29-March 2015 - Don't forget that it is the League Meeting Monday, 30 March 7:30 - Don't forget that the next League meeting is Monday 30 March at 7:30 at Bramall Lane

29-Mar 2015 – KITLOCKER CUP - Smith makes it a Bridge too far for Norton while the holders go out to Stannington - Jamie Smith (left) scored twice to help Oughtibridge WM reach their first ever Kitlocker Cup Final with victory over Division One Norton Oaks and they will meet Stannington Village after Jack Mylnek and Gav Davis (pictured right) strikes saw them reach the Final for the fifth time by putting out the holders Redmires. The Final is at Bramall Lane on 26 April, 3:30 kick-off

OUGHTIBRIDGE WM 3 NORTON OAKS A 0

Oughtibridge WM stayed on course for a possible League and Cup double by booking their place in the Blades Super Draw League Kitlocker Cup Final at Bramall Lane for the first time as Jamie Smith scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Division One Norton Oaks A.

Oughtibridge were quick off the mark and only a good save by Steve Booth stopped Smith putting them ahead and soon after Matt Cundy might have done better when he found himself through, only to shoot wide. They weren’t to be denied for long though as a swift move found Smith on the edge of the area and he turned before shooting past the keeper to put his side ahead (first pictutre below, followed by the celebrations). Norton responded and almost levelled when Steve Scott hooked an effort just wide of the far post, but Oughtibridge also went close to a second when Cundy’s cross was headed wide by Tom Fletcher and it stayed at 1-0 until the break.

Just like the first half, it was Oughtibridge that started quicker and they doubled their lead with a Matt Cundy shot that was deflected past the keeper by Ross Brown. Norton’s response was a Billy Ireland shot that low past the post  and Stevie Mann was denied by keeper Paul Cadman when he was through one on one. Cadman then saved an Alex Hughes free kick bound for the top corner, but it was Oughtibridge that struck the final blow when Josh Ransom’s perfect cross was met with an equally perfect header for Smith’s second goal of the game. More action from the game is below  - all pictures by Mark Rodgers.

 Oughtibridge WM: Paul Cadman, Matthew Dodd, Joe Appleyard, James Baker, David Sheakey, Sean Lee, Tom Fletcher, Strachan Sampson, Ryan Campbell, Jamie Smith, Matt Cundy Subs: Ian Collins, Josh Ranson, Ross Brown, Arran Lamb

Norton Oaks A: Steve Booth, Dale Kay, Alex Hughes, Steve Scott, Kenny Brakes, Dave Elliott, Dom Jolly, Andy Dawson, Nick Glossop, Rob Devoy, Billy Ireland Subs: Stevie Mann, Chris Bowden

Referee Pete Henger Assistant Referees Luke Lazenby and Daniel Jones

STANNINGTON VILLAGE 2 REDMIRES 0

Stannington Village also stayed on course for a possible League and Cup double by ending holders Redmires grip on the League Kitlocker Cup to take their place at Bramall Lane for a fifth time. Stannington started off on the front foot and almost took the lead when Lee Johnstone put Jack Mylnek in only for him to screw his shot wide. Mylnek soon made up for it though when a cross from Aaron Worsfold wasn’t cleared and Mylnek pounced to sidefoot the ball into the corner.

Redmires tried to respond and they went close when Mikey Taylor picked out Andy Bath, but his shot went wide. Instead it was Stannington that took a grip of the game when a ball down the line from Ben Cook was picked up by Gavin Davis who then beat his full back before cutting inside before blasting the ball into the far corner.

With Dan Green and John Saville solid as a rock at the heart of the Stannington defence and Lee Johnstone and Josh Coulson controlling midfield, Redmires found it hard to make any headway and Stannington rarely looked in trouble after the break and they might have increased their lead with half chances for both Shaun Flynn and Bill Green. As it was they didn’t need them as Stannington booked their place at Bramall Lane. Action from the game is below  - all pictures by Mark Rodgers.

Stannington Village: Nathan Ryan, Aaron Worsfold, Ben Cook, Dan Green, John Saville, Josh Coulson, Rob Shelley, Lee Johnstone, Jack Mylnek, Gavin Davis, Bill Green Subs: Cory Mann, Shaun Flynn, Adam Grainger, Dean Jepson, Joe Barker

Redmires: Scott Dinnigan, Dale White, Chris Cotterill, Ben Graney, Matt Reay, Stephen Parry, Jon Wall, Hegel Noubissie, Mikey Taylor, Andy Bath, Ben Palmer Subs: Hamid Arezoo, Paul Vickers, Joe Keighley, Sam Barthram, Dan Bathie

Referee Jack Hall Assistant Referees Gareth Thomas and Tony Tierney

CBC PREMIER - Angel fly to the top, while a Dawber double gives Bulls Head a lift  - Brothers Chris and Mike Towey were both on target as Woodhouse Angel beat The Vine 4-2 to fly to the top of the CBC Premier. A slow start by Angel saw them fall behind when their keeper could only parry a Steve Wilkinson shot and Matt Ellis forced the ball home. Rikki Davidson then had an effort ruled out and it seemed to give Angel the kick they needed and they soon levelled when a swift passing move down the left saw Tom Goodall drive in a great low cross and skipper Gareth Simons netted from close range. Angel took the lead just before half time when veteran centre half hit a long range effort that found the bottom corner.

The Vine were working hard to stay in the game almost levelled when Danny Seaman’s header was cleared off the line, before Rikki Davidson set up a chance for Ellis that was squandered. Their hard work was finally rewarded with an equaliser when their skipper Craig Woolley found space for a bullet header from a Seaman corner. Davidson went close and Jon Warburton a good shot saved as The Vine tried to get their noses back in front, but Angel weren’t to be denied top spot though and they regained the lead with a Mike Towey volley from just inside the area and they sealed the win when Dave Kippax fed Sam Comer and after beating a couple of defenders he thundered the ball home off the underside of the bar

Towards the other end of the table, a Rob Dawber double helped Bulls Head to a crucial victory 4-2 over a Brinsworth Whitehill just a place below them. Bull quickly got on top and took the lead when Alan Mowforth went down the left and crossed for Rob Dawber to tap in from close range. Brinsworth hit back and only a string of fine saves by keeper Matt Coates kept them out. Coates’ hard work paid off when Mowforth doubled Bulls lead with a shot that took a deflection past the Brinsworth keeper and they scored their third just before the break when Dawber slid Nick Ash in to blast the ball home. Brinsworth pulled one back soon after thalf time when Ross Johnson fired into the top corner, but Bull regained their three goal lead when Mowforth put Dawber through and after beating a defender he slid the ball past the keeper for his second. Brinsworth grabbed a second when Matt Clapton’s header came back off the bar and Cory Goodwin headed home, but it was Bulls that came nearest to another goal when Lee Smith headed straight at the keeper when he had all the goal at his mercy. The only downside for Bulls was a dislocated shoulder for Jonny Marples (right), who we hope has a speedy recovery.

