Club’s promotion hopes finally crashed and burned at Chasetown, writes Roy France, as the league runners-up reached the play-off finals by the odd goal in five in the West Midlands. A pleasant evening heard fans complaining more about hay fever than the usual inclement weather as a big crowd in excess of 650 gathered at the Scholars ground. We were missing the unjustly suspended Cusworth and had Chris Adam playing in borrowed boots (thanks to the Boots for Africa appeal there!) but despite this the travelling contingent of around 150 were in semi-confident mood as kick-off approached. Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” rang out to drown the away fans chanting attempts and the home announcer declared his allegiance by preceding the naming of the Chasetown subs with “we have a rather strong bench”. The home flags outnumbered the visitors by 11 to 4.

Sheffield kicked off playing into the sun towards the Chasewater and the first incident of note came three minutes in when an idiot (maybe a Sunderland fan?) tossed on a large beach ball which hit Leigh Walker on the head as he prepared for a goal-kick. Two home corners came to naught in the early sparring. Five minutes later the home forwards played a bout of head tennis in our box with a similar outcome. Up front Kirk Jackson was enjoying a good old fashioned battle with Teesdale with a lot of useful ammunition being supplied by Greg Wright who was controlling the left flank. However, overall the match was still in second gear at the half way point of the first half. The play of both sides was generally cagey and despite the large turnout the supporters very quiet, both cogniscent of the importance of the occasion.

Ramone Stephens produced an acrobatic cross which caused semi-mayhem in our box before Jones cleared authoratively. There were frequent stoppages for minor injuries but in one of these Chris Slater was replaced due to a pulled hamstring. Ten minutes before half-time Jackson won a flicked header but Andy Gascoigne’s twenty yard effort was just over. As the half wore on Longstaff occupied a deeper role but Adam made many threatening runs not hampered by those boots!

On 39 minutes Gav Smith blocked a goal-bound shot, however the ball was returned dangerously and Stephens messed up a good half chance by leaning back and sky-ing over when well placed. Shortly after, Smith entered the referee’s notebook, for a late challenge on the lively Ryan. Just before the interval Adam put in a threatening header which the keeper Price surprising kicked-out for a corner from which he saved a 12 yard header from Jones. Scoreless at the interval.

Chasetown obviously had much stronger tea as they came out like a house on fire with Stephens a complete metamorphosis as he immediately won a corner with a long touchline run. As the threatening in-swinger came over at least four home players could have headed it in past the helpless Walker but the honour fell to Horler to the delight of three quarters of the ground. Five minutes later Horler tried a left foot shot but Walker grabbed it easily. Leigh dealt with the next in-swinging corner as the Scholars scented blood with Stephens really now giving Wright a hard time. Just before the hour mark Ryan was booked following a tussle with Gav Smith and then a slack Starosta header led to a shot on the turn by Hay.

Sheffield fans were starting to become a bit anxious but still remained confident given the options we had on the bench to open up the game. Starosta fired in a good cross which just failed to find Smith and then Outram made a fine interception in midfield and ran forward strongly but his final shot was wide. On 66 minutes the tortured Wright was booked for wrestling his nemesis Stephens to the ground. The free-kick led to a bout of sustained Chasetown pressure which finished with Teesdale heading over.

As the final twenty minutes began Chris Dolby introduced Roney and Woolley to play wide with Longstaff back at centre-forward. Genuine hope grew amongst the visiting support. At last Sheffield now began playing at a fast pace and really worried the home defence. Outram burst through the midfield, sprayed wide to Roney, who delivered a low cross which defenders hate and the in-rushing Gascoigne stroked it home, 1-1 with thirteen minutes to play and game on!

Jones made a crucial last ditch tackle as Chasetown countered as the game really became end to end. The home side won a free-kick on 82 minutes which John Branch floated over from the left for the unmarked Teesdale to head home to make it 2-1. However three minutes later we won a free kick 25 yards out. Roney’s shot deflected off the wall but fell invitingly for Wright. Greg’s snapshot was turned onto the bar by Price and bounced on the line Geoff Hurst 1966-style but Adam was on hand to head it home and send the away fans into raptures! From the restart we switched off and Chasetown got the ball into our box and Stephens skirted in to poke the ball past Walker and score what turned out to be the winner.

Gascoigne, Roney and Longstaff all had attempts on goal in the five minutes added time but unfortunately our number was up when referee Radford blew for time at 9.34pm.                                    

BTF Man of the Match: Tom Jones.

Chasetown: Price, J.Branch, M.Branch, Slater (Thomas), Horler, Teesdale ©, Stephens (L.Smith), Egan, Hay, Ryan (Birch), Jevons. Subs Not Used: D.Smith, Perrow.

