12 MAY – LEAGUE CUP FINAL – Chapell penalty sees Earl edge the Final to complete the Double – The League Cup Final between Royal Earl and Wadsley Bridge Sixers at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane Stadium saw a Connor Chapell penalty enough to see Earl edge the Final to complete the League and Cup Double. The defining moment came early in the game when Brandon Bagley went down under a challenge and Chapell sent keeper Callum Jones the wrong way from the penalty spot. Pictured left is Earl celebrating with both the CBC Premier trophy and the League Cup. Here is a link to video of the event, courtesy of Topliss at the Turnstiles Penalty CONTROVERSY in a CAGEY Sunday League Cup Final

The game almost had a sensational start when the kick-off by Earl, their skipper Johnno Williams slipped and only a foul on Sixers Brad Howe stopped him threatening the Earl goal and the free-kick came to nothing. The first real chance came when Sixers Leo Penty put Chris Belshaw through, but for once the League's top scorer shot narrowly wide.

The match winning moment came next when Williams played a free kick down the line and as Brendon Bagley burst in the area he went down under a challenge by Luke Allison anf referee Aaron Hallam immediately pointed to the spot. Earl's Connor Chapell showed how reliable he is with penalties by sending keeper Callum Jones the wrong way to give Earl the lead. Bagley then had a chance to double Earl's lead when he was put through, but this time keeper Jones made a smart save to deny him. Sixers threatened at the other end when Howe headed wide under pressure before a mazy run by George Rudd saw his shot fly wide of the Earl goal.

Ater the break a quick break by Earl ended with a free kick on the edge of the area, but Chapell's shot was blocked and then cleared. The next real chance came Sixers way when Belshaw played George Rudd in, but Earl keeper Dylan Parkin pushed his shot out  (pictured right)and Belshaw's follow up shot was blocked by a defender. Earl countered when Man of the Match Sam Fewkes burst through to played the ball to Scott Ruthven but Jones was quickly off his line to block the shot.

Both team's struggled to break down stubborn defences after that until the 5th of 7 minutes of added time saw Sixers force a corner which was only partially cleared and when it was crossed back in Allison headed narrowly wide. That was the last real chance and holders Earl held on to win the trophy for the second successive time at Bramall Lane and complete the Blades Super Draw League and Cup double for the first time. More pictures will be added later.

10 MAY – LEAGUE CUP FINAL – Bramall Lane date of Tuesday 12 May set for the Blades Super Draw League Cup Final – The date for the League Cup Final between Royal Earl and Wadsley Bridge Sixers at Bramall Lane is this Tuesday 12 May with a 7:15 kick-off. It should be a terrific game with Champions Royal Earl trying to complete the double by beating 3^rd place Wadsley Bridge Sixers that is the CBC Premier Division's top scorers. Come along and support the teams, entrance is into the Tony Currie Stand and is £10 for adults (CASH ONLY), but free for children 15 and under.

10 MAY – CBC PREMIER – RBL still left hanging after last gasp draw with Jubilee – Jubilee Rangers faced Chapeltown RBL knowing that victory for either of them would guarantee the winners safety and send the loser down, but after coming from behind it looked like it would be Jubilee’s day until, in the 4^th minute of added time Morgan Cowell headed what could be a priceless equaliser that means that safety will be decided by Jubilee’s final game of the season at home to Eckington MW.

Relegation football has a habit of turning ordinary afternoons into pressure cookers, and this one bubbled right to the final whistle. RBL struck first after just nine minutes and did it in style. Full back Mikey Vella picked the ball up 25 yards out, looked up once, and absolutely rifled his effort into the top corner to hand RBL an early advantage. It was the kind of strike that leaves defenders frozen like traffic cones in a winter storm.

The opening half belonged largely to RBL. They controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and looked the more likely side to score again, but their inability to find a second goal kept Jubilee hanging in the contest - that lifeline would prove crucial.

Jubilee emerged for the second half with far more intent and gradually began to get a foothold in midfield. Their pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Ross Lamkin bundled the ball home from a corner to equalise, swinging momentum sharply in their favour. Jubilee kicked on and RBL were under wave after wave of attacks. As the clock ticked down and nerves tightened around the ground, Jubilee thought they had completed the great escape in the 85^th minute when Brendan Reid-Flanagan raced in behind to coolly slot the ball home to give them what looked like the winner.

