30-Nov 2014 - Sunday Cup Draws - The County FA Sunday Cup draws have been made and one of the ties of Round 5 of the Sunday Senior Cup sees Redmires have a home tie with the Imperial League's Bagshaw Arms that put out Civil Service in the last round. The Vine also has a big tie as they entertain Meadowhall Premeir side Royal Earl. In the Sunday Junior Cup, Division Two City Taxis will entertain Manor Hotel, while Handsworth Turf have a trip to Comrades. Most ties will be played on 21 December, but we also have three more teams, Fox & Hounds Rangers, Hallam FC and Intake Old Boys, still in the Junior Sunday Cup and their ties aren't likely to be played until the new year as their ties are dependent on delayed ties in earlier rounds, although Hallam will be at home to Fox & Hounds Rangers if Fox win their Round 4 tie. Intake Old Boys win their Round 4 tie they will be away at Upton Wrangbrook.

These games will cause some league games on 21 December to be amended and some alternative fixtures will be arranged to enable as many teams as possible to play, so keep an eye on the fixtures.

30-Nov 2014 - Howsham still top of the scoring charts - Division Two Hallam FC's Joe Howsham (right) is still leading the goalscoring charts, while just behind him is Division Two City Taxis' Jordan Marshall and Division One Southey Social's John Mellor. Just behind them is Division Two Steelers Blake Owen, followed by CBC Premier Stocksbridge Park Steels Scott Birch. A goal behind him is Colley's Chris Fowler, Stannington Village's Jack Mylnek and Aston Swallownest's David Sills.

30-Nov 2014 - CBC PREMIER - Late own goal sees Oughtibridge go top - A very late John Saville own goal saw Oughtibridge WM beat champions Stannington Village to go top of the CBC Premier for the first time and extend their unbeaten run to thirty games. In a game of few chances, Stannington’s task was made harder when Shaun Flynn was red carded after just thirty minutes. Strachan Sampson went close for Oughtibridge in the first half, but with defences on top it looked certain to end goalless until the final minute when Danny Clinton’s cross was turned into his own net by the unlucky Saville.

Redmires went third after a Hegel Noubissie (left) double helped them come from behind to win 4-2 at Bulls Head. Bulls Head took the lead when Tom Cocker pulled the ball back for Matt Evans to find the bottom corner, but it was soon cancelled out by a Noubissie strike from just inside the area. Redmires almost went in front when Jon Wall’s free kick hit the bar and came down on the line, but it was Bulls Head that went back in front before half time when Scott Dinnigan brought Alan Mowforth down in the area and Mowforth scored from the spot. Redmires got on top at the start of the second half and Andy Bath hit a deserved equaliser from eight yards. Noubissie then put his side in front after playing a one two with Wall and Paul Vickers made the points safe with a delicate lob over the keeper.

Stocksbridge Park Steels are fourth after Scott Birch's winner ended Brinsworth Whitehill's unbeaten home record, Birch hit the bar in the first half, but he had better luck in the second half when Mitch Savage’s through ball allowed him to beat the keeper at his near post. Despite chances to both sides it turned out to be the game’s only goal.

A Jake Rodley double helped Riverside to a third home win of the season, 5-3 against The Vine. The visitors took a three minute lead when Luke Walker marked his debut for The Vine by getting away down the left and crossing for Matt Ellis to fire home, but it wasn’t too long before Luke Broadbent brought Riverside level. It stayed like that until the second half when Rodley and Ricardo Stewart strikes put Riverside in control, but Ricky Gregory pulled one back for The Vine and they looked on course for a point when levelled with James Mitcham’s first goal since returning to the club. It wasn’t to be though as Warren Scott-Walker put Riverside back in front with a debut goal and Rodley second made it safe.

DIVISION 1 - Pheasant pluck the leaders as top three all drop points - Joel Evans and Carl Andrews (right) both scored twice as The Pheasant came from two down to end Division One leaders Southey Social's unbeaten home record. Andrews gave Pheasant the lead with a powerful header from  an Andy Dawson corner, but Southey began to take control and when John Mellor was put through he shrugged off the challenge of a defender before slotting home to level. A long ball by Lee Wilson found Danny Lindley and he beat the keeper to give Southey a half time lead.

Southey continued to dominate and increased their lead when Mellor and Lindley combined to find Rob Womack unmarked in the six yard box and he almost grabbed a fourth when his volley crashed against the bar. A quick break saw Evans pull one back and he then equalised from a set-piece. Southey then missed a number of chances to win it before a corner led to a scramble in the Southey goalmouth and Andrews stabbed the ball home to give the points to The Pheasant

Second place Intake Old Boys had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Norton Oaks A. Alex Hughes gave Norton the lead, but Intake levelled before the break with a back post header from Paul Turner. Norton had slightly more of the game in the second half, but neither side could break down two well drilled defences.

Loxley lost third place to Handsworth Turf after a Perry Jackson double helped Turf to a 3-0 victory over them. Loxley had their chances with Jon Rhodes hitting the bar, Tom Wilson having a shot blocked and Steve Mayfield driving wide when he should have done better. Matt Jackson had a header cleared off the line for Turf, but it stayed goalless until the second half when Perry Kackson cut inside and curled a shot into the top corner to put Turf in front. Sub Sam Atkin doubled the lead with his first touch when he volleyed home Kieran Gallagher’s cross and Perry Jackson completed the scoring after rounding the keeper.

David Sills (left) hit four as Aston Swallownest won 6-2 at Dam House Bar. Sills, just back from a broken wrist took the ball round the keeper to open the scoring and he doubled his tally when he slotted home from Lee Anthony’s quality cross. Another low cross from Anthony was turned into his own net by a defender to make it three and although Steve Davies pulled one back for Dam House, Sills added two more to put Aston back in charge. Matt Wilton hit the post twice before finally heading home Aston’s sixth, before an OG gave Dam House another consolation.

Tom Hartley scored twice as Ranch pipped Hare & Hounds 4-3 to gain their first home points of the season. George Rudd missed a glorious chance to give Hounds a first minute lead, but it was Ranch that led at half time thanks to a Shannon Marshland strike from the edge of the area. Hounds equalised four minutes after the re-start when Rob Troughton cleverly lobbed into the back corner, over a crowded box, as Ranch failed to clear an Adam Cawood cross, but Tom Hartley headed Ranch back in front.

Stefan Rankine’s mazy run set up Joe Troughton to bring Hounds level again and they took the lead when a poor clearance was volleyed home by Rudd. Ranch then had a chance to level when they were awarded a penalty, but Hounds keeper Ned Attrill brilliantly saved Richard Honeyman’s spot kick to his left, but when Ranch were awarded a second penalty Honeyman made no mistake to bring his side level. In the final minute Hartley cut inside to hit a shot that took a deflection past Attrill to win it for Ranch.

