Preview of 2 September 2007

2007-08 Season - A Magnificent Seven join the League

The popularity of the Blades Super Draw League continues to grow and the League is pleased to announce that seven new clubs have signed up for the new season. The majority of them have graduated from Under 18 football and are exactly the type of clubs the League was hoping to attract. It promises to provide exciting times ahead.

It also sees the catchment area of the Blades Super Draw League spreading, with Anston Athletic from near Worksop, Brinsworth Whitehill from Rotherham and FC Brimington from Chesterfield. The full list of the seven new clubs is: Anston Athletic, Brinsworth Whitehill, Bulls Head, FC Brimington, Freemasons Arms, Southey Social and Sheffield United Junior Blades Old Boys.

It looks set to be a terrific season ahead, with Woodhouse West End wanting to emulate their nearest rivals Woodhouse Angel and complete back to back League titles, but the newly promoted sides showed their strength last season when four Division One sides contested the League Cup semi finals and they look set to make the competition in the CBC Premier stronger than it’s possibly ever been before.

Both the other divisions look set to provide the same close contests as last season, with Pen Nook and The Park favourites to regain their top flight status from Division One, although the newly promoted sides all look set to challenge for a second successive promotion. Sheffield Civil Service may be the surprise front runners in Division Two after an influx of new players, although they are likely to be pushed hard by the new clubs, with Brinsworth Whitehill and FC Brinmington possibly the strongest.

It all kicks off on 2 September when the CBC Premier champions Woodhouse West End begin their defence of the title at a Niagara side that twice gave them close games last season. Jamie Walters netted three goals in those two games and Niagara will need to keep him quiet if they want to get anything from the game.

The newly promoted League Cup holders, Ecclesfield Travellers start life in the top flight at former champions Laycock Sports, while the other two newly promoted sides have home games. Blue Ball entertain Handsworth WMC and Oxspring Lowood entertain Hemsworth Villa.

Last season’s runners-up Redmires visit a Stannington Village they twice drew with last season and Woodhouse Angel start at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels they completed the double over without conceding a goal against them last season although Angel aren't quite sure where home will be after suffering pitch problems and with a change of management for Angel, Steels might just be fancying their chances.

Division One’s top game sees beaten cup finalists Pitsmoor Hotel entertain a Mosborough Royal Oak that also reached the cup semi finals. Both sides weren't far away from promotion last term and will fancy their chances to do even better this season.

The two relegated sides meet at Pen Nook where The Park are the visitors. Pen Nook completed the double over their hosts last season, including a 5-0 win at The Park that was Nook's best of the season. Last season’s Division Two champions Handsworth Old Boys have a tough start at a Loxley side that started last season like an express train.

Millhouses Abacrombie's first game in Division One is also likely to be a very difficult test against a Trickshots side that finished last season in great style. Park & Arbour LFS entertain a Devonshire Arms that didn't quite meet up to expectations last season, while the other two promoted sides Sheldon Athletic and Sportsman Stanninton meet at Olive Grove. Sheldon won the corresponding game last season, but Sportsman held them in the reverse fixture and might do so again.

The first round of the League Cup sees two of the new boys clashing as Sheffield United Junior Blades Old Boys entertain Freemasons Arms. The other ties also look set to be very close affairs with Anston Athletic entertaining Hollin Bush, FC Brimington travelling to Fairbank-Rhodes and Southey Social entertaining Colley Club.  

Division Two has just two games, but Bulls Head’s visit to Sheffield Civil Service could provide one of the games of the day, while Brinsworth Whitehill visit Oughtibridge Village at their new Oxley Park home.

Report of games played 2 September 2007

In a league of his Owen

Just like his England near namesake it was Nick Owen's goalscoring exploits that grabbed the opening day headlines after he netted all Hemsworth Villa's goals in their 6-1 CBC Premier victory at newly promoted Oxspring Lowood.

That was a real blow to Oxspring, but it was a good day for most of the other of the promoted and new teams, especially Ecclesfield Travellers who started life in the CBC Premier with a 4-0 win at former champions Laycock Sports and Sheffield United Junior Blades Old Boys who beat fellow newcomers 7-2 in the League Cup.

Oxspring's first ever game in the top flight turned into a real disaster as Nick Owen produced a stunning debut display for Hemsworth Villa. Owen gave them a real goalscoring lesson and had Villa five up before Phil Cookson netted the home side's consolation goal. Owen then completed the scoring to complete his double hat trick, and all this on his league debut.

Two Craig Senior strikes had Ecclesfield Travellers two up by half time at Laycock Sports and even though Glynn Bell saw his penalty saved by Grant Parkin, two more goals by Jayson Reeves completed an impressive victory for Travellers in their first game in the CBC Premier.

Last season's Division One champions Blue Ball also started impressively with a home win over Handsworth WMC. New signing John Mellor lobbed the keeper to give Ball a ninth minute lead and further goals by Paul Marrison and Luke Mitchell-Stanley had them three up by the break. Handsworth did better in the second half and after Scott Abramski had twice had efforts cleared off the line he set up Dean Brown for Handsworth's consolation.