DIVISION 1 - Turf get H bombed by Intake, while Hare & Hounds plan the great escape  - Intake Old Boys ‘H’ bomb squad of Hunter, Higgins, Hobson and Humberstone scored all Intake Old Boys' goals as they secured a shock 5-3 victory at Division One leaders Handsworth Turf to keep their promotion hopes alive. In a quick tempo first half it was Turf that struck first when Ben Shackshaft was brought down in the area and Tom Crosby netted from the spot, but it was then Intake that took charge and they levelled with a John Higgins free kick. Next it was Intake’s turn to be awarded a penalty when Higgins was brought down and Russ Hobson fired home. Shackshaft then hit the Intake bar from distance and both Mario Esposito and Shackshaft were denied by the keeper when they were through one on one.

Intake took full advantage to extend their lead when the move of the game set up Matt Hunter (left) to score. Dan Humberstone then played a quick one-two before rifling home Intake’s fourth, but a handball in the area gave Crosby the chance to pull one back for Turf with his second penalty. Soon after the break, Shackshaft again hit the woodwork from a Danny Leesley cross and Turf’s pressure eventually saw them pull another back when Danny Wilson met a James Leesley cross to fire into the bottom corner. Turf threw men forward in search of an equaliser and they were caught on the break and Hunter netted his second to settle Intake’s nerves and they deservedly held on for the win.

After looking dead and buried a few weeks ago, Hare & Hounds now look capable of catching the clubs above them after a second successive victory, 3-2 against Ecclesfield Players Lounge. Hounds took an early lead as Stef Rankine (right) broke the offside trap, before running through on goal to coolly score to the keeper’s left. The lead was extended on thirty minutes when another run by Rankine saw him upended by the outrushing keeper, but the referee played advantage as the ball fell to Rob Troughton to stab it into the bottom corner. Ecclesfield hit straight back with Craig Senior netting a back post header as the Hounds defence found itself outnumbered. After the break Hounds extended their lead when Rankine again, capitalised on a wayward defensive pass to run through and hit the ball firmly past the keeper, but Ecclesfild hit straight back again, with another free header by Lee Foreman from a right wing cross. After that though it was Hounds that looked the more likely to score with Rankine, Troughton and George Rudd all missing clear cut chances to put the game to bed, but with midfielder Sam Rudd standing in at centre back in imperious form, Hounds rarely looked like conceding.

DIVISION 2 - Gadour's late show leaves Taxis standing  – The Division Two match of the day saw third place Hallam put the skids under second place City Taxis title challenge as Addie Gadour hit a late hat-trick in an 8-3 victory over them. A high quality game saw Hallam take a first half lead with a Mick Boulding strike and despite fierce pressure from Taxis at the end of the half, it stayed like that till the break. Taxis got their reward soon after the break with a Jason Hopwood strike, but Hallam soon regained the lead with a Harley Scholey strike. Jordan Marshall hit his sixteenth of the season to bring Taxis level again, but a bullet header by veteran Rob Gent gave Hallam the lead for a third time. Gadour quickly added another for Hallam, but a Julian Lawrence strike put the visitors back in the game. Taxis pushed hard for an equaliser, but as they pushed men forward they were caught on the break. Gent hit a real screamer for his second of the game before Gadout scored twice to complete his hat-trick. Boulding added his second, but despite the scoreline both sides can be proud of a terrific game of football played in a terrific spirit. The result means that leaders Phoenix need just one win from their three games to clinch the title.

22-Mar 2015 – CBC PREMIER - Towey double ends 'Bridges run, while Brinsworth get a treble over Service  - A Mike Towey (right) double saw Woodhouse Angel end CBC Premier leaders Oughtibridge WM's magnificent thirty seven game unbeaten run and blast the title race wide open. Angel started on the front foot with Towey prominent in most things, but it was Oughtibridge that came closest to opening the scoring when Strachan Sampson’s thirty yard shot hit the post and Aidy Tomlin headed the rebound over. Another Oughtibridge attack saw Tom Fletcher just fail to connect with Ryan Campbell’s cross, but Angel went even closer when Oughtibridge keeper paul Cadman got his fingertips to a Brad Williams shot six yards out after Dave Kippax had knocked the ball down for him. Both defences seemed to be in control after that until, on the stroke of half time a Sam Comer free kick from the left was met at the far post by Towey to give Angel the lead.

Angel were quick off the blocks after the break and after winning an immediate corner, Comer again swung in a terrific cross that was met by a bullet header from Towey to double Angel’s lead. Angel were now in command and only Cadman was keeping his side alive, with one save from a point blank Gareth Simons header being a contender for save of the season. Oughtibridge tried to throw men forward, but they got very little change out of the solid Angel defence and it was Angel that looked the more likely to add to their score. Although Oughtibridge’s unbeaten record was over, they can be proud of what is the second longest unbeaten run in the League’s forty five year history.

The Oughtibridge result was great news for reigning champions Stannington Village and Stannington’s attempt to retain the title received another boost as Joe McGuiness and Tom Coker doubles helped relegation threatened Brinsworth Whitehill to a 7-3 victory over Civil Service, the third time they have beaten them this season. Brinsworth took the lead midway through the first half when Civil’s debutant keeper Joe Grant saved from Tom Coker, but McGuiness was on hand to ram the rebound into the roof of the net. Six minutes later a quick counter saw McGuiness feed Ross Johnson and he finished it off in style to give Brinsworth a two goal half time lead.