But RBL were not done. Deep into stoppage time, Morgan Cowell rose highest in the box to slam home a dramatic header in the 93rd minute to level the game at 2-2 and send the match into chaos. There was still time for one final twist too, as Jacob Walkland came within inches of snatching survival for RBL, only to see his 96^th minute effort thunder against the crossbar and stay out. At full time, neither side could fully celebrate, nor fully despair and the relegation battle is now set to be decided in Jubilee’s final match showdown against Eckington. Action, from Ian Anderson, is below:

Stannington Village and Wickersley CC both completed their season by drawing1-1 with each other. Wickersley dominated early proceedings creating 3 great chances, hitting the post followed by some poor finishing for the others. Stannington always dangerous and very organized and they had a few chances late on in the first half before Adam Daughtrey put Wickersley In front with a header from Jacob France’s ball into the box.

Second half was very end to end, but it was Stannington that started the brightest and a penalty for handball allowed Aemad Gadour to equalise from the spot. Wickersley got back on top and made Stannington’s keeper work twice in quick succession before it became like basketball with both teams trying to get a winner. Wickersley had a penalty shout for hand ball turned down before Stannington nearly won it win the final kick of the ball, but veteran Shaun Flynn stumbled when free 8 yards out. The result means Stannington stay 2nd and Wickersley 4th.

10 MAY - DIVISION 1 – Loca take the title, but Wisewood make it tough – Loca had to come from behind to beat AFC Wisewood 4-3 and clinch the Division 1 title on goal difference over a Hackenthorpe that has to settle for the Runners-up spot. Loca started off nervously and that culminated in a missed penalty from Cammy Evans and instead it was Wisewood that, against the odds went into half time leading 1-0 thanks to a strike from their leading scorer Will Osgathorpe.

A few spoken words of encouragement and positivity at half-time saw Loca’s nerves settled and they quickly got in to their stride. A 25 yard top corner free kick goal from Ollie Grady levelled the game at 1-1 and within 7 minutes Loca took the lead through Man of the Match Cammy Evans, but a lapse in concentration let Osgathorpe in to score his 14^th of the season to make it 2-2. Loca upped the tempo to get their passing game on and went 3-2 up 10 minutes later through Curt Modest, but nerves on the sidelines were still showing until 3 minutes later when Mitch Kent made it 4-2.

The 100 plus home crowd thought it was all over, but Wisewood didn’t give up and Sam Civil grabbed their third to make the last 5 minutes very nervy. Loca managed them out though to claim a title for the 2nd season in a row and go up to the CBC Premier league for the first time.

Both Cotts FC and Kelham Island completed their season against each other and despite goals for Cotts from Reece Rogers and Ty Gunter, an entertaining game saw Kelham just came out on top, 3-2, with goals from Tommy Palmer, Alex Simons and Lewis Atkins.

10 MAY - LEADING GOALSCORERS – Belshaw and Liggins take the titles – Wadsley Bridge Sixers Chris Belshaw has completed the season as the CBC Premier and League's leading scorer with 21 goals. Just One behind him was the Division 1's top marksman, Loca's Logan Liggins with 20 goals, and he was just one in front of Crookes' Oli McQuillin

3 MAY – LEAGUE CUP FINAL – Sixers will be at home at Bramall Lane on Tuesday 12 May in the League Cup Final – The draw for the home dressing room for the League Cup Final between Royal Earl and Wadsley Bridge Sixers at Bramall Lane was made by former Blade Billy Sharp at Bramall Lane and it saw Wadsley Bridge Sixers get the home dressing room and Royal Earl the away dressing room. Pictured is Billy holding the away dressing room draw. The Final is at Bramall Lane on Tuesday 12 May with a 7:15 kick-off. It should be a terrific game with Champions Royal Earl trying to complete the double by beating the Wadsley Bridge Sixers that is the CBC Premier Division's current top scorers and certain to finish in the top 4. Come along and support the teams, entrance is into the Tony Currie Stand  and is £10 for adults (CASH ONLY), but free for children 15 and under.

3 MAY – CBC PREMIER – Stannington secure 2nd place, Nailmakers are safe, but RBL let hanging – Stannington Village secured the Runners-Up spot with a narrow 1-0 victory over Chapeltown RBL. Both sides showed real intent from the kick-off, but it was a moment of brilliance that won it when the ball fell to Sami Eric 20 yards out and his volley gave keeper Chris Harwood no chance. Callum Wright was a rock in the RBL defefence, Jed Phillips drove them forward and Farbod Youseffi caused the Stannington defence problems, but Stannington almost sealed it when Tom Staniland's cross gave Dan White a chance, but his shot was too close to keeper Harwood.