DIVISION 2 - Vale Culled by Kieran, while Crookes arrested by Marshall – A Kieran Cull double helped Phoenix stay top of Division Two with a 5-1 victory over Sharrow Vale. Cull backheeled the opener from Sam Firth’s whipped-in corner and Dale Savage volleyed their second from fifteen yards. Vale got back into it just before half time when Richard Cooper nodded home from a free kick, but Liam Brookfield finished off a fifteen man move that even had their opponents clapping early in the second half to restore Phoenix’s two goal lead. Cull grabbed his second after a quick one-two with man of the match Kyron Bingham and Karl Fox completed the scoring after getting on to the end of Jordan Pearce’s through ball. There was also praise for referee Dan Jones.

City Taxis stayed second as a Jordan Marshall treble helped them to a 4-1 victory at Crookes & District. Flo Fadiga grabbed Taxis other, while Chris Cottyn netted for Crookes. Colley are up to third after coming from behind to win 2-1 against Norton Oaks B. Ste Reynalds carved the opening for Richard Pearson to put Norton in front, but Colley levelled before half time with a Carl Lomas strike after playing a one-two with Chris Fowler. Despite Colley dominating after the break, they were denied time after time by the Norton keeper, but he was finally beaten when Matt Meaney crossed for Fowler to head Colley’s winner.

Despite a Joe Howsham double, Hallam had to settle for 2-2 draw against Chapeltown RBL. Chap[eltown took the lead when Ben Palmer’s mazy run took him past four defenders before he slammed the ball into the top corner, but Howsham struck twice to give Hallam a half time lead. Chapeltown grabbed a deserved point when Gav Burbeary’s cross wasn’t cleared and Tom Wright slammed the loose ball home. Action from the game is below (pictures by Mick Moat)

After a goalless first half Laycock Sports took the lead at Fox & Hounds when good work by Brendan Wilson was finished off by Paul Adams. Minutes later man of the match Steve Morris doubled Laycock’s lead with a delicate chip over the keeper and Wilson had an effort disallowed by the referee. Craig Begbie pulled one back for Fox from the edge of the area, but supersub Chris Hague restored Laycock’s two goal lead with an unstoppable shot from twenty yards. Fox then had another chance to get back into it when they were awarded a penalty but Laycock keeper Grant Parkin leapt like a salmon to keep the final score 3-1 and give his side their first home win of the season.

25-Nov 2014 - The Park is on the look out for more players - CBC Premier Division The Park, which plays its home games at the excellent Niagara Sports Ground and has an excellent committee to support the team, are in need of more players and anyone interested in joining them, or would like more information, should contact Andy Chafer on 0782 888 3531.

23-Nov 2014 - Howsham leads the scoring charts - Division Two Hallam FC's Joe Howsham (right) is leading the goalscoring charts, while just behind him is Division Two Steelers' Blake Owen and Division One Southey Social's John Mellor. Just behind them is CBC Premier Stocksbridge Park Steels Scott Birch and Stannington Village's Jack Mylnek along with Division Two City Taxis Jordan Marshall.

23-Nov 2014 - CBC PREMIER - Davis double keeps Stannington on top, while Oughtibridge up to second - A Gavin Davis (left) double saw Stannington Village beat Brinsworth Whitehill 2-0 to stay top of the CBC Premier. Davis hit the bar early on before he gave Stannington the lead with a glancing header from an inviting cross by Aaron Worsfold. The Stannington keeper Nathan Ryan tipped a Matt Langley effort round the post to stop Brinsworth levelling before the home side doubled their lead when a quick break saw Rob Shelley cross for Davis to sidefoot home at the near post. Brinsworth almost pulled one back when Danny Willis found himself one-on-one with Ryan, but the keeper made another good save to deny him.

Up to second is newly promoted Oughtibridge WM after they made it twenty nine games unbeaten with a 2-1 victory at The Vine. Oughtibridge took the lead when a Sean Lee corner found Ollie Black free at the back post to apply a superb finish. The Vine hit back strongly and after Craig Woolley had gone close from a corner they did get an equaliser when Rikki Davidson and Danny Seaman combined to set up Joe France to fire home. The Vine started the second half the better of the two and almost took the lead when Matt Ellis forced a good save out of the keeper. Ellis then went even closer when he hit the bar following Woolley’s flick on, but it was Oughtibridge that won it when man of the match David Sheakey put Lee through for him to chip the keeper.

Bulls Head have now gone six league games without a win after they let a two goal lead slip in a 3-3 draw with a Stocksbridge Park Steels that has also now gone six league games without a win. Mark Bryant’s deflected free kick put Bulls Head in front, but Steels finally made their possession tell when an inviting cross by Phil Cookson was turned in by Scott Birch. A good move led to panic in the Steels goalmouth and after twice failing to clear their lines John Kentzer struck to give Bulls Head a half time lead. Steels came out all guns firing in the second half and Birch blazed over before Cookson hit the bar, but they looked likely to slip to defeat when a mix up with his keeper saw Mark Woodcock turn a back pass into his own goal to give Bulls Head a two goal lead. Steels got back into it when Kev Davies’s cross was headed back across goal by Birch for Cookson to score and they got a richly deserved equaliser in the final minute when Mitch Savage fired home an unstoppable free kick from twenty five yards.

DIVISION 1 - Norton arrested by Marshall, while it's doubles all round elsewhere - Division One leaders Southey Social went five points clear as a Todd Guest double helped them to a 5-0 victory at Ranch. Adam Danks chested a clearance down before hitting a looping shot over the keeper to put Southey ahead before John Mellor’s left wing cross was missed by everyone to double their lead. Todd Guest added a third before half time when he found himself unmarked in the area and he made it four with a header. Southey then hit the woodwork three times before Ash Matthews pounced on an error by the keeper to complete the scoring, in a game well refereed by Will Cavanagh.

Mario Esposito was another to score two as Handsworth Turf beat second place Intake Old Boys 4-1. Turf had already hit the post with a Tom Crosby shot when Esposito’s through ball gave Ben Shackshaft the chance to smash the ball into the roof of the net. Intake’s keeper then stopped Esposito and Shackshaft adding to Turf’s lead before Intake levelled when a John Higgins corner was scrambled home by Dan Humberstone. They weren’t level for long though as Ollie Grady put Turf back in front with a shot from the edge of the area. After the break, man of the match James Leesley put Esposito through to score his first and his second came when he took just one touch to control a long clearance by keeper Liam Richardson and a second touch to put the ball into the bottom corner. Action from the game is below (pictures by Mick Moat)

An Anthony Marshall (right) hat-trick helped third place Loxley to a 5-3 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Norton Oaks A. Oaks had to go into it without their normal keeper, but after Marshall had twice gone close for Loxley, Oaks went ahead when Sam Ireland turned in a Dale Kay cross. Only some wayward finishing and some terrific goalkeeping stopped Oaks from extending their lead, before four goals in ten minutes put Loxley in command. Marshall grabbed the first after being set up by Geoff Mayfield and Marshall added his second with a lofted chip over the stranded keeper. Lewis Vessey scored Loxley’s third from the penalty spot and a Marshall corner went in after a deflection by a defender. Oaks got back into it after the break with a Danny Reet penalty and a second for Ireland, but the Loxley keeper an some outstanding defending stopped them adding any more and in the final minute Marshall made the points safe for Loxley.