Civil responded thirty seconds after the break when the Brinsworth keeper parried Adam Firth’s shot into the path of Andrzej Gordon-Hides path and he reduced the arrears with a low finish. Paul Billard almost levelled a minute later when his thirty yard shot fizzed just over the bar, but Brinsworth hit them with three quick goals to kill them off. A ball over the top allowed Coker to lob the advancing keeper and just two minutes later Coker’s far post cross was headed into his own net by Josh Corker. Just minutes later the Civil defence was opened again and McGuiness helped himself to his second and although Danny Fowler netted Civil’s second from a Gavin Wills cross, McGuinees set Danny Wiilis up for him to hit Brinsworth’s sixth. Danny Fowler pulled a third back with a neat finish from Billard’s feed, but Brinsworth had the final word when Coker grabbed his second in added time.

Redmires stayed firmly in the title race as Paul Vickers scored twice in a 6-1 victory over The Vine, who slipped two places to next to bottom. After a close start, Ben Palmer (left) put Redmires ahead from Joe Keighley’s through ball. Ben Graney added a second with a composed finish and Mikey Taylor made it three before the break when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper. Vickers grabbed his first soon after the break, before Dan Bathie added their fifth. Craig Woolley pulled one back for The Vine, but Vickers hit Redmires sixth with a superb volley after being set up by Sam Barthram.

Bulls Head climbed out of the bottom three with a late Rob Dawber goal giving them a surprise 3-2 victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels. Bulls Head started well and after several chances had gone begging they broke the deadlock with a Nick Ash (right) snapshot and they doubled their lead before half time when John Kentzer lobbed Steels keeper Steven Marshall. After the break Marshall stopped his side falling further behind though when he saved an Alan Mowforth penalty after Mowforth had earlier missed a sitter. Steels pushed three men up front and the move paid off when Callum Brown applied a finish to a corner and Brown soon grabbed his second with a smart finish in the penalty area to bring his side level. It looked as if Steels might complete the turnaround, but instead it was Bulls that went home with the points when a quick break saw Mark Bryant cross for Dawber to hit the winner.

DIVISION 1 - Turf take title control and The Pheasant close up on a promotion place, while it's a win at last for Hare & Hounds  - Handsworth Turf took control of the Division One title race when Perry Jackson and Kieran Gallagher (left) doubles helped them to a 5-0 victory at Division One second place Southey Social. It took Turf just three minutes to take the lead when Danny Leesley sent Gallagher away down the wing and his cross was met by a flying header from Jackson. A poor clearance by the Southey keeper fell to Mario Esposito and he raced away to double Turf’s lead and another Jackson header from Tom Crosby’s free kick made it three. Gallagher made it four before the break with the goal of the game, picking the ball up in his own half before advancing and chipping the keeper in off the bar from thirty yards. After Tom Smith had had a goal ruled out for offside man of the match Gallagher raced away to curl a shot past the keeper to make it five and only a great save by the keeper stopped Sam Atkins adding a sixth as Turf produced their best performance of the season.

The Pheasant now look set for a top three finish after Dylan Parrott's goal gave them a 2-1 victory at promotion rivals Norton Oaks A. The Pheasant grabbed an early lead with a Lewis Fothergill strike and they missed several good chances to extend it. Oaks made them pay for those missed chances by levelling the score with a left foot shot low into the net from Robbie Aspinall. A draw looked likely after that, but with twenty minutes remaining Parrott (right) produced a terrific strike from twenty five yards and although both sides created and missed chances after that it proved to be the winner.

Loxley also kept up the chase for a top three finish with a 3-1 victory over an Intake Old Boys that now look set to miss out. After soaking up some early pressure from Intake, Loxley took the lead when Cal MacRury burst from midfield to score from just inside the box. With new signing Harry Clarkson a real workhorse in midfield, Loxley held firm against more pressure from Intake, but the visitors then shot themselves in the foot when they were reduced to ten men after a late tackle. Tim Pitt doubled Loxley’s lead after a nice knock down by Chris Whalley, but Intake were back in the game with ten minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty and Louis Axcell scored from the spot. The stubborn Loxley defence held firm after that though and Steve Mayfield (right) capped his terrific display as Loxley’s lone striker with a clincher for Loxley.

Aston Swallownest’s promotion hopes are also as good as over after a Danny Barnett double and a last gasp Lyndon Fletcher strike saw Dam House Bar hold them to a 3-3 draw.  Barnett gave Dam House the lead only to see it cancelled out by a Lee Anthony chip over the keeper. The second half saw Barnett again put Dam House ahead, but it was again cancelled out by a Billy Evans header. Aston then looked set to win it when David Sills put them in front, but all their work was undone when Fletcher grabbed Dam House’s late equaliser.

It was a big day for Hare & Hounds as a Rob Troughton penalty gave them a first win of the season at Ranch's expense. The game’s only goal came after just five minutes when a push on Stef Rankine (left) saw the referee point to the spot and Troughton hammered the ball past the keeper. Only a fingertip save by Maron Rankine in the Hounds net stopped Ranch from equalising before the break and after half time it was Ranch that kept up the pressure. Hounds still had chances to make them more comfortable though with the Ranch keeper making a stunning save from George Rudd and Stef Rankine missing a glaring header, but the one goal proved enough.

DIVISION 2 - The Buck stops Colley, while Phoenix are up  – Division Two leaders Phoenix are now the only unbeaten side in the League and they became the first side to guarantee promotion with a 5-0 victory over Sharrow Vale. Nathan Darwent played a one-two with Josh Aston before bulleting a shot into the top corner and Dale Savage scored from thirty five yards off the underside of the bar to make it two. Richard Honeyman powered home a header from Kieran Cull’s corner to make it three and he quickly added another header from Josh Aston’s corner. Aston then danced his way past four defenders before hitting Phoenix’s fifth and although they had chances to add to their score in the second half, the Vale keeper and a more determined defence kept them at bay.

City Taxis are just one more win away from joining Phoenix in Division One next season after a Carl Hopwood hat-trick helped them to a 7-0 victory at Fox & Hounds. Like the Phoenix game, all the goals came in the first half as Taxis ran riot. As well as Carl Hopwood’s treble, his son Jason added two and Jordan Marshall took his season’s tally to fifteen with the other two.

