01 Mar 09 - League Cup - Service too good for Steelmen, Laycock's like Venue & Danks wins it for Southey

With normal keeper Karl Whitby unavailable, Division One Civil Service went into its League Cup Quarter Final tie against CBC Premier and former Cup winners Stocksbridge Park Steels with leading scorer Matthew Meaney (pictured left) in goal, but he received such good protection that he was rarely called into action. Service made up for his absence up front with Ben Brown and he quickly repaid their faith by heading them in front before hitting a second into the bottom corner. Andy Bath then added a third before half time and the tie was won, taking Service to their first semi final in its thirty two year history

In their delayed Round Three tie, Division One leaders Laycock Sports also put out CBC Premier opponents with victory over Venue. Russ Brown's quick break down the middle in the second minute allowed Scott Birch to poke the ball home to give Venue the lead, but it didn't take long for Laycock's leading scoring Sam Read to cancel it out and right on the stroke of half time Stavros Kontou put Laycock's into the lead. After the break, Kontou grabbed his second before John Kilcoyne's cheeky free kick made the tie safe for the home side. Laycocks will now entertain Woodhouse West End in the quarter final.

Another Division One side to go through to the quarter finals is Southey Social after they also came from behind to beat fellow Division One side Hollin Bush. Gareth Wilkinson gave Bush a first half lead, but Southey took control in the second half and Nicky Danks levelled before hitting the winner from the penalty spot. Southey will now travel to former holders Ecclesfield 147 for their quarter final.

CBC Premier - West End stay on course, while last gasp Owen rescues a point for Villa

In the CBC Premier, leaders Woodhouse West End travelled to bottom of the table Pitsmoor Royal Oak and for almost an hour found a defensive barrier they couldn't break down, but after Spencer Taylor did find a way through, the visitors quickly added three more. Sammy Glaves added a second and Mark Barraclough a third before veteran Stuart Palmer (pictured right) put his name on the scoresheet for the first time in seven years. West End now has a four point lead and has games in hand on all the clubs below them.

Hemsworth Villa are one of the chasing clubs, but they needed a last gasp Nick Owen strike to give them just a point at Stannington Village. Owen gave Villa the lead midway through the second half when he took advantage of a rare mistake by Village keeper John Wood, but Tom Morton cancelled it out for the home side and Villa's title bid looked in tatters when Wayne Bird beat the offside trap to put Stannington in front. It looked all over for Villa when Wood made up for his clanger with some important stops and when David Tollerfield missed a great chance, but Owen kept plugging away and right at the death received the ball with his back to goal before turning and firing home the equaliser. Action from the game is shown below:

Jayson Reeves grabbed a hat-trick as Ecclesfield 147 upped their challenge for a top two finish with a 6-2 victory at Blue Ball. Reeves gave Ecclesfield a half time lead, but soon after the break Ball's Lee Johnstone cancelled it out. Reeves restored their lead, but when Sami Eric was felled in the area Joe Shaw rammed home a second equaliser from the penalty spot. When Reeves completed his hat-trick soon afterwards and Craig Senior added a fourth from the penalty spot there was no way back for Ball and Ryan Keeney added two more for Ecclesfield.

Handsworth WMC improved their chances of avoiding the drop by beating a Niagara side now looking in real danger of the drop. After George Barnes had gone close, Matt Sykes set up John Crosby to give Handsworth a first half lead and after the break, Sykes beat two defenders before doubling their advantage. Handsworth then went on to miss a host of chances and it looked like they might pay for it when Ben Dronfield met Paul Jennings' throw to pull one back for Niagara, but the home side, with Shaun Hutchinson outstanding held on comfortably.

Division 1 - The Vine climbs to third but FC Brimington and Handsworth Old Boys right behind them

In Division One, a Paddy O'Brien penalty gave Heeley Crown a half time lead at home to The Vine, but it was the visitors that dominated after the break and Steve Wilkinson crossed for Danny Seaman to level before Craig Woolley headed a winner that lifted The Vine into the promotion places.

Not far behind them though is FC Brimington after they collected six points in a week. After Daniel Cooper had given the visitors the lead, FC Brimington also had to come from behind in their midweek victory over Hollin Bush. Jervaise Christie pounced to level after Michael Gartlan's shot had been parried and Gartlan gave Brimington the lead when he stabbed home a left wing cross. Gartlan then made the points safe when he drilled home after Chris Kealey's pass had opened up the Bush defence.

Brimington then followed this up with a 5-2 victory at Junior Blades. Elliott Christie gave them the lead before Flo Fadiga doubled it,but they were given a jolt when Sam Laycock pulled one back just before the interval. After the break, Thomas Brooke restored Brimington's two goal advantage, but the Blades hit back through Daniel Graham. Brimington never looked like letting it slip though and Brooke grabbed his second before Matt Faulkener hit their fifth from all of thirty five yards. Action from the game is shown below:

Dean Smith hit Handsworth Old Boy's winner in the second half of their game at Sportsman Stannington, but they needed a strong defensive performance to hold onto the points as the home side hit them with everything but the kitchen sink. Loxley's chances of a top three finish look all but over though after Woodhouse Angel went home with a 3-1 victory. Stuart Grove gave Angel a first half lead and after Loxley keeper Mark Toyne had kept his side in the game with several great saves, Matt Young grabbed an equaliser, but Angel weren't to be denied and after Richard Newey had been felled in the area, Kirk Briddon stepped up to restore their lead from the spot before Steve Jackson made the points safe late on.

Division 2 - Richard is Ranch's Honey-man, while Anvil win thriller and Rivelin keep on winning

Ranch maintained their lead at the top of Division Two with a narrow victory at Anston Athletic. Ranch were indebted to keeper Christian Barkes for a number of saves in a first half dominated by Anston, but the leaders got into the game more after the break and when Barkes’ long clearance was picked up by Richard Berry he crossed for Richard Honeyman (pictured right) to volley the games only goal from the edge of the area.