Carl Andrews scored both goals as The Peasant beat Aston Swallownest 2-1 to climb into the promotion reckoning. Aston looked much the better side in the first half and took a deserved lead with a goal from new signing Chris Esburger, but they failed to add to it despite several good chances. The Pheasant came out stronger after the break and looked certain to equalise when they were awarded a penalty, but Aston keeper Scott Hall made a terrific save to deny them. The Pheasant kept coming forward though and despite more good saves by Hall, Andrews produced an instinctive strike to level the scores, before he hit the winner from the edge of the area with just ten minutes remaining.

A Steve Davies double helped Dam House Bar end their run of four games without a win with a 5-2 victory at Ecclesfield Players Lounge. Davies finished off a flowing move to put Bar ahead and Jason Kelly’s first goal for the club doubled their lead before half time. Davies made it three with a terrific solo goal, but an own goal and one from Gavin Hunter put Ecclesfield right back into the game. Bar didn’t panic though and another flowing move saw Matthew Jebson score their fourth before Davies set Ian Rumley up to complete the scoring.

DIVISION 2 - Phoenix back on top after Hallam are held by Chapeltown – Phoenix flew back to the top of Division Two with a 3-1 victory at Cobden View. Man of the match Karl Howden charged onto a Bradley Clarke flick on to round the keeper and open the scoring and Harl Savage headed a second from a Josh Aston corner to double Phoenix’s lead before half time. A fast flowing move ended with Howden crossing for Clarke to make it 3-0 before Lee Mansell’s through ball gave Chris Allen to mark his debut with a consolation goal for Cobden.

City Taxis are just a single goal behind Phoenix after a Jordan Marshall treble helped them to a 7-0 victory over a Steelers ravaged by injury. A thirty yard volley by Brandon Smith got the scoring underway and the first half also saw two from Tom Higginbottom, one from Flo Fadiga and Marshall’s first. Steelers defended better after the break, but they couldn’t stop Marshall adding two more to complete his hat-trick.

Hallam FC dropped two places after they let a two goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw at Chapeltown RBL. An end-to-end first half somehow ended goalless, but Hallam’s leading scorer Joe Howsham put them ahead soon after the break and the points looked certain to go their way when Will Deniff scored on his debut to double their lead. Chapeltown never gave up though and winger Joe Moorhouse pulled one back with just five minutes remaining. Centre back Will Jones was pushed up front to bolster the Chapeltown attack and he levelled the scores with a clinical finish, and they almost won it when a Tom Rollitt shot was deflected wide.

Matt Meaney and Chris Fowler both scored hat-tricks as Colley stepped up their promotion bid with an 8-0 victory over Sharrow Vale. That scoreline looked unlikely at half time as all Colley had to show was a Meaney goal after Fowler had put him through, but four goals in the first ten minutes of the second half took the stuffing out of the visitors. Fowler scored within a minute of the re-start, followed by goals from Brendan Drew, Richie Whitworth and Meaney. Fowler then added two more to complete his hat-trick before Meaney did the same with the final goal.

Three goals in the last ten minutes saw Fox & Hounds Rangers to a 3-0 victory at Norton Oaks B. There was nothing between the sides until those last few minutes and when the opener did come it was an own goal from a long throw-in. Norton pushed men forward to try to get back on level terms and were caught by two counter attacks with Dan Hartley and Ashley Peet applying the finishing touches.

Laycock Sports gained their first home win of the season with a narrow 3-2 victory over Crookes & District. Stephen Morris gave Laycocks an early lead with a deflected shot, but it was cancelled out by another deflected shot by Dave Charlton. Laycocks went back in front right on half time with a Delas Plumtree strike and Brendon Wilson doubled their lead after the break. With man of the match Luke Boast prominent for Crookes they kept going and pulled one back with a Chris Cottyn penalty but they couldn’t find an equaliser.

SENIOR SUNDAY CUP - Civil to try again - Civil Service's tie at Bagshaw Arms was postponed for a second consecutive week.

19-Nov 2014 - Fixtures for December now shown - The Fixtures for December now shown in the Fixtures section. Home teams MUST make sure that their home pitch is available on all the dates shown. Please email Keith immediately if your pitch is not available on a date shown. All home clubs must also confirm the details with your opponents and referees straight away. Fixtures on 21 December are subject to change as that is a County FA Sunday Cups date. Referees for 21 December will be added once they have been allocated to the leagues by the County FA.

16-Nov 2014 - SENIOR SUNDAY CUP - Redmires arrest Crookes and Matt Ellis is Sprot on for The Vine - The tie of Round 4 of the Sunday Senior Cup saw Blades Super Draw League’s Redmires gain a 2-1 victory over a Crookes outfit currently second in the Meadowhall Premier. Redmires had to go into the game without their talisman striker Dave Knaggs, but they made light of his absence by taking a fifth minute lead when Ben Grainey found space at the back post to head home Jon Wall’s corner. They carved out several more chances in a high quality first half, but Crookes also came close, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Redmires keeper Scott Dinnegan into a couple of good saves.

The second half saw Crookes up the pressure and they were rewarded with an equaliser, but Redmires were in no mood to let the game slip away from them and after going close a couple of times they re-took the lead when Andy Bath’s speculative shot took a wicked deflection off a defender and spun over the stranded Crookes keeper into the net. With Mikey Taylor and Paul Vickers working tirelessly to keep the Crookes defence on their toes and with centre back Ben Palmer winning just about everything that came his way, Redmires held firm to the final whistle to take their place in the last sixteen.

Also through is The Vine after a Matt Ellis double helped them to terrific 3-2 extra time victory over Sprotbrough. After last weekend’s big defeat The Vine welcomed back Danny Seaman (left) and keeper Mike Else to the starting line up and it made a big difference. They started brightly and Phil Miskell and Ellis forced a great double save from the visitors keeper. Vine keeper Else was also forced to make a great save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar to keep it level. The Vine finally took the lead when Joe France crossed for Matt Ellis to give them a half time lead, but shortly after the break Sprotbrough equalised and with no further goals the game went into extra time.