Hallam look certain to take the third automatic promotion place after crushing bottom club Crookes & District 8-2.  David France, Miles Howarth and two from Joe Howsham gave Hallam a four goal lead and although Chris Cottyn pulled one back for Crookes before the break, there was no respite for them after the break and Howsham completed his hat-trick to take his season’s tally to twenty six. New signing Mick Boulding added two more for Hallam before Rob Acheson grabbed a second for Crookes, but it was hallam that finished things off with an Hothryfa Gadour goal.

Colley’s automatic promotion hopes took a real blow when a Leighton Buck double helped Steelers to a surprise 3-1 victory over them. It was no more than Steelers deserved when Blake Owen put them ahead with his nineteenth of the season and they doubled their lead with Buck’s first of the game. Colley than had a great chance to get back into the game when the referee pointed to the spot for a trip on Chris Fowler, but Matt Meaney’s weak spot kick was straight at the keeper and the chance was gone. Colley were finding it hard to create any clear cut chances as their hosts closed them down quickly all over the park and it was Steelers that added to their score when Owen beat the defence to a through ball before firing in a shot that keeper Karl Taylor got a hand to, but Buck was on hand to tap the loose ball home. Colley eventually pulled one back when the keeper dropped the ball and Fowler netted his twenty first of the season, but the Steelers defence held firm after that. Action from the game is below.

Veteran Joe Hindmarch set Chapeltown RBL on their way to a 3-1 victory at Cobden View and he later capped his man of the match display by making another. A clearance from Dave Adams was brought under instant control by Ben Palmer and he spread the ball to Cardwell, who chipped th ball through for Hindmarch to lash an unstoppable shot past the keeper. Hindmarch then combined with Gavin Burbeary to allow Burbeary to double RBL’s lead.  Cobden responded and both Cottingham and Taylor hit the woodwork before the break and they caught RBL cold at the start of the second half when a cross by Cottingham led to a mistake by defender Neil Boote and it was punished by a Paul Griffiths strike. Cobden pushed for an equaliser after that, but it was RBL that clinched it when Sam Walch lashed the loose ball home from a Joe Moorhouse corner.

Steve Morris set Laycock Sports on their way to a 4-2 victory against Norton Oaks B with a twenty five yard screamer. Brendon Wilson doubled their lead from eighteen yards, but just a minute later Oaks got back into it with a Steve Reynalds penalty. The second half saw Reynalds score a second penalty to draw Oaks level, but Tom Crick put Laycocks back in front and Luke Glaves made the points safe with a typical long range strike. Action from the game is below (pictures by Mick Moat)

20-March 2015 - Kitlocker Cup Final at Bramall Lane, Sunday 26 April, 3:30 pm kick-off - The League Kitlocker Cup Final will be played at Bramall Lane on Sunday 26 April with a 3:30 pm kick-off.

15-Mar 2015 – SENIOR SUNDAY CUP - Redmires fall at the final hurdle - A Blades Super Draw League side could hardly have come any closer to reaching the Sunday Senior Cup Final after Redmires, despite a Jon Wall double, suffered a heartbreaking extra time 4-3 defeat to the Meadowhall League's High Noon.

Redmires made a confident start, but it was High Noon that took the lead with a terrific strike and they looked to have taken a grip on the game when they added a second. Redmires had twice come back from two down in earlier rounds so they knew they could recover and they pulled the first back when a move down the left saw the ball squared into the path of Jon Wall and he made no mistake this time. Redmires continued to press and they got a deserved equaliser when Andy Bath was upended in the area and referee Adam Burgess pointed to the spot. Wall made no mistake with the penalty for his second goal of the game, to leave the half time score at 2-2.

The second half saw Wall twice miss the target when through one-on-one with the keeper and Bath also hit a shot narrowly wide, but it was High Noon that recaptured the lead. There didn’t look to be too much danger when a free kick was awarded forty yards from goal, but the High Noon player hit a tremendous shot that gave keeper Scott  Dinnigan no chance. It looked like that would be the winner, but Redmires kept plugging away and their reward came in the final minute of normal time when Wall’s corner was met with a towering header by man of the match Matt Raey in his first full game after recovering from a broken leg.

That goal forced extra time and once again it was High Noon that got their noses in front with a goal in the first half of extra time, but Redmires threw everything at them and only an incredible save by the High Noon keeper stopped Raey scoring with another header and in the final minute of extra time a corner saw Mikey Taylor miss a free header at the back post and High noon held on to go through to the final where they will face fellow Meadowhall side Royal Earl after their 3-2 victory over Westville.

Redmires: Scott Dinnigan, Dale White, Chris Cotterill, Ben Graney, Matt Reay, Ben Palmer (1), Jon Wall, Hegel Noubissie, Andy Bath, Mikey Taylor, Ben Palmer (2) Subs: Steve Parry, Sam Barthram, Joe Keighley, Yianni Hadji Georgiou, Dan Bathie

JUNIOR SUNDAY CUP - Cup joy for Handsworth as they carpet Wilton - Handsworth Turf reached the Sunday Junior Cup Final when a Ben Shackshaft (right) winner gave them victory over Wilton Athletic. Turf started the game well and they almost took the lead when a great run by Perry Jackson ended with him forcing a a one handed save out of the Wilton keeper. Ben Shackshaft then saw a shot well saved, but the Wilton keeper had no chance when Turf got their noses in front. A Tom Crosby corner was only half cleared to the edge of the box and James Leesley fired in a first time shot past the keeper to give Turf a half time lead.

The second half started with pressure from Wilton and after getting a deserved equaliser they had a good fifteen minute spell on top, but the Turf defence stopped any further damage. Turf eventually got their game going again regained the lead when a Tom Crosby free kick was headed out. The loose ball was picked up by Jackson and after getting to the bye line, he cut the ball back to Craig Cansdale. His shot was spilled by the keeper and Ben Shackshaft followed up to toe poke home the rebound. Turf almost doubled their lead when Danny Wilson hit the crossbar from twenty five yards and both Shackshaft and Sam Atkin had great chances. It wasn’t all one-way though and Wilton did their best to get back into, but Turf held on to go through to the final. Turf will meet Upton Wrangbrook in the final at Stocksbridge Park Steels stadium on Sunday 12 April, 11 am kick-off after Upton beat Monk Wood 4-2 in the other semi final.

