First Team Match Reports 2008-2009

In a nervy performance on an awful playing surface, Sheffield FC Reserves overcame a determined performance from South Kirkby Colliery to secure the Division 1 title as unbeaten Champions.

Sheffield started well with a nice move out from the back releasing Simon Brier to test the home defence but he was well marshalled. Eamonn Chapman slipped a good ball to Joel Purkiss and he found Danny Beech but the winger was adjudged offside. Sheffield had started on the front foot and Keir Hannity pressed forward in the area eventually losing out to the slightly bigger built Keith Mayne. From the goal kick South Kirkby broke well down the right the ball finding the feet of Jimmy Faulkner who lashed home from the edge of the area to give the home side the early advantage. Sheffield were soon back on terms with Purkiss holding the ball well and on the turn finding Brier with a super ball over to the left. He sprinted for the area, controlled the ball well on the uneven surface and struck home a great left foot shot to make it 1 - 1 after 10 minutes. The midfield game was getting nervous and scrappy but there were some flashes of good football; Purkiss got Danny McKenzie away on the right and Chapman got Beech away on the left - his shot, worth the effort, was well off target. South Kirkby were looking most dangerous from free kicks and corners with Jack Wakefield getting good possession from just such an opportunity he hit a dipping shot just over the bar. Sheffield got into the lead after 25 minutes when Keir Hannity, having a good game alongside Chapman, got the ball across to Purkiss who looked offside but with the assistant referee's flag staying down he got to the bye line and put in a good cross to the unmarked Hannity who stabbed the ball home from close range. From the re-start Sheffield had another attack of nerves; losing possession on the left they allowed Ryan Williams a shot just over the bar. Sheffield were certainly more comfortable going forward and finished the half with a succession of good moves the best of which saw McKenzie pinch the ball in midfield and after a good run he found Hannity who slipped the ball to Brier but the subsequent chance was off target.

Sheffield committed the crime of conceding a free kick in a dangerous position in the first attack of the second half but Wakefield sliced his effort well wide. Andy Taylor was winning the ball well in centre defence and a clearance fell to Purkiss and under pressure he got his shot off too early and it was high and wide. Taylor found Brier with another long ball and he took a good first touch but was well defended. In the first real flowing move of the second period McKenzie, Purkiss and Hannity did well to set up Purkiss and his shot went just wide. Club were now dominating kicking down the slope and two superb chances fell to Elliot Simpson and Joel Purkiss; both through on goal and looking likely to score with Nevison in the South Kirkby goal standing his ground well and denying both Sheffield players. Sheffield had cause to regret both these misses on the hour when South Kirkby pulled a goal back following a corner. Keith Cronin having replaced Danny Beech, Janni Lipka replaced Elliot Simpson. Sheffield quickly restored their advantage when McKenzie set off on a great run down the right and scored with a great strike from the right hand side of the penalty area. Purkiss and Cronin did well on the left of the penalty area and Cronin's ball into the box was just in front of the oncoming Lipka. Brier then made a superb run along the defensive line and collected the ball but again Nevison was up to the task; it was then Chapman's turn to get a scoring opportunity; with 75 minutes gone, Cronin got to the line again and his ball found Chapman on the edge of the 6 yard box and he somehow scooped the shot over the bar with the goal gaping. South Kirkby were tiring however and when Brier was upended the free kick came to Joel Purkiss who struck the ball home through the defenders to make it 4 - 2 to Sheffield. When shortly after the goal Cronin was fouled in the area, Taylor stepped up but unfortunately put the spot-kick wide of the keeper's right hand post. Josh Jones replaced Eamonn Chapman on 80 minutes and Sheffield played out the remaining 10 minutes fairly comfortably although due to frustration, tiredness or whatever there were one or two niggling challenges which took the enjoyment out of the occasion.

So it finished 4 -2 to Sheffield and with the victory the champagne celebrations for a title well deserved and well won. Congratulations to all who have been a part of it!

Team: Liam Smith, Lloyd Gelsthorpe, Joe Jerrison, Andy Taylor, Eamonn Chapman (Josh Jones), Keir Hannity, Danny McKenzie, Elliot Simpson (Janni Lipka), Simon Brier, Joel Purkiss, Danny Beech (Keith Cronin), Jon Linnell.

Willenhall Town 1 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday 25/04/09

Sheffield ended the season by completing the double over Willenhall with a goal in each half from Lee Cooksey and Matt Roney at a warm but windy Noose Lane this afternoon.

David Graham was back in the side after his suspension, and there was also a starting place for Jamie Holmshaw in goal. On an atrocious playing surface, it was the home side that had the first shot in anger, as Findlay fired over the bar. The visitors replied with Eagers putting Graham through, but his effort hit the side netting. It was the Lockmen who took the lead on 13 minutes, when a break up the Sheffield right was not dealt with and the cross found MAY who prodded home from close range, after Holmshaw had blocked the original effort. Moments later the big centre forward had a chance to double the lead but headed wide. The visitors slowly took hold of the game, Graham's snapshot bringing a good save from Clarke. Sheffield levelled the game on 19 minutes, when a short corner was driven hard across the area by Woolley, and COOKSEY was unmarked at the back post to head into the far corner. May was still causing problems for the visitors, his shot on the turn just going wide of the mark. Holmshaw then had to save from Milligan at the near post. At the other end Wright went close heading just over the bar, whilst Woolley was on hand to clean up a dangerous Willenhall attack, taking the ball off May's foot as he was about to shoot. The last action of the half saw Roney in a chase for the ball with Clarke, the keeper just beating him to it, but he was only able to kick it into the path of Graham, but his first time shot from 40 yards was way off target.

It was Sheffield who were on the attack once more at the start of the second half, Roney's cross being scrambled away out of the area. The winger then had a shot deflected that Clarke did well to save. Once again it was May who was causing problems at the back for Sheffield, as he muscled his way through, but could not beat Holmshaw who got down well at his near post. Paul Smith then went on a mazy run upfield before being dispossessed as he was about to shoot. Meanwhile, Holmshaw was again on hand to show his agility with a point blank save from Chilton. Sheffield finally got the breakthrough they deserved on 74 minutes. A foul on the right of the home defence saw RONEY loft the ball in and it sailed over Clarke's outstretched arms and straight into the net, the keeper giving a wry smile as he tumbled into the back of the net along with the ball. The visitors almost increased their lead soon after when Potter was on hand to connect with a short corner, flicking the ball just the wrong side of the post. Willenhall were having to push forward, but the Sheffield defence was resolute, and when the ball did get through, Holmshaw was on hand to intercept. With time running out, the visitors made the usual substitutions and Wainman almost capitalized on some slack defending, shooting just wide. As the game entered injury time it looked like the Lockmen were going to ruin Sheffield's day as once again May powered his way through, but Holmshaw was on hand to safely gather.

So a mid-table finish after a somewhat traumatic season, and with all the upheaval mid season, I think congratulations are in order to Chris Dolby and the players who stuck with it and didn't abandon ship. There are the makings of a very good side there to see already, and I'm sure Dolby has players in mind for next season, when hopefully we will once again be challenging for honours.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Jamie Holmshaw

Willenhall Town: Clarke, Lycett, Ryan (Nisbett), Kelly (Rofe), Griffiths, Milligan, Saunders, Stevenson (Wills), May, Findlay, Chilton. Subs Not Used: Hawkins, Tilt.

Sheffield FC: Holmshaw, Wright, Woolley, P.Smith, G.Smith, Cooksey, Cribley, Eagers, Graham (Goddard), Potter (Leonard), Roney (Wainman).

Att: 74

Shepshed Dynamo 1 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday 21/04/09

After conceding a goal early in the first half, a Matt Roney strike late in the game saw Sheffield gain a creditable point at the Dovecote tonight.

It was the home side who made the brighter start, and they took the lead on 10 minutes when Hanson delivered a perfect ball into the box, one that was met by the head of MILLNS who rose unchallenged giving Cross no chance. Shepshed were certainly the livelier in the opening quarter, with Norris and Litchfield keeping the Sheffield defence busy. The visitors were forced into an early substitution when Outram went off injured, being replaced by Cribley who took up his usual position on the wing. It was midway through the half before Sheffield finally got going, and started to claw their way back into the game, Leonard heading wide from Smith's corner. There was now more sustained pressure on the home defence, and good interplay between Woolley and Roney saw the ball put into the box for Goddard to poke home, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The striker then had a good chance five minutes later but headed over when well placed. Just past the half hour mark Cribley broke through the Dynamo defence, and was unselfish in trying to lay the ball off for Goddard, (which was intercepted) when with a little more conviction he could have had a shot himself. Even at this early stage Shepshed were content to slow the game down, Hateley being the chief culprit at time-wasting. At the other end, Cross had to be alert to save on the line from a high punt into the area. Just before the break the visitors were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area when Hateley was penalised for handling outside the area when launching a kick from his hands, (a feat that was repeated time and again throughout the match). However, the Dynamo defence held firm and went into the break with the one goal advantage.

Sheffield started the second half strongly, Roney turning his marker to deliver a cross that Hateley cut out with Goddard lurking just behind him. Ten minutes into the half and Eagers beat the offside trap, and as Hateley raced out of his goal the young midfielder lobbed the ball over him, but before he could get to the loose ball it was cleared by a Hanson. Shepshed were still looking dangerous on the break, but these were becoming less frequent as Sheffield pinned them back. When Cribley's snap shot was spilled by Hateley, Goddard was on hand to knock the ball into the path of Leonard, but he wasted the opportunity by blazing the ball over the bar. On the hour mark Dynamo had a great chance to extend their advantage when a break down the right saw the ball crossed into the area where Saunders was on hand to fire goalwards, his effort hitting the post before Sheffield managed to scramble the ball away. Wainman came on to replace Goddard, his pace causing problems for the Shepshed defence. With the game entering its last stages Sheffield pushed harder for an equalizer and it came in the 84th minute, RONEY volleying home from just inside the area. As the game came to a close, both teams were content to hold onto the point they had.

It was a typical end of season game with both teams lodged in mid table, but it was spoiled by some inept refereeing for both sides. However the result came at a cost with both Outram and Winter going off injured. The last match of the season sees us make the long trip to Willenhall. With neither side troubling the top or the bottom of the league, let us hope for an entertaining end to the season.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Paul Smith

Shepshed Dynamo: Hateley, Hanson, Magee, Screaton, Millns, Davies, Norris, Robinson, Duik, Litchfield (Menga), Saunders (Allard). Subs not used: Wilkes, Powell, Walker.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, Woolley, P.Smith, Wright, Winter (Cooksey), Outram (Cribley), Leonard, Goddard (Wainman), Eagers, Roney.

Att: 145

Sheffield ended their home programme with a disappointing home defeat, at a very spring-like Bright Finance Stadium this afternoon, as they let a half time lead get overturned with a rather lacklustre second half performance. With the meagre prize on offer being a top half finish, Sheffield dominated proceedings in the first forty-five minutes, going in at the break ahead with a goal from Steve Woolley in the 42^nd minute. Sadly they couldn’t build on this and were frankly never at the races in the second period, goals from Oliver Edwards in the 73^rd minute and Leon Ashman in injury time gave the Staffordshire outfit all three points, all but securing tenth spot ahead of Sheffield.

As expected the game was going to be played on a pretty bone-hard pitch and Leek were the first to get a grip of the conditions, as Ben Mills was through on goal, only to be denied by a one handed stop by Tom Cross. Sheffield weren’t long before they found their feet, and Steve Woolley was doing his bit in terrorising the visiting defence, with a mazy run and cross just missed by Janni Lipka in the middle. Ted Cribley was justifying his selection in the Club starting line up, turning in a fine first half display, with a number of his runs underpinning Sheffield’s gradual superiority in the game. Three minutes before the break the hosts got the lead they deserved, as Leon Wainman broke down the right wing and cut inside, with his cross being met at the back-post by the diving header of WOOLLEY.

After the interval it seemed to be all Leek, as first Leon Ashman had a shot deflected wide, and Ben Mills went close. They got their just desserts midway through the half; Ashman was found in space and his shot was only parried out by Cross, leaving substitute EDWARDS the easiest of tasks to tap home. The visitors then pressed on in search of a winner, with Leon Ashman just chipping wide, then moments later supplying the ball to Mills who forced an excellent one-handed stop by Cross. Just as it looked as if Club had done enough to hold on for the point, Leek stung them with an injury time killer blow, as ASHMAN got to the ball first to lob it over the advancing Cross.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Gavin Smith

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Cribley (Eagers), Lipka (Cam), Wainman (Goddard), Outram, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Roney, Cooksey.

Leek Town: Cooper, P.Johnson, Allen (Edwards), Taylor, Ruddock, Bailey (Brannan), M.Johnson, Miller ©, Mills, Ashman, Corden. Subs Not Used: Robinson, D.Smith, W.Johnson.

Att: 295

Two second half goals in the last ten minutes from man of the match Matt Outram saw Sheffield deservedly take all three points tonight at the BFS. With David Graham starting a three match suspension and his strike partner Mickey Goddard also missing, manager Chris Dolby once again gave youth a chance, by including Ted Cribley, Janni Lipka and Lloyd Gelsthorpe, with Leon Wainman on from the start in a strikers role.

There was barely a minute played when Sheffield had the visitors defence worried as a Paul Smith free kick was punched away by Stainsby, with Wainman then shooting just wide. Grantham then mounted an attack of their own, but Beeson fired wildly over the bar. On the quarter hour mark, some fancy footwork from Cribley saw him create some space to shoot, his effort across the face of the goal going just wide. Five minutes later and Cross made his first save of the evening, hanging onto a glancing header from Huckerby's free kick. At the other end, Woolley's corner found Gav Smith in the box, but he headed just wide as the keeper came out to challenge. It was a promising start by the home side, who were certainly enjoying a lot of possession at this stage. Just before the half hour mark Grantham almost stole the lead when Knowles cross found Beeson at the near post, but he flicked the ball just over the bar. On the stroke of half time Wainman tried his luck from 20 yards out, floating the ball goalwards, but Stainsby managed to tip the ball over the bar. The resulting corner saw Winter's powerful header palmed out by the keeper to keep the scores level at the break.