The Vine dominated the first period and went close when sub Rikki Davidson hit the crossbar with a header from a corner, but it looked as if their visitors would go through when they took the lead five minutes into the second period of extra time. The Vine regrouped though and equalised when their man of the match Seaman met a Rikki Davidson cross to fire home. It looked like penalties would be needed to separate them, but in the last minute Joe France crossed for Matt Ellis to head home The Vine’s winner at back post.

JUNIOR SUNDAY CUP - Holders go out but three go through - Division Two Hallam FC produced another terrific performance to go through to the last sixteen of the Sunday Junior Cup with a 5-2 victory over Thrybergh Top. Aemad Gadour gave Hallam, the lead (first picture left below) before James Ireland added a second before half time. Thrybergh started the second half by conceding an own goal to increase Hallam’s lead and although they scored one at the right end, Miles Howarth made it 4-1. Thrybergh pulled another back, but Gadour wrapped the game up with his second. More action from the game is below - pictures by Mick Moat.

Another Division Two side to give a terrific performance was City Taxis who won 3-2 at Carlton Park Hotel. Tom Stubbs gave Taxis the lead only to see the home side equalise, but Taxis went into the break ahead thanks to a Scott Westney strike. Both sides had chances in the second half, but Taxis finally put the result beyond doubt with a Flo Fadiga goal two minutes from time and although Carlton did pull one back, it was with last kick off game.

The third team through is Division One Handsworth Turf who, despite missing seven of their squad, had their 3-0 victory at Rotherham’s Fitzwilliam Arms by half time. They took just thirty seconds to go ahead when Danny Leesley’s long ball released Ty Wilson and his cross to the edge of the area was smashed into the top corner by Jordan Lodge. Ben Shackshaft added a second from close range and he completed the scoring before half time when Ollie Grady’s pinpoint pass allowed him to round the keeper and roll the ball into the empty net.

Despite a Matt Turner strike holders The Peasant lost their grip on the trophy following a 3-1 defeat by Monkwood. Norton Oaks A also slipped to defeat at Worsborough Common Community. After missing chance after chance, Norton found themselves behind at the break, and although they levelled after the break with a Billy Ireland tap-in from a corner, they continued to miss chances and paid for it when Worsborough struck a late winner. Division Two Phoenix also went out, losing 3-0 Ryecroft Rovers.

CBC PREMIER - A Flynn double puts Stannington back on top, while Oughtibridge and Angel join the chase - A Shaun Flynn double took Stannington Village to victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels and back to the top of the CBC Premier, while a Danny Clinton double helped Oughtibridge Village to victory over Riverside and up to third. A point behind them in fifth is Woodhouse Angel after their victory over Bulls Head, while Brinsworth Whitehill's remarkable home form continued as Ross Johnson and Danny Willis double helped them to victory over The Park

A Shaun Flynn (left) double took Stannington Village to a 2-0 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels and back to the top of the CBC Premier. Early in the game Lee Johnstone had a twenty five yard shot just wide and Rob Shelley bent a shot inches wide as Stannington took the game to their visitors. The opener came when a cross came in from Aaron Worsfold and Flynn produced an acrobatic scissor kick from ten yards that went in off the underside of the bar. Jack Mylnek almost made it two with a shot that was superbly saved by the keepers feet, but Steels stopped any further damage in the first half and might have had a penalty at the end of the half.

Stannington continued to dominate in the second half and Flynn should have had a second when he screwed a shot wide, but he didn’t miss when the next opportunity fell his way. A good move saw the ball go out to Johnstone and his whipped in cross was headed into the roof of the net by Flynn. Stannington almost had a third when Dean Jepson broke free, but the Steels keeper made a smart save standing up well.

Oughtibridge WM climbed up to third with a 3-1 victory over Riverside. New signing Mark Townsend soon played a great cross for Danny Clinton, but his shot was saved brilliantly by the Riverside keeper. Clinton wasn’t to be denied for very long though as he put Oughtibridge ahead with a clinical finish after being put through by Sean Lee. They were ahead for just two minutes though as Tom Bermingham curled one into the top corner from the edge of the area. Oughtibridge then pressed the visitors back and Ross Brown volleyed wide and Clinton had a goal ruled out for a foul on the keeper. The second half started badly for Oughtibridge as they lost keeper Paul Cadman with a broken wrist, but they went back in front when Lee put in a perfect cross for Strachan Sampson to head home and they made the points safe five minutes from time when Brown played Clinton through for his second.

Woodhouse Angel continued their climb up the table with a 4-2 home victory over Bulls Head. Angel's strong start was eventually rewarded when skipper Gareth Simons placed an excellent placed header into the far corner following a mazy run and excellent cross from Mike Towey. Liam Kay then finished a flowing move to slam the ball home from close range to double Angel’s lead before half time. Bulls Head started the second half well and were rewarded when Rob Dawber pulled a goal back, but that only seemed to spur Angel into greater effort and Mark Coggin restored their two goal lead after intercepting a poor clearance by the keeper. Nick Haywood then made it 4-1 before Nick Ash grabbed a fortuitous second for Bulls Head when Angel keeper Johno Williams made a point blank save only for it to ricochet off Ash into the empty net.

Score for today 7-2 to Brinsworth We scored on 22min and 73 min both goals from Scott Ellis. (8) HT 2-1

Brinsworth Whitehill’s terrific home record continued with a 7-2 victory over The Park. Brinsworth took the lead midway through first half when Ross Johnson played a lovely ball from the left hand side which found Matt Claxton on the edge of the box and he coolly knocked it over the keeper. Brinsworth then went on to miss chance after chance before Ross Johnson cut in from the left and beat two defenders before shooting into the top right hand corner. Scott Ellis pulled one back for The Park before half time with a superb solo effort.

Brinsworth got back on top at the start of the second half and eventually got a third goal through a well taken Cory Goodwin strike and five minutes later Danny Willis added their fourth after rounding the keeper. Ellis scored a second for The Park with a terrific free kick, but Brinsworth hit back immediately with another Willis goal after he was put through by Claxton. Goodwin then put one on a plate for Johnson to score his second with a firm header, before Matt Langley finished off the scoring with a superb individual goal, tricking two defenders before sending the keeper the wrong way.

DIVISION 1 - Four goal Hobson keeps Intake on the heels of the leaders, while Loxley join the promotion race - Russell Hobson (right) hit four goals as Intake Old Boys came from behind to win a thriller 5-3 at Ranch to stay second in Division One. Ranch made a bright start and when Shannon Marshland got through the left channel he squared for Ben Hartley to them the lead, but Intake quickly levelled with Hobson’s first. John Higgins was then brought down in the area by a needless challenge by Breon Fogarty and Hobson stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way. Intake added a third before half time when Matt Hunter pulled the ball back for Higgins to smash the ball home from the edge of the area.