League Champions Woodhouse West End also got off to an impressive start with a Dale Fuller double and David Haley putting them three up at Niagara before Ryan Sorby pulled one back for the home side. West End had the final say though through Spencer Taylor's solo effort.

Last year's runners-up Redmires didn't get the start they wanted as Robin Elliott and Sean Flynn strikes in each half gave Stannington Village a 2-0 victory over them. Spencer Starkes gave Woodhouse Angel an early lead at Stocksbridge Park Steels, but two Chris Kelly goals put Steels in front until Kirk Briddon rescued a point for Angel.

Brothers and Cousins get off to winning starts

Division One's top game was the clash of the two sides relegated from the CBC Premier last season and it didn't disappoint as Pen Nook beat The Park 6-3. A Craig Barraclough penalty put Nook ahead and their lead was doubled by his brother Mark. The Park stormed back with Thomas Farrell and Lee Bridges goals in three minutes, but Ryan Cockayne popped up to put Nook back in front by half time.

Nook really turned it on in the second half and another from Mark Barraclough plus two from debutant Richard Gill had them well on top before Bridges netted The Park's third.

Two penalty saves by Millhouses Abacrombie's Mark Davies saw them complete an impressive 3-0 victory over Trickshots. A Will Dunwell double and Danny Turner scored the goals, but Davies was newly promoted Abacrombie's real hero.

Last season's Division Two champions Handsworth Old Boys started almost as well as a second half double by Joe Barrett gave them victory at Loxley, while Park & Arbour LFS also got off to a winning start at home to Devonshire.

Daniel Smith smashed home the games only goal from Simon Windle's quickly taken free kick, but had it not been for a string of saves by Park keeper Steve Whitehead (picture right sees Whitehead watche a shot go safely wide), Devonshire would surely have gone home with the points.

Sheldon Athletic were another promoted side to win, their 2-1 victory being at the expense of another promoted side Sportsman Stannington. Steve Cousins's first goal was cancelled out by Chris King, but Cousins put Sheldon back in front just before half time. Sportsman can count themselves unlucky not to go home with a point though after dominating the second half, but thanks to Alec Temprell and Kenny Brakes at the heart of their defence, Sheldon held on. (picture left sees Sportsman's Joe Lillyman go close)

Mosborough Royal Oak's visit to Pitsmoor Hotel promised to be a close affair and that's just how it turned out. Gavin Davies put Pitsmoor ahead early on, but their luck changed when keeper Lee Chesters broke a finger and Ricky Davidson goals either side of the break saw Oak take the points.

New Service off to a winning start, but Oughtibridge let it slip

In Division Two, Civil Service's much changed side found themselves behind at half time after Nick Ash put newcomers Bulls Head in front. Danny Fowler ignored offside claims to level for Service, but Matt Law quickly had the visitors back in front. James Hanwell stabbed home from close range to again level for Service and they won it when Adam Firth's long range shot was deflected past the Bull keeper.

Brinsworth Whitehill also looked to be heading for defeat on their league debut after Mick Gorridge and Matt Webster goals had Oughtibridge Village two up, but two Jamie Radford strikes in the last ten minutes allowed Brinsworth to take home a point.

Blades off to a flyer

In the League Cup First Round, Sheffield United Junior Blades Old Boys got off to a real flyer as Daniel Law put them ahead against Freemasons Arms after just eleven seconds. The visitors never seemed to recover from that early shock and Tom Higginbottom and Thomas Crick both hit doubles as the Blades went on to win 7-2.

A Marcus pass strike and two from Matthew Meaney gave another newcomer Southey Social a comfortable 3-0 win over Colley Club, but Anston Athletics debut saw a much closer game as they just pipped Hollin Bush in a nine goal thriller. Joe Bellamy cancelled out Dave Thornhill's early opener for Bush and Bellamy scored again after Ryan Taff had put Anston in front.

Steve Stenton and Luke Bradshaw goals saw Bush level after the break and Dan Cooper levelled again after Taff had put Anston back in front, but after Taff had completed his hat-trick to restore Anston's lead again, this time they held on.

FC Brimington also went through, but they needed extra time before they finally saw off Fairbank-Rhodes. Andrew Bath fired Brimington ahead, but Jamie Kerr's goal for the home side took the game into extra time. Elliott Christie restored Brimington's lead and Bath netted his second as Brimington's greater fitness told.

9 Sept 2007 - CBC Premier Villa on top as the new boys find it tough

Hemsworth Villa are the early leaders of the CBC Premier after a 4-1 victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels. A tight first half saw the teams separated by an Ian Holmes free kick and Villa were thankful for Paul Jenkinson's towering display at the back, but soon after the break a brilliant overhead kick by Nick Owen and a cool Dave Thomson finish saw the visitors take control. Jim Linthorpe netted his first for Steels to give them some hope, but Keith Cronin's shot into the top corner made sure Villa's lead was never really threatened.

Reigning champions Woodhouse West End also completed a second successive away win at Laycock Sports, but the home side gave them a real test and it needed two goals from super sub Lee Glaves to give West End the points. Dale Fuller first half opener for West End was cancelled out when Scott Wesney headed John Kilcoyne's cross home and the game looked as if it could go either way until Glaves was introduced. His first was a typical finish, but his second had more than an element of luck when a clearance struck him and looped over the keeper.

