6 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier Spencer makes his mark, while it's simple for Simon

Some impressive individual performances were the feature of the day and one man to make his mark was Spencer Taylor (pictured left) as his spectacular strike put Woodhouse West End on their way to the victory over Ecclesfield Travellers that saw them cut Blue Ball's lead at the top to just a single point, with two games in hand.

Taylor's goal gave West End a first half lead, a lead that was increased early in the second half by Dale Fuller's penalty. Victory was made certain by Anthony Dolan's first goal of the season, while another to make a big impression in this game was referee Matt Walsh who's control of the game gained praise from both sides.

Handsworth WMC's keeper Liam Richardson (pictured right) was another to take the spotlight as his last gasp penalty save ensured his side took the three points at home to Redmires and make a third place finish almost certain.

Redmires suffered a blow when they lost Wayne Beggs to a hamstring injury in the first half and although Paul Renshaw went close for Handsworth, neither side dominated, but early in the second half Renshaw did get his name on the scoresheet when he followed up to score after the Redmires keeper had failed to hold Robert Pratt's free kick.

Redmires hit back though as Andy Birks and Dale White combined before Birks steered the ball home, but Handsworth re-took the lead when Ryan Taylor volleyed home David Cawrey's cross. With literally the last action of the game, it looked as if Redmires would go home with a share of the spoils when Lee Johnson gave a penalty away on his debut, but Richardson saved Birks penalty and the referee blew for time.

It was simple for Simon Staniforth (pictured left) as he hit five of Niagara's goals in their 6-3 victory at relegation threatened Woodhouse Angel. It started well for the home side when Chris Towey took Richard Newey's pass in his stride to put Angel in front and they also hit the woodwork direct from a corner, but two strikes by Staniforth saw Niagara take a half time lead.

Paul Jennings added a third for Niagara soon after the break, but Angel hit back through Newey and hit the woodwork another twice. It was to be Staniforth's day though as he took advantage of some poor defending with some clinical finishes to take his tally to five. Stuart Groves netted Angel's third, but any chance that they could get back into the game went when Niagara keeper Gerrad Murphy saved a penalty.

That result was a relief for Stocksbridge Park Steels, who slipped to defeat at a Josh Wright (pictured right) inspired Stannington Village. Strangely for him, Wright hadn't scored in the league this season, but he tapped home the first to put Stannington ahead and after Jack Mylnek had volleyed a second, Wright found the top corner for his side's third.

Steels responded with Adam Todd scoring from the edge of the area and Mark Garrett heading home, but Stannington had a 4-2 half time lead after David Hague took Wright's pass before chipping the keeper. Todd reduced the arrears again in the second half and Steels threatened to grab an equaliser until Wright completed his hat-trick from a tight angle.

Division One Millhouses go goal crazy to take top spot as Pitsmoor tumble

The Division One title and promotion races took surprise turns as Pitsmoor Royal Oak lost the leadership with a surprise 4-1 home defeat by Sportsman Stannington, while Millhouses Abacrombie leapfrogged over them with an equally surprising 9-1 victory over a Devonshire side that was third.

Rob Gardiner was the architect of Millhouses victory and it was his goal virtually straight from the kick off that started the rout. Danny Turner quickly volleyed a second and he made it three before Ryan Barker pulled one back for the home side with a penalty.

Devonshire were giving almost as good as they got, but they seemed to be punished for even a little mistake and Gardiner's second and one from Ally Berry had the visitors 5-1 up by the interval. Berry added his second just after the break and Adam Sturch made it seven before Turner and Gardiner completed their hat-tricks with the final two.

Pitsmoor Royal Oak seemed to still be suffering a hangover from the previous weekend's League Cup semi final defeat and couldn't seem to get going. The luck also seemed to be against them when Dean Foreman's clearance struck team mate Paul Hinde and looped back into his own goal and they fell further behind when Chris Greenwood took advantage of some slack defending.

Tommy Fowler's free kick just after the break seemed as if it would spark a fightback, but Sportsman quickly re-established their two goal lead with Chris King's sixteenth of the season, before Joe Jerrison hit their fourth.

Pen Nook knew that anything less than three wins from their last three games would make promotion difficult to achieve, so it didn't look too good when Craig Woolley gave Mosborough Royal Oak the lead after just five minutes of a first half they went on to dominate.