Sheffield: Walker, Starosta, Wright, Jones ©, G.Smith, Outram, Longstaff, Gascoigne, K.Jackson (Woolley), Adam, Eagers (Roney). Subs: Ford, Leonard, Cooksey

Att: 657

Sheffield FC 0 Brigg Town 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday 20/0410

This wasn’t the match that we all hoped it would be, a draw was all we needed to clinch the last play off place but on the night it was Brigg Town that took all the points in a dreary performance from pretty much the same team that had done so well in our previous two matches, writes Rob Shepherdson.

We started well and for the first ten minutes had two early corners and most of the play.  Some good play between Roney and Cusworth gave the striker a header quite close in this could not be accurately directed.  Then Eagers fed Longstaff and his shot was leaked by the keeper but no-one was following up.  A few minutes later Longstaff fires over from a tight angle which on 22 minutes is our last decent chance of the half.  Brigg come into the match a little bit more and a stalemate develops with the ball ping-ponging backwards and forwards in midfield.  Brigg did get a chance just before half time when Clarke (wearing shirt no.4 but playing as an attacking midfielder) shoots just wide of Walkers left hand post.

Clarke has a second chance at the start of the second half when he loops the ball over the advancing Sheffield goalkeeper but Smith is on hand to comfortably clear the ball away.  Another chance falls to Brigg almost immediately but Walker deals with this easily.  Longstaff turns and shoots from the edge of the area but this goes over the bar.  In the space of five minutes leading up to the hour mark and with the Sheffield side a little subdued, Ford is brought on for Roney, followed by Ben Walker in place of Longstaff.  The match continues the stalemate of the first half which is only very occasionally broken up by a breakthrough.  Woolley, Starosta, B. Walker and Outram all make good runs which come to nothing.  Outram then gets yellow carded following a flare up with Brigg’s Spafford. With a quarter of hour remaining Club are still probing the Brigg defence and on one such run Outram is sent tumbling whilst attempting to support the attack.  Disappointed with not getting a favourable intervention from the referee, Matt expresses his grievance to the official a little too vehemently and is rewarded with a red card. With just seven minutes remaining, this was not expected to be too much of an issue, however with four minutes remaining Brigg’s Clarke finds space to shoot inside our area and the ball beats Leigh Walker at the far post.  With only a couple of minutes left, Jackson is brought on for Cusworth, but we only have one more chance when Ford finds Ben Walker in the area and wins a corner.  Unfortunately this comes to nothing and the match ends with the inevitable disappointment of a defeat.

BTF Man of the Match: Steve Woolley

Sheffield FC: L. Walker, Starosta, Wright, Jones ©, Smith, Outram, Roney (Ford), Eagers, Cusworth (Jackson), Longstaff (B. Walker), Woolley. Subs Not Used: Leonard, Cooksey

Brigg Town: Zano, Spafford, Smith ©, Clark, Hellewell (Jacklin), Cochrane, Spall, Lamb, Barrett (Owens), Chappell, Grimes. Subs Not Used:  Fisher, Archer, Metcalf

Att: 269

Club started like a team that was out to make amends for the recent poor home form, coming out of the traps in blistering form, putting the Millers on the back foot from the off. Steve Woolley was the first to give Carlton something to worry about, as his run and shot was spectacularly tipped onto the post by Alessandro Barcherini, whilst Brian Cusworth was denied moments later by the keeper with Chris Adam scooping the rebound over the bar. Carlton are always a team that give Sheffield a difficult came, and when Tritram Whitman carved through the home defence from the wing, his close effort gave the hosts a very uncomfortable feeling of déjà-vú. Club had an opportunity to open the scoring on 20 minutes, as a long Leigh Walker clearance was misjudged by Danny Hayes leaving Ashley Longstaff with a clear run on goal, sadly his rushed effort was just over. This miss was to prove costly, as Barcherini’s goal-kick was flicked on in midfield, leaving SLACK with a clear run on goal – one that he dispatched in clinical fashion. If anything the goal had come against the run of play and characteristically Sheffield came back very strongly, as Greg Wright brilliantly intercepted a testing through-ball, before galloping the length of the field and delivering a brilliant deep cross that Cusworth headed just over. Club weren’t to wait too long for the equaliser, as in the 24^th minute Matt Outram’s corner was only half-cleared to the edge of the area, and waiting there to volley home was LONGSTAFF. The parity wasn’t maintained for too long as Sheffield continued their momentum and took the lead less than two minutes later, with Matty Outram providing yet another assist, digging out a cross after some neat inter-play to find CUSWORTH in the middle to head home to make it 2-1.