Sheffield started the second half once again on the attack as yet another Paul Smith free kick found Gav Smith, who's back header was safely gathered by Stainsby. Not longer after that Outram found himself in the referee's book for persistent fouling. Hargreaves then had a half chance for the visitors, but he blazed the effort well over the bar. Roney then came on to replace Cribley to provide some fresh legs to run at the Grantham defence. It was now nearly all Sheffield, but once again Grantham mounted a counter-attack and, as before, Hargreaves blasted wide from a good position. With a quarter of an hour left Sheffield had a glorious chance to take the lead when Woolley's persistence in chasing down a ball into the corner was rewarded with the winger beating his marker and laying the ball off to the onrushing Outram, but he blazed the effort over the bar. However, with ten minutes left to play, the villain became the hero as OUTRAM took an in-swinging corner which had the keeper flapping at the back post as he watched the ball sail over him and into the net. Rob Cam then came on to replace Lipka and he almost doubled the score when latching onto a Wainman pass with an overhead kick. Grantham once again broke away down the right of the Sheffield defence, Mallinson sending in a low cross which Gelsthorpe put out for a corner, which was easily dealt with. At the other end Wainman's snap shot was just over the bar with the keeper out of position. With two minutes left to play Cross finally had to make a save, holding onto a shot from Brookes. The game was wrapped up in the last minute when Outram picked the ball up midway inside the visitors half, jinked his way past three defenders before toe-poking the ball home. It was no more than the team deserved.

The win puts the team into 11th place, and just above them is Saturday's opponents Leek Town, who will be visiting the BFS for our last home league game of the season. So come on down and let's give the team a rousing send off.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Outram

Sheffield FC: Cross, Gelsthorpe, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Cribley (Roney), Lipka (Cam), Wainman (Cooksey), Outram, Woolley.

Grantham Town: Stainsby, Starbuck, Shaw, Huckerby (Zeurner), Stubbs Lister, Hargreaves (Brown), Mallinson, Beeson, Brookes, Knowles. Subs Not Used: White, Vickers, Cunningham.

Att: 252

A remarkable second half turnaround saw Stocksbridge come from two goals down, this afternoon at the Bright Finance Stadium, and they did their promotion credentials no harm by beating Club 5-3 in an entertaining game. Sheffield raced into a lead that showed an amazing amount of contempt for the form book, with a David Graham penalty and a solo effort from man of the match Ted Cribley, before the visitors stole a goal in first half injury time from skipper Brett Lovell. Fortune continued to shine on the away side in the second period, as matters were levelled with a harsh own goal from Paul Smith, before things gradually got worse for Club with goals from Mark Ward and substitute Andy Ring. Janni Lipka gave Club a vague glimmer of hope in injury time, before the goal-fest was completed with the last kick of the game, with Vic Cowell stabbing home from close range.

Club were the first to settle, with Mick Goddard finding himself clear, only to fire straight at Ben Scott. Ten minutes in though and the hosts were to be in front, as Ted Cribley won possession on the edge of the area and setting Mick Goddard free, with the forward blatantly hauled down by Scott as he rounded the keeper. Astonishingly referee Martin only produced a yellow card for the offence; however GRAHAM stepped up with confidence to strike home from the spot, for his seventh goal in his short spell in a red shirt. Ted Cribley was marking his first league start with an energetic performance, and in the 19^th minute he marked this occasion with a goal, as Goddard put the youngster in the area – where CRIBLEY turned the defence to get a shot inside the post, leaving Scott no chance. Club were good value for their lead, and Steels looked surprisingly subdued, with the best effort coming from Mark Ward who turned a Jamie Vardy effort round the post. The referee capped a pretty inept first half display by awarding a harsh free-kick on Gavin Smith for standing his ground in the dying seconds of the half; Steve Hawes floated the free-kick into the box, and LOVELL headed home to give Stocksbridge an undeserved lifeline.

The goal in the dying seconds gave the visitors a bit of impetus, and they started the second period in a more positive frame of mind, living up to the mantle of promotion hopefuls more than in the first. They drew level on the hour mark, more through fortune than anything else, as a Mark Ward effort was steered past Tom Cross by Paul Smith for an OWN-GOAL. The visitors clearly had the upper-hand, and five minutes later they had turned the game completely round, as a long free-kick found WARD who comfortably lobbed the advancing Cross to make it 3-2. Three nearly became four seconds after, with Cross having to pull off a solid block from Andy Ring, but ten minutes from time RING all but wrapped things up, as he turned in a Jamie Vardy corner that was only half cleared by the shell-shocked Sheffield defence. But Club weren’t finished, and almost caused a nervous finish to the game with Ted Cribley rattling the woodwork with a stunning effort, that left Ben Scott rooted to the spot. As injury time approached Sheffield did get a third, with Cribley’s cross being met by the head of LIPKA who rose above the defence, although it seemed all a bit too-little-too-late. With Sheffield pushing forward for a desperate equaliser, substitutes Andy Hirst and Andy Ring set up the killer blow with some neat passing gifting COWELL a tap in on the goal line to give a rather over-emphatic scoreline for the away side, to send the handful of away supporters home satisfied their promotion hopes are still alive.

There are too many “ifs” and “buts” in football, but it could be argued the goal in first half injury time gave Stocksbridge hope in a game they weren’t in until that point, whilst the lack of a sending off early in the game could have been even more crucial. As it is the decisions were made, and Garry Marrow’s side look a capable prospect at pushing for that long awaited promotion, although they’ll have to do it the hard way. Saturday’s game at Belper Town literally is a “six-pointer”, a trip to Leek in midweek is far from easy, whilst the last day game at home to Retford WILL decide the title – as I said “not easy!” Club can take plenty of positives from this, and the youngsters who stepped into the breach performed more than admirably, giving a ray of optimism for next season. They’ll have to step up to the mark once more in 48 hours, as Grantham Town head to S18 for the penultimate home game of the season, with the fixture back-log finally cleared and a chance for either team to climb to the heady heights of eleventh place.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Ted Cribley.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Wright ©, Woolley, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Cribley, Lipka, Goddard (Wainman), Graham, Roney. Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Cooksey, Cam.

Stocksbridge Park Steels: Scott, Adams, Schofield, Dawson, Lovell ©, Hawes, Riley (Hirst), Telling, Fothergill, (Ring), Ward, Vardy (Cowell). Subs Not Used: Wilkinson, Richards.

Att: 375

Brigg Town completed the league double over a disappointing Sheffield side, with a first half strike from Stuart Ainsley and a penalty late on from Rick Day, thus keeping their slender hopes of avoiding the drop alive (at least until Monday) at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

It was the visitors who got the game underway in typical Bank Holiday weather, damp and dismal, and almost scored straight away with Eagers firing across the goal and wide of the far post. Goddard then had a golden opportunity when put through, but his powerful shot was too close to Cook, whose reaction save tipped the ball over the bar. Goddard was on hand again ten minutes later, latching onto Wright's cross but his header lacked power, with Cook gathering easily. After the initial onslaught of the Brigg goal, they then created a chance of their own, when Rodgers had a shot that Cross was able to get his body behind. With just over a quarter of an hour played Sheffield had what was probably their best move of the game, when good interplay between Eagers and Muldoon saw the latter deliver a cross to the near post that Goddard flicked goalwards, but it ended up in the side netting. At the other end Cross had to be at his best to tip over a shot from Slack, the resulting corner seeing the Brigg winger fire in another effort, which he blazed over the bar. Despite having the better of the play and possession, Sheffield were let down by some poor passing in the final third, and the failure to deliver a decent set piece kick into the danger area. Brigg took the lead somewhat against the run of play on 35 minutes, when yet another attack broke down and Spall fed the ball down the wing to Slack, his cross into the area found AINSLEY running in unmarked to steer the ball home. This seemed to spur on the home side, who were challenging in for every ball, and just before the break Day went close with another shot.

The visitors made a double substitution at half time, bringing on Winter and Roney, to replace Goddard and Woolley. It was Brigg this time that went close to scoring just after the restart, when Day beat the offside trap and sprinted goalwards, only to be foiled by a timely tackle from Potter. Just before the hour mark Sheffield almost caught Brigg cold, when a Paul Smith quick free kick was chipped towards Gavin Smith, but ex-Sheffielder Cochrane read the danger and cleared the ball away. Brigg had a good chance to increase their lead, when a through-ball found Hutchinson through on goal, but Cross came to the rescue and cut out the danger. The visitors brought on Wainman for Muldoon, and moved Gavin Smith forward in an effort to get something out of the game as Brigg were fighting for every loose ball, and usually winning them too. Wainman had a half chance when fed the ball with the goal at his back, but his turn and shot was blocked. It took Sheffield just over half an hour to actually get a shot on target this half, when Roney almost caught the keeper out with a dipping effort, that Cook was happy to push round the post, the resulting corner being cleared. With less than ten minutes left to play Sheffield were awarded a free kick in the Brigg area, when Cook picked up what was deemed a back-pass, but Roney's pass to Graham comes to nothing as the striker slipped before getting his shot in. With five minutes left to play Brigg were awarded a penalty, when Winter fouled his opponent off the ball as Brigg were mounting an attack, and DAY made no mistake from the spot. Graham almost grabbed a consolation as his free kick was well saved at full stretch by Cook, but in the end it would have flattered the visitors who, apart from the opening twenty minutes were made to look second best by the league's basement club. Next up is the Easter Monday derby against high flying Stocksbridge who will be full of confidence after today's thrashing of Gresley which, in turn, was the result which has for the moment kept Brigg's hopes of UniBond survival intact

BTF Club Man of the Match: Paul Smith

Brigg Town: Cook, Spall, Barrett, Hutchinson, Cochrane, Jacklin, Slack, Lamb, Day, Rodgers (Ashton), Ainsley. Subs Not Used; Helliwell, Green, West.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Outram, Muldoon (Wainman), Eagers, Graham, Goddard (Winter), Woolley (Roney). Sub Not Used: Cam

Att: 151

Quorn 1 Sheffield FC 3

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 07/04/09

Club got back to winning ways, this evening at a sparsely populated Farley Way, as they ran out convincing winners over a useful looking Quorn outfit. Two goals from David Graham (in the 40^th and 78^th minutes), and a freakish own goal from Joe Shaw a minute from time sealed things for the visitors, after Justin Jenkins had levelled matters in the 76^th minute. It was a great performance from the Sheffield side, one that was made even more impressive by some quality keeping from young Tom Cross, who capped a fine display of outstanding stops with an excellent penalty save in the first half.

The game started fairly slowly considering the pace the game would develop to, and it took nearly twenty minutes for the first effort of the game, with David Graham stooping to head narrowly wide from a Matt Roney corner. Quorn then stepped up their own offensive, with Philip Miller finding himself clear on goal; however the shot was well saved by Tom Cross who turned the ball round the post. From the resulting corner Justin Jenkins’ shot was handled on the line by Matt Roney, referee Jones pointed to the spot, awarding Roney a yellow card for the offence. Jenkins stepped up to take the spot-kick, and blasted straight down the middle, only to see his effort well blocked by Cross. This missed opportunity spurred the visitors on, and they went straight up the other end, and were rewarded when Paul Smith’s corner was met by a glancing header from GRAHAM who steered the ball into the corner of the net. Graham should have doubled the lead straight from the kick off, as Steve Woolley charged a back-pass to Craig Jones, who under pressure half hit the clearance as far as the scorer – his shot at the empty goal was sadly off target.

Early in the second half Sheffield thought they’d extended their lead, when a Roney corner missed everyone in the middle finding Daz Winter at the back-post, Winter volley home only for the linesman to flag him as offside – even though there were two Quorn players on the line. At the other end Tom Cross was earning his pay, making some vital and important stops, blocking at the feet of Jenkins – and a few minutes later – repeating the feat against substitute Tom Byrne. From Paul White’s resultant corner, Quorn got their reward of an equaliser, as JENKINS rose above everyone in the box to head home. It was business as usual within a minute as Club responded in the best possible way, with Jordan Eagers splitting the defence with an inch perfect pass to Jack Muldoon, he squared across the face of the goal to give GRAHAM the easiest of tap-ins. Muldoon had the chance to wrap it up for Sheffield, as he powered through on goal, only to see Cross pull off a fantastic point-blank save. In injury time it was wrapped up in freakish circumstances, as both Graham and Muldoon charged into the area towards goal, the ball though skewed off Joe Shaw’s toe as he tried to clear it and looped over Jones’ head for an OWN-GOAL.

So after an entertaining ninety minutes, Club completed another double in their late resurgence, and continued their Indian sign over the Leicestershire outfit. Sheffield showed some nice football at times, and look to be a match for anyone in this league, giving plenty of hope for next season – if this squad can keep together. This win puts Club into 11^th spot in the league, and a top half finish is more than expected, amazing after looking like the season would finish in a basement struggle. Next up is a Good Friday trip to North Lincolnshire, where another away win – revenge for the defeat at the BFS in November – would condemn Brigg Town to relegation back to the NCEL.

BTF Club Man of the Match – David Graham

Quorn: Jones, Shaw, Peel (Darby), Marriott, Wigley ©, Wood, Miller (Langham), Robinson, Jenkins, White, Brown (Johnson). Subs Not Used: Byrne, Payne.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Roney (Outram), Eagers, Graham (Wainman), Muldoon (Goddard), Woolley. Sub Not Used: Cooksey.

Att: 93.

Lincoln United 1 Sheffield FC 0

UniBond Division One South

Saturday 04/04/09

A first half goal against the run of play from Sean Cann was the difference between the sides as Lincoln gained revenge for their recent loss between these two sides in the reverse fixture.

On a sunny afternoon with a bone-hard surface it was Sheffield who made the early running as Roney's cross was met by the head of Muldoon, only to see Ziccardi tip the ball over the bar. As in the previous encounter between the sides, United were content to soak up pressure and go forward on the break, a move demonstrated when Cann found himself in the clear, but the danger was cleared. At the other end it was Ziccardi once again to the rescue for the home defenders as Potter broke through and his shot was turned around at the near post. Outram then had an opportunity to open the scoring, linking up well with Muldoon but his header was just the wrong side of the post. Outram then turned culprit, giving away a free kick in a dangerous position, but Pembleton fired just over. Ziccardi was again at full stretch moments later when Muldoon’s cross went over Graham's head and looked to be on its way in before the keeper grabbed it. With all the pressure it looked like it wouldn't be long before someone scored and, sure enough on 27 minutes the deadlock was broken when a Sheffield attack once more broke down and Lincoln lofted the ball forward quickly where CANN was on hand to race through and shoot, his effort taking a slight deflection, giving Cross no chance. This seemed to inspire the home side who then created another opening for Pembleton, Cross having to make the save to deny another goal. Sheffield rallied, and just past the half hour mark Graham headed the ball on to Muldoon, who's fiercely struck shot was parried by the overworked Ziccardi, then being followed up by a full stretch save from Roney's cross. For all their possession the visitors were having no joy in front of goal as shots went astray all too often, although Outram's shot on 40 minutes needed a deflection to block the goal-bound effort. Just before the break Sheffield had a golden opportunity to draw level when yet another Paul Smith free kick was sent into the box and onto the head of the unmarked Graham, but he put the effort wide.