It was a different story after the break though as Daniel McLean (see picture left) got on the end of Craig Barraclough's cross to level and further pressure saw Barraclough felled in the area, allowing Scott Birch to step up and put them in front from the spot (see picture right). Birch then headed his twenty fourth of the season to make it safe and lift Nook into the automatic promotion places.

Park & Arbour LFS took a big step towards safety with a hard earned 4-3 victory over Handsworth Old Boys. Dan Adkins, Darren Knowles and a Simon Windle double did the trick, but a Dave Griffiths penalty and goals from Mark Jones and Kieran Fairchild kept Park on edge right up to the end.

Trickshots hopes of avoiding a bottom three finish virtually ended after they could only get a goalless draw at bottom club The Park. It would have been even worse for Trickshots if their keeper Karl Whitby hadn't been in inspired form, but Jamie Hill in The Park's goal also needed to make a couple of important saves.

Division Two Service top as Bush hold Brimington, & Matt's top Coates

Lee Wild's late goal gave Civil Service victory over Brinsworth Whitehill to take them back to the top as FC Brimington let a two goal lead slip to draw at Hollin Bush. Southey Social closed up on both of them with a 2-0 victory over Anston Athletic and Colley Club won at Oughtibridge Village, but Bulls Head's Matt Coates (pictured left) produced one of the performances of the day as the stand-in keeper first saved a penalty and then came up for a corner to score a late equaliser against Junior Blades.

Civil Service regained the Division Two top spot after Lee Wild hit a late winner at home to Brinsworth Whitehill and FC Brimington let a two goal lead slip before drawing with third place Hollin Bush.

Brinsworth started the brighter of the two and deservedly took the lead through Lewis Sutherland, but Service gradually started to have more of the game and levelled near the end of the first half when Wes Bamford cut in from the right before beating the keeper. The second half again saw Service get on top after a bright start by Brinsworth, but just as if it looked as if Service would drop points a scramble in the goalmouth ended when Lee Wild poked the ball home for the winner.

Michael Gartlan and Elliott Christie goals in the first half saw FC Brimington take command against third place Hollin Bush, but Bush turned the tables on them in the second half and took a point with goals from Dave Thornhill and Matt Hague.

Bush had first real effort on goal and although Newton saved, the ball fell again to the Bush player but he stabbed it over the bar.Bush were on top early on but soon after they had put another chance over the bar they almost found themselves behind when a Collier corner was headed home at the back post by Chris Kealey, but it was ruled out.

Soon after though a great move down the centre by Collier found Elliott Christie who in turn found Michael Gartlan overlapping and swept past a Bush defender before beating the onrushing keeper to put Brimington ahead. Christie spurned two chances to increase their lead but he finally did so when he beat the offside trap to round the keeper and score.

Bush started the second half on top and quickly got their reward when a Brimington defender was left flat footed and the ball was crossed for Dave Thornhill to pull one back and it wasn't too much longer when a cross came into the middle for Matt Hague to head Bush level. Both teams went flat out for the victory they needed but neither could break through again and it ended all square. 

Southey Social could now take the third automatic spot after their victory over Anston Athletic. Anston's keeper Jon Parker was once again in terrific form and after a goalless first half it needed a deflection for Chris Roberts shot to beat him and Marcus Pass penalty to confirm the points for Southey.

One of the heroes of the day has to be Bulls Head's Matt Coates. After he volunteered to be the stand-in keeper at Junior Blades, he not only saved a penalty and the follow-up, but he came up for a last gasp corner and header their equaliser. Nick Ash's low drive just before half time gave Bull the lead, but soon after the break Junior Blades were level when Robert Brookfield found the net.

Next came Coates remarkable double save from the penalty and the follow up, but he was beaten a second time by Brookfield's second of the game. It looked as if the points would go to the home side, but in one last effort, up came Coates to earn his side a point his efforts deserved.

Colley Club's recent good form continued as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Oughtibridge Village. John Burkinshaw gave Village the lead early in the second half but a Kim Johnson double saw the points go Colley's way.