After the first half had petered out into a bit of a dull cancelling out affair, the second period sprung to life inside the first ninety seconds, as Cusworth flicked on a long ball to leave LONGSTAFF the task of running on goal and calmly finishing to dispel any nerves the home team may or my not have had. It was starting to become a bit of a one-way game at this point, with Longstaff causing all manner of issues for the home defence, and Cusworth having an effort deflected wide by Daniel Fletcher. Just before the hour mark came a pair of incidents that will more or less be the main talking points of tonight’s game; firstly a long ball found Longstaff who was through on goal, however Fletcher wrestled the forward to the ground in the area. Despite no contact being made by Longstaff, Fletcher deflected any attention by rolling on the floor holding his face - so instead of a penalty, Longstaff was inexplicably shown a yellow card. Moments later another long ball made its way over the top, and yet again there was a coming together with Fletcher, this time a shoulder-to-shoulder clash with Cusworth. Yet again Fletcher deemed it fit to roll on the floor holding his face, and yet again referee Ward produced a card, this time a red one for Cusworth. With a man disadvantage it would be safe to assume Club would bolster their lead by setting up a defensive stance, instead they went on the offensive, and on 68 minutes the game was wrapped up. Yet again Matt Outram put in a telling corner, this time Tom Jones got to the ball forcing a goal-line clearance, one that SMITH was only too happy to volley home. Three minutes later the icing was put on the cake, as Chris Adam burst down the right wing leaving the defence in his wake, and even though a shot was on he unselfishly squared the ball to LONGSTAFF who placed the ball teasingly inside the post. It could have been a whole lot more embarrassing for the Nottingham outfit, as Jordan Eagers capped a fine display with a great run down the left, curling a shot that scraped the outside of the post.

Sadly this game will be remembered for all the wrong  reasons, the incidents on the hour overshadowed what was a pretty comprehensive win, over opposition Sheffield have never been able to come to grips with. The way the results have fallen this evening, it is now looking more than likely that the best Club can realistically achieve is third place, with Chasetown’s win over Mickleover seemingly assuring the Staffordshire side of second place. Next up is another must-win game, with a trip to Lincoln United on Saturday, where a performance like tonight’s would be more than welcome.

 BTF Club Man of the Match: Ashley Longstaff

 Sheffield FC: L.Walker, Starosta, Wright, Jones ©, G.Smith, Outram, Adam, Eagers, Cusworth, Longstaff (B.Walker), Woolley (Roney). Subs Not Used: K.Jackson, Leonard, Spooner.        
Carlton Town: Barcherini, Corrigan (Norris), Fletcher, Hayes (Martin), Brindley ©, Simmons, Griffiths, Gent, Jenkins, Slack, Whitman. Subs Not Used: May, Peberday, Ball.                

Att: 261

Whilst the end of the first half was a little harsh on a committed looking Sheffield side, Grantham were the team to come out in the second period the more positive, and spent much of the half pressing the hosts into their own half. Even so it was Club who were the closest to scoring, as Eagers let one go from the edge of the area, going just over the bar. The visitors had a good shout for a penalty midway through the half, with the referee waving play on, even though his better placed assistant was flagging frantically for a foul. Grantham also managed to go close with Sucharwycz heading an Alistair Asher free-kick just wide, but for all their pressure and territorial advantage, they only contributed to the game’s increasingly scrappy nature. Sheffield offered little more to proceedings even though they came nearest to breaking the stalemate, after substitute Ryan Ford put the ball over the top to Cusworth and although he had plenty of time to settle, the shot was comfortably saved by Murray.

Glapwell 1 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 23/03/10

No repeat of last year's drama at a cold, drizzly, blustery Hall Road tonight as Glapwell and Sheffield drew 1-1 (writes Roy France). Club had the best of the first half and went ahead through Ashley Longstaff on 15 mins who stabbed home from close range after a shot from Woolley was parried. The keeper redeemed himself shortly after when holding a crisp long range effort from Gascoigne. At the other end Ben Starosta made an excellent last ditch block after Spooner pushed out another goal bound effort. Glappy had the slope in the second half and ten minutes in an incisive long low ball led to a shot from Jamie Clarke which found Spooner making a good save  but the ball fell to Ricky Hanson who slid home. The home side gained momentum from this and created a lot of pressure. Dolby made his subs and re-organised the formation with Walker and Adam up front and Cusworth playing as a third centre half. A couple of scrambles in the Club goalmouth came to nought and then we had a flurry of late chances - the best falling to Walker who beat a couple of defenders but couldn't get his shot on target. The game was hard fought with plenty of rustic challenges, a few forehead to foreheads and a number of strange refereeing decisions. Cusworth was booked in one such altercation. The general feeling amongst a decent away following was a draw was a fair result.

Glapwell: Richmond, Darkin, Magee, Varley, Kennedy, Shelley, Hanson (Kimberley), Walker, Clarke (Grayson), Brown (Higginson), Kitchen. Subs Not Used: Commons, West.

Sheffield FC: Spooner, Eagers, Starosta, Jones (Cooksey), Wright, Woodhouse, Outram (Adam), Gascoigne, Cusworth, Longstaff (B.Walker), Woolley. Subs Not Used: Roney, Purkiss.