That result that means Nailmakers are safe despite a heavy 7-0 defeat at already relegated Southey Social. Jay Slocombe gave Southey a 5th minute lead and Byron Mullen doubled it from 25 yards into the bottom corner and Todd Guest made it three from close range before the break. The second half started with Southey getting a fortunate fourth with an own goal from a corner.Luke Broadbent made it five and Jack Hawkes six beore man of the match Jack Dickens completed the scoring after his first effort had been blocked.

Only a win for RBL at Jubilee next Sunday will see them safe and Jubilee relegated, but a win for Jubilee will see RBL relegated and them safe. A draw would mean that Jubilee would have to win their final game against Eckington to stay up and send RBL down.

3 MAY - DIVISION 1 – Loca need 1 more win for the title – Loca had a convincing 7-3 win against Cotts FC. It took just 10 seconds for Cam Evans to set man of the match Curt Modest up for the opener and Evans made it two inside two minutes. Evans then set Logan Liggins up for his 19th of the season to make it three and it was four before the break with a Jack Edwards goaal following a corner.

Cotts started the second half by pulling one back through Reece Rogers, but Loca hit back straight away when full back Danny Richards set Liggins up for his 20th off the season. Cotts grabbed a second through Zeph Longmore, but Oli Grady set Modest up for his second of the game before Richards netted Loca's seventh with a cross that went over everyone and into the net. Cotts grabbed a third consolation through Jo Moakes to complete the scoring. Loca now need to win their final game against AFC Wisewood next Sunday to secure the title over Hackenthorpe on goal difference. Any other result will see Hackenthorpe take the title.

26 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Sixers go second and Boynton Sports are safe – Wadsley Bridge Sixers completed their league programme by thumping relegation threatened Chapeltown RBL 6-1 to go second. Josh Statham gave Sixers the lead midway through the first half and 15 minutes later Chris Belshaw doubled it. Almost immediately Aaron Williamson produced a spectacular volley to pull one back, but Sixers had their two goal lead back before half-time with a Luke Allison penalty.

After the break a second penalty allowed Belshaw to score his second and 21^st of the season. As RBL wilted in the sun, Rob Farrell made it 5-1 before Ben Southwell completed the scoring.

The two teams below Sixers both drew. Wickersley were held 1-1 by Eckington MW. Eckington created the better chances in a goalless first half, but it was Wickersley that went in front in the second half when Kallum Nix’s through ball allowed Adam Daughtrey to beat the keeper. After having one goal disallowed, Eckington finally got their equaliser when Will Onions through ball was finished off by Joel Cousins.

Stannington Village were held 4-4 by a Jubilee Rangers battling to get out of the drop zone. Stannington took the lead when Tom Staniland’s cross was headed home by Niall Loughlin, but Jubilee hit back through Adam Darton. Loughlin put Stannington back in front when he beat two defenders before bending it in off the post from 25 yards, but Darton struck his second to send the teams in level at the break.

The second half saw Jubilee go in front when Ross Lamkin saw the Stannington keeper off his line and lobbed him to score, but Stannington levelled when Sami Eric and Brad Worsfold combined to set Charlie Shepherd up to score at the near post. Worsfold then crossed for Aemad Gadour to head Stannington back in front, but Jubilee didn’t give up and Leuan Toper headed home to give Jubilee a deserved point

Jubilee are still in the third relegation spot, but RBL are only just above them, as are Nailmakers who were beaten 4-1 by Boynton Sports. Richie Atkins gave Boynton the lead, but it was cancelled out by Nick Owen. That was as good as it got for Nailmakers though and a Marc Peacock double along with one for Jake Bonnett saw Boynton home and safe from the drop.

26 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Mosborough are promoted and Cotts climb off the bottom – AFC Wisewood failed to get a team out to play Mosborough Reds, so Reds were awarded the 3 points and that was enough to see them promoted in 3rd place. If that match had been played and Reds lost, Crookes had a chance to take the final spot, but they lost their final game 5-3 at Brunsmeer. Crookes took the lead with an Oli McQuillin strike, but Brunsmeer equalised.

Pete Smith then put Crookes back in front and although Brunsmeer equalised just before half-time, McQuillin netted his second and 19^th of the season to give Crookes the lead a third time. It wasn’t enough though as Brunsmeer won it with 3 second half goals. Jake Hatton and Billy Gillott both scored twice for Brunsmeer along with one from Billy Gillott.

Cotts climbed off the foot of the table by gaining revenge, 3-0, over a Norton Oaks they lost to the previous week. Jacob Lally netted two of them, with Alex Carlton the other

23 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Chapeltown take a big step towards safety – Chapeltown RBL came from 2 down to complete a 5 day double over Boynton Sports to move 3 points clear of the drop and just a point behind Boynton with 2 games in hand of them. The result drags Boynton into the relegation fight and also effectively relegates Southey Social as RBL's goal difference is far superior than Southey's.