After half time Ranch chased the game but got caught out with a swift counter attack that allowed Hobson to complete his hat-trick and he headed home his fourth from a Higgins corner. Ranch pulled one back when a great ball in from Ben Hartley was headed home at the back post by Ryan Wakelin and they scored a third when Marshland volleyed home from the edge of the box, but despite a spell of pressure they couldn’t add any more.

Southey Social stayed top though with a 3-2 victory over Hare & Hounds. Southey took the lead when a Joel Askham corner was headed home by Ash Matthews and another Askham corner was headed back across goal by Matthews for Todd Guest to power home a header for Southey’s second. Southey continued to dominate the game after the break and John Mellor added a third when he was put through by Rob Womack. Despite hitting the post three times they couldn’t add any more and when George Rudd and Adam Caywood pulled two back for the visitors, Southey were rocking and their keeper then had to make two one-on-one saves to stop Hounds from equalising.

Loxley are up to third after Callum MacRury’s second half goal gave them a 1-0 victory at Dam House Bar, but they were equally indebted to keeper Lee Crabtree who saved Glen Greene’s penalty near the end. MacRury produced a cool chip to get the game’s only goal, but Loxley should have had others as both Jon Rhodes and Chris Whalley hit a post. Steve Mayfield also had one ruled out for offside, but their wastefulness was rescued by Crabtree’s save.

DIVISION 2 - Steelers held, while Colley up to fourth – Despite a Blake Owen (left) treble, Steelers missed the chance to go a point behind the Division Two leaders as they were held by a Cobden View helped by a Mike Walker double. Owen opened the scoring with a free kick, but Paul Griffiths set up Walker to equalise and Walker then produced a great solo effort to put Cobden in front by half time. Owen levelled for Steelers with a chip over the keeper, but Cobden went back in front when a quick break allowed Griffiths to set up Alex Butt to score from the edge of the box. It looked as if Cobden would pull off a shock victory until the final kick of the game saw Owen complete his hat-trick to make the final score 3-3.

Despite a Ben Palmer double, Chapeltown RBL also dropped points as they were also held to a 3-3 draw by a Norton Oaks B boosted by Ste Reynalds' double. Richard Pearson set up Reynalds to open the scoring and he doubled Oaks lead when the ball was pulled back to him by Joe Beachell. Chapeltown got back into it when a cross by Tom Rollit evaded everyone to land in the net, but a mistake by their keeper allowed Reynalds to steal the ball off him and set up Pearson to roll the ball into an empty net. Chapeltown hit back in the second half when Palmer bundled home his first and then he raced clear to score his second to earn his side a point.

Those results allowed Colley to climb to fourth as Chris Fowler and Matt Meaney doubles helped them to a comfortable 5-0 victory at Crookes & District. Fowler put Colley ahead and Curtis Gregory added a second from thirty yards before Meaney added a third from the penalty spot. Dane Hurst was doing his best to stem the tide for Crookes, but Fowler and Meaney added two more.

Fox & Hounds gained their first home win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Sharrow Vale. Fox had the better of the first half and took the lead when Dan Hartley converted from a throw-in. Vale then missed two great chances before half time, but they started the second half brightly and John Matterson finished clinically with his head from Lewis McDonald's free kick to draw them level. However after a succession of corners Fox once more took the lead with a Nathan Driver strike and in the last minute a swift break saw debutant Tafadzwa Mpofu finally finish off Vale’s chances.

13-Nov 2014 - Anyone interested in a pre-season friendly in London - An ex-Blades Super Draw League manager who is now managing a team in London is looking to see if any Blades Super Draw League teams are interested in a trip to London pre-season next year for a friendly / pre-season tournament. Any club interested should contact Paul-Baxter Gibson on 0114 230 8220, or 0794 635 3317, or by email: paul.baxter-gibson@sky.com. Don't forget that if you do take up the opportunity, you must gain permission from the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA when you know the details of any game(s) and you must ensure that both you and your opponents are affiliated to your respective County FAs and are insured.

12-Nov 2014 - Referees for Sunday 16 November now shown - The referees for Sunday 16 November are now shown in the Fixtures section of the website. Will home teams please contact their referee immediately to confirm the details.

9-Nov 2014 - KITLOCKER CUP - Mellor treble leaves The Vine in a tangle at Southey, while Norton happy at the Ranch - The first major shock in this season's League Kitlocker Cup came as a John Mellor (right) hat-trick helped Division One Southey Social come from behind to trounce CBC Premier The Vine and Southey will now face League champions Stannington Village in the quarter finals. Joining them in the last eight is Norton Oaks A after they had a comfortable win at fellow Division One side Ranch. Norton will now travel to Division Two leaders Hallam FC. The full draw for the quarter finals to be played on 7 Dec is: Brinsworth Whitehill v Redmires; Hallam FC v Norton Oaks 'A'; Oughtibridge WM v Bulls Head; Southey Social v Stannington Village.

MATCH OF THE DAY

BLADES SUPER DRAW LEAGUE KITLOCKER CUP

SOUTHEY SOCIAL 6 THE VINE 1

Southey Social produced the biggest shock of this season’s League Kitlocker Cup when the Division One side thrashed CBC Premier The Vine 6-1. To freshen things up, Southey made four changes from the previous weekend’s 5-3 victory at Dam House and the players who came in didn't disappoint, whereas The Vine had no fewer than six of their squad missing due to honeymoons and holidays.

After a even start in which both sides had a chance to take the lead, it was The Vine that opened the scoring when Joe France picked up a Southey clearance in the middle of the park, then found Brent Heeley out wide and his cross was perfectly met with a Matt Ellis header into the top corner. The Vine were closing Southey down very well and forcing errors, but it was Southey that had the next real chances. First a Joel Askham corner was swung in but nobody could get the touch it needed to take it home, and then after a free kick was cleared the ball fell to Ash Matthews who struck the ball well from twenty yards only to see it fly just wide. 

Southey began to dominate now and forced another corner and this time Todd Guest saw his header cleared of the line and soon after Chris Roberts fed Askham, but he shot was straight at The Vine keeper Sam Blackburn. The Vine then had the next chance when Ellis played James Mitcham in, but he missed the chance to double their lead by shooting wide. The Vine then went even closer when Phil Miskell hit the bar with a free kick. From the rebound, Southey broke quickly and after combining with Askham, John Mellor saw his shot turned away by Blackburn. Another break by Southey saw Danny Lindley cross for Mellor, but he pushed his shot wide and The Vine still led 1-0 at the break.