Att: 141

Market Drayton Town 1 Sheffield FC 5

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 20/03/10

Sheffield came back from the long trip to Shropshire with all three points, with an ill-tempered encounter that saw the home side end the game with ten men, overshadowing a much improved Club performance this afternoon at the Greenfields Ground. Tom Rogers was the player who went from hero to villain, following an x-rated two footed lunge in a first half that saw both sides get embroiled in some pretty ugly scenes, after he had given Town a 22^nd minute lead. It was 1-1 at the point when Rogers made the walk of shame five minutes before the break, by the interval Sheffield had run up an unassailable 4-1 lead, as Market Drayton simply crumbled under the pressure. A second half goal from Joel Purkiss wrapped up the scoring late in the second half, adding to the two from Steve Woolley and one each from Ashley Longstaff and Brian Cusworth, which had reversed the early lead from the hosts’ goal.

Following a wretched performance last Saturday, Sheffield were looking to get back to winning ways, and it was they who took the early initiative with a Tom Jones volley going just over following a Curtis Woodhouse free-kick. Eventually Market Drayton took control of the game, and started to cause the Sheffield defence all manner of problems, having to come to the rescue on more than one occasion. First it was man-of-the-match Tom Jones who got back to clear off the line, after Tom Rogers got a header on target, next it was Ryan Davis who hooked the ball off the line following a Martyn Davies shot. Midway through the half the hosts got their deserved lead, Stuart Ellis’ corner was badly cleared by the Sheffield defence, and there to pounce with an over the shoulder hooked shot was ROGERS. Market Drayton were good value for their lead, and should have extended their advantage when Martyn Davies took the ball round Leigh Walker, only to see his finish hit the post. They were soon to pay for the lack of a finishing touch moments later, as Steve Woolley saw his volley blocked by the arm of Jason Francis; amazingly instead of a penalty a corner was awarded by referee Smart. From the resultant set-piece Woodhouse sailed the ball into the middle; it was helped on by Cusworth’s headed flick, and from five yards out WOOLLEY pulled an over-head kick out of the bag to level things up.  

There had been an undercurrent of bad-feeling throughout the first half, with Andrew Gascoigne receiving a yellow card for some over-exuberant challenges, whilst there seemed to be an ongoing running niggle between the two number sevens – Messrs Porter and Outram. Five minutes before the interval though, things turned decidedly ugly as Rogers went into a challenge with Gascoigne with both boots raised, sending the Sheffield player into the air with an absolutely disgraceful challenge. This caused a ruckus of the highest order, with both benches and the majority of the players getting involved in a skirmish, which took Mr Smart quite some time to sort out. Naturally a red card was issued, and as soon as the game got back to “normality”, Sheffield took the lead with a neatly worked goal. Ryan Davis played the ball into Cusworth, with the big striker holding the ball up nicely for LONGSTAFF, who took the ball on before curling a beautiful effort beyond the diving Taylor in the home net. Two minutes later and Taylor was picking another out, as Matty Outram put a ball into Ashley Longstaff, who returned the favour by holding the ball up for CUSWORTH to blast in from ten yards out. If that wasn’t bad enough for Market Drayton, Sheffield made it four before the break, as Cusworth laid the ball back to WOOLLEY who curled another beauty beyond Taylor and into the top corner. 

The second half was always going to be an anti-climax following the first half’s events, with the hosts having a massive uphill battle on their hands if they were going to get anything out of this one, and Sheffield appeared to be in no mood to give anything away as they dominated proceedings with a steady display. After a lengthy period of nothing happening, things sprung to life with a series of Sheffield chances, starting with a wicked Steve Wolley cross that Steve Taylor excellently tipped over the bar. Brian Cusworth had a powerful shot well stopped by Taylor, whilst the ever more confident keeper did well moments later, stopping a Ryan Davis effort following an impressive driving run from the back. With seven minutes to go though there was nothing Taylor could do to prevent a fifth Sheffield goal, as once again Cusworth turned provider, laying on a perfect ball for substitute PURKISS to slot through the keeper’s legs. It could easily have been more if not for a double-save of the highest order from Taylor, after first denying Matt Roney with a parry, and then the rebound from Ashley Longstaff with his legs. 

In hindsight this looks a fairly easy win for Sheffield, but they were made to work all the way by a solid and strong Market Drayton side, who could have made things all the more difficult if not for the five minute collapse before the break. There were many good things about the Sheffield performance, not least a solid defensive display from Gav Smith and Tom Jones, whilst in midfield Andy Gascoigne ran his legs off with a spirited step up from “lower level” football. In the end the thing that made the difference was the finishing, and how clinical it was, with the majority of chances for once being converted. Next along for Club is a midweek local derby at Glapwell, which goes without saying, is a must-win game and an important step in Sheffield’s promotion aspirations.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Tom Jones

Market Drayton Town: Taylor, Francis, Howells, Carvey (Bowyer), McMullen ©, Stallard, Porter, Haynes, Davies (Humphreys), Rogers, Ellis (Howarth). Subs Not Used: Spooner, Beech.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Eagers, Davis (Wright), Jones ©, G.Smith, Woodhouse, Outram (Purkiss), Gascoigne, Cusworth, Longstaff, Woolley (Roney). Subs Not Used: Spooner, Leonard.