Second place Anvil also had a narrow victory, but they needed five goals to win a nine goal thriller at Colley. Neil Whitworth vollied Colley in front before half time and he headed a second soon after the break. Even after Matt Asher pulled one back, Whitworth completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to restore Colley’s two goal advantage, but in the next five minutes their defence fell apart as Asher, Ashley Cross, James Wetherall and Alistair Mitchell all found the net to give Anvil a 5-3 lead. Paul Smith grabbed a fourth for Colley as they fought to get something out of the game, but Anvil held on.

Anvil are now seven points clear of third place after Brinsworth Whitehill fell to a shock 5-1 home defeat by Oughtibridge Village. Danny Marsden even gave Brinsworth the lead after just thirteen minutes, but two minutes later Paul Hawksworth headed Village level. Brinsworth then missed two one-on-ones either side of half time and they were made to pay for those misses as Hawksworth, Steve Parks with two and Alan Clarke all found the net for the visitors. There was also a special mention for referee Lee Freeman.

That defeat allowed Bulls Head to re-capture third place as they gained revenge for the previous week’s defeat by Birley Moor News. Mark Bryant gave Bull an early lead and in was soon doubled by Alex Arblaster. They were awarded a penalty before half time and even after the normally reliable Nick Ash had hit the post with his spot kick, Joe Windle was first to follow up to give Bull a three goal half time lead. With left back Ben Holmes in excellent form, Birley never looked like troubling the Bull defence and two further goals came Bulls way from Jordan Barton.

Rivelin climbed out of the bottom three for the first time this season by making in four wins on the bounce against Crookes & District. With the confidence their good run has given them, Rivelin always seemed to be first to the ball and Josh Bermingham and Richard Hanson gave them a two goal half time lead. Danny Smith added a third after the break and had it not been for heroics by Crookes keeper John Sherwood, Rivelin would have had many more, but Crookes, and Richard Hamer in particular, didn’t give up and eventually gained a consolation goal from leading scorer Ainsley Cawley. Another special mention also goes to referee Pete Rockett who took the game at short notice after his original game was called off at the last minute.

05 Mar 09 - Blue Ball call it a day

The league was shocked to receive the resignation of it's oldest club, Blue Ball. Despite success in recent seasons, they had struggled to put a team out this season and have now decided to call it a day after almost thirty eight years in the League.

05 Mar 09 - Division One - Blades shock Brimington to get their first win of the season

Junior Blades caused a real shock when they gained their first win of the season at FC Brimington

08 Mar 09 - League Cup - Ecclesfield 147 & Stannington go through

A Jayson Reeves (pictured left) hat-trick helped Ecclesfield 147 to a 9-1 victory over Southey Social, while Stannington Village also saw off Division One opponents Red Lion to join them in the semi finals.

In their League Cup quarter final at Division One Southey Social, former holders Ecclesfield 147 took the lead when Gavin Hunter raced the length of the pitch before being brought down in the area and Jayson Reeves stepped up to beat the keeper from the spot, but Southey soon hit back and levelled through Nicky Danks. The contest had been even for the first forty minutes, but two Craig Senior strikes in the last few minutes of the first half swung the game Ecclesfield's way and they totally dominated the second half. Reeves completed his hat-trick and Ryan Keeney, Gavin Hunter and Kevin Hunter all added their names to the scoresheet as Ecclesfield secured their place in the semi finals.

Joining them in the semi finals is fellow CBC Premier side Stannington Village after they also beat Division One opponents Red Lion. Eddie Payne tapped home a corner to give Stannington the lead and before half time Shane Toulson doubled it from the penalty spot after he had been brought down in the area. After the break Jack Mylnek controlled the ball on the edge of the area before firing home to extend Stannington's lead, but Lion hit back when Ryan Barker scored with a free kick. That was as close as they got though and Sean Flynn made the tie safe with Stannington's fourth.

CBC Premier - West End twice come from behind to win the clash of the top two

Ashleigh Atkins (pictured right) netted twice as Woodhouse West End twice came from behind to defeat Redmires and Hemsworth Villa are now second after a single Keith Cronin goal gave them victory over Niagara. Handsworth WMC continued their bid to avoid the drop with victory over Pitsmoor Royal Oak, while Venue and Millhouses Abacrombie shared the points.

In the CBC Premier clash of the top two, leaders Woodhouse West End found themselves behind against Redmires when Luke Siggs scored with a left foot shot, but five minutes before the break Ashleigh Atkins netted to level the scores. The second half started the same as the first when Shaun Downing took advantage of a defensive mix up to put Redmires back in front, but West End hit back again through David Haley. With West End keeper John Badkin's long clearances causing all kinds of problems for the Redmires defence and Mark Barraclough took advantage to put West End ahead and Atkins made the points safe with his second of the game.

That defeat for Redmires gave Hemsworth Villa the chance to take second place if they could beat Niagara and after just ten minutes Scott Moat was fouled in the area and Keith Cronin scored from the penalty spot. It turned out to be the only goal of a game dominated by defences and the nearest either side came to getting another goal was when Jim Linfoot's cross come shot hit the crossbar.

Millhouses Abercrombie missed the chance to stay level on points with Villa when they could only take a point at Venue, but it could have been worse as they were twice behind. Right on the stroke of half time James Wainwright prodded home after a scramble in the area, but early in the second half Danny Stewart's through ball allowed David France to level for Millhouses. Venue went back into the lead when Adam Myers struck a terrific free kick into the corner, but Millhouses claimed their point when Simon Berry got himself onto the end of a long throw to score. Action from the game is shown below.