Although Craig Senior netted a hat-trick for newly promoted Ecclesfield Travellers it wasn't enough to stop Stannington Village becoming the third side to maintain maximum points. Senior was the first to strike, but it was cancelled out before half time when Lewis Nicholson crossed for Shane Toulson to score. After the break Village seemed to take control when Sean Flynn tapped in a second and Nicholson capped his impressive debut with a goal before Toulson netted his second, but Senior's second and third put Travellers almost saw Travellers grab a point.

It was a similar story for the other promoted clubs with a Kieran Gallagher (pictured right) penalty for Handsworth WMC just enough to beat very spirited Oxspring Lowood ( left sees Handsworth's Scot Abramski being foiled by Oxspring's Craig Hanson and at the bottom of the report is more action from Handsworth WMC's 1-0 victory over Oxspring Lowood) while Blue Ball went down 3-2 at home to last season's runners-up Redmires. Paul Marrison gave ball a first half lead until a five man move was rounded off by Luke Siggs. After the break Rob Womack volleyed Redmires into the lead until Adam Podmore crossed for Danny Mace to level for Ball. John Mellor then had the chance to put Ball back in front from the penalty spot, but his spot kick was brilliantly saved by Karl Taylor and soon after sub Shaun Downing came on to score Redmires' winner with his first touch of the ball.

Despite goals from Kirk Briddon, Dave Price and Matt Hardy for Woodhouse Angel, Scott Wostenholme and Tom Oxley goals had kept Niagara in the game and Niagara grabbed a deserved point with Ben Dronfield's cool finish late on.

Division 1 Law-man puts Old Boys on top and Gardiner digs in for Millhouses

Pen Nook's attempted charge towards the Division One title was put under early arrest by Handsworth Old Boy's Law-man. Nook led twice through their own hitman Mark Barraclough, but he was outgunned by Old Boys' James Law (pictured left).

Even a penalty miss couldn't stop the newly promoted Old Boys turning in an irrepressible display and Tom Crosby, Shane Rollinson and Trevor Jones added three more to give them a 7-4 victory. Craig Barraclough and Jamie Stride hit Nook's others, but they never looked like stopping the Old Boys going top. (pictured right is Trevor Jones turning in anguish after missing a sitter early in the game - and even his team mates can't believe it)

The other two sides with perfect records were also promoted last season after Millhouses Abacrombie and Sheldon Athletic both completed narrow victories. Alli Berry and Will Dunwell strikes put Millhouses in charge at home to Devonshire and although Devonshire's Adrian Von Wurzbach struck just before half time, Rob Gardiner quickly restored Millhouses two goal lead early in the second half.

Danny Turner then had several gilt edged chances to seal it for Millhouses, but some good goalkeeping and some wayward finishing meant they were left sweating after Von Wurzbach netted his second.

Sheldon Athletic owe a big debt to keeper Lee Budd after his string of saves somehow kept visiting Trickshots at bay. Budd's display got the reward it deserved when sub Luke Johnson came on to hit the game's only goal with just ten minutes remaining.

Both Park & Arbour LFS and Mosborough Royal Oak maintained their unbeaten records when they fought out a 1-1 draw. Craig Woolley headed home a corner to put Oak ahead, but Park were level before the break when Danny Adkins bravely got onto the end of a Mark Bingham flick. Park had more of the play in the second half, but the Oak defence held firm.

Although Alan Pickard twice gave The Park the lead, Leon Stocks netted two penalties as Pitsmoor Hotel grabbed their first win of the season. The Park led at the interval, but after first Stocks and the Tommy Fowler had cancelled out their lead, Stocks second and one from James Thew gave Pitsmoor their first points of the season.

Two more sides to get off the mark were Loxley and Sportsman Stannington after they shared four goals. Former Sportsman striker Liam Bamforth put Loxley ahed in the second half only for Chris King to level. Gareth Turner in the Loxley net was called to make a string of good saves to keep them from falling behind, but Scott Wasden's long punt upfield left him embarrassed as it bounced over his head and into the net. Just when it looked like Sportsman would take the all the points home, with just seconds to spare, Geoff Mayfield's long throw was headed home by John Bailey.

Division 2 Whitby treble means top Service, Brimington, Southey & Oughtibridge win big

A Dave Whitby (pictured left) treble helped Civil Service to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Colley Club and become the early pacesetters in Division Two. Ian Sewards cross cum shot gave colley the early lead but Whitby produced a terrific solo run to level. Whitby then had penalty brilliantly saved by the Colley keeper, but he added his second and third either side of the break. Seward's second gave Colley hope, but Adam Firth's curler into the top corner restored Service's two goal lead and they needed it as John Clarke hit a third for the visitors.

Matthew Meaney also scored three in Southey Social's eight goal romp at home to Freemason's Arms. Chris Robinson struck two and Todd Guest Kevin Horton and Matthew Hodson all grabbed singles and to complete Freemasons misery keeper Lucas Walaskovski saved a penalty.