Att: 71

Sheffield FC 12 ASD Pro Appio 0

International Friendly

Wednesday, 17/03/10

Sheffield FC ran out winners of the Anglo-Italian Invitational Trophy at the BT Local Business Stadium last night, but in true sporting style and always wanting to set a new precedent in the game, awarded the trophy to Pro Appio on the basis that they then have to invite Club back out to Rome to defend it. A 200 strong crowd including many local school children saw a mixture of Sheffield players give a good all round performance against the visiting Italians who kept their shape throughout the night, but found Club's strength and fitness a bit too much to handle.

The second period saw Leek more or less content to hold onto what they’d earned in the first half, and sat back allowing Club to come at them, however it seemed that no matter how much space Sheffield were given – they couldn’t get that vital breakthrough. Curtis Woodhouse and Matt Roney’s introduction to the game gave a new injection of life to the home team as well, and it was Roney who had the opening chance of the half when shooting wide, after some neat build up play from Eagers and Outram that saw Hodgson only able to parry the ball to the substitute. Luck wasn’t on Sheffield’s side with some of the finishing, and this was more or less summed up when Brian Cusworth got to the ball ahead of Hodgson, squaring the ball to Ryan Ford who shot woefully wide. Club finally got on the scoresheet when the debutant making his bow in Dronfield – Woodhouse - showed great vision to spot Roney out on the left, his cross in the middle picked out CUSWORTH who headed home. It was all Sheffield at this point, and straight after they nearly grabbed an equaliser when Longstaff got between the defence and keeper, only to lob over the goal. Try as they might though Sheffield weren’t able to get that vital goal, and when Eagers’ shot was headed off the line by Peter Johnson, followed shortly by a Woodhouse header over the bar it was obvious this was going to be one of those days.

Amazingly Club remain in second place, after all the results of the teams below went their way, however it now looks almost like a cakewalk for Mickleover Sports as they extended their lead at the top of the table to an incredible ten points. Needless to say the title’s destination is no longer in Sheffield’s hands, although that second place could be vital come the season’s end, with home advantage at stake in the play-offs. Having said that, there’s still a long way to go and plenty of twists and turns still possible…

BTF Club Man of the Match: Ashley Longstaff

Sheffield FC: Walker, Ludlam (Woodhouse), Wright, Jones © (Cooksey), G.Smith, Ford, Outram, Eagers, Cusworth, Longstaff, Woolley (Roney). Subs Not Used: K.Jackson, Leonard.

Leek Town: Hodgson, P.Johnson, Taylor, Ward ©, Ruddick, Miller, M.Johnson, Hawthorne, Ashman, Rutter (Crowe), Corden. Subs Not Used: Cope, Allen, Macari, W.Johnson.

Att: 362

Sheffield FC 3 Cammell Laird 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 19/02/10

You would imagine that Cammell Laird will want to forget this match as soon as possible; not only did they get delayed en-route to the freezing BT Local causing a thirty minute delay to the kick off, but they were severely outclassed by a confident Club outfit and ended the game with ten men after a fairly ill-disciplined performance. On the other hand you would imagine that Ashley Longstaff will remember this game for some time; not only did he shine with a bustling man-of-the-match performance, he walked away with the match ball after an excellent match deciding hat-trick. First half goals after 15 and 25 minutes gave Sheffield a well deserved interval lead, whilst his third on the hour was icing on the cake; Lairds’ sole response to this was an excellent strike from skipper Lee Atherton twenty minutes from time. Sadly the visitors’ contribution to the contest will be remembered for a rash of cards that came their way in the game, with four yellows awarded in the first half alone, with the fifth resulting in an early walk to the changing rooms for Tony Rendell.

Lairds’ late arrival obviously saw the visitors open the game looking rather ill prepared, and the shaky start looked ominous with Sheffield seemingly out to catch the visitors cold, with Brian Cusworth heading just over the bar. With the away side still rocking, Cusworth almost stole in between the defence and keeper from a Matty Outram touch, with the resulting shot from the Sheffield striker being deflected wide. The reward for this adventurous play was a goal on the quarter hour mark; Jordan Eagers floated a free-kick into the middle which was met by the head of skipper Tom Jones – and with Phil Palethorpe only able to pat the ball out – LONGSTAFF was there to stab home from close range. The lead was doubled ten minutes later, as a long ball down the middle was met by the head of Cusworth who flicked the ball on, on hand again was LONGSTAFF who showed a great deal of composure to hold off the defence and loft the ball over the advancing Palethorpe. The visitors at this stage were looking a rather dishevelled outfit, with some over robust challenges being dealt with by the increasingly annoyed referee Mr Knee’s yellow cards, and quite a bit of arguing amongst the ranks. Even so Sheffield couldn’t add to the tally, with the closest being another Longstaff effort that whistled across the face of goal, after some great work down the left flank by Steve Woolley.