10 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier West End show goes top of the table

Ashleigh Atkins grabbed two as champions Woodhouse West End came from behind to win 5-1 at Ecclesfield Travellers and reclaim top spot. Danny Touhey gave Ecclesfield Travellers the lead after just fifteen minutes and West End found it hard to get through the home side's defence, but just before half time Ashleigh Atkins brought them level. Spencer Taylor then gave West End the lead just after the break, but Travellers were still well in the game until three goals in ten minutes killed them off. Atkins grabbed his second, Lee Glaves hit his fourth of the season and the scoring was finished by David Haley

Division One Pitsmoor held by a Park side now safe

Pitsmoor Royal Oak missed their chance to go back to the top as they were held by a Park & Arbour LFS now certain to stay out of the bottom three. Sheldon beat The Park 2-1, but they are certain to finish in the bottom three. Par & Arbour keeper Steven Whitehead was the star of the show against Pitsmoor, denying the home side with save after save, including a breathtaking triple save. Park might even have won it had Danny Adkins and Luke Johnson not made the most of two late chances, but that would have been very hard on a Pitsmoor side that had most of the play. Liam Morris grabbed both goals for Sheldon as they beat The Park 2-1, with Ben Lee netting for the visitors.

Division Two Service on the brink

Wes Bamford and Danny Fowler strikes gave Civil Service a 2-0 victory over Oughtibridge Village and they are just one point away from promotion. After Bamford had hit the post in the first half, he had to wait until five minutes into the second when he took Barry Durrans pass in his stride to fire home. Durrans then hit a post as Service went to make it safe and they succeeded when Bamford's cross was volleyed home by Fowler.

13 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier West End just one win away from the title

The CBC Premier title looks as if it is going back to Woodhouse West End after they had two five goal victories in the space of four days. Their midweek game at Ecclesfield Travellers saw them fall behind to Dan Touhey's early strike, but Ashleigh Atkins (pictured left) levelled for West End just before the break.

Spencer Taylor put West End in front just after the interval, but Travellers were giving as good as they got until three goals in ten minutes killed them off. Atkins netted his second, Lee Glaves scored his fourth of the season before David Haley completed the scoring in a win that saw them return to the top of the table.

Stocksbridge Park Steels were next up and once more West End struggled in a first half that stayed goalless, but the second half was a different story. Damien Blakemore opened the scoring before Dale Fuller added a second from the penalty spot and Ashleigh Atkins grabbed a third. Fuller then headed his second and Atkins completed the scoring with his fourth in two games.

Blue Ball knew they had to beat Woodhouse Angel to stay in the title race and they finally came out on top in a real topsy turvy eleven goal thriller. Adam Podmore with two, along with Danny Mace, Ian Stacey and Joe Shaw strikes saw them 5-1 up at the interval, but if they thought it was going to be easy, Angel had other ideas.

Spencer Starkes quickly added to Gareth Simons header in the first half before a James Glew penalty had Ball rocking. Simons then set up a fourth for leading scorer Kirk Briddon and Ball's lead was down to a single goal, but a hotly disputed Hanson strike saw Ball grab their sixth and Lee Johnstone settled it with Ball's seventh. Angel remain in the bottom two, but will take heart from the performance as they search for the points that could keep them safe.

Handsworth WMC confirmed their third place finish with victory over Laycock Sports, but they needed help from their unlucky visitors. Matt Hodgett, Paul Renshaw and David Cawrey all went close for Handsworth in the first half, but the Laycock defence stood firm until they lost keeper Grant Parkin to injury. His deputy could do nothing to stop the goal though as Andy Steven's cross was turned in by a defender as Hodgett waited to pounce.

Redmires gave themselves a chance of finishing fourth when they came from behind to beat Hemsworth Villa. After a goalless first half it was Villa that broke the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty. Although David Tollerfield saw the spot kick saved, he followed up to put away the rebound, but their lead didn't last long as Danny Lindley netted his ninth of the season for Redmires. It could have gone either way after that, but Redmires grabbed the points when sub Shaun Downings run and cross from the right was met by John Mellor.

Division One Millhouses just one win away from the title

Although Pitsmoor Royal Oak made certain of promotion and kept their title hopes alive with victory at Handsworth Old Boys, Millhouse Abacrombie are also going up and are just one win away from the title after they twice came from behind to beat Mosborough Royal Oak.

The Division One title and promotion races will go right to the wire after both Millhouses Abacrombie and Pitsmoor Royal Oak gained crucial wins. Millhouses found themselves behind to Mosborough Royal Oak when Will Blakeney finished off Jon Riley's cross and it was the second half before Danny Turner headed Millhouses level.