Michael Gartland was another hat-trick hero in FC Brimington's very impressive 6-0 drubbing of Brinsworth Whitehill and had it not been for some wayward finishing it could have been many more. Centre Back's Andrew Bath and Dave Simpson started and finished the scoring while Chris Keeley netted Brimington's other.

Oughtibridge Village also hit six at home to an Anston Athletic still on a steep learning curve. Nick College, Alan Clarke, Charles Adams, Nick Smith and a Dave Fidler double did the damage for Village, while Joe Bellamy netted a consolation for Anston.

Joe Knight's double for Fairbank-Rhodes looked to be giving them victory over Bulls Head, but Nick Ash pulled one back and Ben Holmes beat the offside trap to earn the visitors their first league point. The days other game between Junior Blades and Hollin Bush also saw them share four goals with Thomas Crick and Jordan Webster netting for the Blades and Paul Driver and Kyle Kilham netting for Bush.

Below is more action from Handsworth WMC's 1-0 victory over Oxspring Lowood:

13 Sept 2007 - Steve Gee Merit Cup Final Redmires take Merit Cup

The Steve Gee Merit Cup went to CBC Premier Redmires as they overcame their Division One rivals Handsworth Old Boys 3-1 in a top quality final at the Look Local Stadium, Stocksbridge.

The game was just five minutes old when Sean Downing raced onto a through ball to stroke the ball calmly past the Handsworth keeper, but if Redmires thought they were going to have it all their own way, they were very much mistaken. It was Handsworth that dominated the rest of the first half and after both Dean Smith and Trevor Jones had gone close, just before the break, Jones side-stepped a defender and the keeper to chip the equaliser.

They weren't level for long though as Redmires again started the half quickly and after an almighty scramble in the Handsworth penalty area that saw the ball hit both the bar and a post, the ball fell to Danny Lindley to smash Redmires back in front. They extended their lead soon after when Andy Birks swivelled to fire home and only a terrific goalline clearance by Karl Atkins stopped Rob Womack adding a fourth. Handsworth (pictured left)  did their best to get back into the game, but Redmires keeper Karl Tiler only had one save of note to make and the trophy went to Redmires. 

16 Sept 2007 - Senior Cup Owen's Magnificent 7, Stannington give Turf the Bird

After scoring six times on the opening day of the season, Hemsworth Villa's Nick Owen went one better to hit a magnificent seven in a very easy 10-1 victory over Cart & Horses. Lee Taylor, Keith Cronin and Mark Hopkinson added Villa's others. Also through are Stocksbridge Park Steels after a Chris Kelly treble helped them to a 6-0 victory over Markham. Steels others came from Mark Galley, Matt Price and James Molloy.

The best win was reserved for Stannington Village who brushed aside Meadowhall Premier side Handsworth Turf Tavern 4-1. Josh Wright set up Wayne Bird to chip Village in front and a brave Craig Gambling header doubled their advantage. A quick Wright free kick set Bird up for his second and although Tavern pulled one back, a David Hague strike made Village safe.

Redmires cup form stayed with them at the weekend as they went on to complete a 3-2 County FA Senior Sunday Cup victory over fellow Blades Super Draw side Ecclesfield Travellers. Kingsley Nisbeth twice put Redmires ahead only for first Craig Senior and then Matt Clarke to level, but just as extra time looked certain Andy Birks shot through a crowd of legs to put Redmires through.

The other all Blades Super Draw tie saw Lee Glaves score four times as Woodhouse West End overcame Niagara 6-3. Glaves first was cancelled out by Mark Eastwood, and although a Dale Fuller strike and Glaves' second seemed to have put West End in control, Niagara hit back with two from Simon Staniforth to go into the break level. They couldn't hold West End in the second half though as two more from Glaves and another from Sam Glaves eased the home side through.

After a three year injury absence, Matt Hodgett celebrated his return to Handsworth WMC's line up with two first half goals against Arbourthorne EA, but his day was spoiled as EA hit back to win it with three in the second half. Laycock Sports also went out narrowly to Meadowhall opposition, losing 4-3 to Chapeltown Royal Oak. After falling two behind, Matt kent pulled one back, but two more by Oak either side of the interval put them in charge. Laycocks didn't give up though and Danny Milner and Mick Plumtree goals left their visitors hanging on. Oxspring Lowood never got going in their tie and Intake Royal Oak ran out 4-0 winners

Division 1 King rules as Old Boys crash

In the league, the big shock in Division One saw Handsworth Old Boys week get even worse as the early leaders crashed 7-1 at Sportsman Stannington. Matt Jessermino's double and one from Matt Gregory had Sportsman three up by the break and although Trevor Jones pulled one back, the Old Boys hectic week caught up with them and Chris King (pictured left) took advantage of their tired legs to hit three in ten minutes, while Alan Lam added the seventh.

Despite being held by Pen Nook, the new leaders are Millhouses Abacrombie. Sam Barthram's pass left Tom Gardiner to lob the keeper to give Millhouses the lead and they should have doubled it when Gardiner was brought down in the area, but Ash Gordon's spot kick flew high over the bar. Pen Nook had one disallowed for offside, but they eventually gained some reward when Mark Barraclough was the first to react after the ball came back off the bar.