A last minute goal from sub David Cawrey helped Handsworth WMC climbed further away from the danger zone with victory over bottom club Pitsmoor Royal Oak. Kieran Gallagher almost gave Handsworth a first minute lead and Scott Abramski had one cleared off the line, but a minute before the interval Robert Pratt's through ball was met by Gallagher to give Handsworth the lead. The second half wasn't too old when Oak shocked their hosts by equalising through Graham and although Luke Garner went close, it looked as if Handsworth would have to settle for a point until Cawrey's late, late show. As well as praising Oak's efforts during the game, Handsworth also praised their secretary Darren Birchall for his efforts after he had to step in as referee.

Division 1 - Top three all win, while Blades on the up

Third place The Vine came from two down to beat FC Brimington and second place Civil Service had an eight goal romp at Hollin Bush, but Laycock Sports maintained their lead with a narrow 4-3 win at Woodhouse Angel. Handsworth Old Boys maintained their challenge with a 4-0 win over Sportsman Stannington, while Junior Blades climbed off the bottom with a second win in a week, this time over Heeley Crown.

Division One leaders Laycock Sports looked likely to drop points at Woodhouse Angel until a late Sam Read strike gave them victory. Read had given Laycock's the lead early on, but Kirk Briddon levelled for Angel before the break and Steve Jackson put them in front soon early in the second half. With Steve Morris (pictured left) tormenting the Angel defence, John Kilcoyne levelled for the leaders and the impressive Stavros Kontou put them back in front, but Angel didn't give up and they looked likely to take a point when Jackson scored his second. Laycocks poured forward though and grabbed their winner with Read's second of the game.

There was no such drama for second place Civil Service as they hit eight without reply at Hollin Bush. Service took the lead with Danny Fowler's first goal of the season and their one tough passing game proved all too much for their hosts. Adam Firth and Andy Bath both hit hat-tricks and Matt Meaney scored their other, while veteran keeper Steve Warrington had little to trouble him on his return to the side.

The Vine improved their chances of taking a promotion place when they completed the double over FC Brimington. Chris Kealey and Thomas Brooke strikes inside the first ten minutes gave Brimington the perfect start and if their strikers had taken just some of the other chances that fell their way they would have been out of sight, but when Ricky Gregory pulled one back early in the second half The Vine began to dominate and they deservedly levelled through Joe France. Ricky Davidson was causing all kinds of problems for the Brimington defence and after he had been stopped unfairly a quickly taken free kick by Steve Wilkinson won it for The Vine.

Handsworth Old Boys kept up their challenge with a 4-0 victory over Sportsman Stannington. Dean Smith, Kieran Fairchild, Rees Williams and Carl Atkins scored the goals that made it seven games unbeaten and four without conceding a goal for the Old Boys.

Heeley Crown's challenge looks to be fading though after they came unstuck at Junior Blades. Man of the match Luke Thompson cut inside before rifling home the Blades' opener and their lead was doubled before half time when a Crown defender headed past his own keeper. The second half saw Crown have the conditions in their favour and they camped in the Blades half, but the Blades defended as if their lives depended on it and Crown could only muster a late Tom Gabbitas strike.

That was the Blades' second win in a few days after they shocked promotion chasing FC Brimington to gain their first win of the season in midweek. Adam Caywood's first of the season put the Blades ahead and Danny Law added a second before Tom Higginbottom put them three up. Brimington tried to respond and managed to pull one back through Ben Thomas, but the Blades held on and those two wins lifted them off the foot of the table for virtually the first time this season.

Division 2 - Top two both come from two down to win, while Brinsworth are back in top three

In the Division Two match of the day, second place Anvil recovered from going two behind to beat a Bulls Head that started the day just a place below them and increase the gap below them. Joe Windle opened the scoring for Bulls Head and they looked well on their way to closing the gap above them when Matt Evans doubled their lead from the penalty spot, but the second half was a completely different story as Anvil took control with four goals in just about as many minutes. Dean Jepson scored with two headers and Alistair Mitchell, Alistair Cross, Matt Asher and Andy Hill all found the net as Anvil ran out 6-2 winners.

Although Anvil widened the gap below them, they didn't make up any ground on the leaders Ranch as they also came from two goals down to win at Rivelin. Josh Bermingham scored twice for Rivelin early on, but after losing their keeper with injury it all started to go wrong for the home side. Ian Buckley (pictured right) reduced the arrears before Tom Hartley equalised with a looping header and just before the break Jordan Stead put the leaders ahead. Buckley rounded the keeper to add his second after the break and sub Oliver Whittaker scored their fifth at the second attempt after his first shot had been saved by the keeper.

Brinsworth Whitehill also found themselves behind to a Joe Knight header at Fairbank-Rhodes, but Brinsworth fought back with a Carl Fleming strike just after the hour mark and when Danny Marsden scored after finding himself one-on-one with the keeper Brinsworth took the points that lifted them back into third.

Hard on their heels though are Aston after they improved their chances with a 4-0 win at Crookes & District. A quick short corner caught the Crookes defence napping and Billy Evans gave Aston a first half lead with a bullet header and Steven Jeffries beat three defenders to double their advantage soon after the break. Scott McKenna made it three from thirty five yards and Scott Hall completed the scoring when he leapt above two defenders to head home.

Colley kept in touch as a Lee Campbell goal gave them victory at The Park. The match winning moment came just before the break when Campbell took aim from twenty five yards and found the top corner. Oughtibridge Village continued their recent improvement to climb out of the bottom three with victory over Birley Moor News. Birley had plenty of chances to open the scoring, but they couldn't take any of them and paid for it as Alan Clarke scored twice along with Paul Hawksworth to give Oughtibridge a 3-0 victory.

12 Mar 09 - Division 1 - Loxley win at Brimington

Loxley poured further cold water on FC Brimington's promotion hopes with a 4-1 victory at Worksop. They took the lead when Neil Coyle's free kick was punched against his own defender by the keeper and the ball went into his own goal and after Steve Mayfield had hit the bar from thirty yards, Craig Crownshaw's free kick was touched past the keeper by Simon Mirfin. It might have been worse for Brimington as Loxley's man of the match Mick Smith hit the bar and both posts before Neil Coyle headed into his own goal to reduce the arrears before the break.

