Abbey and Ball Boys. Chris Leek and Slater were both on target in Abbey's 5-0 victory at Wadsley Bridge Travellers, but it was Adrian Von Wurzbach's hat-trick that stole the show.

Ball Boys haven't given up hope of a top three finish and a midweek 4-1 victory over Capita Hartshead saw them begin to climb the table. Craig Woolley's thundering header got them off to the perfect start and Joe France doubled their lead before half time. Tom Franklin pulled one back for Capita soon after the break, but Will Blakeney restored Ball's two goal advantage and a thirty yard piledriver from Woolley made the points safe.

That was followed by a 4-2 victory at in-form Lynthorpe Oak Craig Woolley put Ball ahead and Ryan McGuiness beat the offside trap to double their lead before half time. Hilton Stratford and John Batty strikes either side of a Lee Godwin goal gave Oak hope that they could snatch a point, but Richard Prior made it safe for Ball.

The day's other game saw Hollin Bush get back to form with a 7-2 victory over Capita Hartshead. Martin Edwards grabbed two, with the others coming from Kyle Kilham, Tom Moyses, Oliver Sayles, Ryan Kirk and Loy, while Capita's goals came from John Callaghan and Paul Gregory.

Report for Tuesday 4 and Thrusday 6 April 2006

The show goes on for West End, while Swinburn reaches landmark

League On Tuesday Woodhouse West End stepped up their CBC Premier title bid with narrow 2-1 victory at Dronfield Town. Damien Blakemore in the first half and James Walters in the second gave West End a two goal lead, but it wasn't easy and centre back Nick Hague had to be at his solid best and after Nick Horsefield pulled one back with ten minutes remaining, keeper John Badkin made several vital saves to preserve West End's points.

Thursday was a red letter day for Hemsworth Villa's John Swinburn as his appearance as a sub against Royal Oak Pitsmoor was his 350th for the club. Villa couldn't fashion a win though as Oak's keeper Simon Morfitt kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. His best saves denied Lee Webber three times and Webber also hit a post in both halves and the game ended goalless.

Burgoyne's bid hits trouble, while it hots up at the bottom

In Division One, Burgoyne Arms' promotion bid suffered damage at relegation threatened Jordanthorpe Hotel while Stocksbridge Park Steels and Oughtibridge Village's draw earned them a vital point apiece, but Civil Service slid nearer the bottom three and Oxspring United are now certain to finish bottom.

Craig Green's contribution at the heart of the Jordanthorpe's defence was vital as a Rob Ross double and one from Russ Gilson, all in the first half, gave Jordanthopre a 3-0 victory over a Burgoyne side that now look unlikely to finish in the top three. Those three points saw them leapfrog Oughtibridge Village, but they stayed in touch with a point at Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B'.

Steels led early on through James Smith , but he went from hero to zero by conceding the penalty that allowed Dave Hudson to level. John Ward put Steels back in front, Village got theithat vital point with a Craig Couldwell equaliser. The point for Steels also keeps them clear of the bottom four.

Not such good news for Civil Service though who are now just a poiint above the bottom three after they were beaten 5-0 at Niagara. Liam Pigott hit his second double in as many games and Chris Smith, Simon Staniforth and Ricky Parsisson also hit the target.

It was even worse for Oxspring United who's are now certain to finish bottom after Telecom Sports crushed them 11-2. Simon Smith hit five, while Paul Marrison, Dan Nelson and James Skelton all grabbed a brace.

Cutlers shock for leaders allows Travellers to close in on title, while Boys have a Ball

The Division Two title race now looks likely to be won by Ecclesfield Travellers after they completed two midweek victories while current leaders Pitsmoor Hotel suffered a second successive shock defeat.

It looked good for Pitsmoor at half time as they led with a Scott Spiers goal, especially as Cutlers Arms could hardly remember the last time they won a game, but Roger Hyde's return from injury proved vital as he set up all Cutlers goals in a 4-1 victory. Daniel Skinner hit three of them and sub Pete Smith hit the clincher.

Ecclesfield Travellers made no such mistake as a Craig Senior double gave them a 2-1 victory at Hollin Bush on Tuesday and Senior was on target again on Thursday as Travellers completed the double over Hartley House. Keiron Webb and Benny Hill netted their others for a 3-0 victory, but Ian Hoyland's contribution was just as important.