Sheffield made an early substitution in the second half when Outram limped off to be replaced by Fretwell. Almost ten minutes into the half and Sheffield went agonising close once again when Roney burst through, but Ziccardi managed to get a hand to his shot, scooping it up and into the path of Graham, but he was unable to bring the ball under control and the chance was lost. Once again Roney was tormenting the defence with his wing play and his cross just before the hour mark found Graham in the middle, but, as before, the striker failed to get his header on target when well placed. It was time to mix things up, so Woolley and Muldoon made way for Goddard and Wainman, the latter starting out wide. It was Wainman who in fact had the next half chance, running in at the near post for Roney's cross and gaining a corner. This was one of three successive corner kicks, but all were repelled by a resolute and somewhat desperate Lincoln defence. Graham almost redeemed himself on 80 minutes with a good turn and shot in the area that had Ziccardi at full stretch. With time running out Lincoln were happy to slow the game down by making a couple of late substitutions, which any team would have done in their situation. Sheffield's last chance of gaining something out of the game came in the last couple of minutes when McDaid gave away a free kick on the right side of the area, but the visitors couldn't capitalize on the situation and the referee brought the game to an end.

A disappointing result considering all the pressure, but as was seen today, it's goals, not possession that wins games. Next up is a trip to Quorn on Tuesday; let's hope for a more 'meaty' performance.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Darryl Winter

Lincoln United: Ziccardi, Forbes (Lowman), Porter, Wilkins, George, McDaid ©, Fleming (Giles), Atkinson, Wilkinson (Troughton), Cann, Pembleton. Subs Not Used: K.Smith, S.Wright.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, G.Wright, P.Smith. Winter, Outram (Fretwell), Roney, Eagers, Muldoon (Wainman), Graham, Woolley (Goddard)

Att: 170

A late strike from Andrew Potter gave nine-man Sheffield FC all three points, in this pulsating derby fixture tonight, as once again Hall Corner proved a happy hunting ground for Club. It looked as if two goals in the first ten minutes had set Sheffield up for a quick and comfortable revenge for the 4-0 loss in the reverse fixture, as Jack Muldoon and David Graham (from the spot) gave the visitors and early upper hand, but Glapwell replied with two in ten minutes of their own – with Steve Kennedy and Lewis Trimmer drawing things level. But then events took a dramatic change, as David Graham was given his marching orders for an off the ball incident, then in the second half he was joined by Sheffield’s Mick Goddard and Glapwell’s Robert Darkin. However with Glapwell looking to take advantage of the situation to further their promotion attempt, and with Sheffield seemingly happy to settle for a point, up popped Potter to snatch all three points for Club in injury time.

As expected, Glapwell’s biggest home league crowd of the season was on had to witness this one, and it was Sheffield who started brightest kicking up the notorious slope. It took just six minutes for the deadlock to be broken, as MULDOON played down the right wing, hooking the ball from the touchline – which in turn sailed over Andy Richmond’s head, dropping just inside the post. If that could be considered a fluke, four minutes later was anything but, as yet again Club piled forward and grabbed a second. A free-kick into the box was helped along by Gavin Smith, only to see it handled by Adam Kimberley; up stepped GRAHAM to slam home the penalty off the inside of the post. All credit to Glapwell, they responded positively and just after the quarter hour mark they pulled one back, as KENNEDY stabbed home a Kimberley corner. Sheffield could consider themselves to be rather unfortunate not to extend their lead moments after, as Andy Richmond did well to tip a Daz Winter effort over the bar, with the ball dipping dramatically at the last second. Eventually though Glapwell were back level, this time it was Ryan Goward who put the ball in to the middle, and TRIMMER was in the middle to give debutant keeper Tom Cross no chance. Things were starting to get a little heated in the middle, as referee McIntyre struggled to maintain order, and things came to a head when David Graham reacted to a challenge by Steve Kennedy – the Sheffield man being shown a straight red card. With the one man advantage the hosts set out on an all-out attack, with Paul Smith coming to the rescue, not once – but twice – as he cleared off the line following efforts from Kirk Jackson and Lewis Trimmer. Club weren’t going to collapse without a fight though, and both Jack Muldoon (with a mid-ranged effort) and Paul Smith (with a free-kick) tested Andy Richmond, with the Glapwell stopper showing great form to keep things level going into the break.

The second half saw Sheffield playing down the hill, and although they showed promise in attack, they never really created anything of note to test the Glapwell keeper. Five minutes in things turned a little niggly once again, as Mick Goddard went in for a 50-50 challenge on Andy Richmond, then followed it up with a little wrestling. Robert Darkin took exception to Goddard’s attentions, rushing fully twenty yards to get unnecessarily involved; referee McIntyre had seen enough – as with the Graham incident – to show the Glapwell defender a straight red card, whilst showing Goddard a second yellow for his involvement. So, with Club now down to nine men and Glapwell still having the one man advantage, the stage was now set to show how solid Sheffield’s resolve was. Apart from a Ryan Goward free-kick, which blazed past the post, the hosts had very little to offer and the Sheffield back line cleared with very little trouble. The longer the game went on, the more frustrated Glapwell’s players became, with Club unsurprisingly slowing the game down and running the clock as best possible. As injury time loomed and a draw the most likely result, Jordan Eagers looked to take the ball into the corner, but instead of holding possession there he turned the defender to cut in from the right wing – setting the ball up on a plate for POTTER, who was calmness personified to slot the ball in the corner to send the travelling support wild.

As far as local derbies go, this one was up there with the most eventful, and had just about everything you could ask for – and some things you’d rather not have. This loss has knocked Glappy back a little bit, but in all reality they will more than likely finish in a play-off spot, although a home tie is looking less likely. Club on the other hand are well on form for a top-half finish, a feat that looked very unlikely at the turn of the year, and their recent record is testament to the positive spirit that is prevalent throughout the team. Next up is a trip down Lincolnshire way, an away game at Lincoln United, who will no doubt the wanting revenge of their own following the loss at the BFS last Tuesday.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Paul Smith.

Glapwell: Richmond, Darkin, Goward, Varley, Kennedy, Kitchen, Trimmer (Brown), Burdett ©, Grayson, Jackson (McGuire), Kimberley. Subs Not Used: Wilson, Butler, West.

Sheffield FC: Cross, Potter, Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Muldoon, Eagers, Goddard, Graham, Woolley (McKenzie). Subs Not Used: Fretwell, Dolby, Furniss.

Att: 185

Despite dominating the game from the start, a lone David Graham strike was scant reward, as Rushall Olympic stole all three points this afternoon at the Bright Finance Stadium.

Club started the game with the same line-up as last Tuesday, with the addition of Steve Wolley on the bench and were the first to show, Gav Smith shooting over from a Roney cross. This was followed by a trio of corners, Rushall finally getting a breather when once again Gav Smith found himself up front, this time heading just wide of the upright. Eagers then tried his luck, his shot being tipped away by Dave Clarke. It took the visitors over twenty minutes before their first real chance fell to Marshall, who headed over from Haywood's free kick. The game then fell into a scrappy period of play, with neither side creating a deal as the weather took a hand with rain, sleet and sunshine all combining to make life difficult for both players and spectators, although the mood was lifted when some joker started to play 'Beautiful Day' by U2 over the tannoy. Clarke was certainly the busiest player on the field, tipping over an in-swinging corner from Roney. There was more sustained pressure on the visitors’ goal, Clarke making a good save to tip the ball away from the feet of Roney, while his defenders tidied up the bits and pieces. Sheffield should have been one up with just over five minutes of the half left when a Paul Smith free kick was headed goalwards by Winter only for it to bounce over Goddard's head with the goal at his mercy. Disaster struck on 40 minutes when a long ball forward found MARSHALL through on goal with only Furniss to beat, and despite the keeper narrowing the angle the front-man managed to squeeze the ball past him and watch it trickle into the net, with Wright unable to get back to clear it in time. The last action of the half saw Paul Smith deliver a long corner to the edge of the area where Roney lofted the ball back in and Graham was on hand to head goalwards, only to see Clarke make ground across his area to save.

Once again it was Sheffield who were straight on the attack, Roney evading his marker and putting the ball across goal, but no one was there to convert the opportunity. At this stage, Goddard was replaced by Wainman; perhaps hoping more pace might just unlock the Rushall defence who on the whole had no trouble dealing with the aerial assault on goal, but were suspect when the ball was on the floor. Sheffield were back in the game on the hour mark, when a rash challenge by Beale on Roney saw him give away a free kick on the left of the Rushall area. Paul Smith whipped the ball in and GRAHAM was on hand to head into the top corner, despite Clarke getting his hand to it. It was still nearly all Sheffield, but Fitzpatrick went close with a half chance for the visitors, almost taking the home side by surprise. With Fretwell on for Winter in midfield, Sheffield made their last substitution when Muldoon was replaced by Woolley, Roney switching wings to accommodate the change. Rushall were being pinned back as Sheffield went for the win, Potter going close with a long range effort just over the bar. However, the resulting goal-kick by Clarke saw the visitors launch an attack which had the home defence at sixes and sevens and Rushton took full advantage to retake the lead as LAMEY drove forward into the area, placing his shot beyond Furniss. With just 15 minutes left to play, the visitors were happy to try and soak up the pressure. When Sheffield did breach the defence Clarke was on hand to quell the danger, Roney seeing his rasping shot gathered at the second attempt. Rushall tried to disrupt the assault on goal by making a substitution (Stevens for Marshall), but still Sheffield pressed for the equaliser. With time running out a Paul Smith cross to the back post found Fretwell unmarked, but once again Clarke was on hand to save the header. With 90 minutes played, and at least three minutes of added time to play, Rushall once again took the heat off their defence by making another substitute, Forsdick replacing Lamey. The scoring was completed in added time when FORSDICK netted from close range, much to the delight of Dave Clarke who, along with his team-mates was glad all over.

A disappointing result after such a hard fought win on Tuesday, but credit to Rushall who had a game plan and played to their strengths, the difference being they created three chances and scored on each occasion. Sheffield now has four successive away games, starting on Tuesday at high flyers Glapwell.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Roney

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter (Fretwell), Roney, Eagers, Goddard (Wainman), Graham, Muldoon (Woolley). Sub Not Used: Cam.

Rushall Olympic: Clarke, Beale, Haywood, Preston, Barrow, Johnson, Palmer, Lamey (Forsdick), Marshall (Stevens), Beckett, Fitzpatrick. Subs Not Used: Hanna, Daniels, Williams.

Att: 307

Sheffield FC 3 Lincoln United 2

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday 24/03/09

A first half strike from man of the match Matt Roney and two second half efforts from Gavin Smith and Jack Muldoon saw Sheffield overcome a two goal deficit to win their fourth game on the bounce at a rain lashed BFS tonight.

On a rock hard surface to start with it was the visitors who had the first chance on goal, Furniss getting down well to block a shot from Wilkinson. At the other end, Muldoon tried his luck running onto a through ball to volley wide of the mark. A steady rainfall, coupled with a strong breeze was making life difficult for the players to keep their footing, and too many times the hosts were guilty of hitting the ball forward too hard, by not allowing for the weather conditions. Having said, when they started to play the ball around, the United defence were stretched at every opportunity, with Roney time and again evading his marker to get a cross in. Graham had a guilt edged opportunity 20 minutes in when Potter's cross found him unmarked, but he sliced his shot well wide of the target. Against the run of play Lincoln took the lead when McDAID was allowed to go through the defence and fire a shot which gave Furniss no chance. Sheffield still pressed forward and a Paul Smith free kick saw Ziccardi in the visitors’ goal having to palm the effort out. Despite most of the play being in the Lincoln half, United almost snatched another goal on the break when Furniss had to save from Cann. More chances went begging for Club amid the now steady downpour, None more so than when Graham's shot hit the post and rebounded to Goddard who sky-ed the ball over from six yards. With four minutes of the half left the visitors took advantage of some slack defending to drive into the area, only for Gav Smith to bundle over Josh Giles, the referee pointing straight to the spot for a penalty. CANN made no mistake from the resultant kick. Thankfully their undeserved two goal cushion was reduced a minute later when man of the match RONEY fired in a brilliant drive from 25 yards that gave Ziccardi no chance.

Amid the wet conditions, Sheffield started the second half on the attack, Goddard going close with a glancing header from Graham's cross. Ziccardi was then in action once more, punching away a free kick from Smith. Just past the hour mark Lincoln had the opportunity to sneak further ahead, but Furniss was alert enough to come out and block at the strikers feet. The pressure was well and truly on Lincoln now, who were defending in numbers but were undone in the 65th minute when yet another goalmouth scramble saw Gavin SMITH on hand to steer the ball home, despite Lincoln appeals for offside. Sheffield seemed to find another gear then, and with Wainman replacing Goddard it gave the Lincoln defenders yet something else to worry about, as he closed down on defenders giving them little time dwell on the ball. Still chances came and went, with United clinging on for their lives. Sheffield finally got their deserved winner on the 84th minute when once again Roney terrorised the Lincoln defence, making head roads down the left wing before cutting in on the touchline and delivering a ball in front of the goal which MULDOON was glad to knock in from two yards. A minute later and the lead was almost increased as a long ball forward saw Graham give chase out wide, who beat the keeper to it who had come for the same ball but his effort trickled agonisingly the wrong side of the post. That was Graham's last slice of action, as Dolby brought on Cam to replace him, and also eat up some precious seconds on the clock. However, the referee still indicated that there would be a minimum of four extra minutes and supporters’ hearts were in their mouths when Lincoln won a corner. Up went Ziccardi, abandoning his goalkeeping duties but the ball was cleared out to Cam who punted the ball goalwards towards the unguarded net and with Roney running on it looked all on another goal until Fleming somehow managed to get a tackle in to clear.

A deserved victory and you can't do better than four wins from four home matches on the trot. Next up is another home fixture on Saturday against Rushall Olympic. Can we make it a handful of wins?

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Roney

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Winter, Roney, Eagers, Goddard (Wainman), Graham (Cam), Muldoon. Subs Not Used: Fretwell.

Lincoln United: Ziccardi, Fleming, Porter, Wilkins, George, McDaid, Giles, Wilkinson (Forbes), Lowman, Cann, Atkinson. Subs Not Used: K.Smith, Creane.

Att: 260

Sheffield FC 2 Willenhall Town 1

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 21/03/09

They say that every cloud has a silver lining, and this game summed up that saying all the way, as a pretty mundane match up between two mid-table sides sprung to life in the most dramatic fashion this afternoon at the Bright Finance Stadium. Just as it seemed that Micky Goddard’s first league goal of the season had secured all three points for the home side, Lee Chilton equalised in injury time in controversial circumstances, with Sheffield’s Gavin Smith receiving his marching orders for allegedly handling on the line. But whilst the Lockmen were congratulating themselves on a job well done in salvaging a point, Club went directly up the other end and grabbed a winner, with new signing David Graham sending the home crowd delirious with the last kick of the game.