CBC PREMIER - Fletcher double keeps Oughtibridge on top, while a Shelley double helps keep Stannington in pursuit  - A Tom Fletcher (left) double helped Oughtibridge WM to a 3-0 victory in their local derby with Stocksbridge Park Steels and stay top of the CBC Premier. Aidy Tomlin went close after just three minutes when he fired over the bar and he again went close when he headed over. Oughtibridge’s quick passing game almost paid off with when Justin Westoby fired wide, but they finally broke the deadlock when a Tom Fletcher corner was headed in by David Sheakey. Fletcher doubled the lead before half time when he drilled home a shot from just inside the penalty area. The second half saw Oughtibridge continue to dominate and they should have added more goals when Fletcher hit a post and both Tomlin and Matt Cundy spurned good chances. They did eventually get a third when man of the match Fletcher found the bottom corner with a superb shot from outside the area and they are now unbeaten for thirty seven league games.

Stannington Village stayed hot on their heels though with a 4-0 victory over Riverside. Village took the lead when a one two between Bill Green and Ben Cook, allowed Green to put a cross to the back post where Rob Shelley rose majestically to head home. Josh Coulson then hit the bar with a twenty yard volley, before their second goal before half time came from a cross by Aaron Worsfold which, although cleared by a defender, went straight to Jack Mylnek and he bundled it home.  Village’s third goal came early in the second half when a pass from Josh Coulson went into the path of Lee Johnstone and although he scuffed his shot, it fell to Shelley to score his second with his left foot. The final goal came from a corner that fell to Lee Johnstone and he half volleyed it in the near post with the help of a slight deflection. That victory means that Village has scored nineteen goals it its last four games without conceding a goal.

Woodhouse Angel moved up to third as a Gareth Simons goal gave them victory at Brinsworth Whitehill. The first half was dominated by both teams defences - with Angel, kicking uphill into the wind, the slightly more content going in goalless at half time. Lewis Watson had hit the Angel bar and Ross Johnson forced a good save from the Angel keeper, but the best move of the half saw Angel almost take the lead when it ended with Dave Kippax’s right foot half volley forcing a great save out of Jack Veal in the Brinsworth goal.

Angel's defence was even more dominant during the second half which allowed the Angel midfield and forwards to be on the front foot but chances for Sam Comer, Nick Haywood and Mike Towey were not taken. It was past the hour mark before Angel finally took the lead when Angel skipper Gareth Simons rounded the keeper before slotting into an empty net with a good left foot finish from an acute angle. Brinsworth keeper Veal also produced two outstanding saves from point black range from Towey and Kippax to stop Angel adding to their lead.

DIVISION 1 - Big wins see Norton Oaks and The Pheasant close in on the top two, while it's 250 up for Senior  - In Division One, Danny Clinton made it eight goals in two games with five of Norton Oaks A's goals as they closed in on the top two with an 11-2 win over Dam House Bar. Danny Reet took his season’s tally to fourteen with two goals and Billy Ireland also grabbed a brace, while Nick Glossop and Dale Watts added Oaks’ others. Dam House’s goals came in the second half through a hooked Danny Barnett effort and a Jack Watson free kick, with their keeper Chris ‘Pops’ Brown saving an even heavier defeat.

Also beginning to threaten the top two is The Pheasant after four Lewis Fothergill goals helped them to 10-0 win over Hare & Hounds. Jsh Statham got the scoring underway and after Fothergill began his spree others came from Shane and Craig Andrews, Andy Dawson, Dylan Parrott and Craig Mawhood.

Craig Senior (left) scored his 250th goal in just 226 games for Ecclesfield Players Lounge as they eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 victory over an Aston Swallownest that are now probably out of the promotion race. Joe Knight put Ecclesfield in front before Senior scored his landmark goal.

DIVISION 2 - Nick's a Shaw thing as Phoenix win the battle of the top two, while a Meaney double helps Colley beat Hallam  – Phoenix are now firm favourites to lift the Division Two title after a Nick Shaw (right) double saw them win the battle of top two 3-1 against City Taxis, while their other main challenger, Hallam FC slipped to a heavy 5-1 defeat at Colley. Phoenix took the lead when a flowing move ended with Shaw getting in to the ball before the keeper and Shaw made it 2-0 before half time with a cool finish under pressure. It looked like they would be the game’s only goals until just two minutes from time Taxis Ben Birtles gave his side hope they could get something from the game, but their hopes were dashed in the final minute when a quick counter attack saw Kieran Goff beat the last defender before slotting the ball under the Taxis keeper.

Matt Meaney (left) scored two and made two as third place Colley ended fourth place Hallam FC’s unbeaten away record with a 5-1 victory over them. Colley went in front when a loose ball on the edge of the area was drilled home by Brendan Drew and they doubled their lead when Meaney’s cross was tapped home by Ridha Miladi. Jonathan Sheldon put Hallam back into the game with a goal just before the break, but Hallam’s weakened side was no match for a powerful Colley in the second half. Meaney showed great composure in front of goal to score Colley’s third and he then crossed for Chris Fowler to score his twentieth goal of the season. Colley wrapped up a comprehensive victory as Meaney beat the keeper to a loose ball and tapped home.

Chapeltown RBL stayed hot on the heels of the top four as a Ben Palmer double helped them to a comfortable 7-2 win at Norton Oaks B. RBL started slowly though and found themselves behind when Steve Reynalds took the ball off a defender and dinked the ball over the keeper. That seemed to shake RBL out of their slumber and Ben Palmer levelled with a cross shot that deceived the keeper. Danny Cardwell was then chopped down in the box and Will Jones scored the penalty to put RBL in front before veteran defender turned striker Joe Hindmarch finished off a fine team move by lashing home a first time shot. The second half saw RBL continue to dominate and their fourth came when Cardwell’s deflected shot looped over the keeper, but Richard Pearson headed Oaks’ second after being set up by Mark Turton. RBL soon got back on top and Dale Shaw netted their fifth with a bullet header before Palmer scored the goal of the game by holding off three defenders before twisting and turning to hit a shot into the top corner from twenty five yards. RBL completed the scoring when Joe Moorhouse raced onto a ball from Gavin Burbeary to calmly slot it past the keeper. Action from the game is below - pictures by Mick Moat.