The second half started with Brimington pressing for an equaliser, but Loxley weathered the storm and increased their lead when Coyle's free kick was headed home by Chris Whalley and Mick Smith finished Brimington off when he beat two men and although his shot was initially saved by the keeper, the ball came back to him and this time he made no mistake.

15 Mar 09 - Sunday Junior Cup - FC Brimington Reach Final

Despite going behind, a Chris Kealey penalty and an Andy Crossland strike saw FC Brimington (pictured left) become the first Blades Super Draw League side to reach the County FA Sunday Junior Cup final for four years.

Brimington started the brighter of the two and a Tom Simpson cross was headed narrowly wide by Michael Gartlan. Chris Kealey shot over from six yards out and Matt Falconer's header was kept out by the Canal keeper. The keeper then made a terrific save to deny Elliott Christie and the first half ended goalless. Brimington continued to dominate after the break and shots from Thomas Brooke and Falconer went wide, but Canal started to have more of a say and when a shot from the edge of the area wasn't dealt with by keeper Lewis Naylor, a Canal forward nipped in to put his side ahead. Brimington hit back strongly and when Brooke played Falconer into the area he was felled by a clumsy challenge and Chris Kealey found the top corner with his spot kick.

Both teams went for a winner, but with just five minutes remaining it came Brimington's way when Dave Simpson's free kick wasn't properly cleared and Andy Crossland beat two men before firing hard and low into the bottom left hand corner from just inside the box. Brimington will now meet Barnsley's Cottage in the final on 26 April after their 2-1 victory over Eden Grove in the other semi final.

League Cup - West End make Short work of Laycock's

Jason Short kept up his remarkable record of goals in every game he's played this season with both of Woodhouse West End's goals in their 2-0 League Cup Quarter Final victory over Division One leaders Laycock Sports to keep West End on course for the League and Cup double. Short and his strike partner Ashleigh Atkins were a constant threat and after a goalless first half, Short bundled home the first from a corner on the hour mark and with just ten minutes remaining he beat the Laycock's offside trap to make their progress certain.

The League Cup Semi Final Cup draw was made by Sheffield United's Promotions Manager Mick Rooker (pictured right) and it saw CBC Premier Stannington Village paired with Division One Civil Service and current CBC Premier leaders Woodhouse West End paired with the holders of two seasons ago Ecclesfield 147. The full draw was: Stannington Village v Civil Service; Woodhouse West End v Ecclesfield 147. The first drawn team will have the choice of kits if there is a clash. The ties will be played at the HSBC Sports Ground, Dore on Sunday 29 March 2009 and both will kick off at 11.00 am.

CBC Premier - Tollerfield double keeps Villa in second

In the CBC Premier David Tollerfield (pictured left) netted twice as Hemsworth Villa maintained second place with victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels and it lifted them two points clear of third place Redmires after they were held by Ecclesfield 147. Nick Ward's deflected shot put Stocksbridge ahead just two minutes before the break, but the second half wasn't too old when Nick Owen blocked a clearance and the ball fell perfectly for David Tollerfield to level. Villa soon went ahead when Ian Holmes, showing no signs of jet lag after only returning from America that morning, gave Steels keeper Luke Winstanley no chance. Steels looked to have won a penalty when Peter Braybrook fouled, but the ref gave it just outside the area and it came to nothing, so it was left to Tollerfield to make the points safe for Villa when he raced away from a static defence to net his second. Action from the game is shown below

That win allowed them to open up a two point gap below them as third place Redmires needed a John Mellor equaliser to get just a point at home to Ecclesfield 147.Craig Senior put Ecclesfield ahead when he headed home, but Redmires were level at the break after James O'Connell scored from close range. Ecclesfield almost re-took the lead when Liam Wilkinson's shot was brilliantly saved by Karl taylor, but even Taylor couldn't stop sub Danny Touhey's brilliant overhead kick from finding the net. With Matt Clarke shackling Redmires' danger man Danny Lindley, it looked like Ecclesfield would win until Mellor produced a quality finish to earn Redmires a point.

Tom Fletcher scored his first goal for Stannington Village to give them the lead at Millhouses Abacrombie on the stroke of half time and Sean Flynn poked home to double their lead soon after the break. Danny Turner reduced the arrears with a header, but Flynn tapped home his second to put Stannington back in charge and Josh Coulson bent home their fourth before Jamie Oxley completed the scoring when he headed home Flynn's cross.

At the foot of the table it’s beginning to look a bit bleak for both Niagara and Pitsmoor Royal oak after both suffered defeats to clubs not that far above them. Niagara’s defeat came courtesy of a single Richard Gill strike for Venue, with Gill poking the ball home just before half time after the Niagara keeper had spilled a cross into his path. Niagara were also out of luck when Venue keeper Steve Marshall made th save of the day to deny them an equaliser and when they hit the bar in the final minute, but Venue also had their moments, and Ryan Cockayne should have done better when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper.

Pitsmoor Royal Oak suffered their second defeat in eight days to a Handsworth WMC now twelve points clear of the relegation zone. Handsworth almost took the lead early on when Kieran Gallagher hit a post and he also had one cleared off the line. When the opener came it was a beauty, with Liam Simmonite heading over a defender before volleying home. Gallagher eventually got his name on the scoresheet when he met Scott Abramski’s perfect cross with a firm header to wrap up the points.

Division 1 - Service get Mean to close on leaders, while The Vine keep in touch

In Division One, second place Civil Service narrowed the gap on the leaders, but after two early Matt Meaney strikes and one by Lee Wild wickedly deflected past the keeper had given them a three goal lead, their hosts Sportsman Stannington rolled up their sleeves and made them sweat in the end. Danny Kelleher pulled one back, before Chris King slid a second in from a tight angle. Sportsman went flat out for an equaliser after that, but the Servants just clung on to the points.