Ball Boys haven't given up hope of a top three finish and a 4-1 victory over Capita Hartshead saw them climbe two places. Craig Woolley's thundering header got them off to the perfect start and Joe France doubled their lead before half time. Capita pulled one back soon after the break, but Will Blakeney restored Ball's two goal advantage and a thirty yard piledriver from Woolley made the points safe.

Report week ending Sunday 2 April 2006

Bagshaw fail to keep up with Villa's Jones's, while Wigfield & Howe ruin West End show

League Cup holders Hemsworth Villa just came through a titanic struggle against Division One Bagshaw Arms to secure a second consecutive appearance at Bramall Lane where they will meet the winners from two seasons ago, Stannington Village, after they overcame fellow CBC Premier side Woodhouse West End.

Villa's hero was full back Steve Jones after he remarkably netted a last gasp equaliser to force extra time and then went one better by hitting his side's winner. What makes it even more remarkable was that only got the nod to play when a team mate failed a late fitness test and they were his first two goals of the season.

Both sides threatened early on, but it was Villa that struck first when Scott Moat (pictured winning the ball from Bagshaw's Richard Dale) won the ball before Kevin Symington's through ball found some hesitance in the Bagshaw defence and Lee Webber nipped in to score.

It didn't last too long though as Bagshaw hit back with a penalty that saw Villa reduced to ten men. When a shot came through a crowded goalmouth Villa full back Pete Mayfield used his hand to keep the ball out and referee Brian Abdulla had little option but to award the penalty and send Mayfield off.

Lee Connor stepped up to make no mistake from the spot and that's how it stayed until the break. After the break it was Villa that looked the more likely to score, but Bagshaw keeper Chris Bell kept his side level with a string of fine saves. Villa should have made more of their chances though and it looked as if they would pay very dearly when Bagshaw grabbed the lead.

Villa failed to clear their lines properly and when the ball was played back in, Alex Yule glanced a delightful header into the bottom corner to send his side's supporters wild. With keeper Bell again making a string of great saves it looked as if it would be enough to win it, but in the final minute Villa forced a corner and when the cross came in Steve Jones climbed highest to take the game into extra time.

Villa were first to show in extra time and when they forced yet another corner it was Jones that was on hand again to prod the ball home to put Villa in front for a second time. Webber had a couple of chances to make it safe, but Bell again kept him out. He wasn't the only keeper busy though and Bagshaw looked certain to score until Villa keeper Jamie King somehow got across to make the save.

Bagshaw piled on the pressure and were unlucky when a deep cross came back off the woodwork and Craig Scholey made a terrific block to make sure Villa were on their way to Bramall Lane again.

The other semi was less dramatic with goals in each half easing Stannington Village into the final. Woodhouse West End were unlucky early on when a shot came back off the woodwork and it was Stannington that snatched the lead when Jon Wigfield knocked the ball home from close range.

It stayed like that until the break, but the second half wasn't too old when Stannington struck again. David Hague chased a lost cause and instead of letting the ball run out for a corner, he surprised the West End defence to get his cross in a Simon Howe (pictured scoring the goal) did the rest. After that both keepers made a couple of saves each, but neither side looked likely to score again and so it was Stannington that went through.

In the league, Division One leaders Laycock Sports became the first team to be promoted when a 3-0 triumph over Oughtibridge Village meant that a top three finish was guaranteed and it was a red-letter day for the CBC Premier's bottom club Royal Oak Pitsmoor after they gained a very deserved first win of the season. The top two in Division Two, Pitsmoor Hotel and Loxley, didn't do so well though as they both crashed to defeats that could prove very costly.

Kirk Hardman hit an unstoppable 30 yard volley to give Laycock's a half time lead and after the break a flick on by Sam Sequerra allowed Dave Milner to make it two. Sequerra was again the provider when Lloyd McPherson got himself onto the end of a through ball to seal the win that takes Laycock's back to the top flight.

Second place Pen Nook completed their programme with a six goal flourish over Civil Service. Ben Bissett headed them in front with the only goal of the first half, but after Craig Barraclough headed a second soon after the break they overran Service. David Schofield poked home a third, Scott Crosby scrambled home a fourth, Craig Thickett calmly added a fifth and Mark Dobbs headed a sixth, but Nook will now wait to see if more than one of the chasing pack can overtake them.