Fox & Hounds Rangers also stayed in contention as an Ash Peet double helped them to a 5-2 victory over Crookes & District. Crookes opened the scoring with a Chris Cottyn strike and with new signing Liam Middleton prominent, they looked likely to add to it, but two goals in as many minutes put Fox ahead. Crookes hit back immediately when a swift move allowed Cottyn to score his second at the back post. The second half saw Fox take control though and Carl Lacey, Robert McVey and Matthew Talbot added their names to the scoresheet.

Blake Owen (right) took his season's tally to eighteen with five goals in Steelers 6-1 win at Sharrow Vale. Owen netted his first on twenty minutes and Lee Slingsby doubled it, but Lewis MacDonald pulled one back for Sharrow just before the break. There was no stopping Steelers in the second half though as Owen added four more to his tally.

Cobden View took the lead at home against Laycock Sports when Danny Naylor scored his first ever career goal. Naylor, normally a full back, was playing on the wing and when he latched onto Alex Butt’s through ball he kept his cool to beat the keeper. It stayed like that until the second half when early pressure by Laycocks was rewarded with a Luke Glaves equaliser from a corner and although both sides had chances after that the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

8 March 2015 – CBC PREMIER - Dawber treble as Bulls Head off Service, but Stannington make it triple fives and Redmires see off Angel - Civil Service's chances of taking the CBC Premier title suffered a major blow as a Rob Dawber treble helped Bulls Head climb off the foot of the table with a 3-2 victory over them. Bulls Head started well and after Sam Britton had drove their first chance wide, a minute later a cross to the back post found Mark Bryant and he drilled it back across goal for Dawber to tap home. Civil responded and equalised just before half time with a shot from full back Josh Corker going in off a post. Bulls Head went back in front when Ben Webster was dispossessed and Dawber sent Alan Mowforth away to the byline and he pulled it back for Dawber to hit his second. Dawber then completed his hat-trick when Mowforth put him through and things went from bad to worse for Civil when they were reduced to ten men for an over vigorous protest when they felt they should have had a penalty. Civil still managed to pull one back when Danny Fowler headed home, but Bulls Head held on for a deserved victory.

Stannington Village are now just a point behind the leaders Oughtibridge WM after Sami Eric and Jack Mylnek  (left) doubles helped them win 5-0 at Riverside – Stannington’s third 5-0 win in as many matches. Stannington got off to the perfect start in the first minute when a through ball by Ben Cook saw the keep race off his line, but only hit his clearance to Eric who then lobbed the ball back into the unguarded goal. Stannington doubled their lead when Rob Shelley squared the ball to Eric and after taking a touch he placed the ball into the bottom corner. A third goal came before the break when a shot was blocked on the line and Mylnek knocked home the rebound. Mylnek made it four when he collected a pass from Lee Johnstone before slotting it into the far bottom corner and their fifth came when Aaron Worsfold sent Lee Johnstone away and he hooked the ball over his shoulder for Gav Davis to volley home.

Redmires got the perfect warm-up for next weekend’s Sunday Senior Cup semi final as Andy Bath and Mikey Taylor doubles gave them a 4-3 victory at Woodhouse Angel. Matt Raey’s through ball allowed Bath to loop the ball over the keeper’s head to put Redmires ahead, but Angel quickly responded to level when Chris Towey’s cross shot was re-directed into the net with a smart header by his brother Mike Towey. Redmires went back in front when Taylor curled one into the top corner, but Angel were level by the break when Dave Kippax knocked the ball down from a corner and Mike Towey hit his second. After the break it was Redmires that went back in front again when Jon Wall played Taylor through and he crossed for Bath to hit his second, but Angel hit back again when Nick Haywood went past Dale White before whipping in a great ball for skipper Gareth Simons to score his sixth of the season. Simons then almost put Angel ahead when he shot narrowly wide, but it was Redmires that won it when a long ball forward was flicked on by Bath and Taylor finished well into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Scott Birch scored twice as Stocksbridge Park Steels stayed in the title hunt with a 4-1 home win over The Vine. Steels went ahead after thirty minutes when Lee Shepherd’s crossfield ball was brought down and expertly finished by Birch. They doubled their lead straight after the break when Birch finished off a Shepherd free kick and they made it three when Callum Brown’s sixty yard run took him past three defenders before he crossed for Oliver Warren to slide the ball home. Number four came when Brown’s cross was headed home by George Orrell, but The Vine didn’t give up and right on the final whistle Rikki Davidson scored a deserved consolation.

DIVISION 1 - Turf back on top as Southey lose at Intake, but there are wins for Oaks and Pheasant - Southey Social fell from the top of the table after being beaten by fellow promotion challengers Intake Old Boys inspired by two goal Matthew Hunter. With Rob Womack running the show, Southey had much the better of the first half and leading scorer John Mellor twice squandered good chances to give Southey the lead. Womack drew a good save out of the Intake keeper and also twice went close with long range shots. Southey also started the second half well but they were shaken when the referee ignored their appeals for offside and Russell Hunter raced onto a ball over the top before rounding the keeper to put Intake ahead. They doubled their lead when a John Higgins free kick was headed down by Daniel Humberstone for Hunter to smash the ball home (first picture below) and Intake made it three when Hunter turned brilliantly before smashing the ball through the keepers legs (second picture below). Southey’s man of the match Womack managed to pull one back for Southey, but it was too little too late and their title hopes now appear to be very slim. More action from the game is below - all pictures by Mick Moat.

Handsworth Turf took advantage to go back on top of Division One with a narrow 2-1 victory at bottom club Hare & Hounds. On a heavy pitch that helped neither side it was Turf that took the lead when Sam Atkins’ thirty yard paas found the run of Ben Shackshaft and he looped a header over the keeper from twelve yards. Danny Leesley then went close for Turf and Shackshaft hit a post from an acute angle, but it was Hounds that scored an equaliser when Stef Rankine outpaced the Turf defence to a through ball before hitting a sweet left foot shot past Liam Richardson into the top corner. Turf were back in front before half time when Danny Wilson’s through ball found James Leesley and he produced a turn Bergkamp would have been proud of before slotting the ball past the keeper. Leesley almost had a second when he hit the post after the break and from the rebound, man of the match Shackshaft saw his shot cleared off the line. Mark Barnsley shot over and Tom Crosby went close, but Turf couldn’t add another to make the victory more comfortable.