They were soon behind again when Riley again provided the cross for Blakeney to score his second, but Millhouses dragged themselves level a second time when Ally Berry headed home. It looked as if they would drop two points, but with injury time almost up Will Dunwell met Berry's long throw to smash home Millhouses winner.

Pitsmoor Royal Oak had missed the chance to go top in midweek when an outstanding display by Park & Arbour LFS keeper Steven Whitehead (pictured right), including an incredible triple save, meant they had to settle for a goalless draw, but it was joy for Park & Arbour as that point meant safety was assured. Four days later at Handsworth Old Boys, Pitsmoor took the lead midway through the first half when Leon Stocks' cross was met with a bullet header for David Izzard's first of the season. After that Pitsmoor dominated and further goals from Gavin Davis and Luke Parwana meant that Harrison Wyatt's goal for the Old Boys was nothing more than a consolation.

Sportsman Stannington continued their recent flourish with a 5-1 victory over bottom club The Park. Mark Gregory's double together with one from Chris King and one from Jason Collier had Sportsman four up by the break, and despite Lee Bridges scoring the rebound for The Park after the keeper had saved his penalty, Kevin Bly hit a fifth for Sportsman.

After beating The Park 2-1 in midweek, Sheldon Athletic made it two wins in four days with another 2-1 victory over Park &Arbour LFS. After trailing to Ben Lee's goal for The Park, Sheldon hit back to win it with two Liam Morris strikes and after Graham Smith had cancelled out Paul Skinner's header, Morris scrambled home Sheldon's winner at Park & Arbour

Division Two Service are first to take the title

FC Brimington's home defeat by Bulls Head and Civil Service's victory over Hollin Bush meant that Service (see left) are the first team to land a title this season. FC Brimington's defeat was also marred by injury to Chris Kealey. Southey Social climbed to third with victory at Oughtibridge Village.

Civil Service became the first team to take a title this season when they followed up a 2-0 midweek victory over Oughtibridge Village with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Division Two title rivals Hollin Bush and that combined with FC Brimington's shock home defeat by Bulls Head meant the title was assured.

Against Oughtibridge Village they struggled to create chances in the first half although Wes Bamford did hit a post, but a change of formation at half time paid quick dividends when Bamford cottoned on to Barry Durrans pass to open the scoring. Service went flat out for the clincher and Durrans hit a post, but it finally came ten minutes from time when Danny Fowler met Bamford's cross with a perfect volley.

Service knew that Hollin Bush would be a tougher task, but they got the perfect start when Danny Fowler headed home Barry Durrans cross, but Bush fought back and went into half time level thanks to a Gareth Wilkinson strike.

After the break Service again took the lead when Adam Firth was fouled in the area and Fowler put away the penalty and when Ben Brown's scuffed shot somehow found the net, it looked game over, but Bush had other ideas and Wilkinson reduced the arrears before Nick Moorhouse hit an unstoppable equaliser from twenty yards out.

Instead of buckling though, Service responded by throwing sub Lee Wild into the action and he had an immediate impact by restoring Service's lead before clinching it with his second and the title was won.

Bush's defeat has left their automatic promotion hopes hanging by a thread. They slipped to fourth after Southey Social came from behind to win at Oughtibridge Village. Southey's leading scorer Matt Meaney gave them lead, but a Nick Smith double saw Oughtibridge go in front. Meaney grabbed his second to pull Southey level and veteran Marcus Pass then put them back in front before Meaney completed his hat-trick. Chris Roberts added a fifth, leaving Southey knowing that one win from their final two games will see them finish in the top three.

FC Brimington had to beat Bulls Head to stay in the title race and they got off to a great start when Michael Gartlan's twenty eighth of the season gave Brimington the lead, but they were rocked when Chris Kealey suffered a broken leg and in the second half Jordan Barton twisted and turned before chipping the keeper to bring Bull level, and they were beaten when Mark Bryant was brought down in the area and Nick Ash (pictured left) stepped up to score Bulls winner from the spot.

17 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier Oh Danny boys

After Ashleigh Atkins had given Woodhouse West End a first half lead, they slipped to only their second defeat of the season at Redmires. Redmires dangerman Danny Lindley was being well shackled by Anthony Dolan, but Lindley showed his class when he was given a half chance and he levelled . The title still looked set to go West End's way as a point would have as good as given them the title, but with just four minutes remaining, the unfortunate Danny Hooper saw a ball loop off him over his own keeper and give victory to Redmires.  West End's final game this coming Sunday is against local rivals Woodhouse Angel and victory for West End will guarantee the title, although a point could be enough, but Angel need the points to have a chance of remaining in the top division.