Level on points with them are Park & Arbour LFS after they twice came from behind to win 4-2 at Trickshots. Scott Marcus and Mark Tiler strikes were cancelled out by Darren Knowles free kick and Daniel Smith's header, but had Trickshot's taken more of the chances they created, Park might not have been able to get back into it. As it was Sean Hilliard converted Knowles pass to put Park ahead and Matt Wright's header made the points safe.

The Park finally got their season going when Scott Micklethwaite and Lee Bridges goals in the last five minutes gave them victory over Sheldon Athletic, while Mosborough Royal Oak and Loxley shared the points. Will Blakeney gave Oak the lead from Joe France's corner, but Loxley's much changed side grabbed a point when Craig Crownshaw set John Bailey up to level.

Division 2 Bond is Southey's Secret Agent, while Bush topple Service

Division Two's early leaders Civil Service crashed to their first defeat of the season when Daniel Cooper and Joshua Kay goals either side of half time gave Hollin Bush a 2-0 victory and taking over at the top is Southey Social after Micky Bond slammed four goals in a 6-2 win at Anston Athletic. Joe Bellamy and Ryan Taff goals twice gave Anston the lead as they took advantage of the conditions in the first half, but when Southey had the conditions in their favour they blew their hosts away. Added to Bond's goals was one from Matthew Meaney and a wind assisted one from Lee Clayton.

Another to hit four was Junior Blades' Tom Higginbottom as they won 6-1 at Freemasons Arms. Jonathan Sheldon netted their other two and Dave Pinder saved a penalty, but James Tuckwood did eventually net a consolation for Arms. After Tony Hodge and Delroy Palmer goals had given Colley Club a two goal lead at home to Oughtibridge Village, Shaun Hammond pulled one back but Colley held on for their first points of the season.

After thrashing Brinsworth Whitehill the week before, FC Brimington must have travelled to Brinsworth for the quick return confident of another three points, but they quickly found out it was going to be very different this time. Turner took advantage of a poor clearance to put Brinsworth ahead and another mistake left Jamie Radford with a simple task to double their lead. Neil Hall pulled one back after the break, but Turner struck again to restore the home side's two goal advantage and although Andrew Bath netted a second for Brimington from the penalty spot, some terrific defending saw Brinsworth get their first league win.

It was a very similar story as Bull's Head also gained their first win over a Fairbank-Rhodes they had drawn with the week before. A great Gary Gasgoine penalty save stopped Fairbank taking the lead and HEad took advantage as Mark Lyons and Adrian Stanton goals put them two up. Matt Nestor reduced the arrears only to see Nick Ash net Bull's third and although Joe Knight grabbed a second for the visitors it proved too little too late.

23 Sept 2007 - CBC Premier Handsworth stun Villa and Angel hold Stannington

Matt Hodgett (pictured left) was again on target for Handsworth WMC as they put the skids under Hemsworth Villa allowing Stannington Village to take top spot, but it could have been better for them as they had to share the points with a Woodhouse Angel that gained their third draw in as many games. Niagara claimed their first win of the season over Laycock Sports and there was wins also for both Blue Ball and Redmires.

The CBC Premier has new leaders after Hemsworth Villa crashed to their first defeat of the season at a Handsworth WMC that once again proved to be something of a bogey team to them.

The game was only a minute old when Robert Pratt's corner was headed home by Kieran Gallagher and before half time Gallagher became provider for Matt Hodgett to hit Handsworth's second and Gallagher almost had a third when his effort came back off the post.

Villa hit back at the start of the second half when new signing Danny Milner crossed for Nick Owen to head home, but with Scott Abramski solid at the heart of Handsworth's defence and keeper Liam Richardson claiming everything that came his way the home side stood firm. Handsworth always looked dangerous though and when Andy Stevens long throw was helped on by Hodgett, Pratt took advantage of a defensive mix-up to net their third and they should have had a fourth, but Gallagher hit a post from the penalty spot.

Replacing them at the top is Stannington Village, but even they dropped their first points of the season as Woodhouse Angel claimed their third draw in as many games. Jack Mylnek put Village ahead, but Angel levelled before the break when Dave Price finished good work by Kirk Briddon.

In the second half a Briddon free kick put Angel ahead, but Shane Toulson found the bottom corner to bring Village level and just two minutes from time he struck again with a glancing header to score what looked like being the winner. Angel had other ideas though and Robert Clowes gave them a deserved point with time almost up.

Niagara celebrated their first win of the season after finally finding the form that they had been threatening all season, but for Laycock Sports the misery goes on. Niagara should really have had the game won by half time with golden  opportunities for Simon Staniforth and debutant Daniel Burgess both fired wide of the mark, and with Ben Dronfield outstanding in defence, Laycocks attack was stifled.

The second half started with a scare for Niagara as Laycocks threatened to break the deadlock from a one on one, but Niagara stand in goalkeeper Craig Foster saved with his feet. Eventually after constant pressure on the Laycocks defence Niagara found a way through. Tricky footwork from Paul Scott, released Thomas Staniforth only for him to be brought down just inside the area, leaving Carl Boldock to step up to convert the spot kick.