RBL completed a ruthless five-day double over Boynton in a game that twisted and turned before exploding into life in the second half. It looked like Boynton were set for revenge early on, racing into a two-goal lead with two Richie Atkins strikes inside the opening nine minutes. RBL were rocked, chasing shadows, and for a while it looked like the script had flipped completely from their previous meeting. But just before the break, the momentum began to creak and shift. A corner caused chaos in the Boynton box, Millen’s header somehow clawed off the line, only for Aarron Williamson to react quickest and smash home the rebound on 43 minutes. Lifeline grabbed, belief restored.

The second half belonged to RBL. On 64 minutes, Charlie Cope rose like a man with unfinished business, meeting Jay Carter’s cross with a powerful header to level things up. From there, Boynton began to wobble, and RBL sensed it. With 15 minutes to go, substitute Jed Phillips slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Carter, who kept his cool, rounded the keeper, and rolled the ball into an empty net. Phillips and Carter are pictured celebrating.

There was still time for late drama. Boynton were handed a golden chance to equalise from the spot on 85 minutes, but Lewis Fox had other ideas, producing a huge penalty save to preserve RBL’s lead and with the very last kick of the game, RBL slammed the door shut. Cope turned provider this time, picking out Phillips, whose effort squirmed over the line to cap a remarkable comeback. From early collapse to late control, RBL showed resilience, quality, and a touch of chaos to seal a 4–2 win.

23 APRIL – LEAGUE CUP FINAL – Sixers will be at home at Bramall Lane on Tuesday 12 May in the League Cup Final – The draw for the home dressing room for the League Cup Final between Royal Earl and Wadsley Bridge Sixers at Bramall Lane was made by former Blade Billy Sharp at Bramall Lane yesterday and it saw Wadsley Bridge Sixers get the home dressing room and Royal Earl the away dressing romm. Pictured is Billy holding the away dressing room draw. The Final is at Bramall Lane is on Tuesday 12 May with a 7:15 kick-off.

19 APRIL – COUNTY FA SUNDAY TROPHY FINAL – Loca pay the penalty for missed chances – Division 1 Loca FC were beaten on penalties by Barnsley's Shaw Inn in the County FA Sunday Trophy Final at the Steel City Stadium (formerly known as the Olympic Legacy Park}.

Loca dominated play the early play and took a deserved lead when Logan Liggins headed a corner home. Loca continued to dominate. Liggins missed a glorious chance to double their lead, but some slack marking and a good finish saw Shaw Inn equalise to send the teams into half-time all-square.

The second half continued much the same as the first half and Loca deservedly got back in front when a set-piece was flicked on and Michael Golland headed home, but some more slack marking and a good piece of skill allowed Shaw Inn to draw level a second time. Loca went flat out for a winner, but a series of missed chances and good saves by the Shaw Inn goalkeeper and Man of the Match Aaron Davison kept them out and the game ended 2-2, so it went to penalties. Neither keeper got close to a save until the 12^th penalty was saved by Davison to hand the Trophy to Shaw Inn. Action from the game is left with more pictures below, courtesy of Ian Anderson.

19 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Eckington beat Stannington to hand the title to Royal Earl – Royal Earl were crowned Champions as Stannington Village's 5-2 defeat at Eckington meant no one could catch Earl. Stannington had the first chance when a Connor Platts header was tipped over the bar by the keeper, but it was Eckington that took the lead when a quick break saw the ball crossed into the area for Ethan Flower to slot home. Five minutes before half-time Flower doubled the lead with a stunning long range volley and Eckington took a real stranglehold of the game when minutes later a long throw was headed home by Mitch Walker.

Stannington started the second half well and pulled one back when Leo Higgins crossed for Aemad Gadour to score, but Eckington soon restored their three goal lead when Owen Ryan fired into an empty net after the initial effort was saved. Stannington pulled a second back when Niall Butchart found the top corner, but it was Eckington that had the final say when a good cross into the box was turned into his own net by a Stannington defender. The loss meant that Stannington could no longer catch leaders Royal Earl, but the win for Eckington kept them in the race for the Runners-Up spot.

Wickersley CC also stayed in the race for Runners-Up with a 3-1 victory over Woodman. Although Woodman always looked dangerous on the break, it was Wickersley that started well and had the lead at half-time with an Owen Kelly penalty.