Despite having plenty of possession, Stocksbridge Park Steels are still sat nervously just above the relegation places after they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Handsworth WMC. The contributions of Scott Abramski and keeper Liam Richardson were important to Handsworth in a goalless first half, and their efforts were rewarded when David Cawrey broke the deadlock by heading Kieran Gallagher's cross home and when Matt Sykes and Matt Hodgett combined to open up the Steels defence a second time, Andy Stevens clinched it for Handsworth.

Division One Loxley up to third and now they wait

Ben Lee's treble for the visitors was in vain as Mick Smith's hat-trick helped Loxley to a 6-3 win over The Park and into one of the automatic promotion places, but they now have to wait to see if either Pen Nook or Devonshire can take their place. Millhouses Abacrombie potential title decider with Pitsmoor Royal Oak was postponed. Lee gave The Park the lead against the run of play and Simon Mirfin (pictured right) soon levelled from close range. Marcus Antcliffe laid on a second for 'Smirf' and Mick Smith made it three after taking Neil Coyle's pass in his stride before rounding the keeper.

Lee pulled one back from the penalty spot before the interval, but soon after the break, Liam Bamforth tapped home Loxley's fourth before Smith powered home his second. Lee then completed his hat-trick, but not to be outdone, Smith scored the goal of the game when he ran from the halfway line, beating two defenders to score his third.

Division Two Southey on the up

Matthew Meaney and Chris Roberts doubles helped Southey Social to a 6-3 victory at Colley Club to guarantee themselves a place in the automatic promotion places. Ridah Miladi gave Colley the lead, but Chris Roberts levelled for Southey before Matthew Meaney put Southey in front. Neil Whitworth levelled for Colley, but Ricky Green's first of the season soon had Southey back in front and Adam Danks doubled their advantage. Miladi grabbed his second to keep Colley in the game, but Roberts and Meaney added two more for Southey to guarantee their place in the top three.  Referee David Williams also came in for praise for his standards.

20 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier West End take the title

Woodhouse West End finally took their second successive League title, although they made their supporters sweat until their final game of the season. After losing in midweek at Redmires they had to win their final game of the season against 
local rivals Woodhouse Angel and they did it in style, 7-2.

It looked good for them at Redmires when Ashley Atkins gave them an early lead and with Anthony Dolan keeping the shackles on Redmires dangerman Danny Lindley they looked set for the title, but Lindley showed his class with a neat finish on just about the only time he got away from his marker to bring Redmires level.

A point would still have been enough, given that West End's goal difference was far superior to their title rivals Blue Ball, and it looked as if they would get it until a shot struck defender Danny Hooper and looped over keeper John Badkin for Redmires winner.

That took the title race to the final furlong with Blue Ball needing to win at home to Hemsworth Villa and hope that West End slipped up again against Angel. Ball did their part when Luke Mitchell-Staniland netted the games only goal with the Villa defence appealing for offside, but this time West End made no mistake.

Spencer Taylor opened the scoring after ten minutes and just five minutes later, Danny Hooper made up for his bad luck in midweek with West End's second. Skipper Dale Fuller hit a third midway through the first half before man-of-the-match Damon Blakemore smashed home their fourth with little more than half an hour gone and when Ashley Atkins made it five just before the break they knew the title was on it's way back to them.

Angel restored some pride with a better second half performance and after Spencer Starkes had hit the bar, Tom Goodall was on hand to pull one back, but Taylor added his second and Lee Glaves West End's seventh before Angel's leading scorer Kirk Briddon netted Angel's second.

The result also left Angel still searching for the three points they need to have a chance of avoiding the drop. They were helped in midweek when Stocksbridge Park Steels lost out at Handsworth WMC. With Stocksbridge going all out for the win that would probably have made them safe, it needed some assured defending by Scott Abramski and some great saves by keeper Liam Richardson to keep the game goalless at half time.

Handsworth came into the game more after the break and grabbed the lead when Kieran Gallagher's cross was headed home by David Cawrey and their victory was assured when Matt Sykes and Matt Hodgett combined to lay on the chance for Andy Stevens to score.