Danny Clinton celebrated signing for Norton Oaks A by hitting a hat-trick in their 5-1 victory at Ecclesfield Players Lounge. Dale Kay put Norton ahead when he tapped in from a corner before Clinton made it two when he span before beating the keeper at his near post with a left foot shot. Nick Glossop then tucked in a third before the break, but the second half started with Craig Senior pulling one back for Ecclesfield. They didn’t get any closer though and Clinton restored Oaks three goal lead before he completed a debut hat-trick by rounding the keeper and squeezing the ball home from an acute angle.

Another hat-trick came from Joel Evans as he helped The Pheasant to a 5-2 victory at fellow promotion chasers Loxley. Lee Gillott gave The Pheasant the lead with a powerful header and although Tim Pitt hit a looping twenty five yarder to bring Loxley level, it was The Pheasant that led at half time thanks to Evans first. Evans hit his second after the break and Gillott’s second made it 4-1, before Evans completed his hat-trick. Mick Smith found the top corner to net a late second for Loxley, but the game was over by then.

Ranch did their survival hopes a power of good with a good 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Dam House Bar. After a bright start, Ranch got their reward when Tom Hartley crossed to the near post and his strike partner Mikey Thomas got in front of his marker to head home. Ranch doubled their lead ten minutes later when Thomas was brought down in the area and Breon Fogarty sent the keeper the wrong way with his spot kick. It stayed like that until fifteen minutes from time when second half substitute Glen Greene capped a power-house display by pulling one back for Dam House and only goal line clearances by Fogarty and Steve Batty stopped them getting an equaliser.

DIVISION 2 - Phoenix leave it late, while Hallam & Colley draw in a thriller - After being two down, Phoenix hit back to win a seven goal thriller at Chapeltown RBL thanks to Josh Aston’s audacious injury time winner to stay on top of Division Two. RBL took the lead when Joe Moorhouse chased a ball over the top before squeezing it past the keeper and they doubled their lead when Danny Cardwell hit an unstoppable free kick into the top corner. Phoenix got back into the game when Kieran Cull’s cross was turned into his own net by RBL’s Tom Rollitt under pressure from an attacker and they levelled when Nicky Shaw scored his eleventh of the season with a cool finish. Phoenix then took the lead when Sam Firth shot from thirty five yards found the top corner, but RBL levelled when Cardwell was brought down in the area and Will Jones scored from the spot. The game seemed destined for a draw until virtually the last kick of the game saw the RBL keeper misjudge Aston’s sixty yard punt upfield and it sailed over his head for the winner.

After suffering their first defeat last weekend, despite a Hothrfya Gadour hat-trick Hallam FC lost more ground when they let a two goal lead slip before drawing an amazing game 5-5 with fellow promotion hopefuls Colley. Hallam took a second minute lead with a Miles Howarth free kick, but they then had a crazy ten minutes as Colley went 3-1 in front. Matt Meaney’s cross was met by Carl Lomas’s left foot to level for Colley before Chris Fowler scrambled the ball home to put Colley in front and minutes later he turned to fire home his nineteenth goal of the season to increase Colley’s lead. Hallam got back into it before half time when Howarth scored his second with a penalty and after the break a fifteen minute Hat-trick by Gadour looked to have given them the points. Colley had other ideas though and it was their turn to be awarded a penalty which was dispatched by Meaney before a twenty five yard Curtis Gregory strike gave them a share of the points.

Another thriller came at Cobden View where the hosts fought out a 3-3 draw with Crookes & District. View took the lead when Lee Marshall sprang the offside trap before rounding the keeper to score with an ice cool finish, but a mistake by the keeper allowed Tom Kinlin to net an equaliser for Crookes. View went back in front before half time when Joe Taylor headed home after Paul Griffiths shot had been blocked, but soon after the break goals by Chris Cottyn and Rob Acheson put Crookes ahead. It looked like they would win it until five minutes from time View produced a move from one end to the other and Alex Butt smashed home an equaliser from ten yards.

A Ben Cawthorne hat-trick together with goals from Stephen Gilpin and Josh Stafford, and a penalty save by keeper Tom Burnham saw Norton Oaks B complete a 5-0 victory over Steelers and move above them in the league.

1 March 2015 – CBC PREMIER - Service undone by Brinsworth again, while Wall double holds the leaders - The CBC Premier title race was blown wide open again as two Jon Wall penalties helped Redmires hold the leaders Oughtibridge WM to a 3-3 draw and one of their main title rivals, Civil Service, were beaten by a Brinsworth Whitehill that climbed off the foot of the table. Jon Wall was the provider when his near post cross was turned home by Mikey Taylor (right) to give Redmires the lead, but Oughtibridge levelled when Tom Fletcher pounced on a loose ball in the area to fire home. Redmires went back in front when Taylor was hacked down in the area and Wall stepped up to score from the spot and they nearly extended their lead when Hegel Noubissie hit the bar from the edge of the area, but the home side levelled again when Ryan Campbell tapped in at the back post in his first game of the season. Oughtibridge then took the lead when Matt Dodds headed home from a corner, but Redmires hit back and after Wall had hit a post they deservedly equalised when Dale White's shot was handles by a defender and Wall scored his second penalty. Redmires almost won it when Andy Bath hit the bar, but the game ended all square.

Civil Service had already been beaten by Brinsworth Whitehill in the Kitlocker Cup so it should have been no surprise when they fell behind to them again when Michael Hare's through ball saw Joe McGuiness latch onto it and round the keeper before scoring and they would have doubled their lead before half time had Cory Goodwin's shot not come back off the bar. They did double it after the break when Ryan Watson's pass allowed Tom Coker to slot home. Civil managed to reduce the arrears when Gary Eades headed home a from a Josh Corker cross three minutes from time, but it was too little too late for the title chasers.