The Vine are beginning to look a good bet for the third promotion place after they came away from fourth place Loxley with a convincing 3-0 victory. Steve Wilkinson bent in a quick free kick from twenty five yards to set them on their way and Danny Seaman took Richard Mills’ pass before chipping the keeper to double their advantage at half time. Chris Whalley and John Bailey both went close for Loxley, but Seaman turned provider for Joe France to tap home The Vine’s third.

Handsworth Old Boys are still in with a shout of promotion though after a Dean Smith treble gave them a 3-0 victory over bottom club Hollin Bush. Even more impressive than Smith’s treble though was the Old Boys defence as they made it five in a row without conceding.

Heeley Crown also have enough games in hand to have a say after they came from behind to beat Woodhouse Angel 3-2. Paddy O’Brien put Crown ahead early on, but Richard Newey and Lee Marshall strikes shifted the advantage Angel’s way. Crown hit back through Mick Eason and took the points when Steve Cousin fired home.

As they waved goodbye to Andy Brookfield, as he takes up a coaching role in the USA, Junior Blades made it three games unbeaten with a draw against fellow strugglers Red Lion. After a goalless first half, Tom Higginbottom gave the Blades the lead straight after the break, but Ricky Henson headed home to level and Chris Garlic found the top corner to give Lion the lead. Their lead should have been greater after they were awarded a penalty, but Ruparalia in the Blades goal made a superb save to deny Ryan Barker and his work was further rewarded when Ollie Burman struck to leave the scores level.

Division 2 - Ranch leave the gates open for Bull, while Anvil hammer Birley, but it's getting tight behind them

Division Two leaders Ranch let a three goal lead slip to draw with Bulls Head, while second place Anvil narrowed the gap as Alistair Mitchell grabbed a hat-trick in their 4-0 win at Birley Moor News. Richard Immingham spun sharply to find the top corner and give Ranch an early lead and Jordan Stead chested the ball down before hitting a wonder strike to double their lead. It looked all over when Chris Wajs crossed for Ian Buckley to slide in a third before the break, but Bulls Head had other ideas and a massive slice of luck.

Jordan Barton’s pace took him clear to pull one back and when keeper Neil Gascoine played a long clearance upfield he couldn’t have imagined his name would appear on the scoresheet, but the ball bounced just once before flying past the startled Ranch keeper for Bulls second. It still looked like Ranch would hold on, but in the last few seconds a Paul Baxter-Gibson corner eluded everyone and finished up in the net to give Bull a share of the points.

There was no such problems for Anvil at Birley Moor News. Ashley Cross gave Anvil the lead just before half time and in the second half, leading scorer Alistair Mitchell helped himself to yet another hat-trick.

Aston went third after a narrow home win game them the double over Crookes & District. After Crookes’ Ashley Green had rattled Aston’s bar, Billy Evans opened the scoring for Aston just before half time when his strong run ended with a finish at the second attempt after his first shot rebounded to him and soon after the break Scott McKenna volleyed Aston’s second. Scott Hall headed a third, but Crookes, with Louis Broomhead outstanding got back into the game when Matt Hartley’s free kick was headed home by Sam Firth. Hartley then scored a great individual goal to set up a tense finish, but Aston held on.

Another game that saw a keeper score with a long clearance came in Anston Athletic’s 3-2 home win over Oughtibridge Village. After a goalless first half, Simon Herberts gave Anston the lead before keeper Jon Parker’s long clearance flew past his opposite number. Dave Buckley then pulled one back before an Adam Russell penalty restored Anston’s two goal margin. Charles Adams hit a second for Crookes, but Anston held on.

Colley were another team left sweating at the end against Rivelin. James Pierce gave Rivelin the lead but it was cancelled out when Neil Whitworth’s shot was deflected past his own keeper by a defender and Adam Jackson put Colley in front before half time. Martyn Kittridge then netted his first for Colley after his switch from Civil Service and although an own goal put Rivelin back into it, Colley survived.

It was a similar story at Fairbank-Rhodes. Two Scott Whittington strikes gave them a two goal half time lead at home to The Park and although Ben Lee pulled one back midway through the second half, The Park couldn’t get another.

19 Mar 09 - CBC Premier - Redmires hit back to fell Oak

Redmires re-claimed second spot after coming from a goal down to beat Pitsmoor Royal Oak 4-1

Division 1 - Angels fly at Brimington

Woodhouse Angel further damaged FC Brimington's promotion hopes as two Kirk Briddon goals helped Angel to a 4-1 victory.

22 March - CBC Premier - Jason makes Short work of Villa

Jason Short (pictured left celebrating his goal) kept up his remarkable record of at least one goal in every game with the only goal of the game as Woodhouse West End kept their perfect record going at home to third place Hemsworth Villa. Redmires consolidated second place by completing a four day double over Pitsmoor Royal Oak. Only a last gasp penalty denied fourth place Millhouses Abacrombie victory at home to Venue, while Ecclesfield 147's preparations for next weekend's League Cup Semi Finals were hit by injury and defeat at Stocksbridge Park Steels, but Stannington Village's preparations couldn't have gone better as they hammer Niagara.

Hemsworth Villa had the advantage of the slope and the wind during the first half and twice went close to breaking the deadlock when Nick Owen had his shot saved by West End keeper John Badkin and when Jim Linfoot blasted over (see picture right). The second half saw West End have the majority of play in the Villa half and Villa keeper Jamie King was forced to save from Ashleigh Atkins and sub Mark Barraclough had one ruled out for offside. Villa did have some attacks though and a rare error by keeper Badkin should have gifted the lead to Villa, but Linfoot failed to take advantage.