The second half saw Wickersley still on top, but the Woodman keeper kept his side in it and his efforts were rewarded when Lemuel Chitekwe equalised.. The game became very open at this stage, but it was Wickersley that went back in front with Kelly grabbing his second after a good build up. A second penalty allowed Kelly to complete his hat-trick to confirm the three points that leaves them just a point behind second place, but it’s very tight with just 3 points separating 4 clubs.

At the other end of the table, Nailmakers went 6 points clear of the drop with a 2-0 victory over relegation rivals Jubilee Rangers. Although Jubilee withstood early pressure, Nailmakers took a half-time lead when Harry Wharam netted from a Russ Westby corner. Nailmakers doubled their lead midway through the second half when Adam Justice nodded in a Ryan Goodison cross and only good defending stopped them increasing it further.

Jubilee dropped into the bottom 3 after Chapeltown RBL's 2-1 win in the High Green derby with Boynton Sports. RBL made the perfect start when the opening minute saw Charlie Cope released and kept calm to beat the keeper. They doubled their lead on 19 minutes when Mitch savage threaded a superb through ball into the path of Aaron Williamson and he made no mistake to score his first for the club.

Boynton quickly pulled one back with a Tom Deighton strike to set up a nervy contest, but with Dale Shaw marshalling the defence and Jav Heffferan barking out the instructions in midfield like an air-traffic controller, it was RBL that held on to take the three points that lifted them above Jubilee on goal difference and out of the bottom three for the first time this year.

19 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Hackenthorpe end the season on a high and Oaks climb off the bottom – Hackenthorpe completed their games with a 2-0 victory at third place Mosborough Reds to extend their lead at the top of Division 1 to six points. Hackenthorpe led at half-time after Xavier Dandrade danced past three defenders before slotting home. The result was confirmed midway through the second half when Kian Holloway nutmegged a defender before beating the keeper.

The result meant Hackenthorpe ended the season with a perfect all-win record away from home and they can only be pipped to the title if Loca win both their final two games. Reds will still be promoted if they win their final game at AFC Wisewood next Sunday, but if they don't win, Crookes will take it if they win at Brunsmeer.

Norton Oaks finally got some reward for keeping going despite being rooted to the foot of the table for most of the season when they beat Cotts FC 5-0 - a result that saw Cotts replace Oaks at the bottom on goal difference. Jon Allen, Atty Aydinli and Khalid Muhrez combined to cross for Andrew Bokea to give Oaks a half-time lead.

The second half saw Tom Blacksell claim three assists. The first saw his cross turned into his own net by a defender and the second allowed Bokea to score his second of the game. Joe Baker then set Bokea up to complete his hat-trick, before Blacksell set Baker up to complete the scoring from close range.

16 APRIL – COUNTY FA SUNDAY TROPHY FINAL – Loca in the final this weekend – Division 1 Loca FC will face Barnsley's Shaw Inn in the County FA Sunday Trophy Final on Sunday 19 April at the Olympic Legacy Park, Kick-off at 10am. Loca are the 16th of our clubs to have made the final since 2000 and they will be aiming to be our 10th winner of the Trophy.

16 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Boynton and Chapeltown bring their losing streaks to an end to boost survival hopes – Boynton Sports ended their 8 match losing streak with a crucial victory at relegation rivals Jubilee Rangers. From the kick off it was Boynton that took charge and they took home the three points with two goals in each half giving them a 4-0 victory. Luke Walker hit a debut hat-trick for them with the other coming from Lee Jordan. One more win could be enough for Boynton, but that defeat leaves Jubilee only just above the bottom three and they may need to win at least two of their last 4 games to have a chance of staying up.

Chapeltown RBL ended their 3 match losing streak and a run of just 1 win in 12 with a 3-1 victory over another relegation rival, Nailmakers in an entertaining contest. The breakthrough arrived after 10 minutes and it had a touch of debut sparkle about it. Mitch Cowlishaw, making his first appearance, threaded a clever pass through to Adam Todd, who danced around his defender with a neat flick before calmly slotting past the keeper to make it 1-0. Nailmakers responded well and pulled level on 21 minutes with a Sam Read strike restoring balance to the game just as RBL looked to be settling into their rhythm.

RBL hit back strongly though, and on 32 minutes Todd turned provider, spotting Jacob Walkland’s run, he slipped him in and Walkland produced a composed finish, delicately chipping the keeper from 18 yards to put RBL back in front. The lead was doubled just three minutes later. Danny Booth picked out Charlie Cope, who took aim from 20 yards and rifled an effort beyond the helpless keeper to make it 3-1. RBL continued to threaten after the break and could have added more goals, with Jed Phillips coming close to extending the advantage, only to be denied by fine goalkeeping. At the other end, Lewis Fox stood firm, repelling everything Nailmakers threw at him to ensure RBL saw out a vital win.