With the visitors finally rattled it was Burgess who was on hand to strike a low effort into the corner of the net five minutes later and just ten minutes after that the game was wrapped up as man of the match Tommy Oxley (pictured right) struck a superb thirty five yard strike giving the keeper no chance what so ever.

Although their hosts Oxspring Lowood made a real game of it, Redmires are once again getting into the groove and claimed their second win of the season. It took until the final fifteen minutes before Redmires broke the home side's resistance as Luke Siggs set Danny Lindley up to score, but Oxspring hit back almost instantly when Phil Cookson levelled. A Lindley free kick again put Redmires in front and John Mellor scored his first for the club to make the game safe.

Blue Ball also claimed their second win of the season when the beat Ecclesfield Travellers by the same scoreline. A five man move was finished off by Joe Shaw to give Ball an early lead and Simon Smith's header finished off another good move to double their lead, but Travellers hit back just before half time through Jayson Reeves. 

With man of the match Danny Touhey giving the Ball defence a torrid time it looked as if Travellers would go on to claim a share of the points, but Ball held their nerve and after Adam Podmore had missed a good chance to make the game safe, Paul Marrison did it with a looping header.

Division 1 Turner goes nap to keep Abacrombie at the top

Danny Turner netted all Millhouses Abacrombie's goals as they cruised to a 5-0 win at Sportsman Stannington that keeps them at the top of the table, but still breathing down their necks are Park & Arbour LFS after they defeated The Park and Pitsmoor Hotel after they slammed six past Pen Nook. Mosborough Royal Oak had another good win at Handsworth Old Boys, while Devonshire got their season going with a surprise 5-0 win at Sheldon and Loxley grabbed their first win of the season at home to Trickshots.

Danny Turner was the star with all Millhouses Abacrombie's five goals as the Division One leaders won easily at Sportsman Stannington, but it was a game won at a cost as Tom Gardiner suffered a broken arm. Although Abacrombie dominated from the start only Turner's first separated the teams at half time, but despite Gardiner's injury their was no stopping them in the second half as Turner went goal crazy. There was also a special mention for Will Dunwell who suffered a bad gash to the head, but after some temporary repairs, he stayed on to play an important part in the victory.

Park & Arbour LFS are still breathing down their necks though after Darren Knowles first half free kick put them on the way to victory over The Park. Only a fingertip save stopped Jamie Hill levelling for The Park, but Danny Adkins second half strike following another quickly taken free kick settled it for the home side.

Pitsmoor Hotel stayed third with a very impressive 6-1 demolition of Pen Nook. Gavin Davis opened the scoring, quickly followed by a Leon Stocks (pictured left) penalty and a Tom Pyecroft strike. Stocks added another before Craig Thickett scored for the visitors, but any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dispelled by Luke Parwana and a second for Pyecroft.

Mosborough Royal Oak also look as if they will be making a strong challenge after their 5-2 victory at Handsworth Old Boys. Lee Godwin bundled in their first before Joe France and Will Blakeney as good as won the game. Godwin then scored his second from the penalty spot and Craig Woolley touched home a fifth before Joe Barrett and James Law hit late consolations for the home side.

Both Devonshire and Loxley celebrated their first wins and first clean sheets of the season. Devonshire's was the biggest surprise as Ryan Barker and Tom Colclough both hit doubles in a 5-0 win at Sheldon Athletic. Adrian Von Wurzbach hit their fifth, all in the first half and they should have had more after the break when Ross Mellas hit a post and Sal Fawzi missed an open goal.

Loxley took the lead against Trickshots early in the second half when John Bailey was dragged down in the area and he picked himself up to confidently slot home the spot kick. Tom McIllhagga then hit the bar before some good work by him allowed Mick Smith to steal in a net their second and any thoughts Trickshots had about getting back in the game went when they had a player dismissed.

Division 2 Southey power too much for Brimington

Leaders Southey Social powered to a stunning 9-0 victory at FC Brimington, while Civil Service stay second they have six different scorers in a 6-1 win over Freemasons Arms. Both Oughtibridge Village and Brinsworth Whitehill had narrow wins to stay in touch, while Anston Athletic gained their first point of the season at Junior Blades and two last minute Dean Grayson goals gave Fairbank-Rhodes a draw at home to Colley Club.

Southey Social are looking very much like the team to beat in Division Two after they sent shockwaves round the rest of the division with a 9-0 victory at an FC Brimington widely tipped to be strong title contenders. Marcus Pass, Micky Bond, Matthew Meaney and Chris Roberts all hit doubles while Southey's other came from Adam Stand.

Hot on their tails though are Civil Service after they completed their best home win for five years, 6-1 against Freemasons Arms. Jake Ford and Dave Whitby quickly put Service two up, but after stepping off the gas they got a wake up call when Daniel Lill netted for the visitors. Service reacted quickly and Matt Fisher hit a screamer into the top corner before Lee Wild netted a fourth on the stroke of half time. Danny Fowler added a fifth with a free kick and veteran Mick Gabbitas completed the scoring.