Nick Owen then hit the West End bar with a terrific volley from the edge of the area, but from the goalkick the ball landed deep in the Villa half and Short pounced on a moment of indecision by the Villa defence and planted the ball past King. Villa tried to respond and Badkin had to be alert to halt a through ball for Owen, only for West End to hit back and King made a terrific save to stop Barraclough extending the home side's lead, but the one goal proved enough. See below for more action from the game:

Second place Redmires completed a four day 4-1 double over a Pitsmoor Royal Oak that now stands just a single point away from being relegated. In both games Pitsmoor took the lead through Gavin Davis, but both times Redmires hit back to win. In the first game, Danny Lindley's free kick and John Mellor's low shot gave Redmires a half time lead and their victory was confirmed by a third from Mick Dixon and Rob Womack's fourth from the edge of the area. In the second clash, Pitsmoor lead at the break, but Luke Siggs headed Redmires level before Womack hit a real screamer to put them in front. Mellor then set up Chris Taylor for their third before Lindley beat two defenders as he cut in from the right to score.

Millhouses Abacrombie's chances of a top four finish were hit by a last gasp penalty as Venue grabbed a 2-2 draw. Daniel MacLean's pass put Scott Birch in to open the scoring for Venue, but with less than ten minutes remaining Danny Turner headed home a long throw to level before Danny Stewart slammed home a free kick to put Millhouses a head. They couldn't hold onto their lead though as Birch netted his second from the spot after he had been felled in the area.

Stocksbridge Park Steels climb up the table continued as they ruined Ecclesfield 147's preparations for next weekend's League Cup semi finals. Adam Todd provided the set up for Chris Kelly to volley Steels into the lead and Todd provided a neat finish for Steels second. A Jayson Reeves penalty gave Ecclesfield some hope but they couldn't find an equaliser and they now have injury concerns for four players for next weekend's big game.

Stannington Village's preparations went much better as they gave their confidence a big boost with a 7-0 victory over Niagara. David Shepherd gave them the lead before Jack Mylnek finished off the game's best move to put them two up at the break. The second half was a bit one-sided as Tom Fletcher helped himself to a twenty minute hat-trick and that was followed by a double from sub Jamie Oxley, the second of which was a delicate chip over the keeper.

Division 1 - Laycock's edge toward the title as Service slip

A late Mark Bray strike gave Laycock Sports victory at home to Woodhouse Angel to open up a five point gap below them after second place Civil Service were beaten at Heeley Crown. The Vine are five points clear of the clubs below them after their victory at Hollin Bush, but Loxley, Handsworth Old Boys and FC Brimington all gained vital wins to keep the pressure on them.

Despite Luke Glaves and Stavros Kontou strikes both being cancelled out by Lance Dixon and Chris Towey goals for Woodhouse Angel, leaders Laycock Sports clinched the victory that sent them five points clear at the top when Mark Bray scored in the second half. It turned out to be an even more important win as second place Civil Service slipped to a rare defeat at Heeley Crown. Service started well enough and should have been in front in the first half, but Crown keeper Cameron Swift pulled off a string of world class saves to deny them and his work got an even greater reward when Steve Cousin put Crown ahead just before the break. Service came out determined and levelled when Lee Wild's wayward shot fell perfectly for Andrew Bath to fire home, but after that they seemed to have their minds on next weekend's semi final and Crown began to get on top. The Crown pressure began to tell and Mick Eason headed home a free kick, before sub Tom Gabbitas clinched victory with Crown's third.

Third place The Vine could now catch Service if they win their game in hand after they came away from Hollin Bush with a 3-0 victory. Ricky Gregory headed Steve Wilkinson's cross home to give The Vine the lead and Joe France doubled it before the break. Bush tried to respond and hit the woodwork, had one cleared off the line and brought the best out of The Vine's keeper, but the visitors clinched the points when Brent Healey hit home their third.

Loxley stayed fourth as a single Tom Shelton goal gave them victory over Sportsman Stannington in a game dominated by the wind. Shelton turned on the edge of the box to score the game's only goal and although keeper Gareth Turner had to make a couple of telling saves, Loxley's defence, with Chris Whalley playing an important role just in front of his back three, rarely looked like being breached as the wind made conditions almost unplayable.

Handsworth Old Boys maintained their promotion push with victory against an in-form Junior Blades side. Rees Williams goal for Handsworth was cancelled out when the Blades' Daniel Graham fired through a crowd of players, but Handsworth looked to have taken charge when Dean Smith and Gareth Griffiths put them 3-1 ahead. The Blades had other ideas though and two free kick set plays saw first Paul Johnson reduce the arrears before Sam Bouzida bundled home their equaliser. It could have gone either way after that, but it was Handsworth that eventually won it when James Levesley found the net.

Woodhouse Angel had dealt a big blow to FC Brimington's promotion bid when they won 4-1 at Brimington's Worksop home. A Kirk Briddon double along with strikes from Chris Towey (pictured left) and Tom Goodall opened up a four goal lead before Elliott Christie's late consolation for Brimington.

It looked bad for Brimington again a few days later when they travelled to Southey Social, when Ian Hendry's looping header put Southey in front, but it was quickly cancelled out when Michael Gartlan met Thomas Brooke's corner. Southey went back in front when Ray Hudson beat the offside trap to score, but another Brooke corner was forced home by ben Thomas for Brimington to level a second time. After that it became one-way traffic, with Brooke providing the cross for Jervaise Christie to put Brimington ahead, before Gartlan added two more to complete his hat-trick. Andy Crossland played Brooke in for number six and Elliott Christie hit a dipping shot to round off the scoring late on to put Brimington back into the promotion race.

Division 2 - Leaders Ranch held, but second place Anvil beaten

There was a second successive draw for leaders Ranch, but they still extended their lead as second place Anvil slipped to a single goal defeat at home to third place Bulls Head. Aston slipped out of the top three after being held at home by Colley, but Anston Athletic improved their promotion chances with victory at Oughtibridge Village, while The Park gained a rare home win over Crookes & District.