Chapeltown will probably need at least 3 more wins from their last 5 games to have a chance of being safe and Nailmakers will need to win at least one of their last three to improve their chances.

Towards the top of the table, Stannington Village kept their title hopes alive with a 4-1 victory at 4th place Wickersley CC. Stannington took the lead when a Luca DeFalci cross bundled home at the far post by Niall Butchaart, A second soon came when another Luca DeFalco pass allowed Joel Purkiss to finished well onto the top corner. The third came when Niall Loughlin was brought down in the area and Aemad Gadour finished well from the spot. Their 4th before half-time was the goal of the game when Joel Purkiss found Niall Loughlin who ran 20 yards before he unleashed a strike from just outside the box into the roof of the net.

After the break Wickersley came into the game morw and pulled one back through Billy Wright, but they could only create half chances after that and the Stannington defence hld firm to take them back up to second place, but leaders Royal Earl will be crowned champions for a second successive season if they win just one of their final two games.

16 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Hackenthorpe back on top, but Brunsmeer push them hard – Hackenthorpe went back to the top of Division 1 with a hard earned, narrow 4-3 victory over a stubborn Brunsmeer. Hackenthorpe flew out of traps and took an early lead through Leighton Sawyer slotting past the keeper. Second goal come from Kydn Grey with a great finish from outside the box to the bottom corner, assisted by  Man of the Match James Goodwin. Brunsmeer hit back and goals from Gaz Murdoch and Blaine Pashley ibrought them level. Hackenthorpe went back in front when Chad Gibson nipped in to score his 14th of the season after the keeper had saved Nathan Hunts over head kick. Callum Foster doubled their lead when he fired past the keeper from outside the box again. Brunsmeer didn't give up and Charlie Wheatley scored their third but Hackenthorpe held on. 

12 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Stannington stay in the title hunt and Southey boost their survival hopes – Stannington Village beat Jubilee Rangers 4-2 to keep their title hopes alive, but leaders Royal Earl need to win just one of their final two games to retain their title. Jubilee are fighting to stay up and took the lead when Luke Campbell scrambled the ball home, but Stannington hit back to level when Niall Butchart sidefooted the ball into the top corner. Undeterred by that it was Jubilee that went into the half time break with the lead after Alfie Smith headed home.

Stannington stepped up a gear after the break and levelled a second time when Niall Loughins shot was saved, but the rebound fell kindly for Leo Higgins to score. Stannington went in front when Sami Eric robbed a defender before chipping the keeper and the clinched the points 5 minutes from time when Tom Staniland’s free kick was parried to Luca DeFalco and he netted his seventh of the season.

At the other end of the table, that defeat for Jubilee boosted Southey Social’s survival hopes and they were further boosted by a 3-1 victory over the already relegated Woodman. Southey took a first half lead when Byron Mullen’s throw was headed on by Kieran Hopkinson and Carlton Carty volleyed home from 6 yards.

The second half saw Southey’s lead doubled when a Jack Dickens cross was turned into his own net by a defender, but Woodman got back into the match with a Kai Walker strike. Southey quickly restored their two goal lead when Mullen set Ryan Whitney up for an easy finish and even though Carty and Dickens both hit the woodwork Southey couldn’t add to it. Action from the game is below - pictures from Ian Anderson

Southey were further helped by Chapeltown RBL’s 1-0 defeat at a Wickersley CC aiming for the runner-up spot. After a cagey, goalless first half the game sprang into life after the break and became an end-to-end battle. Adam Todd saw his effort cleared off the line and the game looked to be swinging RBL’s way when Wickersley were reduced to 10 men. The Wickersley defence held firm though and with time running out it was Wickersley that grabbed a dramatic winner when Owen Kelly scored.

12 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Loca are promoted, but the chase below them goes large – Loca reclaimed top spot and guaranteed promotion with a narrow 2-1 victory at AC Wisewood. They took the lead when Jamie Goldenburgh set Cammy Evans up and found the net with a 30 yard strike, but Wisewood levelled with an equally impressive strike by Will Osgathorpe. Goldenburgh again provided the assist when a third impressive strike, this time by Mitch Carlton won it for Loca to take them back to the top and guarantee promotion.