Division One Millhouses take the title, but third place still up for grabs

The Division One title race has also been won with Millhouses Abacrombie grabbing the points they needed with a narrow 2-1 win over promotion chasing Pen Nook. Pitsmoor Royal Oak are guaranteed to finish second, but the race for the third automatic place is still up for grabs.

Millhouses went into their game with Pen Nook knowing that the title would be their's if they won and a poor challenge on Danny Turner by John Brook handed them the gift of a penalty that Ben Woodman (pictured left) drilled into the corner of the net. Pen Nook knew that victory for them would put them third and they hit back to pin the leaders back for long periods, but it wasn't until fifteen minutes before time when a flick on by Mike Smith gave Mark Barraclough the chance to level.

They looked odds on to win it when Nook's leading scorer Scott Birch raced through one on one with the Millhouses keeper Mark Davies, but, not for the first time this season, Davies made the save to keep his side level and his efforts were rewarded when Millhouses grabbed a late winner. Ally Berry's long throw was flicked on by Turner and although Sam Bartram's headed crashed against the woodwork, the ball fell kindly to sub Tom Gardiner and he poked home the winner.

Loxley did all they could to take the third promotion place when they hammered The Park 6-3. Ben Lee's treble for the visitors was in vain as Mick Smith's matched it with a hat-trick of his own. Lee gave The Park the lead against the run of play but Simon Mirfin soon levelled from close range. Marcus Antcliffe laid on a second for Mirfin and Mick Smith made it three after taking Neil Coyle's pass in his stride and rounding the keeper.

Lee pulled one back from the penalty spot before the interval, but soon after the break, Liam Bamforth tapped home Loxley's fourth before Smith powered home his second. Lee then completed his hat-trick, but not to be outdone, Smith scored the goal of the game when he ran from the halfway line, before beating two defenders to score his third.

That left Loxley in the third automatic promotion place, but both Pen Nook and Devonshire blew their first chances to overtake them. Pen Nook's defeat at Millhouses wasn't perhaps too much of a surprise, but Devonshire's defeat at home by bottom club The Park came right out of the blue.

Adam Parker gave The Park an early lead and when Ben Lee doubled it, Devonshire knew they were in trouble. Adrian Von Wurzbach grabbed them a lifeline when he score just before the break, but after Devonshire missed a series of chances early in the second half Parker struck again when he headed home Matt Hill's cross to restore The Park's two goal advantage. Devonshire piled forward and Chris Leek hooked home their second to give them hope, but for once The Park's defence held firm and Devonshire's first chance was gone. Action pictures from this game are shown below.
  Did this cross the line?????

Trickshots game at Mosborough Royal Oak began with a minutes silence for former Trickshots keeper Andrew Taylor, but his memory couldn't inspire Trickshots and they finished second bottom after they slipped to a narrow defeat. A long ball out of defence caught their defence napping and Ricky Davidson strode through to score for Oak.

Karl Whitby made a number of saves to keep Trickshots in it and it looked like he might get some reward when Johnny Dixon grabbed an equaliser, but as the game was going into it's final minute Davidson's left foot shot found the net to win it for Oak.

Sportsman Stannington have ended their season with a 1-1 draw at handsworth Old Boys. Matt Jessermino scored Sportsman's goal and Chris King hit the woodwork, but Handsworth grabbed a share of the spoils with Dean Smith's goal.

Division Two Service celebrate, FC Brimington take second and Southey third

Civil Service (pictured right) celebrated becoming the new Division Two champions by completed their home programme with a narrow 1-0 victory over a Southey Social that will now have to settle for third place. Service should have had a comfortable lead at half time, but Danny Fowler was the main culprit of a number of missed chances and after the break, Southey came more and more into the game.

It looked as if it might go Southey's way when referee John Burrows awarded them a penalty, but Marcus Pass made a real hash of his spot kick (see picture below left) by dragging it wide and soon after his side paid dearly for it. Fowler had yet another good chance blocked by the Southey keeper but the ball fell to Ben Brown on the edge of the area and he drilled the ball home. Southey went in search of an equaliser and it needed a terrific save by Service keeper Dave Marrison ensure his side took all three points. Other action pictures from the game are shown below.
    