With the spring sunshine bathing the BFS pitch, and with a pretty hard and dusty surface, both sides started this one with plenty of energy and vigour. There were chances at both ends early on, as the lanky Rory May hooked wide for Willenhall and at the other end David Graham forced an excellent one-handed save from Luke Tilt, after a Matt Roney Cross. Graham was the main instigator of the Sheffield threat in the first half, shooting a free-kick just over the bar, whilst he followed that up with an effort from the edge of the box that was well stopped by Tilt. After that though, both sides cancelled each other out, and the game developed into a dour little midfield scrap that offered little in the way of entertainment. Naveed Arshed was causing a few issues with the home players, although not in the best sense, as he got unnecessarily involved with both Stewart Copnell and Gavin Smith – the latter seeing the home player receive a yellow card for an over aggressive reaction. Marc Furniss had little to do in the first period but when he was called on he did well, as he turned free-kick set-piece move round the post at full stretch, after Scott Stevenson set up skipper Lee Chilton.

Club should really have grabbed the lead in the opening seconds of the restart, as Shaun Griffiths missed the ball completely, gifting David Graham an opportunity that was squandered as the shot was fired directly at Tilt. Stewart Copnell saw a free-kick fly narrowly over the bar, whilst at the other end a mix-up between Paul Smith and Marc Furniss gave Naveed Arshed a chance, one that the Willenhall player failed to take advantage of. It was turning into an afternoon of defensive mix-ups, as Brendan Kelly played a weak under weighted pass to the keeper, David Graham got between the two – sadly the end shot trickled onto the post and out to safety. But just as this game seemed to be drifting into a goal-less draw, Sheffield finally broke the deadlock as a Matt Outram cross was hooked on by Graham, and steaming in to break his league duck was GODDARD who made no mistake from two yards out. It should have been two moments later, as a Greg Wright free-kick was floated into the box, and with Tilt colliding with one of his defenders Micky Goddard was unable to bring the ball under enough control to do anything more than hook it over the bar. The goal seemed to bring the Lockmen out of their shell, and they started to pose a few problems at the other end, with Chilton breaking clear of Paul Smith – producing a great stop from Furniss – and Gavin Saunders saw his header cleared off the line by Paul Smith. But just as it seemed that Club had weathered the storm and achieved their third clean sheet of the week, disaster struck in the most bizarre way, as once again a defensive mix-up came to the fore. As the ball fell between Gavin Smith and Marc Furniss, Smith headed the ball towards the keeper, unfortunately Rory May took the ball and rounded Furniss – only to see his shot headed off the line by the Sheffield defender. The referee however adjudged the header had bounced directly onto Smith’s arm, awarding a penalty, and with it a red card – leaving CHILTON the formality of slamming home the spot-kick. But if you thought that was that – think again – as Club went directly up the other end, winning two throw-ins in quick succession. The second was a “long one” by Leon Wainman, Goddard flicked the ball on with his head, GRAHAM steered the ball into the corner.

There will be people that will say that justice had been done, but in all fairness Willenhall had done enough to warrant a point, but not in the circumstances that they nearly won one. Sadly for them they sat back after that equaliser thinking their work was done, and Sheffield capitalised on that failing, ensuring that they managed their third home win in a week – taking Club up to the heady heights of 14^th place. Next along on Tuesday is Lincoln United, who saw that impressive unbeaten away run ended last weekend, and suffered for a second week in a row up the road at promotion chasing Glapwell – where they lost 2-3.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Paul Smith

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright ©, G.Smith, P.Smith, Fretwell (Eagers), Roney (Wainman), Outram, Copnell (Goddard), Graham, Muldoon.

Willenhall Town: Tilt, Lycett (Rofe), Milligan, Kelly, Griffiths, Saunders, Stevenson (Willis), Findlay, May, Arshed, Chilton ©. Subs Not Used: Nisbett, Ryan, Edwards.

Att: 310

Sheffield FC 1 Kidsgrove Athletic 0

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 17/03/09

Sheffield completed their first league double of the season, this evening at the Bright Finance Stadium, as for the second game running Club managed to keep a clean sheet that has been sorely missing this campaign. An 8^th minute goal settled matters, although it could be disputed who actually should claim it, with ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker David Graham getting the final touch on his debut. Whilst Kidsgrove huffed and puffed, causing the hosts to clear the ball off the line three times, the result never seemed to be in real danger. Overall it turned out to be a dour contest, with only brief glimpses of entertaining football, none more so than with the introduction of Stewart Copnell who gave the visitors more than a few things to think about.

Club started very brightly, and it looked as though it had the potential for a goal-fest, as Sheffield scored on their first proper attack. Steve Woolley crossed the ball into the middle; Matt Roney met it with a sweet volley, which ricocheted off the arse of GRAHAM before cannoning past Stephen Intihar. Woolley was proving to be an early thorn in the visitors’ side early on, with his pace on the left causing grief, and a solo run followed by a wicked shot whipped across the face of the goal and just wide. But as Kidsgrove found a way back into the game, Club went back inside their shell allowing Athletic to come at them more adventurously, although the best they could produce in the remainder of the half was a couple of efforts that were blocked close to goal – including one from a free-kick given for a pass back that Marc Furniss picked up.

The second half was a grim affair, the most interesting occurrence coming when Liam Shotton saw his effort cleared off the line, but it seemed both sides cancelled each other out. The rash of substitutions threatened to change that, with Stewart Copnell seeing his vicious strike deflected wide, whilst he turned provider moments later with some neat footwork that saw Mick Goddard through on goal – his shot however was off target. Jimmy Dunn came close for Kidsgrove, as his shot was lashed wide, whilst Charlie Reeves saw his header cleared off the line. In the end though Sheffield held on, and could have doubled the lead late on with a Stewart Copnell free-kick, sadly there wasn’t to be a typical outcome as the ball struck the post and bounced to safety.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Paul Smith

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Fretwell, Roney (Muldoon), Outram, Wainman (Goddard), Graham (Copnell), Woolley. Subs Not Used: Eagers.

Kidsgrove Athletic: Intihar, Shenton, Sanders, Schwartz, D.Smith, Beasley, Skelton (Matranga), Dove, Shotton, Benjamin (Dunn), Moss (Reeves). Subs Not Used: Bridge, White.

Att: 279

Sheffield avenged defeat three weeks ago at The Victoria Pleasure Grounds with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Goole AFC at The BFS Stadium this afternoon. An early goal from Leon Wainman put Club on their way, and despite dominating the game and creating a hatful of chances they had to rely on a Jordan Eagers penalty, wrecklessly given away by Manager Nigel Danby to confirm the win.

There were returning home debuts for Leon Wainman and Matt Roney this afternoon whilst Micky Goddard was looking for his first competitive action since returning from injury, starting the day from the substitutes' bench. The hosts made the perfect start, catching the visitors cold when with just 2 minutes played Woolley broke away from the half way line and after bamboozling his marker squared the ball across the area where WAINMAN was on hand to bundle the ball home despite the efforts of his marker. The hosts were having plenty of the ball in these early stages, Muldoon latching onto a loose ball and driving forward, but shooting wide of the target. Goole's first shot in anger came just after 15 minutes when a Lee effort was safely gathered by Furniss. Back at the other end some good interplay saw Osborne making a save from Woolley's shot. McGhie then had an opportunity for the visitors but his wayward effort flew high over the bar. Time and again the hosts had the Goole defence on the back-foot and they were more than happy to shoot on site...if not on target, as Woolley and Gav Smith, among others, shot high and wide into the adjoining woods! Play was held up with five minutes of the half left to play when a nasty clash of heads between Outram and Hill saw the Goole captain having to leave the field with a visit to the local hospital pending as a result of severe swelling and bruising around the eye socket, the visitors replacing him with Tate. The resulting free kick saw Jeffs fire well over for the Vikings.

The second half again saw Sheffield on the front foot as Outram, Wainman and Muldoon combined well before the latter fired just over the bar. One of the best moves of the game saw Woolley and Muldoon exchange a one-two in the Goole area where Woolley took the ball to the by-line and then cross to Wainman who almost walked it into the net before Osborne managed to grasp the ball from his toes. With only one goal difference Goole were by no means out of it, but for all their effort, they never looked like worrying Furniss who up to this point had only had to make one save of note. Sheffield livened things up with the introduction of Goddard and, shortly after Copnell, replacing Muldoon and Roney. The game then started to get 'niggly' with petty fouls disrupting the flow of the game. With 20 minutes left Fretwell brought out the best from Osborne as the keeper had to dive full length to palm his shot away. The hosts then had a glorious chance to extend the lead when man of the match Woolley once again delivered a perfect cross onto the head of Goddard, but the striker headed it straight at the keeper. Shortly after that Wainman almost made Osborne pay for a poor kick out as he hoisted the ball goalwards from a distance of 40 yards which only just went over the bar to save the keepers blushes. Goole decided to go for broke by bringing Danby on as Sheffield bolstered the midfield by resting Wainman and bringing Eagers on in his place. With ten minutes left the Vikings beat the offside trap but the effort was cleared for a corner. Furniss then had to punch clear under pressure as Goole pressed for an equaliser. With time running our Furniss was once again called into action as he too had to make a full length save to keep the visitors at bay. With time running out the hosts were happy to keep possession in the corners, or exploit the space at the back when the time was right. The game was settled in the last minute when Goddard ran onto a ball, challenged by Jeffs, the defender claiming raised elbows as play went on. Danby then got involved, pushing the forward in front of the referee who did not hesitate in pointing to the spot for a penalty, which EAGERS dispatched with ease, sending the keeper the wrong way. Although having the majority of the game, Sheffield made hard work against a poor Goole side, but the win is a good platform to start on as the team embark on another four successive home games, starting on Tuesday against Kidsgrove Athletic.

BTF Man of the Match: Steve Woolley

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Fretwell, Roney (Copnell), Muldoon (Goddard), Wainman (Eagers), Outram, Woolley.

Goole AFC: Osborne, Morley, Jeffs, Hill (Tate), Siddall, McGhie (Danby), Rollinson, Darker, Lee, Spilman, Buttle. Sub Not Used: Beard.

Att: 220

Retford United 3 Sheffield FC 0

UniBond Division One North South

Tuesday, 10/03/09

Retford did their championship hopes no harm, this evening at Cannon Park, as they brushed aside a Sheffield outfit with three set-piece goals. Chris Bettney opened the scoring in the 12^th minute, followed by a second in the 28^th minute by Daniel White, whilst Michael Simpkins put the kybosh on any possible comeback with a third in the 76^th minute. Club had rallied and applied a fair amount of pressure in the second period, but lacked any cutting edge, and could hardly argue with the scoreline.

The opening of this game was a tightly contested affair, and if Sheffield were going to get anything from the night the first thing they needed to avoid was an early goal, but when Chambers’ header hit the bar the warning signs were there for all to see. But when the Badgers did make the breakthrough it came direct from a free-kick, with BETTNEY curling a lovely strike into the top corner, leaving Furniss with no chance of getting anything near the ball. Club came out of their shell straight after this, and Paul Smith came close with a screamer from 25 yards, with Simpkins deflecting the shot over the bar with his head. Just before the half hour mark Sheffield were caught cold from a corner, with Ford popping the ball into the middle, and WHITE getting there with an un-marked header.

After the restart the majority of the play was in the home team’s defensive half, although Sheffield rarely threatened, despite the best energetic efforts of Stewart Copnell. But the closest to a goal in the opening moments came at the other end, with Owens getting a shot on target, producing an excellent save from Marc Furniss. At the other end ex-Clubbie Ross Turner thwarted his old team, with Copnell the man being denied, as the Badgers’ stopper got down to stop the Sheffield player’s pile-driving free-kick. Regardless of how much attacking and pressing Club applied, Retford were more than capable of clearing their lines, and with fifteen to go they hit the visitors with the ultimate sucker-punch. Adam Fretwell was penalised for a foul about twenty yards out, Ford dummied the free-kick, and SIMPKINS capped a fine captain’s performance with a neatly curled short into the top corner.

All-in-all Retford never seemed to get out of first gear, all three goals came from set pieces, and a fair few of the hosts’ players never had to really get involved in the game. For all Sheffield’s efforts – and no mistake there was plenty of effort from the visitors – they couldn’t break a well organised and blunt defensive line. Hopefully they’ll be able to take some positives from this one, and with a little luck they’ll be able to capitalise on the pressure in the next game, and convert a few chances against the visitors on Saturday – Goole AFC.

Retford United: Turner, Oldham, White, Ford, Chambers, Simpkins, Bettney, Fisher (Chappell), Godber, Harvey (Longstaff), Owens (Grimes).Subs Not Used: Duffield, Kingston.

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Potter, Wright, Smith P, Smith G, Fretwell, Roney, Muldoon, Copnell (Wainman), Outram, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Gelsthorpe, Dolby.

Att: 204

It turned out to be one of those days at the Bright Finance Stadium this afternoon, as Club turned in nothing short of a Jeckyll and Hyde performance, managing to snatch a defeat from a game that looked to be comfortably in the bag. After taking a well deserved two goal lead in the first half, following goals from Daz Winter, pictured left (12^th minute) and Robert Cam (25^th minute), Sheffield seemed to fall into an amazing transformation with Dynamo hitting three in return against the subdued hosts. Callum Ross (28^th minute) pulled one back against the run of play in the first half, before they turned the screw in the second, turning things totally around with goals from Neil Morgan (67^th minute) and a belter from Lewis Allen (77^th minute).

Sheffield made a promising start to this game, and had no fewer than three clear cut chances in the first ten minutes, with the visitors rocking with the early pressure. The best of these came as Paul Smith put a free-kick to the back post, with Daz Winter heading straight at Matt Nurse in the Dynamo goal, whilst moments later Steve Woolley dug a ball out on the dead-ball line to cross to Stewart Copnell – whose shot was drilled into the ground and over the bar. On twelve minutes Club made the deserved breakthrough, as Woolley showed some great skill to retain possession before offloading to Matty Outram, and it was his chip across the goal that found WINTER available to head home from close range. The hosts never looked troubled at this stage and the control they had over the game seemed to suggest not only a win, but a convincing win at that, and midway through the half the added to their tally to emphasise that point of view. Again it was Steve Woolley who was at the centre of things, with his cross to the back post finding Daz Winter, who headed back across goal this time – and waiting to receive the easiest of nod-ins was CAM, to make it 2-0. Sheffield’s pressure seemed to be relentless, but after an attack broke down with Matt Nurse collecting the easiest of crosses, he was then able to launch it down field where ROSS was able to outmuscle Paul Smith and hit a volley beyond the diving Marc Furniss to give Loughborough an unlikely foothold in the game.