With the temperatures dropping to sub-zero at the interval, the main objective for Sheffield was to get this game won and out of the way, so anything added in the second period would be a bonus. That bonus almost came in the opening minutes, as a comedy clearance from Nathan Eddison skewed the ball across the face of his own goal and into the path of Ashley Longstaff, uncharacteristically though Longstaff himself sliced his golden chance wide of the mark. He didn’t have to wait that long for his hat-trick moment though, as Jordan Eagers played a little knock over the top that was met by LONGSTAFF, who controlled the ball with a little nod before tucking past the outstretched hand of Palethorpe. It was almost four seconds later, as Longstaff got to a ball in the area before Palethorpe before unselfishly squaring the ball across to Roney, unfortunately for him his effort was deflected safely wide of the target. With the game now seemingly signed, sealed and Sheffield’s, Lairds started to play the decent flowing football that had been missing from the previous hour. With this it saw a completely different pattern in the game, and they started to create some notable chances, beginning with an excellent drive from Chris Adamson that brought the best from Sheffield stopper Leigh Walker. From the resulting corner from Tim Bigland, the ball was met by the sweetest of volleys by ATHERTON, whose shot gave Walker literally no chance. Any hope of a Lairds’ revival was quashed within minutes of this, after Tony Rendell received his second yellow card of the game, following a particularly heavy challenge on Tom Jones. There was a chance of adding a little icing on the cake for Club just before the end as Longstaff was sent through on goal, his shot was excellently blocked by Palethorpe, with new signing Chris Adam’s rebound effort sent wide of the mark.

Overall Club did what was needed to get the vital three points for their promotion push, and whilst it was a far from pretty game to watch, it was good enough to propel Sheffield into second spot. With the top end of the table still congested, this win gives a little more comfort in terms of achieving a play-off spot at least, however with fourteen games still to play that premise is still rather premature. Next along for Sheffield is the visit of Brigg Town, who despite their lowly position in the league could still offer stiff opposition, especially given some of their recent displays.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Ashley Longstaff

Sheffield FC: Walker, Ludlam, Wright, Jones ©, G.Smith, Leonard (Ford), Outram (Roney), Eagers, Cusworth, Longstaff, Woolley (Adam). Subs Not Used: Cooksey, K.Jackson.

Cammell Laird: Palethorpe, Eddison, Bigland, Rendell, Jones, Atherton ©, Andrews, Gardiner, Forshaw (Bowen), Mackrath, Adamson. Subs Not Used: Owen, Hay, Tuck.

Att: 195

Willenhall Town 0 Sheffield FC 3

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 30/01/10

Club cruised to an emphatic victory at Noose Lane this afternoon, running out comfortable winners in the end, over troubled basement outfit Willenhall Town. After the surprise defeat at Quorn on Tuesday Sheffield needed to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and after a difficult first period against stubborn opposition, it looked as though they would be frustrated once again. However three second half goals gave the visitors the points, as the hosts started to tire, with Jamie Jackson and Steve Woolley on the scoresheet along with an unfortunate own goal from Willenhall’s skipper Todd Perry.

The first half could be summed up in one word – “scrappy” – as both sides produced an agricultural performance that endeared itself to a surface of a similar nature. Matters weren’t helped as the game was truncated with several niggly interruptions, meaning that neither side could get into the flow of things as they’d liked, and chances were at a premium to say the least. Brian Cusworth was the nearest to breaking the deadlock, as he had a header that Matthew Jones routinely dealt with, whilst he hooked the ball over the bar from close range after a goalmouth scramble. Cusworth did manage to get the ball in the net, with a beautiful diving header from a Jordan Eagers free-kick, however this was waved offside by the assistant referee. On balance of play though Willenhall spent most of the half in Sheffield territory, with Alex Roofe looking the most troublesome player, but for all this pressure they didn’t give Leigh Walker any work of any kind.