Stannington Village climbed above Civil into second after a Sami Eric double helped them to a 5-0 victory at Bulls Head. Eric was the provider for the opening goal when his pinpoint cross was headed home by Lee Johnstone and the lead was doubled before half time when Josh Coulson brought down a mishit clearance and volleyed home from the edge of the area. After the break, Johnstone slid in Eric to finish with his left foot and when Aaron Worsfold overlapped down the right his near post cross fell for Eric to blast home his second. Stannington wrapped up the scoring when a great ball in from Johnstone allowed Bill Green (left) to drive it across the keeper into the far corner.

The windy conditions made good football difficult for both The Vine and their visitors Woodhouse Angel, so it was perhaps inevitable that a single penalty would settle the game. It came in the second half when Gareth Simons played Ryan McGuiness in and after beating his marker he was brought down in the arrear. Simons coolly put away the penalty and although both sides created a few chances after that, Angel always looked in control and they came nearest to another goal when Michael Towey hit a post with a free kick.

DIVISION 1 - Turf pay the penalty and let Southey back on top, while it's goals galore elswhere  - The battle of Division One's top two saw a John Mellor penalty for Southey Social end Handsworth Turf's unbeaten home record and leapfrog them back to the top of the table. After just one point from their last nine Southey went into the game knowing that not only their title challenge was in trouble, but promotion could also be slipping from their grasp. Both sides had good early chances and Handsworth thought they had taken the lead when Carl Bowler headed home, but it was disallowed for a foul on the keeper. The second half saw Southey start to get on top and when Mellor danced his way into the area he was pulled back by Tom Crosby and the referee pointed to the spot. Mellor stepped up to put the penalty away and after that it was Southey that looked like adding to their score with both Rob Womack and Chris Roberts forcing saves out of Handsworth keeper Liam Richardson. Gareth Lindley (right) was bossing midfield and with Adam Danks, Mark Tyler and Matt Betts keeping a tight grip on the Turf attack, the home side were restricted to a Ben Shackshaft header that went just wide and Southey hung on for a vital win.

Intake Old Boys slipped two places after defeat at an Aston Swallownest doing there best to get into the promotion race. After an even start hampered by the wind, a Lee Anthony cross was met by the head of David Sills to put Aston in front, but Intake levelled before the break with a left foot volley by Russell Hobson. Intake took the lead in the second half when John Higgins' free kick to the back post was volleyed back across goal by Hobson and Matthew Hunter scored from close range. Aston levelled when a Ross Edwards corner flew straight into the net and they won it when Matt Wilton raced on to a through ball to beat the keeper.

Climbing above Intake is Norton Oaks A after a Danny Reet treble helped them to an astonishing 8-5 victory over Hare & Hounds. After Hounds had already missed some early chances, George Rudd gave them a deserved lead, but Sam Ireland, Dale Kay and Reet's first put Norton 3-1 up by half time. Rudd grabbed his second after the break, but straight from the kick-off Reet hit his second over the keeper and soon after completed his hat-trick. After that the goals came thick and fast with Stef Rankine scoring twice for Hounds and Rudd completing his hat-trick for them, but each time they scored Norton hit back and they added goals from Billy Ireland, Robbie Aspinall and Nick Glossop. Action from the game is below (pictures by Mick Moat):

Loxley also climbed above Intake with a 2-1 victory at Ecclesfield Players Lounge. Loxley had to defend against a strong wind in the first half, but a quick break saw Lewis Vessey pick out man of the match Anthony Marshall (left). His pass found Steve Mayfield and although his low shot was parried by the keeper, jon Rhodes was on hand to score from close range. Loxley had more of the play in the second half and extended their lead when Mayfield scored at the second attempt after seeing his first attempt blocked. The Ecclesfield keeper then saved well from Mayfield and when Craig Senior pulled a goal back for the home side it left Loxley to hold on in a nervy finish.

The Pheasant kept their promotion bid on track as Shane Andrews and Craig Mawhood doubles helped them win a nine goal thriller at Dam House Bar. A Shane Andrews penalty gave The Pheasant the lead, but Ian Rumley headed Dam House level and they went ahead with a Liam Boswell penalty. Carl Andrews then levelled for The Pheasant and they regained the lead with a Lewis Fothergill strike, but Rumley's second for Dam House sent the teams into the break level. The Pheasant introduced Craig Mawhood at the break and he had an immediate impact with two goals to put The Pheasant in charge and they finished the scoring with Shane Andrews' second of the game.

DIVISION 2 - Hallam's unbeaten record goes as they are out-Foxed by Peet, while top two draw and Crookes get a rare win - In Division Two an Ash Peet double saw Fox & Hounds Rangers earn their fifth away win of the season and end Hallam FC's unbeaten league record. Both sides created chances in the first half, but both keepers were up to the challenge and the half ended goalless. Fox took the lead just after the restart when Peet pounced for his first and he later took advantage of a mix-up between the keeper and defence to score his second and secure the win for Fox.

Hallam didn't lose too much ground though as the top two, Phoenix and City Taxis fought out a 2-2 draw. Jason Hopwood gave Taxis a first half lead, but with twenty minutes remaining Phoenix levelled with a towering header by Dale Savage from a Josh Aston cross. Phoenix then looked as if they might win it when man of the match Savage sent Nicky Shaw through to nutmeg the keeper and put them in front, but Taxis grabbed a deserved share of the points with a Jordan Marshall free kick in the final minute. Action from the game is below (pictures by Mick Moat):

A Rob Acheson double helped Crookes & District gain their first away points of the season with a 3-0 victory at Sharrow Vale. Crookes took the lead after thirty minutes when a Gareth Morley free kick was poked home by Rob Acheson and that's how it stayed until twenty minutes from time when Morley was again the provider for Acheson to score in off a post. With man of the match Matt Ward solid as a rock in defence Crookes never looked like letting the win slip from their grasp and they made it safe when Tom Kinlin's floated cross was deflected past the keeper. The day's other game saw Steelers and Laycock Sports draw 1-1. Steelers to an early lead when Liam Garrett latched onto a through ball and slipped it past the advancing keeper, but Laycocks levelled before half time with a Brendon Wilson strike. Both sides had chances in the second half, but both defences stood firm.