If the first half was an entertaining game of football, with Sheffield stroking the ball around confidently and composed, then the second half was the complete opposite – with the hosts looking nervous and disjointed. Loughborough weren’t exactly an attacking force, but neither were they under pressure, and soon enough they found the ability to break free of any mental shackles they had and started to put Club under the cosh. I suppose you could say the equaliser was against the run of play, but that would be unfair on Dynamo, as the substitute Lee Dawson found himself in acres of space before letting a shot go that Furniss could only palm into the path of MORGAN – giving the second substitute the easiest of finishes. Sheffield seemed well out of it now, and if there was going to be a winner, it was always going to be the visitors as the first half appeared to be long-forgotten by both sides. The winning goal; when it came was pretty special, as a ball into the box fell out as far as Lewis Allen, and after one neat little touch ALLEN let rip from 25 yards to give Furniss no chance. Eventually Club woke up, but not until it was too late, and started to throw bodies forward in an attempt to salvage something from the wreckage. With seconds to go a Steve Woolley cross was missed by everyone, in the middle waiting was Gavin Smith, but his shot went directly at Nurse – pretty much summing up the second half in its entirety.

This was probably one of the most disappointing displays by a Sheffield side this season; Club literally pummelled Loughborough in the first half (as they did at Nanpantan earlier in the season), yet failed to land the knock-out punch to grab all three points. As it turned out the dismal second half made the first totally forgettable, which is sad, especially as the quality of football on display in the opening half was as good (or better) as any this season. Luckily little rested on the outcome of this game, and manager Chris Dolby will be able to take his team into Tuesday’s game with plenty of positives from this defeat; hopefully managing ending up with a game with two first half performances.

BTF MotM - Steve Woolley

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Eagers (Gelsthorpe), Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Fretwell, Outram, Winter, Copnell (Muldoon), Cam (Cribley), Woolley.

Loughborough Dynamo: M.Nurse, Jenno, L.Plummer, Latham, Betts, Noble ©, J.Allen (Dawson), L.Allen, Ross (Edmands), Mason (Morgan), Moreira. Subs Not Used: Collis, B.Plummer.

Att: 355

Goole AFC 2 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 24/02/09

After the heady heights of hitting seven on Saturday, Club came down to earth with a bump this evening, losing 2-1 against a battling Goole AFC side. A goal each from Karl Rose (6^th minute) and Ben Spilman (23^rd minute) gave the Vikings a lead they were able to hang on to, with Jordan Eagers scoring from the penalty spot in the 70^th minute, seconds after missing another spot-kick. Sheffield finished the game the stronger of the two sides, and despite losing Daz Winter for a second yellow card, Goole were left hanging on to the death to ensure they were the ones who picked up the vital three points.

All eyes were on Stewart Copnell’s return to the VPG this evening following his controversial exit from the home club, but the home support had other things to occupy their minds early on, as in the 6^th minute the hosts were to take a pretty fortuitous lead. A Goole corner was cleared to the edge of the box where ROSE was lurking; he swung a hopeful shot at the ball which skewed skywards; however luck was on his side as it looped over Marc Furniss who could only claw it goalwards – and into the net. In all honesty after this there was little to choose between the two sides, with both involved in a terse midfield battle, with nothing like an opportunity looking likely. That was until midway through the half, as the ball fell out to SPILMAN at the edge of the area, and there was no doubting the quality of the strike which left Furniss with no chance of denying Goole a second goal. It was at this point that Sheffield came to life; Jordan Eagers made an excellent solo run that left defenders sprawling in his wake, the end product sadly was weak to say the least. Stewart Copnell also managed to get the better of the home defence, before shooting rather wayward, whilst Robert Cam was a little disappointed with his header from an Eagers’ cross that ended up a little too easy for Chris Hill in the hosts’ goal. The best chance to add to the scoring though came at the other end, as a wicked free-kick from Jeffs rattled the bar, with Steve Rollinson failing to get any purchase to tuck the rebound away.

If Sheffield were to get anything out of this game an early goal was imperative, and they thought they’d got one as Robert Cam forced a Matt Outram cross over the line, only for the assistant to rule it out for a marginal offside. Goole were always still a threat when they got the ball forward, and Ian McLean forced an excellent save from Furniss, who tipped the defenders’ 35-yard rasper round the post. Sadly as far as the hosts were concerned they were satisfied with the result as it stood, and resorted to some pretty unattractive football, hoofing the ball upfield at every given opportunity. But then as Sheffield pressed forward more frequently and in numbers, the game took a twist as the referee awarded a penalty for an infringement in the box – which one he picked was a mystery, as he had a choice of three trips to choose from. Up stepped Jordan Eagers with the spot kick, however his powerful effort cleared Hill and struck the bar, the rebound fell between Eagers and McLean – with the defender wrestling the Sheffield man to the ground. So seconds after the miss, EAGERS stepped up for a second attempt, this time a more considered attempt that found the back of the net. The controversy woke up the hosts somewhat, and the introduction of speedy substitute Regis Nvhambu livened them up some more, however the home support was appeased a little with the referee awarding Daz Winter a second yellow for an obstruction on Danny Buttle. Nvhambu caused concern down the right for Sheffield, and got behind the defence to set up Buttle who took the ball around Furniss to slot the ball towards an empty net, fortunately for Club Matt Outram was there to stop the ball crossing the line. The visitors managed to get the ball in the back of the net once again, with a sublime move from Eagers who crossed the ball in, Gav Smith flicked the ball on and Robert Cam steamed in at the back post to finish – again the assistant ruled it marginally offside, and with it went any chance of Club salvaging a point.

Sheffield were left ruing a bit of a slow start on this one, and once Goole had their noses safely in front, they set their stall out to launch the ball anywhere but the danger area. Not pretty it has to be agreed, but ultimately effective, and for that they cannot be blamed. The result takes the Vikings up to 15^th spot, and away from any danger, whilst Club drop to 17^th – although sitting a good fifteen points clear of relegation. Next up for Sheffield is a home game against Loughborough Dynamo, a team sitting in mid-table, who also lost tonight at Shepshed in the Leicestershire Westerby Cup.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Jordan Eagers

Goole AFC: C.Hill, Jeffs (Nvhambu), McLean, B.Hill ©, Siddall, Danby, Rollinson, Darker, Spilman (Beard), Rose (Tate), Buttle. Subs Not Used: Norbury, Osborne

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Eagers, Wright ©, P.Smith, G.Smith, Fretwell, Outram, Winter, Copnell, Muldoon (Cam), Woolley (Lipka). Subs Not Used: Dolby, Gelsthorpe.

Att: 141.

Two goals from Jordan Eagers plus strikes from Steve Woolley, Matt Outram, Stewart Copnell, Janni Lipka and an own goal to start proceedings saw Sheffield trounce Spalding this afternoon at the BFS. After Tuesday night's well earned point against second placed Belper Town Sheffield welcomed back Gav Smith and Stewart Copnell, making a belated home return debut from the bench, after suspension and there was also a place on the bench for Daz Winter finally recovered from injury.

On a bright sunny day Sheffield couldn't have asked for a better start as in their first real attack with just three minutes on the clock Woolley's cross from the by-line was missed by the keeper and as Outram and Kennedy went up for the ball it was KENNEDY who headed it into his own net, while Outram received treatment after heading the post! A minute later and Fretwell unleashed a shot from 25 yards which was just off target. Spalding were all at sixes and sevens as Muldoon then had Roberts diving full stretch to palm the ball away, closely followed by Cam having an effort saved by the keepers feet. There was very little respite for the visitors, as on a rare sortie forward French shot over when well placed. This was soon followed by Furniss having to make a good stop at his near post to smother a free kick. Back at the other end and the already overworked Roberts punched away a typical Paul Smith free kick with Woolley in close attendance. Spalding almost pulled level through Wormall when he slipped the ball past the advancing Furniss, but Paul Smith was on hand to clear the ball off the line. 'Smudge' was then in action again moments later, this time firing in a free kick just the wrong side of the post. Sheffield went further ahead in the 35th minute when a poor goal kick found Woolley, who in turn fed the ball through to EAGERS whose deft touch left Roberts rooted to the spot as the ball trickled into the corner of the net. Three minutes later and EAGERS was again on hand, this time firing home a penalty after handball by Goosey.

The game was over as a contest after just two minutes of the restart as Outram's cross from the wing found WOOLLEY who smashed the ball home from ten yards out. Spalding had substituted their keeper at the break, but his replacement (unknown) was already having a torrid time as Sheffield kept the visitors pinned back for long periods. The best goal of the game came on 53 minutes when man of the match OUTRAM picked the ball up just inside the opponents half, ran past three defenders and the keeper before slotting home from a tight angle. With Winter already on the field from the start of the second half, it was time to give the other two substitutes a run out as Copnell and Lipka entered the fray and it proved dividends as on 70 minutes Outram once again provided a teasing cross into the box, and as defender and keeper stood waiting for each other, COPNELL was in like a flash to poke the ball home. He almost doubled his own tally moments later when Lipka threaded the ball through to him, but as he slipped it past the keeper it was hacked away off the line. The scoring was completed when Eagers' quick thinking saw him take a quick free kick after being brought down, floating the ball into the area where LIPKA was on hand to fire home.

A comprehensive thrashing against what was a poor Spalding side, but it doesn't detract from the performance of the team, whose blend of youth and experience showed it could work. After all, you can only beat what's put in front of you, but it was good to see the team work for the full 90 minutes, never letting up, even though the result was never in danger. Next up is a trip to Goole on Tuesday night.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Matt Outram

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Gelsthorpe, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Fretwell, Outram, Muldoon (Winter), Cam (Copnell), Eagers, Woolley (Lipka).

Spalding United: Roberts (McShane), Jones, Kennedy, Goosey, Foster, Young (Moore), Maddox (Duroe), Miller, Hughes, Wormall, French. Subs Not Used: O'Neill, McShane, A.N.Other.

Att: 304

Sheffield FC 1 Belper Town 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 17/02/09

Sheffield turned in a fantastic battling performance to deny championship hopefuls Belper all three points, at the Bright Finance Stadium this evening, holding the Derbyshire side to a creditable 1-1 draw. Robert Cam gave Club a well deserved lead ten minutes into the second period, after some excellent build up from Matt Outram, only for the Nailers to equalise midway through the half with an equally well worked goal from Ant Wilson with a Dean Oliver assist. The fact the game even went ahead was credit to the ground-staff, who had worked tirelessly to transform the pitch from a snow-bound tundra to a surface which – whilst difficult – was not even deemed necessary of an inspection. But with this came a heavy track, making it difficult for both teams to play their natural game, however both sides will be simply happy to have got one more game from their respective backlogs cleared.

It wouldn’t have taken the biggest genius to work out that Belper were clear favourites for this one, given the table positions alone told a huge story, but with the Sheffield side having a massively makeshift look about it the visitors would have been expected to steamroller the hosts with ease. The early pattern of play certainly gave that impression, as Belper went forward with the confidence of a team that is pushing for honours, and in the 17^th minute they served notice of what to expect as they bundled the ball over the line – only to have the goal ruled out for an infringement in the goalmouth mêlée. Marc Furniss was making his league debut in the hosts’ goal - following Leigh Walker’s exit to Belper - and he proved himself to be a worthy replacement, making an excellent fingertip save from a James Colliver shot, turning the ball acrobatically over the bar. At the other end Walker was proving his worth, as Adam Fretwell put in an excellent ball to Robert Cam whose shot was well blocked by the big stopper, with Matty Outram’s rebound skewing wide of the post.

Both sides had shown plenty of endeavour in the first half, but neither had a goal to show for the efforts, but it didn’t take long after the restart for the deadlock to be broken – and surprisingly it was the hosts which grabbed the opener. Some great work down the right from Matt Outram turned Andy Rushbury inside out, the winger made enough space to whip in a telling cross, and in the middle CAM was there to slam home past Walker from close range. The game now saw Club in the ascendancy with Belper well and truly on the back-foot and in an almost identical fashion to the goal; Outram got the ball across to Andrew Potter, whose effort was tipped over the bar by Walker. Ironically Belper finally came into the game when the prolific Lee Stevenson was replaced on the hour by Dean Oliver, with the threat of the leading scorer gone it seemed Club relaxed a little and allowed Oliver that little extra space not afforded to Stevenson, and a wild shot seconds after from the substitute gave notice of what was to come. Moments later Oliver found himself in space on the right – and in similar circumstances to the Sheffield goal – the ball was crossed to WILSON, who took a little touch before lashing the ball beyond Furniss. Now it was Belper’s turn to be in charge and whilst they lay siege to the Sheffield goal, they were given a massive wake-up call that it wasn’t a one-way procession, as Club broke up the other end with Steve Woolley forcing a solid save from Leigh Walker. But the hero of the day was at the other end, as Marc Furniss repelled wave after wave of Nailers’ attacks, with some pretty impressive saves. Dean Oliver set up an opportunity for Ben Walker, Furniss did well to get well to get down to block his shot, then ex-Clubbie Peter Smith saw his header denied by the lively young keeper. The last chance for Belper came with a late goalmouth scramble, with Michael Harcourt getting his foot to the ball in the mêlée; once again Furniss was there to block the path to goal.

This was a well earned point for Sheffield, given the difficulties since the New Year, and one that came from a performance that Chris Dolby should be rightly proud of. Excuses could be made by the title chasing visitors around the state of the pitch, which to be fair held up remarkably well, but in truth it was the battling quality of the young Sheffield side that frustrated Belper – as they chased and harried every single ball. As far as this affects the table, the Nailers will be ruing the two points they potentially lost, whilst Club will find this is one earned to give that little bit of space between them and the potentially uncomfortable relegation zone. Sheffield will now go into Saturday’s battle with Spalding United knowing that a vital win is highly possible if they approach the game in a similar fashion to tonight, whilst Belper will be looking at the next two fixtures (away to Retford, then away to Stocksbridge) as a make or break period, if they are to end their twelve season spell in UniBond One.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Marc Furniss

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Eagers, Gelsthorpe, P.Smith, Wright ©, Fretwell, Outram, Muldoon, Cam (Lipka), Potter, Woolley. Subs Not Used. Cribley, Purkiss.

Belper Town: L.Walker, Colliver ©, Rushbury, Kotylo, Harcourt, Haigh, Hudson, Stevenson (Oliver), B.Walker, Hindley (P.Smith). Subs Not Used: Tracey, Litchfield, Carney.

Att: 335.

Two second half goals by BTF man of the match Stewart Copnell were not enough to save Sheffield from their second defeat of the week, writes Trevor Herrington, at Dales Lane this afternoon.

Sheffield FC 0 Glapwell 4

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 27/01/09

A first half goal for Glapwell and a further three goals in a twenty minute second half period, saw the visitors record a resounding win in a poor game on a 'pudding' of a pitch.