Southey's defeat meant that FC Brimington could pip them to second place if they beat Junior Blades and they did just that as Michael Gartlan took his season's tally to thirty. The game had been fairly even until a defensive lapse allowed Andrew Crossland to volley Brimington in front and even though James Allen hit an equaliser, Brimington took a firm grip of the game as Elliott Christie set up two goals for Gartlan. Paul Johnstone pulled one back for the Blades, but the home side defence held on for the points and the runners-up trophy.

24 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier Stocksbridge get the point for safety

Although Jamie Newton gave Stocksbridge Park Steels the lead after just 32 seconds, it looked bleak for them when Stannington Village went 3-1 in front by the break. Jack Mylnek levelled after the Steels keeper slipped and Josh Wright headed Sean Flynn's cross home to put Stannington in front. David Hague produced a trademark finish for Stannington's third before the break, but soon after the interval, a great cross allowed Jim Linfoot (pictured left) to tap-in to reduce the arrears. Stocksbridge went flat out for the goal they needed to guarantee safety and Newton grabbed his second at the near post. Veteran Andy Hibbert almost grabbed a winner for them in the final minute, but his header over mattered little as the point they had was enough to give Stocksbridge their CBC Premier place for next season and send Woodhouse Angel down.

Division One Pen Nook back in the big time, while Pitsmoor end on a high

Pen Nook completed a comfortable 5-0 victory over The Park to re-claim their place in the CBC Premier they had lost last season. Although John Brook gave Nook the lead early on, for the remainder of the first half they were given a stern test by The Park until Scott Birch grabbed Nook's second on the stroke of half time. After that they never looked back and Ben Bisatt, Mark Barraclough and Tom Nelson added three more after the break to confirm their promotion at the first attempt and the celebrations began - see photo right. Action from the game is shown below.

New champions Millhouses Abacrombie's season ended with a rare defeat, but it was no disgrace as it was to second place Pitsmoor Royal Oak. Pitsmoor got the perfect start when Gavin Davis was brought down in the area in the first minute, allowing Leon Stocks to score from the penalty spot. Scott Szpajer then flicked on for Gavin Davis to beat the keeper before Stuart Dyson crossed for Tommy Fowler to head home their third. Dyson then turned villain when he conceded the penalty that allowed Millhouses keeper Mark Davies to score from the spot near the end of the first half and when full back Ben Woodman netted his eighth of the season direct from a corner in the second it set up a tense finish, but Pitsmoor held on.

27 Apr 2008 - CBC Premier Redmires take 4th place, Handsworth prepare for final

During the week Stocksbridge Park Steels had guranteed their CBC Premier survival with a point against Stannington Village, but they didn't do quite so well at the weekend when, despite taking the lead with a John McSeveney strike, they slipped to a 4-2 defeat at Redmires. Danny Lindley grabbed his eleventh of the season to level the scores and Sean Downing headed Redmires in front before the break. The second half saw Lindley brought down in the area and Dale White score the resulting penalty, but Jim Linfoot (pictured left) netted his second in as many games to reduce the arrears for Steels. Redmires needed the points to guarantee a top four finish and when John Mellor was brought down in the area, he picked himself up to score the clincher from the spot.

Socksbridge's point had meant that Woodhouse Angel were relegated and Angel's week didn't get any better as they ended their season with a single goal defeat by cup finalists Handsworth WMC. Angel started well, but Handsworth began to have more of the play and after Danny Franklin had twice gone close and Carl Eaton had headed wide, Matt Hodgett set Matt Sykes up for the winner.

Division One Devonshire finish with a flourish

Devonshire finished fourth after they beat Mosborough Royal Oak 5-2. Ryan Barker's flick on put Ross Melas in for the opener and Barker (pictured right) added a second before half time. After the break, Greg Shaw's run and cross allowed Barker to tap home his second, but Oak hit back with a terrific header by Will Blakeney, Ross Woolley, Joe France and Oliver Ward all had good chances to put Oak right back in the game, but they couldn't take them and when Melas netted his second it was game over. Devonshire's fifth came courtesy of an own goal, before France grabbed a second consolation for the visitors.

Division Two Ton up for Brimington

Division Two champions Civil Service ended their season with their eighteenth win of the season, when they came from behind to beat Oughtibridge Village 3-2, but it was runners-up FC Brimington that stole the headlines as they reached the one hundred league goals mark with a 5-1 victory over fourth place Hollin Bush.