The most crucial game was Anvil's clash with Bulls Head and it was settled by a Matt Evans penalty for Bulls Head, but they also had a hero in keeper Neil Gascoine who saved a penalty to stop Anvil from equalising. The defeat meant leaders Ranch's goalless draw with Fairbank-Rhodes wasn't the disaster it might have been as they edged a further point clear. Richard Berry went closest for Ranch, while Andy Baxter looked Fairbank's most likely scorer, but it was a game where the wind made football very difficult and chances were very few and far between.

A last gasp Rhidha Miladi strike for Colley meant that Aston also had to settle for a point. Aston gained the best possible start when Ryan Hall lobbed the keeper to score after just thirty seven seconds, but Colley were level by the break after Carl Lomas and Mark Searle combined to pave the way for Lee Campbell to score. It looked as if Aston had claimed all three points when Steven Jeffries restored their lead with just five minutes remaining, but Miladi's late goal meant they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Anston Athletic kept themselves in contention with a good win at Oughtibridge Village. Ryan Taff got a touch to Matt Townsend's free kick to put Anston ahead and Simon Herberts doubled their advantage before half time when he seized on a moment of indecision and nipped in to round the keeper and score from a tight angle. The second half started well for Oughtibridge and Steven Parks' header reduced the arrears, but Anston's defence held firm after that and Townsend made the three points certain with an expertly taken free kick.

The Park's outside promotion chances were kept alive when Lee Simcock poked home the games only goal against Crookes & District. Crookes had started the brighter of the two and had the man of the match in Louis Broomhead, but their depleted squad couldn't respond after Simcok's strike and a bottom three finish looks ever more likely. Two more sides that could join them in the bottom three are Birley Moor News and Rivelin after they shared the spoils. Rivelin’s veteran Glenn White (pictured right) turned back the years to put his side ahead with the type of goal that has been his trademark over the years and with just five minutes from time it looked likely to win it for Rivelin, but they had to settle for a share of the points after Mick Sheldon's late equaliser for Birley.

24 March - Division 1 - George is no Angel for Handsworth

Handsworth Old Boys promotion bid took a knock when a last gasp strike by George Ghyte meant they had to share the points with Woodhouse Angel. Angel took the lead when Chris Towey powered home a header, but Reece Williams and Gareth Griffiths strikes gave Handsworth a half time lead. It looked like all the points would go Handsworth's way when Williams grabbed his second, but with ten minutes remaining Towey grabbed his fourth goal in three games and then with the last kick of the game George Ghyte grabbed an equaliser that leaves Handsworth promotion hopes hanging by a thread.

26 March - Division 1 - Heeley lose Crown at Brimington

Although Lea Budd's strike for Heeley Crown cancelled out Michael Gartlan's early goal for FC Brimington, Crown fell away in the second half and further strikes by Matt Falconer and Andy Crossland secured the three points for Brimington to keep them hot on the heels of the top three.

29 March - Macron & Kitlocker.com join forces with the League

Subject to County FA approval, the Blades Super Draw League is excited to announce a new associate sponsorship agreement with Kitlocker.com and the new kit suppliers to Sheffield United, the Italian sports and leisurewear giants Macron. The agreement, for an initial three years, will see the League's League Cup renamed the Macron Cup and the Macron Cup final at Bramall Lane will have a Kitlocker.com Man of the Match.

As well as providing a significant cash injection each season, the agreement will see Kitlocker.com supply Macron matchballs for the semi finals and finals of the Macron Cup and Blades Super Draw League clubs will also be able to take advantage of special discounts on Macron sports clothing and equipment from Kitlocker.com.

Kitlocker.com Managing Directors; Mike Kent (pictured right) and Tom Ward (pictured left) expressed their pleasure on agreeing the deal stating that "We hope to form a successful partnership with all concerned parties which will be mutually beneficial - bring on the Final". Mike & Tom are seen presenting the ball for the Macron Cup Final to League Chairman Keith Firminger (centre) at today's semi finals.

29 March - Macron Cup - Ecclesfield caught by 'Spiders' web, while Fletcher slices Service

The Macron Cup Final at Bramall Lane will see former holders Stannington Village face League Champions Woodhouse West End after they both came from behind to win against Civil Service and Ecclesfield 147 respectively.

Ecclesfield had to start without three regulars and with several others patched up, they started nervously. When keeper Andy Woodward fluffed a goalkick, he had to make a terrific block to deny Jason Short and for a few minutes the defenders in front of him were having to do the same to keep West End out, but Ecclesfield started to grow in confidence and Gavin Hunter deservedly put them ahead when a ball was lifted over a West End defender and he smashed a terrific shot into the bottom corner (see picture right). Ecclesfield had chances to extend their lead before half time, but the West End defence managed to keep them out.

West End made changes at the interval and it paid big dividends as the second half star of the show for them was David 'Spider' Haley (see picture left). He began to torment the left side of the Ecclesfield defence and it was his run and cross from the byline that enabled Sammy Glaves to draw West End level from six yards. West End were on top by now and although Shane Whittles and Lee Pagden were working their socks off to keep Ecclesfield level, they were undone when Spencer Taylor turned his marker before delivering a cross that Haley knocked firmly home from close range. Ecclesfield tried to respond and Craig Senior had a shot saved, but they had a much better chance when three attackers were left against one defender, yet they left it for each other and the defender nipped in to clear and West End went through.

Stannington Village, playing in their sixth semi final in the eight years they have been in the League, got the shock of its life when Andy Bath beat the offside trap before putting Division One Civil Service ahead in the first minute. Rocked by that Stannington were fortunate to not concede again, but Service couldn't make their chances count and Stannington drew level when their man of the match Josh Coulson hit a shot that took a deflection off his team mate Sean Flynn before flying past the keeper. Stannington began to show their CBC Premier clash after the break and when Tom Fletcher (pictured right scoring) went on a mazy run to slice through the Civil Service defence he hit what turned out to be the winner. Fletcher then blotted his copybook by getting a second yellow card minutes later, but Stannington still continued to dominate play and their ten men held on comfortably.