The two clubs chasing the final promotion place both had big wins. Mosborough Reds beat Kelham Island 8-1 and Crookes won 7-1 at Cotts. Mosborough took just 6 minutes to take the lead with a Will Hotchin strike and they soon doubled it when Ash Hotchin chipped the keeper. Will Hotchin then netted his second when his keeper flew straight into the net. Matt Ellis made it four with a shot from the edge of the area and it was five before half-time when Ben Dronfield headed home.

After the break Matt Ellis scored his second of the game to take his tally for the season to fourteen, before Montelle netted his first goal for Mosborough to make it seven. Billy Kitchen hit number eight before Kelham scored their consolation through Alex Simons.

Crookes were just as impressive in their 7-1 win at Crookes. Dylan Murphy met a cross to give Crookes an early lead and it was doubled when Harvey Allatt met a corner to score. Oli McQuillin made it three before half-time and both he and Murphy scored two each to complete hat-tricks in the second half. Jake Abrahams netted Cotts consolation. Crookes must now rely on winning their final game and Mosborough Reds not winning both of their final two games.

11 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Baby Shark Resign from the League – The League is sorry to report that Baby Shark has resigned from the League. Because the team had completed 75% of its games this season, all their remaining games will be awarded to their opponents.

9 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Barker's late show rescues a point for Reds – After scoring a late goal in the first half, Harry Barker scored an even later goal in the second half to rescue a point for Mosborough Reds at promotion rivals Loca FC. A terrific through ball from Danny Richards allowed Cam Evans to give Loca the lead and only a last ditch tackle stopped Michael Golland from doubling the lead. Reds grew into the game and in the last few minutes of the first half a long throw was flicked on for Barker to strike the ball home at the back post.

The second half saw both teams going for a winner and it looked like it was Loca that would take maximum points when Kurtis Havenhand struck a terrific free kick from 30 yards into the top corner. Reds kept plugging away without testing the Loca keeper until the last minute when Barker raced onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and coolly put the ball into the net. The resuult means that both Loca and Reds can still take the title and both need just two wins to secure promotion.

6 APRIL – MONTAGU CUP – BIG BEN CLINCHES BIG WIN FOR HISTORY MAKERS WICKERSLEY  – In an endearing storyline as old as the Mexborough Montagu Cup itself - underdogs upsetting the odds in the big final. Well, history-makers Wickersley CC can now be added to the list of those who have stunned the favourites on Easter Monday. Unfancied everywhere except in their own dressing room, Wickersley shocked the favourites Gate Inn by edging a tight final 2-1 after extra-time in front of 1,475 at Mexborough Athletic.

They deserved it too, veteran Ben Thornton - a big handful all game for the Gate back line - netting the winner just five minutes from the end with the calmest of finishes. It also completed a personal hat-trick as he was in the AFP side which won the Mont in 2014 and 2016 (also scoring in that one). They are the first side from Wickersley to lift the coveted trophy in the competition’s 129 years and also the first side from the Blades Super Draw League to do so. Consider that they knocked out local giants Westville in the semi-final and now Gate, clear leaders of the Rotherham Sunday League and, like Westville, through to the Sheffield Sunday Senior Cup Final on April 19th. Some double that!

Wickersley started brightly and got the boost of an 8th minute goal. Louis Seddons, a lively threat throughout wide left, got clear on that side and his low ball in was diverted into his own net by Jack Greeves with Thornton behind him waiting to do the same. Inside 60 seconds Greeves almost redeemed himself with a header from a corner which Pete Smith superbly turned away.

The early setback had jolted Gate into decisive action and they should have levelled only for Steve Taylor to put a great chance wide. But the equaliser did come on the half-hour, Nathan Walsh finding himself in space from a through ball. He lifted his effort past the advancing Smith and Jordan Pilling helped himself to one of the Mont’s easiest-ever goals from about a yard out. Josh Hemmingway and Josh Stead both fired over, but Wickersley went closest right on half-time, Reece Dudhill clearing off the line from a header by Liam Tomlinson.

The teams rather cancelled each out in the second half, Wickersley’s teamwork nullifying the prolific Gate attack although Greeves powered a header straight at the keeper. Both Seddons and sub Dec Mullane, with more time than he probably realised, could have snatched it late on for Wickersley. Man of the Match Thornton (pictured right receiving his award) fired just over following a free-kick at the start of extra-time and Taylor almost broke the deadlock moments after the second period started.

With thoughts turning to penalties and 115 minutes on the clock, a Gate threat was checked inside the area, and from deep inside his own half, Mullane’s longest of long balls drifted on the breeze, down the famous slope and, suddenly, Thornton’s eyes lit up. He realised that the ball was carrying beyond his marker and he eased onto it and was clear.