After their 1-0 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels 'B', Lord Nelson is one side that can catch Nook. the vital goal came midway through the second half when leading scorer Brian Maguire bundled the ball home.

It was a vital win for Nelson, who must now win both their remaining games to go above Nook, but Burgoyne Arms hopes of catching Nook took a severe dent when they crashed 4-1 at home to Niagara.

The game was as good as over at half time after two Liam Pigott strikes and one from Tom Staniforth had given the visitors a three goal lead. After the break Burgoyne did their utmost to get back into it and Simon Marcus eventually gave them hope, but when Carl Baldock was brought down in the box he picked himself up to score Niagara's fourth.

Jordanthorpe Hotel did their survival hopes a power of good with a 5-0 defeat over an Oxspring United that is now certain to finish in the bottom three. It was a rather one sided affair with Paul Cusworth, Rob Ross, David Judge and Russ Gilson all getting their names on the scoresheet.

Royal Oak Pitsmoor may well end up at the bottom of the CBC Premier table, but their contribution to games has often gone unrewarded. This time though they finally managed to claim the three points they so richly deserve. A Craig Jones double and one from John Clarke saw them gain the early advantage at home to The Park, but the visitors stormed back to level things up with Steve McMain, Matt Hill and Lee Bridges strikes.

In-form The Park were then expected to go on to win it, but Oak recovered their composure and their first win of the season was secured with a second from Clarke and a clincher from John Mellor.

CBC premier leaders Woodhouse George had been wobbling of late, but even though a weakened Redmires side again gave them a few scares, this time George made no mistake. Shaun Waller tapped home their first and their lead was doubled on the stroke of half time when Dan Peckett deflected Wes Pierce's shot past Redmires stand in keeper Luke Siggs.

John Cotterill missed a great chance to put Redmires back in the game and Simon Slater hit a post before Waller's second of the game made the points safe for George. Redmires did eventually gain some reward when Siggs fired home a late penalty.

That win left George nine points clear, but left Redmires perilously close the bottom three. Below them though is Handsworth WMC after they slipped to a 4-2 defeat at Dronfield Town. handsworth even had the boost of a half time lead given to them by man of the match Ryan Taylor, but after the break quick-fire goals by Nick Horsefield and John Bean gave Town the lead. Robert Pratt then levelled for Handsworth, but they couldn't hold on and Craig Forster and Adam Fordham strikes sent them home empty handed.

Crookes Club's position is even worse after they went down to a narrow defeat at a Stocksbridge Park Steels 'A' that gave their own survival hopes a big boost. Steels had Chris Kelly to thank for the points after he hit all his sides four goals, but Crookes never gave up trying and Paul Jennings and two from Scott Bennett always kept them in with a chance.

Division Two leaders Pitsmoor Hotel looked on course for another three points when Scott Spiers twice gave them the lead at Lynthorpe Oak, but Oak again showed what a dangerous side they can be and doubles from Shaun Dolby and Matt Nesta consigned Pitsmoor to their third defeat of the season.

Loxley started the day in second place, but after playing more games than all their rivals they knew three points at one of their rivals Woodseats Abbey was a must. Ian Cauthorne in the Loxley goal did his best to give his side a chance, but he was eventually beaten by an Adrian Von Wurzbach free kick for the only goal of the game.

Ecclesfield Travellers have now gone second after two wins in five days. Jason Reeves, Scott Johnson and Kevin Wraith goals gave Travellers a 3-1 midweek win over Hartley House, before a four goal blast by Craig Senior and one from Scott Keir gave them a 5-1 victory over Hollin Bush.

Despite James Todd giving them a 2-1 half time lead, Hartley House's own chances took an even bigger blow as Half Moon produced a terrific second half and a Mark Ramsden treble and two from Nathan Kingswood helped Moon a 9-2 victory. Capita Hartshead went one better though as five Paul Gregory goals and two from Ian Callaghan helped them to a 10-0 win at Tosalisana.

Ball Boys kept their promotion hopes very much alive with a 3-0 win at Cutlers Arms. Joe France netted his fifth goal in three games to give Ball a half time lead and it was doubled with a Ben Prior penalty before Richard Mills broke free to net their third..

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