It was more of the same for the opening stages of the restart, with Sheffield again the closest to breaking the boredom, as Tom Jones’ header from a Jordan Eagers corner bringing out a top-class one handed save from Matthew Jones. The introduction of Matt Roney saw an injection of pace that the tiring hosts found difficult to contend with, as both he and opposite wingman Steve Woolley started to pull the ragged Lockmen from pillar to post, and the chances started to come thick and fast. Woolley placed a testing ball over the top, and Ashley Longstaff won a foot-race between him and the defence to get a boot to it, sadly just stabbing the ball wide. Woolley fed Roney a with an opportunity which the substitute just lobbed over the bar, and on the hour the deadlock was eventually broken, as Roney turned provider with a corner that was flicked on by Gavin Smith – unfortunately for home captain Todd Perry, his knee steered the ball into the net for an OWN-GOAL. Jamie Jackson’s introduction caused even more mayhem for Willenhall, and the Sheffield forward showed great skill to weave his way through the defence, sadly his tame placed shot didn’t give Jones the trouble the build up deserved. Fifteen minutes from time the game was sewn up as Matt Roney’s cross seemed to strike the hand of a Willenhall defender, and whilst the visitors protested the ball was hooked back into the danger area, and in the middle was JACKSON to poke home from ten yards. The icing on the cake for the away side came five minutes from the end, as a Jackson cross was punched clear by Jones, but only as far as WOOLLEY, who coolly volleyed the ball home through the defence to make it 0-3.

Before the game this would have been the expected outcome, an easy enough looking result for Sheffield, but what mustn’t be overlooked was the fact the Willenhall side put up a decent bit of resistance. Club were made to work hard for the three points, and could easily have stumbled in this game in similar circumstances to Tuesday night at Quorn, thankfully there was enough there to keep up the pressure at the top. Sheffield inch up the table one place to fifth, still only one point off the top, and will look to get even closer on Saturday with a home game against struggling Spalding.

BTF Man of the Match: Ryan Davis

Willenhall Town: Jones, Robinson, Ryan, Griffiths, Brown, O’Kelly (Doughlin), Roofe (Humpage), Perry ©, Pinnock (Manchester), Worley, Robins: Subs Not Used: Pomroy-Crowe, Nicholls.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Ludlam (Wright), Davis, Jones ©, G.Smith, Leonard, Eagers (Roney), Thorpe, Cusworth, Longstaff (J.Jackson), Woolley. Subs Not Used: K.Jackson, Outram.

Att: 78 (25)

Loughborough Dynamo 3 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday 12/12/09

Despite coming from a goal down to take the lead through Brian Cusworth and Kirk Jackson Sheffield once again suffered a blank weekend. Sheffield's midweek activity in the transfer market saw a return to the side as captain of Tom Jones alongside Sheffield Wednesday loanee Nichols Wood. Also on the bench was Callum Harrison who is another loan signing from Hillsborough. The final signing and ex-Clubbie Danny Anson was unavailable for this fixture due to suspension. It was a fairly even start, with Dynamo making the first threat on goal when gaining a couple of corners which were easily dealt with. Sheffield then went close, Wood making Holyoak palm his header over the bar from Outram's corner. Walker then had to get down sharply blocking a shot from Kris Nurse. Back at the other end and a Tom Jones free kick into the area saw Cusworth rise above his marker but the header was just over the bar. Dynamo thought they'd taken the lead on 26 minutes as the ball was headed in at the back post but the linesman had already flagged for offside. The visitors then had a good chance to break the deadlock as Roney raced clear of his marker, but he blazed the ball over the bar. Sheffield were relying more on the break than any constructive play through the middle but time and again they looked vulnerable at the back post when the home side attacked. This was amply illustrated when a free kick for Dynamo found Betts unmarked in the area mention but luckily for the visitors his volley hit the foot of the post and rebounded out. The warning wasn't heeded though as just after the half hour mark another long ball to the back post found ROSS who was able to squeeze the ball home. Roney had another chance just before the break but once again the shot was off target.

The home side almost doubled their lead straight after half time when Walker had to tip a shot on the turn from Kris Nurse over the bar. Matty Thorpe then had a long range effort sail over the bar. Sheffield finally got on the scoresheet ten minutes into the half when Roney's free kick was flicked on by Woods. Jones was first to it and knocked it goalwards and the resulting goal-line scramble saw CUSWORTH bundle the ball over the line, despite the announcer crediting the goal to Jones. Nurse should have restored the home side's lead moments later as he headed wide at the near post when unmarked. Sheffield were in the ascendancy now as Outram swung over a cross that Jackson headed against the bar with Holyoak beaten. A minute later and the visitors took the lead. Once again it was a replica of the earlier move as Outram whipped in a fierce cross and JACKSON headed home at the near post. However the joy at taking the lead was short-lived as a minute later NURSE was on hand to head home at the back post. This seemed to galvanise the home side who were doing more of the pressing and they eventually took the lead on 75 minutes when a corner was headed out but only as far as the edge of the area where the ball was fired in but going wide until BETTS stuck out a foot  to divert it home. Despite some late pressure Sheffield couldn't breach the Dynamo defence, and, in fact the home side almost scored again at the death but Walker made a point blank save from Lester.