Breaths were held… time stood still… but the veteran striker kept a cool head and sidefooted calmly wide of the advancing Hayden Barnett and just inside the left hand post. Gate looked stunned, couldn’t mount a late surge and so Wickersley went into the history books. Thornton was named Man of the Match edging out centre half Nathan Taylor (left) who had an outstanding game as Wickersley rose to the occasion as a team and no one could begrudge them their triumph. (report courtesy of Les Payne) Pictures from the game including Ben Thornton scoring the winner, are below

WICKERSLEY CC: Smith; Kelly, Taylor, Cuckson, Claxton; France (McGann 105), Tomlinson (Nix 105); Hardeman (Mullane 60), Daughtry, Seddons (Godley 118); Thornton. Unused: Kemp.

GATE INN: Barnett; Dudhill, Ardron, Greeves (Hough 68), Blackwood; James (Middleton 117), Hemmingway (Hancock 100), Stead; Pilling, Walsh, Taylor. Unused: Moore.

Referee: Roger Webb (Mexborough).

5 APRIL – CBC PREMIER – Eckington push RBL to the edge and Sixers hold Village – Eckington MW came from behind to win 2-1 at a Chapeltown RBL now 6 points from safety with just one game in hand. Chapeltown got off to a flier with the wind at their backs and Josh Nodder took full advantage when he launched the ball from inside his own half to beat the keeper. It stayed like that until half-time, but it all changed after the break.

Dan White ran onto a ball behind the defence to equalise and soon after a scramble in the box wrong footed the keeper and it allowed Aiden Horspool to net his 13^th goal of the season to give Eckington a lead the protected until the end.

Despite coming back from two down, Stannington Village’s title chances took a blow when they were held to a 4-4 draw by Wadsley Bridge Sixers. George Rudd fired Sixers into a 6^th minute lead, but Stannington hit back when Dan White headed home from a Joel Purkiss corner. Stannington then went ahead when another Purkiss corner went into the net off a defender.

It was Sixers turn to hit back with a Rob Farrell strike and they went ahead a second time with Chris Belshaw’s 18^th league goal of the season. The CBC Premier’s leading scorer, Belshaw, then took his tally to 19 to give Sixers a 4-2 half-time lead. Stannington had been reduced to 10 men, but got back into it with a Luca DeFalco penalty and they grabbed a deserved point 5 minutes from time when a DeFalco cross was headed home by Aemad Gadour. Action from the game is below - pictures from Ian Anderson.

5 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Hackenthorpe are promoted, but Crookes chances take a hit – A Xavier Dandrade double helped Hackenthorpe to a 3-0 victory over AFC Wisewood and confirm their promotion to the top flight. Hackenthorpe went in front when Harrison Case whipped in a quality cross that was met with a cool finish by Dandrade. The lead was soon doubled when a Chad Gibson shot was saved by the keeper but Dandrade was on hand to put the ball home with a cheeky backheel. The second half was dominated by Hackenthorpe, but they could only add when Gibson used his pace to race onto a terrific through ball from Aston Thompson and score.

None of the teams below the top three can now catch Hackenthorpe after Crookes were held to a 1-1 draw at Kelham Island. Crookes took an early lead through Tom Rickers and created lots of chances afterwards. They didn’t take them and Kelham Island made them pay with an Alex Simons equaliser.

Crookes’ result was also good news for Loca, who moved up to second and improve their promotion chances with a 4-1 victory at Brunsmeer. Jamie Hopkins gave Loca the lead midway through the first half when he turned a defender before slamming the ball home from 25 yards. Hopkins then took advantage of a defensive error to set Logan Liggins up for an easy finish to take his tally to 18 League goals for the season.

Loca made it 3 after the break when Cam Evans crossed for Mitch Kent to head home and Evans again provided the assist for Curt Modest to make it 4. Brunsmeer never gave up though and gained a consolation when their leading scorer Gaz Murdoch scored his 13^th goal of the season.

5 APRIL -  Belshaw and Liggins lead the goalscoring charts  – The CBC Premier's leading scorer with 19 goals is Chris Belshaw of Wadsley Bridge Sixers, 6 goals cear of second place Aiden Horspool of Eckington MW. Division 1's top marksman is Loca's Logan Liggins on 18 goals and just 4 goals behind him on 14 is Division 1 Crookes' Oliver McQuillin. The Leading scorer for all teams can now be found in the Results section.

2 APRIL - DIVISION 1 – Thorncliffe Villa Resign from the League  – The League is sorry to report that Thorncliffe Villa has resigned from the League. Because the team has not yet played 75% of its games this season, all their games will be removed from the records.

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