Sheffield started in a positive mood, putting the Glapwell defence on the back foot from the off. Dolby hitting a Paul Smith free kick into the arms of Matthewson. The keeper then being fortunate when punching clear a Woolley corner, the ball rebounding off his own defender and he was able to reclaim the ball. The pitch was not conducive to good football, as it cut up pretty badly from the kick-off, resulting in both teams using long ball tactics for most of the time. What little football that was allowed was being done by Sheffield, who, although having the majority of possession were doing little with the final ball. Glapwell took the lead against the run of play when ex-Clubbie Roney was brought down to the right of the Sheffield area. The resulting free kick saw KENNEDY rise at the back post to head home. This seemed to stir the visitors into action as they started to take command of the game from then, Walker having to make a full length save from Shelley's shot. The hosts had a glorious chance to level the score a minute from the break when, in an attacking position Outram was fouled but the ref waved play-on and as the ball was put into the area Woolley was unmarked and he put the shot against the post with the goal at his mercy.

The second half saw the visitors on the attack again; Trimmer shooting well wide then has another chance, but heads over the bar. Varley was creating chances for Glapwell with his long throw too, one throw into the area found Roney whose shot was turned round the post by Walker from point blank range. Glapwell doubled the lead on the hour mark when some good interplay through the middle of the park saw the ball fed out to Roney, whose low cross was tapped in at close range by BROWN. Sheffield's first real threat of the half followed when Muldoon had a shot on the turn that Matthewson was able to palm down. With 70 minutes played the game was over as a contest as Glapwell grabbed their third goal when Walker's punched clearance fell to KENNEDY who headed the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net. Sheffield rallied a bit after this, but Glapwell's defence held firm. The visitors wrapped up the game with ten minutes left to play when a free kick on the edge of the area was drilled home by GRAYSON giving Walker no chance.

After Saturday's encouraging performance it was disappointing to see the same team create very little in terms of goalscoring chances against a side who were by no means as strong as Leek Town and looked vulnerable when put under pressure. Next up is a trip to Rushall Olympic.

BTF Man of the Match - Greg Wright

Sheffield FC: Walker, Eagers, P.Smith, G.Smith, Wright, Muldoon, Outram (Cribley), Thompson, Gordon, Dolby (Potter), Woolley. Sub Not Used: Gelsthorpe.

Glapwell: Matthewson, Darkin, Coward, Varley, Kennedy, Maguire, Trimmer (Fox), Shelley, Grayson, Brown, Roney (Kimberley). Subs Not Used: Wilson, Wright, Robinson.

Att: 221

Leek Town 2 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 24/01/09

A young Club outfit can count themselves drastically unlucky not to head out of Staffordshire with and three points, after being held in a highly entertaining encounter by an in-form Leek Town side, after racing into an unexpected two goal lead. Goals from Jack Muldoon and Sean Gordon gave Sheffield a deserved two goal lead, following a massively improved performance from their previous outing at Belper, only to be pegged back by replies from Matt Johnson and Nick Ward. It was a Sheffield display that was full of energy and enthusiasm, and one that showed that the reports of their demise are greatly exaggerated, and gives heart and hope for the remainder of the season.

After the teams’ respective last game – Leek winning 6-0 at home, Club losing 3-0 away – fears were that this could be a bit of a dour day for Sheffield, with “damage limitation” the buzz phrase on the terraces. But the way this kicked off, it was anything but, as Sheffield looked the most dangerous side on display. They should have taken the lead fifteen minutes in, after some great build up play from Matt Outram and Jack Muldoon set the ball on a plate for Sean Gordon, his first shot was well saved at point-blank range by Matt Cooper – his second was a tame side-footed effort wide of the empty net. The miss of the season though was followed by one of the best goals of the season on 23 minutes, as Leek half cleared a free-kick midway in their half, only for it to break kindly to MULDOON who struck it sweetly from 25 yards beyond the despairing Cooper into the top corner. Ten minutes later and Sheffield were two up; Matt Outram’s cross to the back post was head back across goal by Greg Wright, and rising at the other post was GORDON who headed into the goal to make up for his earlier indiscretion. Whilst Club were deserving of the two goal lead, Town always looked threatening at the other end, and within three minutes they had pulled one back – as JOHNSON managed to beat Leigh Walker to a lose ball, lobbing the keeper, with Greg Wright’s attempted hook off the line adjudged to be too late.

The second period was always going to be a backs against the wall experience for the visiting youngsters, but guided by the experience of Chris Dolby and the two Smiths, the energetic youth made it far from comfortable for Town as they harried and competed for every scrap. There were few chances in the half, with Sean Gordon having a shot stopped by Cooper, with Mark Ruddock heading over from a Matt Johnson free-kick and substitute Oliver Edwards getting on target from distance being the closest. With twelve minutes to go it looked as if Sheffield had weathered the best Leek could throw at them, whilst keeping them at distance with the lightning breaks from the young front-line, however the brave performance was rewarded with a cruel outcome. A disputable free-kick was awarded just inside the Sheffield half, Wayne Corden floated the ball into the box, Leigh Walker failed to claim the ball and at the back post to stab it home for the equaliser was WARD from close range. It could have been so much worse for Sheffield a few moments later, as buoyed by the scoring, Leek managed to force the ball over the line – only to have it ruled out for offside. It would have been harsh on Club, however things could have been so much different in the second minute of added time, when the impressive Matt Outram dug the ball out to cross to the back post where substitute Rob Cam was rising under pressure – he got his head there first, only to see the ball scrape the top of the bar. Close, but not close enough…

Given the recent publicity of comings and goings, commitment and lack of commitment, this was a performance to wash all that away with the last rain. The Sheffield side today chased every single ball, competed for every single 50-50 challenge with guts and determination, and looked like they had belief in their own abilities and their team. It was one to give pride to everyone watching the game, and despite not winning all three points, the one point was a massive morale booster for everyone involved with Sheffield Football Club.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Jack Muldoon

Leek Town: Cooper, P.Johnson, Allen, Ruddock, Ward ©, Bailey, M.Johnson (Edwards), Miller, Mills, Nagington (Ashman), Corden. Subs Not Used: McMahon, Robinson, W.Johnson.

Sheffield FC: Walker ©, Eagers, P.Smith, G.Smith, Wright, Muldoon, Outram, Thompson, Gordon (Cribley), Dolby (Cam), Woolley. Sub Not Used: Gelsthorpe.

Att: 302

Sheffield's bid to fill the hole left by the departed playing staff continued this afternoon with four new signings on show as Andrew Potter, James Thompson and Sean Gordon were all in the starting line up, with Robert Cam on the bench. This combined with the suspension of Jordan Eagers and Micky Goddard made for a somewhat makeshift side which in the end were no match for a well organised Belper side.

In fact it took the Nailers just five minutes to register the first goal, a break down the right of the Sheffield defence saw the ball fed inside and OLIVER was on hand to drill the ball home, despite Paul Smith's effort at a goal line clearance. Just over ten minutes later and Sheffield had what was to prove their best chance of the game when Muldoon broke the offside trap and crossed to the far post where Woolley was racing in, but his touch just saw the ball trickle agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Belper almost doubled their lead when, from a Sheffield corner the ball broke free to Ben Walker who, from the half way line pushed forward, avoiding the retreating Sheffield defenders and whipping in a cross onto the head of Stevenson who's effort just skims the top of the bar. With half an hour gone it's the visitors who are in the lead on the corner count, but they have created very little in front of goal while the hosts have squandered some glorious chances to increase their lead. with five minutes of the half remaining Ben Walker headed wide in front of goal with his namesake Leigh Walker diving the other way. Walker was again guilty of being wasteful on the stroke of half time when ghosting in unmarked to head wide of the target.

The second half saw the Nailers straight on the attack and once again Walker was in the thick of it, scoring just a minute after the restart, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. The let off for the visitors lasted precisely a minute, as a deep cross from out wide found WALKER unmarked to head home at the back post. The hosts were in total control now and the game was over as a contest on 54 minutes when WALKER again was on hand to claim his second of the game, again heading home from close range. Sheffield rallied late on, but could not break down a well organised defence. Belper should have been celebrating another goal near the end when full back Haigh found himself in a clear scoring opportunity from ten yards out, but managed to pull his shot wide of the target.

A very disappointing performance although to be fair to the team, bringing in new players all the time is going to mean the side will take time to 'get to know' each other on the pitch. Next up is a trip to play off hopefuls Quorn on Tuesday night.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Jack Muldoon

Belper Town: Clarke, Harcourt, Haigh, Kotylo (Colliver), Hobson, Barnard, Hudson, Stevenson, B.Walker (Pete Smith), Oliver, Hindley (Litchfield). Subs Not Used: Wilkins, Rushbury.

Sheffield FC: L.Walker, Gelsthorpe, Paul Smith, Gavin Smith, Wright, Potter, Outram (Cam), Thompson (Lipka), Gordon, Muldoon, Woolley. Sub Not Used: Dolby.

Att: 237

A patched up Sheffield side put up a plucky performance at Premier Division Ilkeston Town this afternoon, but fell short of pulling off a shock, in the end losing by a convincing 3-0 margin. Fielding a virtually unrecognisable side to the one that had beaten Retford United 48 hours earlier, Sheffield were more than a match for their higher division opposition, but two goals in a minute midway through the second half ended Club’s interest in knock-out football for another season. After an evenly balanced goal-less first half Tom Cahill gave the Robins the lead three minutes after the re-start, and after weathering an all out assault from the visitors, goals from Ben Pringle (71^st minute) and another from Cahill (72^nd minute) wrapped things up to take Ilson into the last eight.

The injuries and bruised bodies from New Years’ Day’s encounter had obviously taken its toll on Sheffield’s team selection, with manager Chris Dolby having to make his first start of the season, and his first start since the Senior Cup final in May. Naturally this meant that Ilkeston started strongly as Club struggled to find their feet, and with the pressure the hosts caused some early worries, although never really testing Leigh Walker in the visitors’ goal. The first chance of the game however fell to the visitors, as Vill Powell found himself with opportunity to open the scoring, only to shoot directly at Chris Adamson. At the other end Ilson should have produced some reward for their endeavours, although when Tom Cahill found himself clear on goal, his effort was hooked just wide of the goal. The opening stages started to produce plenty of opportunities at both ends of the pitch, with Jack Muldoon giving Adamson something to think about after Powell had set the youngster up, whilst at the other end Jon Douglas headed the ball in the net from a Sam Duncum cross – only to have the “goal” ruled out for offside. Midway through the half both sides had the opportunity to break the deadlock with some golden chances; Paul Hurst, Steven Istead and Sam Duncum created a clear opening for Jon Douglas to finish, only for him to inexplicably to blaze wildly wide of the mark – whilst Club came closest as Chris Dolby put in a telling cross that was glanced on by the head of Marc Newsham, the ball being in turn tipped over the bar by Adamson. The end-to-end nature of the game continued to half time, as Duncum showed nimble feet to dribble past three defenders before getting a shot off that was well saved by Walker, whilst at the other end Muldoon broke down the right in injury time to give Newsham a glorious chance of giving Club a half time lead – only for the prolific youngster to lash the ball over the stand.

Ilkeston took the game to Sheffield after the restart, in a similar vein to which they’d opened the first period, and it took them just three minutes to break the deadlock. Ben Pringle caused some problems down the left flank, before whipping in a ball that was only half cleared by the visitors, leaving CAHILL the opportunity to drive the ball past Walker to give the Robins the lead. Club went on the offensive straight after and gave the hosts more than a little to ponder, as immediately a long ball saw Paul Hurst and Kieran Murphy misdirect back-headers goalwards to Vill Powell, with his effort being stopped once again by the impressive Adamson. Moments later Mick Goddard found himself through on goal, again Adamson stood between him and a goal, whilst shortly after Muldoon put another cross into the mix – this time Powell headed just wide under some defensive pressure. Given the balance of play it was hard to tell which side was the injury hit Division One side, and they nearly drew level as once again the Ilkeston left flank was exposed – this time by Newsham – who put a cross into Powell who showed great strength to hold of defensive attention, before striking a shot that rattled the frame of the goal. Sheffield were made to rue that last missed chance as the Robins went down the other end and nearly doubled their lead, as a cross flashed across the face of the visitors’ goal, with Douglas coming inches from making the vital contact with the ball which would have meant a certain goal. That goal came with just under twenty minutes to go, as Duncum put in a great cross that left PRINGLE with the easiest task of finishing, one that he didn’t make any mistake with. The game was wrapped within a minute of the restart, with CAHILL sweeping home an effort from the edge of the area, effectively killing the game off.

BTF Man of the Match – Jack Muldoon.

Ilkeston Town: Adamson ©, Church, Hurst, Hooks, Garner, Murphy, Istead, Pringle, Cahill (Newton), Douglas (Green), Duncum (Shaw). Sub Not Used: Wild, Haystead.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Linnell, Woolley, Gelsthorpe, Wright ©, Lipka, Muldoon, Dolby (McKenzie), Powell (Purkiss), Newsham, Goddard. Subs Not Used: Ingall, G.Smith.

Att: 270

A first half goal from Vill Powell was not enough to secure all three points against high-flying Stocksbridge on a bitterly cold afternoon at Bracken Moor.

Santa Claus was in town on Saturday, in Gedling to be precise, in the guise of the Sheffield FC defence, gifting Carlton Town two early goals from which Sheffield did superbly well to pull back, finally departing Carlton Town with their own present in the form of a hard worked point.

The Sheffield line up was pretty much the one that had battled back for a point at Grantham, the only change arising from the suspension of Ben Leonard with Dan MacPherson dropping into a more central position, allowing Steve Woolley to move across to the left with Matt Outram returning to his usual right hand sided berth.

The contest was fairly even in the early stages but for some unexplained reason the visiting defence seemed to switch off on the quarter hour mark allowing first Fenton to put the home side into the lead, and then three minutes later Thomas doubled the advantage for the league leaders whilst the Sheffield defence simply opened up to gift the Carlton forward all the time and space he needed. At this point even yours truly was questioning the commitment of the side and seriously wondering what had happened to the heart of the team since Dave McCarthy had departed the Managers role. This question remained unanswered for a mere seven minutes as the Sheffield midfield, led by Captain Hawes, drove forward to first supply Marc Newsham with the opportunity to open his Sheffield goalscoring account with a near post knock in following a cross into the box, and then the same player doubled his tally getting a touch to another right wing cross to glance the ball across the face of the Town goal and more importantly the keeper, into the far corner of the net. A goal fest now beckoned but again it was the home side who all they seemed to need to do was attack to score, and this they did five minutes before the break through Gent. Normal service resumed ? Not quite, but three goals conceded from four efforts is a worrying statistic.