Up to third are Oughtibridge Village after they came back from two down to beat Hollin Bush. Daniel Cooper and dave Thornhill gave Bush that lead in the first half and Bush should have made any fightback academic with a series of chances that saw the woodwork hit three times. As it was Chris Smallwood gave Village hope and Charles Adams levelled before the keepers clearance struck Mick Smith and fly back into the net for a bizarre winner.

Brinsworth Whitehill's 3-2 victory over Bulls Head lifted them into fourth and saw them find a new star in Dan Marsden. Marsden opened the scoring only to see Rob Chadwick level, but Deano Matteo and Aaron Turner strikes had Brinsworth back in control by the interval. Bulls Head carried the game to them in the second half and pulled one back through Adrian Stenton, but the Brinsworth defence stood firm after that to claim Brinsworth's second successive victory.

The other two games produced high scoring draws that saw Anston Athletic gain their first point of the season and Fairbank-Rhodes score to last minute goals. Anston probably thought that they should have claimed their first win of the season after keeper John Parker saved a penalty and Ryan Taff's double together with Joe Bellamy's solo goal gave them the lead three times, but goals from Daniel Law, Jonathan Sheldon and Jordan Webster saw Junior Blades hit back each time.

Delroy Palmer rounded the keeper to give Colley Club the lead at Fairbank-Rhodes and they looked to have wrapped the game up in the first twenty five minutes as Ian Seward and Tony Hodge had added two more. Fairbank got back into it with Neil Booth's close range strike and one from Dean Grayson (picture right), but their good work looked to have been in vain after Steve Whitworth netted Colley's fourth from the penalty spot. Fairbank poured forward after that, but they were still two behind going into the final minute, then Grayson netted his second and virtually straight from the kick-off he grabbed his third to give the home side a very unlikely point.

30 Sept 2007  My Favourite  Shirt

A new local football magazine, My Favourite Shirt  features the Blades Super Draw Sunday Sports League and as well as features on the Blades, Owls and the South Yorkshire other professional clubs. You can sign up to 'My Favourite Shirt' magazine, email Update and BLOG alerts at www.myfavouriteshirt.com.

30 Sept 2007 - CBC Premier Mylnek Magic keeps Stannington top

Jack Mylnek's treble was the backbone of leaders Stannington Village's 7-2 win at Laycock Sports and Nick Owen kept his remarkable scoring spree going with three in Hemsworth Villa's 5-0 victory over Oxspring Lowood, but their is still just one point between the top six after West End won the Woodhouse derby with Angel, Paul Marrison netted twice in Blue Balls win at Stocksbridge, as did Paul Renshaw in Handsworth WMC's win at Ecclesfield Travellers and Redmires beat Niagara.

West End defeated Angel in the Woodhouse derby to become the only remaining side yet to drop a point. Man of the match Spencer Taylor (pictured left) gave West End the lead in the first half, but Angel will feel it was slightly against the run of play. Angel's cause wasn't help when they lost Matt Hardy with a cut after a clash of heads and West End clinched the bragging rights when Dale Fuller smashed home the loose ball after a goalmouth scramble.

Still top though are Stannington Village after Jack Mylnek hit his first hat-trick for the club as they hammered Laycock Sports 7-2. Laycocks even set them on their way with an early own goal and Lewis Nicholson's twenty yarder together with Shane Toulson's strike brilliantly set up by Wayne Bird had Village three up by the break. Mylnek raced on to David Hague's through ball to make it four before Shaun Dale's header pulled one back for the home side, but Village continued to dominate and Mylnek added two more either side of one by Hague and Laycock's second by John Kilcoyne. The referee Mr Akers also came in for some praise by both sides for his handling of the game.

Right behind them is Hemsworth Villa after Nick Owen continued his goal-fest with a three in Villa's 5-0 victory over Oxspring Lowood. Owen gave Villa a first half lead, but Oxspring were still in the game at the break thanks to some terrific goalkeeping by Clarke, including a penalty save. Owen netted again soon after the break and he completed his treble along with a Danny Milner double as Villa ran out comfortable winners.

There is just one point separating the top six as Handsworth WMC, Redmires and Blue Ball all completed comfortable wins. Matt Hodgett continued his scoring sequence to give Handsworth WMC the lead at Ecclesfield Travellers, but the goal owed a great debt to Kieran Gallagher after he chased down a lost cause to create the opening. Robert Pratt then scored one of his typical goals to double their lead by half time and Paul Renshaw added two more in the second half despite an improved performance by Travellers.

Danny Lindley's (pictured right) run and cross allowed Luke Siggs to head Redmires in front against Niagara after just five minutes, but Niagara knew it wasn't going to be their day just minutes into the second half when the keepers clearance struck John Mellor and rebounded into the net. Niagara's stand in keeper Craig Foster made amends with some other saves, but he couldn't stop sub Wayne Beggs finishing off the games best move for Redmires third.

Paul Marrison got on to the end of Danny Mace's cross to give Blue Ball a first half lead at Stocksbridge Park Steels, but Steels only had themselves to blame after failing to take advantage of three one on ones with the keeper. Ball made them pay for those misses after the break when Adam Podmore and Marrison increased their lead and although Andy Hibbert pulled one back, Simon Smith's near post header completed the scoring for Ball.