  CBC Premier - Pitsmoor get that sinking feeling, while Villa leave it late

Pitsmoor Royal Oak became the first club to be relegated after their 2-0 defeat at Venue. Scott Birch put Venue ahead after half an hour (pictured far left) and the writing was on the wall for Pitsmoor. They were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty but Luke Parwana's spot kick was saved by Venue keeper James Marks (pictured second left) and the loss of Oak's CBC Premier status was confirmed when Birch set up Ryan Cockayne for Venue's second just a few minutes from time.

Hemsworth Villa kept their title hopes alive, but only just as it took a last gasp Keith Cronin goal to beat Millhouses Abacrombie. Millhouses had chances in the first half but Villa's defence was on top form, but although Villa had more of the play in the second half a goalless draw looked certain until, with time virtually up, Ian Holmes picked out Keith Cronin and he beat the keeper to give all three points to Villa. See action from the game below.

Division 1 - Laycock's Granted victory and The Vine widen gap

Division One leaders Laycock Sports were indebted to keeper Grant Parkin for several great saves to help them to a 2-0 victory over Southey Social. Although Matt Kent had one effort disallowed, Parkin was the main reason the game was goalless at half time. Laycock's had more of the play in the second half and they took the lead when they were awarded a penalty and John Kilcoyne scored from the spot. Southey continued to show they weren't out of the game though, but Laycock's clinched it with a Sam Read strike.

Third place The Vine widened the gap below them to seven points with victory over Sportsman Stannington. Danny Seaman set up Joe France for The Vine's opener and Brent Healey grabbed a second. Seaman then got himself on the scoresheet before France netted his second. Stannington then decided to make more of a game of it and goals from Mark Gregory and Chris King threatened to spoil The Vine's party, but they couldn't add to them

Handsworth Old Boys lost ground as they could only draw at Heeley Crown. Gareth Griffiths gave The Vine a first half lead, but Kenny Brake's header earned Crown a point. FC Brimington's form continues to fluctuate. Although Lea Budd's strike for Heeley Crown in midweek cancelled out Michael Gartlan's early goal for Brimington, Crown fell away in the second half and further strikes by Matt Falconer and Andy Crossland secured three points for Brimington, but just days later, after taking a two goal lead against Woodhouse Angel with two in two minutes from Andy Crossland and Michael Gartlan's header, Angel hit back to win. Tom Goodall pulled one back just before half time and Chris Towey kept up his hot streak with Angel's equaliser. Gartlan then missed a glorious opportunity to put Brimington back in front so it was left to Kirk Briddon to show him how to do it with Angel's winner.

At the foot of the table, Red Lion improved their chances of avoiding the drop with a 4-1 victory at bottom club Hollin Bush. Chris Leek gave Lion a half time lead and after they had hit both bar and post it looked as if their luck was really out when Lee Rogers levelled for Bush. Lion roared back though and Ricky Henson volleyed them back in front before Leek scored his second after finding himself one-on-one with the keeper and Henson then grabbed his second when he threw himself at Joe Mothersole's cross.

Division 2 - Anvil rounded up by Ranch

Division Two leaders Ranch took a massive step towards the title when they defeated second place Anvil 3-1. Ben Hartley's cross was deflected in by an Anvil defender to give Ranch a half time lead, but Anvil drew level soon after the break when Richard Berry brought a player down in the area and Matt Asher slammed home the penalty. Ranch hit back straight away though and Chris Hall chested the ball down before hitting a left foot shot into the bottom corner and both Tom Hartley and Jordan Stead hit the woodwork. They clinched victory, and probably the title, when player manager Carl Pearce netted from Ben Hartley's cross.

Although Colley twice lost a lead at home to Crookes & District the point they gained was enough to push them into third place. Lee Campbell chipped the keeper to give Colley a half time lead, but soon after the break Chris Cottyn beat the offside trap to level the scores. Colley were then gifted the lead back when the Crookes keeper lost the ball and Carl Lomas tapped the ball into the empty net, but it wasn't enough as sub Mark Pattemore grabbed Crookes a deserved point.

Bulls Head missed their chance to go third when they were also held by Oughtibridge Village. Alex Arblaster gave Bull the lead, but Carl McDonald's cross shot gave Village a point. Just behind them is Fairbank-Rhodes after a Joe Knight double and one from Scott Whittington gave them a 3-0 victory over a Birley Moor News that had their misery completed when Tony Wiggan saw his penalty saved by James Abramski. On the same points as Fairbank is Anston Athletic after a Simon Herberts double helped them to victory over Brinsworth Whitehill. Herberts poked home his first from a corner in the first half and after hitting a post he doubled Anston's advantage when he dispossessed a defender before beating the keeper. Ryan Taff's trusty left foot then made it three and although Jamie Radford pulled one back for Brinsworth they never looked likely to get any more.

With the help of a Ben Lee double,  The Park won a seven goal thriller at Rivelin. Lee Simcox gave The Park the lead, but Rivelin hit back with goals from Josh Birmingham and Scott Smith. Lee netted his first to send the teams in level at the break and his second put The Park back in front in the second half. Thomas Farrell then extended their lead and althoughDanny Makepeace pulled one back for the home side The Park held on.

31 March - Division 1 - O'Brien treble not enough as Blades hit back to share the points

Paddy O'Brien's treble for Heeley Crown wasn't enough as Junior Blades continued their fight to avoid the drop by twice coming from two goals down to earn a point with a 3-3 draw thanks to two late goals from Adam Caywood. O'Brien struck twice to give Crown a two goal advantage at the interval and although Sam Laycock bundled one back for the Blades, when O'Brien completed his hat-trick with about fifteen minutes remaining it looked all over, but the Blades found some late energy and Adam Caywood made inroads down the left before his shot was deflected past the Crown keeper to set up a tense finish and he then hit a real belter from the edge of the area to leave the match all square.