Simon Hall  (pictured left) gave Service an early lead when his 20 yard left foot shot took a wicked deflection past the keeper, but Village hit back to take the lead with Chris Smallwood and Dave Fidler strikes. Service hit back to level when Richard Hodgson slammed his first of the season into the top corner and he doubled his tally when he netted what turned out to be the winner. Service should have had a third when Matt Pearson was fouled in the area, but Chris Smith saw his spot kick brilliantly saved  by the Village keeper.

Runners-up FC Brimington ended their season in even greater style when they came from behind to record a 5-1 victory over fourth place Hollin Bush and take their goal tally to a hundred for the season. Nick Moorhouse opened the scoring for Bush, but Elliott Christie levelled before the break. It remained level until the last quarter of the game when Brimington's fitness and youth began to tell. Nathan Gordon put them ahead, Florent Fadiga added a third before the League's top marksman Michael Gartlan (pictured right) netted his thirty first league goal of the season. Gordon added his second to complete the scoring and Brimington's ton.

28 Apr 2008 - League honour 80 years service trio

The League honoured three of it's management for giving a total of 80 years service to the League. The League President Ken Fetch (pictured centre) has been with the League since its start in 1969, while Secretary Pete McKennan (right) has clocked up 21 years and Chairman Keith Firminger (left) has completed 20 years service.

29 Apr 2008 - Ecclesfield Travellers and Civil Service stage charity game

Ecclesfield Travellers and Civil Service played a charity game for broken leg victims Dave Whitby of Civil Service and Chris Kealey of FC Brimington. To raise the funds all the players paid to play in the game, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Civil Service.

8 May 2008 - Abacrombie take the Prague Cup

New Division One champions Millhouses Abacrombie completed their season in style by bringing the Prague Cup home from the Czech Republic.

The tri-team tournament featuring Czech side Dynamo Zizkov and RAF Waddington from Lincolnshire, first saw Abacrombie stage a miraculous comeback from 3-1 down to beat the host side 5-4, with four goals from Tom Gardiner. Dynamo took lead after sloppy defending in the 2nd minute and despite a Mark Allen equaliser Millhouses went 3-1 down after more poor defending. However, Millhouses hit back with two quick goals before half time from captain Tom Gardiner, the second a smashing finish after great work down the wing from Will Dallman. Zizkov again took the lead after half-time but it was Gardiner's day as he completed his hat-trick from close range and then hit the winner in a one on one.

After RAF Waddington had beaten Dynamo 5-2, the tight and tiring decider saw the RAF boys go one up only for Ally Berry to waltz around 3 defenders before finishing low to keepers left. Chances were few and far between and pens followed. Adam Sturch and Ally Berry scored their pens whilst Mark Davies (pictured above with the trophy) was once again the hero, saving two of Dynamo's pens before hitting the winning penalty himself. Tom Gardiner (pictured left) also received a shield from the RAF team to mark his feat as the tournaments top scorer. Below is one of Mark Davies's penalty saves and Adam Sturch celebrating with the cup.

9 May 2008 - Handsworth lift the cup

A Matt Sykes strike (see picture right) in the first half of extra time saw Handsworth WMC win the League Cup Final at Bramall Lane and deny Woodhouse West End a League and Cup double. It was perhaps fitting that the Man of the Match trophy went to Handsworth skipper Scott Abramski (pictured below) as it was his defensive display that proved to be the foundation of Handsworth's historic victory.

West End started brightly and it needed a good save by former Derby keeper Liam Richardson to keep out Ashley Atkins' header. David Haley was a constant threat down the West End left and skipper Dale Fuller was his usual busy self, but with Abramski, Ryan Taylor and Edward Holmes having more influence, Handsworth gradually got into the game. West End just shaded the first half though and it was a similar story in the second half. Spencer Taylor almost won it when his shot flew just past a post, but Handsworth started to have more of the game as it went into extra time and it was no surprise when they scored what turned out to be the winner. After the West End defence failed to clear properly, Matt Sykes found himself in the clear and although West End keeper John Badkin got something on the shot, he couldn't stop it finding the net.

West End pressed furiously for an equaliser after that and almost snatched it when their skipper Dale Fuller forced another save from Richardson, but when the ball went loose, a piece of desperate defending saw the ball hacked clear. A last gasp corner saw West End throw their giant keeper John Badkin into the box, but Handsworth survived and held on to lift the cup for the first time in the club's history. See below for more pictures from the final.

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