The second half started evenly, but Southey finally got the break they deserved when Ash Matthews and Danny Lindley combined to give Rob Womack the chance shoot home into the bottom corner. Mellor then took advantage of a defensive error to round Blackburn to put Southey in front and within two minutes Chris Roberts played Mellor in again to double Southey’s lead. 

The Vine was struggling to keep Southey at bay and Southey punished them again when Mellor went through to grab his hat-trick. The Vine almost got back into it great cross was met with a good header that went just went wide, before another attack in as many minutes ended up with a shot going wide. It was a temporary lull though as Southey got back on top of their CBC Premier Division opponents and another great move down the right flank ended up with a good cross over to the back post where Sean Needham flung himself at the ball to head home and take out the goal post at the same time.

Southey completed the scoring when Danny Lindley was gifted the ball and after getting into the box he was brought down by Kyle Mitcham. Up stepped the always hard working Chris Roberts to score a deserved goal for himself by sending the keeper the wrong way. Southey will now face League champions Stannington Village in the quarter final in December.

Southey Social: Andy Guest, David Wheeler, Adam Danks, Ash Matthews, Lee Wilson, Todd Guest, Danny Lindley, Rob Womack, Chris Roberts, John Mellor, Joel Askham, Subs: Aiden Owen, Matt Betts, Sean, Needham, Danny Ferguson.

The Vine: Sam Blackburn, Shaun Brunt, Kyle Mitcham, Phil Miskell, Andrew Marsh, Lee Godwin, Rikki Davidson, Joe France, James Mitcham, Matt Ellis, Brent Heeley Subs: Jon Warburton, Christian Nixon

Norton Oaks 'A' are the second Division One side through to the quarter finals of the League Kitlocker Cup with a 3-0 victory at fellow Division One side Ranch. Both Ryan Watkin and Alex Denby had early chances for Ranch, but it was Norton that took a half time lead when Robbie Aspinall went through one-on-one with the keeper. A Sam Ireland finish from fifteen yards doubled it after the break and, as Norton’s greater fitness and quality began to tell, the clincher came when an Aspinall cross was turned into his own net by a Ranch defender.

CBC PREMIER - Fowler penalty keeps Civil on top, while Mylnek treble keeps Stannington breathing down their neck - Civil Service stayed top of the CBC Premier by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels. In a tight first half chances were at a minimum with defences on top. Steels best chance was when Adam Todd crossed and Mitch Savage couldn't quite get a touch. Steels got on top after the break and after two George Orrell ‘goals’ had been disallowed for offside he finally got one when he pounced on a loose ball to put Steels ahead.

Civil equalised almost immediately when Adam Firth drilled home from the edge of the area and after Savage almost put Steels back in front when he hit a post, Civil took the lead when Andrzej Gordon-Hides cross was handled by Mark Woodcock in the area and Danny Fowler (left) stayed calm to beat the keeper from the spot. Steels pushed for an equaliser but couldn't break through with Chris Verity solid in goal as replacement for the injured Luke Herriott and Carl Ledger and Ben Sanderson a barrier in central defence.

Jack Mylnek hit a hat-trick as Stannington Village stayed hot on the heels of the leaders with a convincing 5-1 victory over Bulls Head. Village opened the scoring when man of the match Gav Davis broke free down the wing and squared the ball for Mylnek to hit it home off the underside of the bar.  They doubled their lead before half time when a cross from Bill Green found Lee Johnstone to sidefoot it in at far post. Village made it three when a through ball from Sean Flynn found Mylnek, who knocked it past the advancing goalie and they made it four when Davis forced the keeper into a good save, but the ball came back to Davis and he unselfishly squared to Mylnek for a tap in for his hat-trick. Mark Bryant pulled one back for Bulls Head, but Stannington completed the scoring late in the game when a block tackle on Josh Coulson saw the ball fall to Adam Grainger who drilled it low into the bottom corner.

Redmires warmed up for their Sunday Cup tie with Crookes next week with an 8-0 victory over The Park. It was the second time this season that Redmires have hit eight past The Park after beating them 8-2 in the League Kitlocker Cup. Matt Reay scored the goal of the game to give Redmires the lead and goals followed at regular intervals after that, with two each from Mikey Taylor (left) and Jon Wall, and one each for Andy Bath, Dan Bathie and Paul Vickers.

Woodhouse Angel’s revival continued when they came from behind to beat Riverside 2-1.  After a goalless first half Riverside took the lead when a swift counter attack was finished off by Jake Rodley, but that seemed to give Angel the kick they needed and they equalised ten minutes later when Liam Kay’s cross was met with a bullet header by Mike Towey. Riverside keeper Adam Martin then made an amazing fingertip save to deny Chris Towey, but he could do nothing to stop Chris nicking the winner when Mark Coggin’s long throw was headed on by Dave Kippax. Two more saves by Martin stopped Angel adding to their score, but Riverside take advantage with an equaliser.

DIVISION 1 - Hunter double keeps Intake on the heels of the leaders - Intake closed up on Division One leaders Southey Social by twice coming from behind to beat Aston Swallownest 3-2. Aston took the lead with a class ball from Danny Wilcox to Billy Evans to shoot on the turn, but Intake levelled before half time when a through ball from Paul Turner was met with a cool finish from Mathew Hunter. Aston went ahead in the second half when Scott Hall’s goal kick eluded the Intake keeper to leave Billy Evans a simple tap in. Intake levelled a second time when a header from Russell Hobson put Hunter in again to finish and they grabbed the winner when Hobson ran across the edge of box and hit a shot that took a slight deflection to send it in off the post. See the action below (pictures by Mick Moat).

One of the games of the day saw The Pheasant finally show the sort of form expected of them to beat one of their promotion rivals Handsworth Turf 5-3. Pheasant took an early lead take a early lead with a Darren Richardson strike, but just a minute later Frazer McNeil’s quick free kick released Kieran Gallagher and his cross was turned in by Ben Shackshaft. Pheasant went back in front with a Craig Mahwood strike and after Turf had missed a string of good chances, Pheasant made it 3-1 before half time with a Lewis Fothergill goal.

Turf managed to pull one back after the break Tom Crosby’s cross found Carl Bowler, who had beat the offside trap to chest down and volley home, but Pheasant restored their two goal lead with a Lee Gillott header. Turf hit back again to make it 4-3 when Tom Smith forced the ball home from close range, but after Turf missed two chances to level, Pheasant made the victory safe with a Carl Andrews header from a corner.

The day’s other Division One game saw Dam House Bar and Loxley share the points after a 2-2 draw. Loxley took a half time lead when Anthony Marshall’s free kick hit the bar and Geoff Mayfield chested home the rebound. But after a dressing down at the break, Dam House came out strongly and player-manager Liam Boswell celebrated his return to action after a two month injury lay off by chesting home a corner. They then took the lead with a neat finish by Danny Barnett, but they had to settle for a point when Jon Rhodes was brought down in the area and he picked himself up to score the equaliser. Ecclesfield Players Lounge's visit to Hare & Hounds was postponed due to Hounds pitch being waterlogged.