The second half was a very different story, with Club dominating large chunks of the play with their determined running, and causing the Carlton No 1 to have a very uncomfortable time of it. Newsham could and should have completed his hat-trick, hitting the bar in the process following Steve Woolley’s run and cross into the box. The on loan striker was clearly tiring and was replaced by another new boy making his first appearance, Jack Muldoon, the former Brigg man promptly putting himself about with the some very enthusiastic challenges. Sheffield were not to be denied, and the positive play brought it’s reward when Dan MacPherson headed home at the back post in the 75^th minute to put Club level. The drama wasn’t over however. Vill Powell made a welcome return from injury and looked like he’d never been away, even putting the ball in the net only to be adjudged offside. The last action saw the referee acting as Scrooge and deciding that the Carlton keepers ever so slight show of petulance in reacting to the request to move the ball back for a free kick worthy of a red card, and with that the game was over.

So, questions had been asked, and some answered. The worrying trend to concede goals continues but the forwards looked lively again and it augers well for an entertaining second half of the season. Stocksbridge on Boxing Day now awaits. Will the Manager stick with the same starting eleven or will he look to bolster the defence, and will Vill start ? We’ll soon know the answers.

Grantham Town 1 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 06/12/08

Sheffield gained a point this afternoon with a second half goal from Scott Partridge, despite playing for almost an hour with ten men after the dismissal of Ben Leonard for using his elbow in an attempt to win a header.

Sheffield started the game fielding two of the three new signings brought into the club this week, Marc Newsham and Dan MacPherson in action whilst Jack Muldoon was unavailable. It was the visitors who made the brighter start, putting the home side under pressure from the kick off. However it was Walker who had to make the first save of the afternoon, diving low at his near post to stop a shot from Brooks. Mellon then had a similar effort from the other side of the area, but his effort went wide of the far post. Sheffield responded with Leonard heading over from close range. On 25 minutes Wright lofted a ball into the Grantham area which was scrambled away, and then Newsham headed against the bar before the ball was eventually cleared. At this stage it looked liked the Gingerbreads were about to crumble but the game changed ten minutes later when Leonard was given a straight red for elbows as he challenged Mellon for a header. Despite being a man down it was still Sheffield who looked the more likely to score, Newsham bringing out a fine save from Scaithe as he volleyed in a cross from Woolley. The resulting corner saw Partridge nudge the ball goalwards only to see it kicked off the line by Pemberton.

The home side made two substitutions before the start of the second half with Hargreaves and Brown replacing Mallinson and Pemberton. Five minutes after the restart Brooks again went close when his free kick just cleared the bar with Walker at full stretch. Sheffield again came back strong as Partridge got the better of two defenders before the ball found MacPherson who created space and had a great opportunity to crown his debut with a goal but he blazed his shot over the bar. At the other end Walker had to get down quickly saving a shot from Sturgess. Although Grantham were now having a bit more possession, the visitors were working hard to close them down and still creating chances of their own.

Grantham were starting to get desperate at their lack of success in breaking down a resolute Sheffield side, none more so than Mellon who bundle MacPherson over with a hefty challenge. Quick thinking from Paul Smith saw him take the free kick whilst everyone was setting themselves up, catching Scaithe way off his line but the effort was just over the bar to save the keeper's blushes. The visitors took a deserved lead on 63 minutes when Hawes was brought down on the edge of the area. Paul Smith drove the ball goalwards and, despite the announcer crediting the goal to him, the ball was actually touched home by PARTRIDGE says this reporter, who was right in line with the play. Newsham then made way for Micky Goddard. Despite only having ten men, Sheffield strived for another goal, MacPherson's shot being somewhat acrobatically saved by Scaithe. Grantham threw on Zeurner for Turner for the last twelve minutes or so in a bid to salvage something for the home side. Mellon was then penalized for an unwanted challenge on Walker, when the keeper was clearly in control of the ball, the referee finally deciding that a yellow card was warranted. With ten minutes left the Sheffield defence was finally breached, as a cross from the left found ZEURNER unmarked on the edge of the area and his snapshot found the bottom corner of the net. Sheffield replaced Partridge with Outram for the remainder of the game, as both sides went in search of a winner, Grantham probably thinking their man advantage may prove fruitful, but that was nullified when Mellon got a straight red card for a challenge on Gavin Smith. The last action of note saw Walker save from Hargreaves, who almost stole all the points for the Gingerbreads, which would have been an injustice on the balance of play.

Overall it was a well earned point, but things may well have been different if we had not played for almost an hour with ten men. However, the team worked well to get the point and sound debuts from both the newcomers into the side. There's now a full free week until we entertain Loughborough Dynamo here next Saturday.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Steve Woolley

Grantham Town: Scaithe, Pemberton (Brown), Brooks, Mellon, Stubbs, Sturgess, Lister, Robinson, Knowles, Turner (Zeurner), Mallinson (Hargreaves). Unused subs: White, A.Goddard.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, P.Smith, G.Smith, Haggerty, Leonard, Woolley, Hawes, Newsham (M.Goddard), Partridge (Outram), MacPherson. Unused subs: Winter, Lipka, Gelsthorpe.

Att: 196

Loughborough Dynamo 2 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 02/12/08

Sheffield slipped to a disappointing defeat at an icy Watermead Lane this evening, losing 2-1 to Loughborough Dynamo, in a game that was dominated for large parts by the visitors. Despite having nearly all the possession and territory in the first period, Club found themselves two goals down from Jake Betts (10^th minute) and Kris Nurse (37^th minute), whilst only having a Scott Partridge goal in reply. The hosts’ goals came from two rare attacks, giving the visitors a lesson in finishing, as Sheffield failed to break down a resolute Dynamo defence. Loughborough also finished the game with ten men, as Danny Jenno saw red for two yellow cards, unusually going completely against the nature of a well-contested yet fair contest.

Club started the game as lively as any this season, literally putting the home side on the back-foot, but for all the pressure they had nothing to show for it. Perversely in the 10^th minute Loughborough had their first attack – and scored – as Club failed to clear a corner, in the scramble BETTS hit the telling strike that was partly blocked by Leigh Walker, but the keeper couldn’t get enough behind the ball to keep it out. Sheffield went back on the attack, and despite creating several opportunities, couldn’t get back on terms. Steve Woolley and Scott Partridge combined down the left, with Partridge laying the ball on a plate for Ben Leonard, however the big midfielder lashed the ball wide of the mark. It really was all Sheffield, and it seemed more of a miracle that they had failed to score than get the ball in the net such was the amount of pressure, then totally against the run of play Dynamo doubled their lead. A long ball over the top found Kris Nurse galloping towards goal, and showing the composure expected of a player of his standing, NURSE tucked the ball under Walker. The lead was halved two minutes after, as Sheffield burst forward trying to undo the injustice, although Matt Nurse did wonderful to tip over a Scott Partridge effort. From the resultant corner by Paul Smith, PARTRIDGE was unmarked at the back post, giving the prolific striker an easy chance to side-foot the ball in off the post. Instead of Sheffield threatening to go level, Loughborough were the team who had the chance to extend their lead as Luke Plummer was denied by a point blank save by Leigh Walker.

The second half was more balanced as far as play was concerned, with the midfields dominating more than anything, and chances becoming more of a premium. Sheffield went closest with first proper effort, with Mick Goddard being denied at the near post by a Matt Nurse save, whilst José Moreira was denied after some dreadful defending at the other end. Luke Plummer wasted a couple of chances that were amongst the best in the half blasting over the bar with one, and heading over a few moments later. As a contest the game seemed to have died on its feet, but then with five minutes to go things were livened up as the referee showed Danny Jenno a yellow card for a slightly rash challenge on Greg Wright. Yet in a game that was devoid of any real physicality this turned out to be Jenno’s second, as the defender had been shown for an infringement at a throw-in in the first half, and given the place of the foul it seemed an unfortunate red card for anyone to earn. This gave Club a little added impetus in the dying moments, and they nearly grabbed a point as Matt Nurse pulled off a brave double save, firstly from Scott Partridge, then from Mick Goddard. This more or less summed up Club’s night in reality, and they will be wondering how they failed to come away from this one with nothing to show for their efforts, leaving the play-off hopes further away than ever.

BTF Man of the Match: Steve Wooley

Loughborough Dynamo: M.Nurse, Jenno, Allen, Gibbons, Betts, Noble ©, Moreira (Brennan), Morgan, K.Nurse, Wilkes (Ross), Plummer. Subs Not Used: Spriggs, McLarnon, R.Nurse.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Gelsthorpe (Davey), P.Smith, Wright, G.Smith, Winter (Lipka), Leonard, Hawes, Goddard (McKenzie), Partridge, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Outram.

Att: 75

Sheffield FC 5 North Ferriby United 2

UniBond League Cup 3^rd Round

Tuesday, 25/11/08

Sheffield turned in a much improved performance from Saturday, this evening at the Bright Finance Stadium, underlining the Jeckyll and Hyde nature of recent weeks. Tonight they produced an entertaining and convincing 5-2 victory over a young North Ferriby outfit, with Scott Partridge leading the way with a hat-trick, aided by goals from Steve Woolley and Daz Winter. The East Yorkshire side made a great game of it, with goals from Peter Davidson and Alex Davidson, before fading in the final moments.

It was clear from the off that Club had attacking intentions in mind, making a bright start, with Daz Winter, Mick Goddard, Jordan Eagers and Steve Woolley all going close as the hosts began on top. Scott Partridge had the ball in the back of the net on twenty minutes, after some great work from Greg Wright and Steve Woolley found the Sheffield front-man; only for the linesman to rule offside. Steve Hawes also produced a fine save from Mark Wilberforce, whilst the best Ferriby could produce was a wayward effort from Colin Hunter; however on 33 minutes the visitors pulled a goal from nowhere and completely against the run of play. David Haggerty was caught in possession by Alex Davidson, and after taking the ball a few yards DAVIDSON finished with aplomb, making it look too easy. But that lead only lasted five minutes, as Scott Partridge burst down the left wing, before drilling in a cross that WOOLLEY drove under the hand of Wilberforce and into the net. Club could have taken the lead almost immediately, as Paul Smith’s free-kick being met by Daz Winter in the middle, with the header scraping just wide of the post. The Villagers couldn’t keep Sheffield out for too long and just before the interval Club were rewarded for their attacking play, although it looked as though Steve Hawes would be the one to score from Steve Woolley’s corner, only to see Danny Moore clear off the line – but as the scramble continued PARTRIDGE kept his composure to strike the ball into the net, albeit deflected off the backside of Sam Denton. Even so North Ferriby still had time to give Sheffield a little scare before the interval, as Colin Hunter showed a neat touch to lift the ball over Lloyd Gelsthorpe, with his shot flashing across the face of the goal and just wide of the mark.

An injury to one of the linesmen saw Sheffield under 19s Guru Phil Wymer step into the action in his place, and to his credit performed excellently and without bias. On the pitch Club looked to carry on where they left off in the first half, with Paul Smith having a free-kick tipped over the bar by Mark Wilberforce, whilst some excellent play by Jordan Eagers set up Scott Partridge with a header that should have found the target. It seemed though that Sheffield’s inability to finish the chances would cost them dear, as North Ferriby came back into the game as expected, and on the hour they deservedly drew level. Colin Hunter found some space on the left, before putting the ball square across goal to Peter Davidson, and without breaking stride DAVIDSON slammed the ball home for his first of the season. If anything though this served as a bit of a wake up call for the hosts and after this there was no living with them, although Leigh Walker had to be on top form first with a fine double save, after Alex Davidson had hit the home side on the break. On 74 minutes though Sheffield got the lead they warranted, with Jordan Eagers through ball finding PARTRIDGE, who beat the offside trap to slot comfortably under Wilberforce. That was the last action for Eagers, who’d had an enterprising night on the field, as he pulled up with what looked like a hamstring pull. With two minutes to go it was all made safe for Sheffield, as a fantastic ball from Greg Wright found PARTRIDGE once again, and this was an opportunity too good to waste for the prolific striker who gleefully grabbed his hat-trick goal – and his SEVENTH in this competition. To wrap things up over a weary looking North Ferriby side, Sheffield grabbed a fifth following some great play from Scott Partridge and Ted Cribley, setting up WINTER with the chance to drive the ball home from eighteen yards.

Sometimes too much is made in these competitions regarding who’ve played a full-strength side and who haven’t; looking at Sheffield it was clear to see this was as near as damn-it to the best available team, North Ferriby on the other hand had a fair smattering of a “mixture”. But following on from the poor showing on Saturday, this was a game that needed winning – and needed winning well – and that is exactly what the Club outfit did, winning a very entertaining contest against an entertaining opposition in a very entertaining fashion. The one downside though was the attendance, the lowest at the Bright Finance Stadium for three years, obviously not aided by the cold weather and competition from televised Champions’ League football and Sheffield United playing at home. Hopefully those who stayed away will be back in droves on Saturday for the home game against Lincoln United, and Club will put in a display more in tune with tonight’s, rather than the regrettable one witnessed at home to Brigg the previous weekend.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Scott Partridge

Sheffield FC: Walker, Gelsthorpe, P.Smith, Wright, Haggerty, Winter, Eagers (Cribley), Hawes ©, Goddard, Partridge, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Lipka, Purkiss, G.Smith, McKenzie.

North Ferriby United: Wilberforce, Moore, Frizzell, Denton, Bloor, Morvey © (Diawarra), P.Davidson, A.Davidson, Russell, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Chapman, Bradshaw, Jackson, Wilson.

Att: 110

Sheffield FC 0 Brigg Town 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 22/11/08

It was one of those days today at the Bright Finance Stadium, as the result, the performance and the game in general matched the weather. In a word it was dismal on all fronts, as Sheffield succumbed to allow basement side Brigg Town to waltz away with all three points – and deservedly so – with a performance that had many scratching their heads in disbelief following Tuesday night’s victory over Durham City. The Zebras looked every bit a team that look favourites for relegation, with very little in the way of confidence, yet they outperformed a Club outfit that was expected to win this game with ease. A 12^th minute penalty from Nathan Would gave the Lincolnshire side a shock first half lead, and despite a few efforts on goal, Sheffield could have no complaints when slack defending allowed a 49^th minute goal from Scott Helliwell.

The lowest league crowd of the season braved the freezing temperatures for this one, and they could be forgiven for wishing they’d stayed at home, as Club surprisingly started on the back-foot. Brigg opened the first ten minutes on the offensive, but looked very scrappy in their play; however on twelve minutes they must have thought all the birthdays had come at once. An over-hit cross into the Sheffield box looked to be routinely mopped up at the back, but under a little pressure Gavin Smith somehow inexplicably allowed the ball to hit his raised hand; Mr Marshall had little doubt in awarding the penalty and WOULD had little trouble dispatching the ball down the middle for 1-0. Naturally you’d expect Sheffield to come back on the charge, and they did, but not with as much potency as they are capable of. A Steve Hawes’ free-kick found Jez Mitchell who headed over, Mitchell worked the ball to Steve Woolley to force the only real save of the game (and a good one at that) from Leigh Herrick, whilst Jordan Eagers hit the bar with a cheeky little chipped free-kick. Other than that, the game had the look of a match-up between two teams bereft of ideas, with the only hope being it could be sparked into life by a sharp and harsh half-time talk.