Division 1 Pitsmoor hit back to go top, as unbeaten records go

The final three unbeaten records in Division One all fell by the wayside as Pitsmoor Hotel leapfrogged Millhouses Abacrombie to top spot. Gav Gordon turned and flashed in a volley to give Abacrombie the lead on his debut, but it didn't last long as Gavin Davies (pictured left) quickly levelled for Pitsmoor, before Luke Parwana hit what turned out to be the winner on the half hour mark. The fact that there was no more goals after that in a top quality game was down to inspired displays by both keepers.

Park & Arbour LFS also led at Devonshire through Luke Johson's overhead kick, but their hosts Devonshire had dominated play before the break and after continuing in the same vein after the break it was no surprise when Dwayne Ellis levelled before Joe Mothersole escaped his marker to head Devonshire's winner at the back post.

Mark Gregory gave Sportsman Stannington a first half lead at Mosborough Royal Oak and only a missed penalty stopped them doubling it. It looked as if Oak would make them pay for that when Ricky Davidson's strong run and finish brought them level, but after weathering a brief storm it was Sportsman that went back in front when Chris King this time made no mistake from the penalty spot. Oak pushed for an equaliser, but as happens so many times, they were caught on the break as Gregory added his second in the final minute.

After a Ben Lee double had seemingly put The Park in control, Loxley recovered to gain their second consecutive win. Liam Bamforth's free kick was finished off by Tom McIllhagga to pull one back before half time and Bamforth marked his first appearance in midfield and skipper by levelling soon after the break. The winner came soon after when half time sub Glen Kirby's run and cross left McIllahagga with a simple chance he gratefully accepted and only the woodwork stopped Loxley adding to the score.

Pen Nook came from behind to get back on track with victory over Sheldon Athletic. It needed a real defensive bloomer to allow Scott Birch to give Nook the lead, but Paddy O'Brien finished off a goalmouth scramble to level things up on the stroke of half time and a handball in the area allowed Steve Cousins to fire Sheldon ahead from the penalty spot. Nook hit back when Craig Thickett combined well with Chris Newton and Dan Lewis popped up to win it for them.

Division 2 Blades too sharp for Southey as Firth double gives top Service

Division Two's final 100% record fell by the wayside as Junior Blades came from two down to end Southey Social's perfect start. It looked like business as usual for Southey when Marcus Pass and Matthew Meaney gave them their two goal start inside the first fifteen minutes and, thanks to some inspired goalkeeping by Blades keeper Adursh Ruparelia, it stayed like that until the interval. After the break it was a very different story as the Blades attack slashed the Southey defence to shreds. Michael Reid and Tom Higginbottom soon had them level, before William Clegg, Jonathan Jackson and Adam Hardwick strikes saw them turn round a two goal deficit to a 5-2 win for the second consecutive week and they are now the only remaining unbeaten side in the division.

Civil Service took full advantage to go back to the top with a 5-0 victory at Anston Athletic. The home keeper spilled the ball to give Danny Fowler a gift opener and Adam Firth made it two before half time. Firth then hit a second right foot shot into the net after the break before Wes Bamford and Lee Wild completed the rout.

Up to second is Oughtibridge Village after Chris Smallwood's double helped them recover from the shock of conceding Martin Cain's goal for Freemasons Arms in just ten seconds. Shaun Hammond and Mick Smith also got their names on the scoresheet as Village ran out 4-1 winners.

Mark Bryant (pictured left) was another to score twice as Bulls Head maintained their perfect home record with a 5-1 win over Brinsworth Whitehill. Bazil Nyoni cleared off the line to stop Bull taking an early lead, but neither side really threatened the goal until Max Oliver stole in at the back post to score. After the break it was Brinsworth that took the upper hand and they deservedly levelled through Gino Maccio, but after that wake up call, Bull seemed to step up a gear and Bryant raced through a static defence to restore their lead. Adrian Stenton (pictured right) quickly added another before Bryant grabbed his second and Nick Ash's low drive finished off the scoring. See below for more action shots from the Bulls Head, Brinsworth Whitehill game.

Hollin Bush also kept their perfect home record in tact as their ten men overcame Fairbank-Rhodes. Terry Stanton gave Bush a fifteen minute lead, but Joe Knight levelled for Fairbank. The game looked to be going the visitors way when Bush had a player dismissed, but the ten men refused to lie down and they defied the odds to grab a winner through Daniel Cooper.

Colley Club would have been just behind the top three had they not let the lead slip three times against visiting FC Brimington and in the end they were grateful for a Paul Humphries penalty save to earn them a point. It was against the run of play when Tony Hodge put Colley in front, so Michael Gartland's strike was a deserved equaliser for Brimington, but Colley went back in front after the break with a Steve Whitworth penalty. Humphries then saved to stop Brimington levelling, but he was eventually beaten by Andrew Bath. Colley must have thought they had won it when Ian Seward put them ahead again late on, but Elliott Christie cancelled it out a third time before missing a chance to win it.   

Awards | News | Clubs | History | Sponsors | Management

Email : sssl