DIVISION 2 - Howarth treble helps Hallam re-claim top spot as top three all win – Miles Howarth hit a hat-trick as Hallam FC’s 5-0 victory at Norton Oaks ‘B’ took them back to the top of Division Two on goal difference. A tight first half saw Joe Howsham give Hallam a slender half time lead, but they were in more control in the second half and after Howsham scored his second from penalty spot, Miles Howarth took the game beyond doubt with his treble.

Phoenix started the day on top, but despite winning 3-2 at Laycock Sports, they slipped to second on goal difference. Scott Lyons gave Laycocks an early lead and had a good first half, but Phoenix drew level before half time when Josh Aston played a one-two with Chris Knowles before scoring from the edge of the area. Phoenix took the lead soon after the break with a left foot screamer from thirty yards by Jake Duckenfield, but Laycocks hit back to level with a thirty yard free kick for |Lyons second of the game. Laycocks keeper Grant Parkin then made two great saves to keep his side level, but just when he thought he had won his side a point deep into injury time a Kieran Cull corner found Duckenfield and his left foot volley gave Phoenix victory.

City Taxis stayed third by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Cobden View. After a goalless first half, Lee Mansell set up Mike Walker to put Cobden in front, but Taxis soon levelled with a Jordan Marshall shot and won it five minutes from time with a Flo Fadiga strike. Steelers are up to fourth after second half goals by Blake Owen and Michael Sveinbjoernsson goals gave them a 2-0 win at fellow promotion hopefuls Fox & Hounds Rangers.

Colley got over the shock of conceding an early goal to beat Crookes & District 4-2. Crookes started out of the blocks quickly taking a fifth minute lead through Gareth Morley, but Colley drew level ten minutes later with a terrific Curtis Gregory strike. Colley then took a half time lead with a Brendan drew tap-in, but Crookes levelled on the hour when Chris Cottyn took advantage of a quickly taken throw in. Crookes looked likely to go on and win it, but Colley shook themselves and went back in front with a Chris Fowler header before a Matt Meaney strike made the points safe.

Clubs showed their respect on Remembrance Sunday with a minutes silence before their games. Shown below is Ranch and Norton Oaks, (left) and Colley and Crookes & District (right)

4-Nov 2014 - Revised fixtures for 16 November now shown - The revised fixtures for 16 November are now shown. Home teams should contact their opponents to confirm the games. Referees will be allocated after the County FA has allocated them to the League.

3-Nov 2014 - KITLOCKER CUP - Blades Legend TC makes Quarter Final draw - The Blades legend recently voted the club's greatest ever player, Tony Currie, assisted by Blades historian and Supporter Liaison Officer John Garrett (pictured right), made the League Kitlocker Cup Quarter Final draw in the Legends of the Lane at Bramall Lane today and it saw the holders Redmires drawn away at fellow CBC Premier side Brinsworth Whitehill after their surprise win over League leaders Civil Service. Another definite all CBC Premier tie sees Bulls Head travel to Oughtibridge WM, while a potential third sees League champions Stannington Village drawn away at The Vine if they overcome Division One Southey Social in their Round 3 tie this coming weekend. It means that their will be at least one non-CBC Premier team in the Semi Finals as Division Two newcomers Hallam FC have a home tie with the winners of this coming weekend's all Division One Round 3 tie between Ranch and Norton Oaks 'A'. The full draw is: Brinsworth Whitehill v Redmires; Hallam FC v Ranch or Norton Oaks 'A'; Oughtibridge WM v Bulls Head; Southey Social or The Vine v Stannington Village. All quarter final ties to be played on 7 December, kick-off at 11am.

2-Nov 2014 - KITLOCKER CUP - Holders need extra time, while Brinsworth stun Civil - On a day when the six Kitlocker Cup ties brought thirty six goals, Brinsworth Whitehill completed a surprise win in the all-CBC Premier tie against former holders and League leaders Civil Service. Stacy Sharif almost gave Civil the lead within twenty seconds, but dragged his shot wide and he then had a header parried by Dowell. Civil were quickly made to pay for missing those chances when Ross Johnson sent Joe McGuiness away down the left. He then laid the ball into Jed McGowan’s path and after his pace took him past two defenders his well placed shot found the bottom corner to give Brinsworth the lead. They quickly doubled it when Matt Langley danced his way past several defenders before cutting the ball back from the byline for McGuiness to smash the ball into the net from six yards.

McGuiness soon made it 3-0 when he closed down a defender and the keeper and the keeper’s attempted clearance struck him and rebounded into the empty net. So dominant were Brinsworth, they could have had four or five by half time and they also had chances in the second half. Civil did come back into it more after the break, but with Adam Haloub and Ryan Watson outstanding at the heart of the Brinsworth defence, Civil were restricted to just a consolation goal when Calvin Thomas headed Wes Bamford’s cross home.

The other all-CBC Premier tie saw Oughtibridge WM just pip Riverside with the help of a Danny Clinton (left) double. After Oughtibridge had twice gone close through Sean Lee and Ross Brown, they took the lead when Lee turned on the edge of the box and crossed towards Brown, who then dummied for Clinton to fire home. Riverside went close after the break when Tom Goodison’s thirty yard shot was tipped away for a corner, but it was Oughtibridge that scored again when Matt Cundy put Clinton through for his second. Luke Broadbent pulled one back for Riverside with eight minutes remaining, but they couldn’t force an equaliser.

Holders Redmires needed doubles from Jon Wall and Mikey Taylor and extra time to finally overcome Division One Handsworth Turf in an eleven goal thriller. Jon Wall gave Redmires the lead, but Mario Esposito took advantage of a defensive error to draw Turf level. Wall then played two one-twos with Andy Bath and Hegel Noubissie before putting Redmires back in front, only for Turf to level a second time when Faser McNeill’s cross was headed home by Jordan Lodge, and Turf had a half time lead when Esposito crossed for Craig Cansdale to score.

Redmires levelled with a Mikey Taylor strike and Taylor grabbed his second to put Redmires in front for a third time. It looked like it would be enough until, in the last minute, a long ball from Ollie Grady found Lodge and he scored his second to force extra time. Turf keeper Liam Richardson had already given the performance of the season to help take his team this far and he further excelled himself with another string of saves as Redmires poured forward. It was inevitable that he would be beaten and Ben Palmer put Redmires back in front and this time they made no mistake as they added to it with goals from Andy Bath and Paul Vickers to make the final score 7-4.