Whether that happened or not in the Sheffield dressing room mattered little, as four minutes after the re-start Brigg picked up the ball on the left, put a harmless looking cross that went across the face of goal in slow-motion – missed by everyone in the middle – and at the back post was HELLIWELL to stab it home. This heralded some desperate football, Brigg were by no means a quality side with their play, but their defensive midfield qualities spoiled any hope of Sheffield getting back into the game. Leeroy Cochrane came the closest for Sheffield from a Steve Woolley corner, his header looked goal-bound with Herrick beaten, but Dan Bartlett headed off the line to deny the defender a goal against his old team. The introduction of Scott Partridge and Daz Winter livened things up a little, but still Club failed to create anything of note, whilst Ted Cribley’s entry into the game should have heralded a bit more if he’d not rushed an effort when through on goal. Overall though, Sheffield never tested the keeper half enough, and despite not producing football of any quality Brigg fully deserved their first win – and celebrated justly.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Steve Woolley

Sheffield FC: Walker, G.Smith, Davey, Cochrane, Haggerty, Eagers (Cribley), Roney (Winter), Hawes ©, Goddard, Mitchell (Partridge), Woolley. Subs Not Used: Gelsthorpe, Lipka.

Brigg Town: Herrick, Spall ©, Bartlett, Helliwell, Jacklin, Would, Lamb, Muldoon (Day), Hutchinson (Emson), Ashton. Subs Not Used: Wilson, Roach, Davis.

Att: 315

Stamford 2 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 15/11/08

Honours even at the Vic Couzens Stadium this afternoon with Club having been just six minutes away from completing the double over one of last seasons relegated sides from the Unibond Premier Division. In defence Sheffield fielded work experience signing David Haggerty from Rotherham United.

In overcast conditionsand with a light drizzle, the opening exchanges were most notable for the tenth minute booking of Mickey Goddard, after the determined front man floored Stamford's Sheehan in a challenge for a high ball. The defender having to leave the field twice before returning with his head heavily bandaged.

In the 17th minute Leigh Walker was penalised on the edge of his penalty area but Cotton's resulting free kick was well over and wide. However, Stamford were seeing more of the ball at this stage and four minutes later home pressure from a corner eventually led to Kirk finding himself with acres of room on the right hand side of the box. The wingers cross found the head of the unmarked Pearson in the six yard box and the centre back scored with ease. Club responded immediately and from the bye line Steve Woolley found Steve Hawes on the edge of the penalty area and the skippers driven shot was tipped over at full stretch by home keeper Davies. Next up was Stamford midfielder Gray shooting just wide of the goal from distance.

In the 28th minute Sheffield were back in the game and Steve Woolley was again provider, dummying two men on the byeline, the wingers cross evading the attempted flick header of Goddard at the near post but not Outram at the back of the six yard box. The right winger appearing to be caught off balance and having to stretch to reach the ball but finding enough purchase to steer his shot back towards the far side of the goal and into the net, with the keeper flat footed and firmly rooted to the spot. It was almost end to end stuff at this stage and a sweeping move from Stamford, which saw the referee waving play on after a hefty challenge on the right wing, ended with the ball being swept across to the opposite side of the pitch for Kirk. Not for the first time this season, Club were leaving themselves exposed on the right flank and the little No 11 almost made the visitors pay. Walker rushing out in an attempt to smother the ball found himself beaten and Kirk's shot was cleared off the line by Cochrane, the Sheffield defender injuring himself in the process.

Although the home side were probably having the better of the first half exchanges on the stroke of half time Sheffield found themselves in front. Goddard did well to dig the ball out from under his feet to lay the ball across the edge of the area to find Scott Partridge, and the experienced former Football League striker held off the challenge of his marker whilst deftly flicking the ball over the body of the onrushing Davies to score with aplomb.

The second half started in an almost similar fashion to the first, with Goddard again involved in some physical play with Sheehan. The resulting Sheffield free kick whistling past the post with just a touch needed. Again, the game was becoming end to end with short spells of home pressure and bursts of counter attacking from the visitors. Another foul on Mick Goddard by Sheehan saw Steve Hawes free kick easily cleared whilst at the other end Leigh Walker had to receive treatment after being forced to stretch to tip over a Stamford cross. On the hour mark Sheffield had a golden opportunity to increase their lead. The ball was ricocheting around the Sheffield penalty area with the home side unable to get a clean strike in on goal. The ball eventually being cleared to Scott Partridge on the half way line, the Sheffield hitman racing clear and putting himself one on one with Davies, this time though the onrushing keeper was able to spread himself big enough to save the No 10's flicked shot and the opportunity was lost. Eight minutes later and again Partridge was close, this time getting a firm glancing header to Outram's cross, the ball though flying just over the bar. Stamford appeared to rally from this point. Manager Dolby seemingly deciding he needed extra bodies in midfield at this point, and introduced Jordan Eagers at the expense of Scott Partridge. However,this strategy was quickly undone with six minutes remaining as Cochrane was forced into conceding a free kick on the edge of the box, the resulting free kick from Cotton finding the head of the unmarked Stebbing to head home. The home side might well have won it in stoppage time as Clarke failed to connect properly when presented with a relatively easy header in front of goal, but overall a draw was probably a fair result. Club probably could have had the match sown up midway through the second half but this failure meant Stamford were always in it and their persistence paid off and defeat would probably have been unfair on the home side. There again, when has football ever been fair ???!!!

Next up, back to Cup action on Tuesday in the last remaining knock out competition that Sheffield retain an interest this season. The Unibond League Cup, and the visitors to The Bright Finance Stadium being Durham City.

BTF Club Man of the Match: David Haggerty

Stamford: Davies, Steadman, White (Cunnington), Sheehan, Pearson, Oswin (Watson), Cotton, Gray, Clarke, Stebbing, Kirk. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Hallows, Collis.

Sheffield FC: Walker, G.Smith, Davey, Haggerty, Cochrane, Winter, Outram (Roney), Hawes ©, Goddard, Partridge (Eagers), Woolley. Sub Not Used: Gelsthorpe, Lipka, Mitchell.

Att: 264

Halifax Town 3 Sheffield FC 1 (after extra time)

UniBond Presidents Cup Round Two

Tuesday, 11/11/08

A brave performance was not enough for the young Sheffield outfit at the Shay tonight, as extra time proved to be just a bit too far for them, with two late goals giving Halifax a win that takes them through to meet Retford in the next round of the President’s Cup. Fielding a side that contained just a handful of regular first teamers, and bolstered by the cream of some of Sheffield FC’s young talent from the reserves and academy, the visitors gave an excellent account of themselves and almost pulled off a surprise victory to boot. A deft chip from Matt Roney had given Club the lead five minutes into the second half, and it looked to have been enough against a Halifax side that had failed to impress, but an 82^nd minute goal from substitute Junior Brown took the game into extra time – and as time, injury and fatigue took its toll on the makeshift side, Town saved their blushes by avoiding a penalty shootout with two goals in the last five minutes of play from Danny Ellis and Ashley Stott.

Whilst the opening period was a lively affair, it came as little surprise that both sides walked into the dressing rooms without a goal to show for their 45 minutes of toil, with both sides promising lots – but delivering little in the final quarter. Matt Roney was the first to test a keeper, with his drive from the edge of the area being tipped over the bar by Craig Ellison in the first few moments of the game, although after that the game developed into something of an end-to-end pattern with not a great deal to show for some good passages of play from both sides. Halifax’s Danny Ellis was making his mark on the right flank, and he nearly created the opener with a great sprint down the wing crossing into Kris King, who – despite being unmarked and with the goal at his mercy – failed to control the ball. Marc Furniss had little to do for much of the half, but when he was called into action he was more than up to the task and he took quite a knock for his bravery when diving at the feet of Kris King, and whilst everyone was waiting for the referee to stop play the ball fell to Jonathon Smith whose effort was weak to say the least. Halifax looked dangerous on the attack, but surprisingly delicate at the back especially given their collective experience, and Jordan Eagers nearly capitalised on this fragility by whipping in a cross that would have most certainly produced a goal if young Joel Purkiss had got more of a touch on it.

The second half proved to be more fruitful as far as goals were concerned, as within three minutes of the restart Club had the lead, with RONEY chipping over Ellison from the most acute of angles from twenty yards out. It could be argued that the goal had gone against the pattern of play, but with their noses now in front it was Sheffield who were bossing proceedings, with Ellison coming to the Shaymen’s rescue moments later as he stopped a Jordan Eagers stinger. It was clear that if Halifax wanted to get anything from this one they would have to throw men forward and some very attacking minded substitutions started to turn the tide some way, but Furniss was proving to be quite an obstacle for Halifax, as he did excellently to stop a shot from Tom Baker with Ashley Stott missing the rebound under some strong defensive pressure. Sheffield still had the opportunity to kill the game, as Luke Hinsley was tamely disposed by Joel Purkiss who squared the ball into Matt Roney; unfortunately his shot was well stopped by Craig Ellison with the rebound skewing over the top. With time running out and the Shaymen running out of ideas, it looked as if Club had done enough, but with eight minutes left the hosts got the goal they needed to take the game into extra-time. Some neat interplay between Tom Baker and Junior Brown saw the ball fall invitingly to the attacking midfield substitute, and with only Furniss to beat, BROWN picked his spot to give the keeper no chance. Even then Halifax should have snatched it, with both Danny Ellis and Paul Gedman denied by the heroics of the Sheffield keeper, and with the rain now bucketing it down the game dragged on into the inevitable extra time.

The worry for Sheffield was that the youngsters’ tired legs wouldn’t hold out, and when Greg Wright hobbled off moments into the restart to give Chris Dolby his first appearance of the season, it looked like the task might be a bit too much. What followed was a bit of a siege on the visitors’ goal, with Club offering a bit up front, but never really testing Ellison. The writing looked to be on the wall midway through the first period of extra-time, as Junior Brown’s cross was hammered home by Kris King, only for the referee to rule it out for offside. Penalties almost looked inevitable as Sheffield seemed to be riding their luck successfully, with two efforts early in the second period being cleared off the line, but with five minutes to go that luck ran out as Halifax finally made the breakthrough. Ashley Stott put in a telling cross, one that picked out Danny Ellis on the penalty spot, and ELLIS caught the ball with a sweet volley that had Furniss stumped. Moments later the score was given a flattering look for the hosts, as a quickly taken free-kick found Ashley Stott in a position that looked suspiciously offside, but with very few protests STOTT took the ball round Furniss to kill a game in which the visitors had given more than their all – and impressed many onlookers to boot.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Matt Roney.

Halifax Town: Ellison, Coo, King (Brown), Adams, Barras ©, Hinsley, Gill (Phelan), Baker, Stott, Smith (Gedman), Ellis. Subs Not Used: Kennedy, Meadowcroft.

Sheffield FC: Furniss, Gelsthorpe, Davey, Wright (Dolby), Lipka, Eagers, Cribley, Hawes © (G.Smith), Purkiss, Roney, Outram (Woolley).

Att: 382.

Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 08/11/08

Sheffield got back to winning ways this afternoon, at Hollinwood Road, overcoming a determined Kidsgrove outfit 2-0 and still having a bit to spare. In a game that Club always under control, goals from Greg Wright (his first since returning to Sheffield) in the 37^th minute and Steve Wolley in the 75^th minute saw the visitors home, with the home side never really testing Leigh Walker at all. There were a couple of moments of controversy in the game, as Kidsgrove had vehement protests waved away for an alleged penalty, whilst the visiting keeper Walker was involved in a little disturbance at the end of the game following some intolerable abuse from the home support.

The game had a lively opening as Club were kicking down the slope, with Scott Partridge having the first effort of the game, shooting just over the bar from thirty yards out. Athletic responded in a bit of style, with Aiden Matranga’s cross being unconvincingly out by Leigh Walker; however with the goal gaping Dave Shaw headed embarrassingly wide. It was end-to-end at this stage, and some great inter-play by Matt Outram and Greg Wright set the ball up nicely for Jez Mitchell, with his side-footed effort going just wide. With both teams settling into their desired pattern of play, the game died somewhat, with neither side creating anything of real note. But with half time approaching, Kidsgrove went close with an attempt from 25 yards, as Adam Beasley hooked his shot pretty close. But any thoughts that this heralded any period of domination for the hosts were soon dispelled, as Club went down the other end and promptly stuck the ball in the back of the net, with WRIGHT driving a sweet strike that beat Intihar to go into the net off the inside of the post from thirty yards.

It took quite some time for the game to come to any sort of life after the restart, and neither side troubled either end for the first twenty minutes of the half, with Club looked comfortable to say the least. As the half progressed though, Kidsgrove pressed down the slope more often, and Leeroy Cochrane had to be at his very best with a last-ditch tackle on Andy Hurst denying the forward an effort on goal. Seconds later there were mass protests from the hosts claiming a penalty, with the linesman waving all claims away for a dive, and the Kidsgrove players picking up a couple of yellow cards for the troubles. But as the home side felt hard done to, the visitors in turn stepped up a gear, with the traditional introduction of Matt Roney adding an injection of pace for the hosts to deal with. With a quarter of an hour to go the visitors’ pace undid the home defence’s offside trap, Daz Winter played a long ball over the top, and it was WOLLEY that raced through from his own half to calmly pick his moment to slip the ball past Intihar. That was it as far as the game went, Club simply held possession until the final whistle, with no frights or scares before the end.

This was a win that Sheffield needed, and it didn’t matter which way it came, with this being an effective if rather unspectacular performance. But the three points make little difference as far as the table is concerned, but as far as confidence goes, this win is worth loads. One little unsavoury aspect to the game was the events at the final whistle, with the normally placid Leigh Walker getting involved in a regrettable incident with a section of the home “support”, after the “banter” went too far. Overall though this was small blight on an otherwise excellent day for the Sheffield side, pushing the memory of last season’s corresponding defeat far to the back of the mind, giving a bit of optimism for Tuesday’s upcoming trip to the Shay for the cup-tie against Halifax.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Scott Partridge

Kidsgrove Athletic: Intihar, D.Smith ©, Dove, Schwartz, Reeves, Beasley, Matranga, Miller (Shenton), Shaw (Elder), Hurst, Sanders. Subs Not Used: Bridge, Leigh, C.Smith.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, Davey, G.Smith, Cochrane, Winter (Lipka), Outram, Hawes ©, (Eagers), Mitchell (Roney), Woolley. Sub Not Used: Dolby.

Att: 170