It was identical story at Hallam FC who needed extra time and a Joe Howsham hat-trick before finally overcoming fellow Division Two side Fox & Hounds Rangers 7-4. Joe Howsham gave Hallam the early advantage, but two Mitch McDowall strikes put Fox ahead by half time. Jack Waddle began the second half by equalising for Hallam, but Nathan Driver and Adam Skelton strikes looked to have won it for Fox. Hallam didn’t give in though and as the Fox legs tired Aemda Gadour pulled one back before Howsham’s second meant extra time. Fox visibly tired even more in extra time and Aemda put Hallam in front before Howsham scored his thirteenth goal in his last four games to complete his hat-trick. Hothryfa Gadour completed the scoring, but the scoreline didn’t really reflect how close Fox had gone to winning the tie.

CBC Premier Bulls Head looked in danger of being on the wrong end of a shock when Russ Hobson’s header took a deflection into the net to put Division One promotion chasers Intake Old Boys ahead, but they were gifted an equaliser with an own goal before half time. Bulls Head’s top flight class began to show in the second half and they took the lead through Adam Siu and it was extended by Mark Bryant before Alan Mowforth completed a 4-1 victory for them.

Despite a good show by Division One Aston Swallownest, former holders Stannington Village made no mistake with a 2-0 victory. Gav Davis hit the Aston post early on with an overhead kick and Luke Parwana missed a good chance from Rob Shelley’s cross, but Aston almost took the lead when they had an effort cleared off the line and a glancing header forced Stannington keeper Nathan Ryan into a good save. Stannington took the lead when a free kick fell to Bill Green at the near post and Green was again involved for their second when his free kick ricocheted to Lee Johnstone who slid the ball into the bottom corner.

CBC PREMIER - Last gasp Davies sends Steels to the top - After letting a two goal lead slip, Stocksbridge Park Steels needed a very late Kev Davies (right) goal to earn them the point at Woodhouse Angel that took them to the top of the CBC Premier. Steels took the lead when John McSeveney’s through ball was finished by Joe Cloves and they quickly doubled their advantage when Scott Birch crossed for Mitch savage to score. Savage and Birch then spurned two great chances to make the game safe, but Angel got themselves back into the game with a Brad Williams strike.

Chris Towey then got a deserved second from a corner to send the teams level into the interval. Angel continued to dominate affairs after the break and they looked to have won it when Johno Williams header put them in front with just ten minutes remaining, but Steels gathered one last push and Kev Davies raced through to score to earn the point that put his side top. The consolation for Angel was that the point was also enough to lift Angel off the foot of the table.

DIVISION 1 - Mellor treble helps send Southey five points clear  - A John Mellor treble helped Southey Social win 5-3 at Dam House Bar to go five points clear at the top of Division One. Bar was the first to show and took the lead when Harry ONeill took advantage of an error in the Southey defence. That seemed to wake Southey up and John Mellor, who was causing the Bar defence all kinds of problems, grabbed the equaliser. Mellor was then put through by Chris Roberts to lob the keeper to put Southey ahead, before Joel Askham found the bottom corner from twenty yards to make it 3-1. Bar fought back though and after Brett Gardner had pulled one back, ONeill grabbed his second to make it 3-3 by the break. After a scrappy start to the second half, Ash Matthews perfect cross was met by Mellor’s diving header to complete his hat-trick and Mellor then found Rob Womack to complete the scoring in a match where both teams had lots of praise for referee Michael Warner.

Loxley gained their first home win of the season, 4-0 at Ranch's expense. Tim Pitt put Loxley ahead with a coolly taken penalty after Anthony Marshall had been pushed over in the area and Marshall was soon on the scoresheet himself after being set up by man-of-the-match John Denton. Denton then made it three before half time when he turned in a cross from close range and although both teams wasted chances in the second half Loxley managed one more when Steve Mayfield finished off a sweeping move.

Ecclesfield Players Lounge missed the chance to go second when a last kick equaliser by Joe Troughton gave Hare & Hounds a 1-1 draw. Although the first half saw Hare & Hounds have more possession, Ecclesfield went closest to scoring when Andy Baxter hit the bar and Scott Spzajer hit the side netting. Jake Schofield missed Hounds best chance at the start of the second half before Ecclesfield’s man of the match Mark Groves put his side ahead. Hounds were then reduced to ten men through an injury to their already depleted squad and both Gav Hunter and Baxter wasted good chances to make the points safe for Ecclesfield. They were made to pay for those squandered chances when Joe Troughton hit an unstoppable shot from thirty yards to equalise for Hounds with virtually the final kick of the game.

DIVISION 2 - Aston double helps send Phoenix flying to the top, while an Acheson treble helps Crookes win at last – A Josh Aston double helped Phoenix fly to the top of Division Two by completing the double, 6-0 over a seriously understrength Norton Oaks B. Phoenix took the lead when Karl Fox knocked in the rebound from a Joe Jackson shot and Aston doubled the lead with a twenty five yard strike into the bottom corner. Aston the played a one-two with Dale Savage before chipping the keeper to make it 3-0 at the interval. Liam Brookfield and Jordan Pearce combined to set up Matt Winfrow for the fourth. Brookfield then celebrated his return after an injury lay-off with a jinking run before slotting into the bottom corner and Jordan Pearce made it a debut to remember when he finished off a fast flowing move with a curler into the top corner.

City Taxis missed their chance to go top as they were held by fellow promotion chasers Chapeltown RBL. A terrific last ditch tackle stopped Joe Moorhouse giving Chapeltown a first half lead, but Taxis were having the lion’s share of possession and took the lead in the second half with a Flo Fadiga shot into the bottom left corner. Chapeltown responded with skipper Will Jones arrowing a long throw onto the head of in-form striker Liam Gibson to equalise. Both sides had chances after that, but they had to settle for a point each.

Crookes & District became the last team to get some points on the board when a Rob Acheson treble helped them beat Laycock Sports 4-3 in a real thriller. Crookes went ahead when Dave Charlton’s cross was headed in by Acheson, but Scott Lyons took advantage of a mistake by Crookes to level. Charlton then set up a second for Acheson, but Lyons again equalised for Laycocks. With just twenty two minutes gone, Acheson completed his hat-trick to put Crookes 3-2 ahead and after such a glut of goals it was a surprise that it took until the eighty fifth minute for Lyons to complete his hat-trick to draw Laycocks level. Crookes weren’t done though and two minutes later Charlton popped up to grab their winner.

Cobden View gained their first away win of the season with a 2-0 victory at Sharrow Vale. Sharrow had plenty of possession, but couldn’t find a cutting edge and they fell behind to Ed Wickett’s long range effort in the first half. It was a similar pattern in the second half and it was Cobden that sealed their first away win when Mike Walker chipped into the top corner.