As what happened last week, the frailties in defence, especially long balls to the back post, were in evidence once again. Let us hope that it's just a minor 'blip' as the new players bed themselves in and that the coming festive period will see more positive results. The defeat saw Sheffield slip to 5th in the table, but still just two points off top spot. Next up is Cammell Laird at home on Saturday 19th December. Kick-off 3pm.

BTF Man of the Match: Lee Cooksey

Loughborough Dynamo: Holyoak, Rennals (Hohn), L.Allen, Noble, Betts, R.Nurse, Ross, Roberts, K.Nurse, Adams (Edwards), Johnson (Lester). Subs Not Used: Morgan, J.Allen. 

Sheffield FC: Walker, Cooksey, Davis, Wood, Jones, Thorpe (J.Jackson), Outram, Eagers, Cusworth, K.Jackson (Longstaff), Roney (Woolley). Subs Not Used: Harrison, Leonard.

Att: 136

Sheffield FC 2 Belper Town 6

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 05/12/09

Longstanding supporters of Sheffield FC will know that just about every season, no matter how successful that season is, their team tends to suffer one particularly random heavy home defeat. This afternoon saw this season’s version, as Belper Town rolled into town, and went back home having inflicted Sheffield’s highest home defeat of the Coach and Horses era. The Nailers raced into a three-goal lead inside twenty minutes, with strikes from Tom Naylor, Andy Rushbury and Ben Walker exposing some pretty evident defensive frailties. Sheffield started to get back into the game with two goals from Brian Cusworth, but the visitors pulled away with three decisive goals in ten minutes, through Lee Stevenson (twice) and Andy Rushbury (once again) to complete a comprehensive victory for Belper.

Much was expected from Sheffield after the midweek victory over Shepshed, but the start couldn’t have been further away from that performance if they’d had tried, as they first gifted possession to Lee Stevenson who blazed over – then moments later ex-Nailer keeper Leigh Walker had to pull off a full-stretch save to tip round a shot from Dean Oliver. The Nailers broke the deadlock on eight minutes, as Andy Rushbury’s shot was only parried out by Leigh Walker, and there to tap in an easy finish was NAYLOR, giving the visitors a deserved lead. It looked as if it may have been a rusty start that would soon sort itself out, as Steve Woolley had a shot blocked by James Colliver, but things were soon back to the same script of the opening as Belper extended their lead on the next attack. A crossfield ball fell between Lee Cooksey and Andy Rushbury, with both losing their balance; however RUSHBURY was first to react and was able to direct the ball neatly beyond Walker. Sheffield looked a side well out of sorts, and looked unable to clear their lines as the visitors had wave after wave of attack, with Walker coming to the rescue again after turning another Stevenson effort round the post. The third inevitably came midway through the half, with Andy Rushbury’s free-kick from the right being met in the middle by an unmarked WALKER, whose flick header found its way into the net to make it 3-0. It could have been four moments after this, as Stevenson sent a through-ball to Matthew Telling who chose to shoot instead of squaring to the unmarked Dean Oliver, with Telling’s eventual shot missing the target. Club were given some hope as a fantastic Matt Outram cross from the right wing was met in the middle by CUSWORTH, to steer the ball beyond Adam Ogden, to give the hosts a lifeline. The gap could have been closed further as Sheffield finally started to dominate the game, as Jamie Jackson’s cross was met by Greg Wright who directed the ball just wide, whilst Ogden looked a little shaky as he spilled a Paul Smith free-kick. Despite this domination Club looked decidedly exposed at the back, and some kamikaze defending allowed Lee Stevenson another chance, this time he scraped the post.

Chris Dolby made wholesale changes at half-time, and for the first twenty minutes or so it seemed to have done the trick, as they were by far the dominant team. They were rewarded just before the hour mark as CUSWORTH rose again to head home a long floated free-kick from Paul Smith, to make it 2-3, and all of a sudden it appeared something could be taken from the game. Belper looked on the ropes, and Ogden had to be on hand to prevent an equaliser, as he did well turn a Brian Cusworth header round the post with an excellent one-handed save. Sheffield were to rue their use of substitutions shortly after, as the influential Paul Smith limped off, leaving the hosts with only ten men for the last twenty five minutes. It was an advantage Belper were to make good use of, as they stretched Club at the back, making an already stretched defence look even more fragile. Ben Walker missed what could only be described as an open goal, then on 71 minutes Ben Walker broke down the right, delivering a cross that was met by a free-header by STEVENSON. Moments later the game was put beyond doubt, as yet again Club were found wandering at the back, with STEVENSON slotting the ball home. With ten to go with the Sheffield defence caught upfield, Stevenson unselfishly laid the ball across the box to an unmarked RUSHBURY, who slotted home at the far post to make it six.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Cooksey (Davis), Wright, G.Smith ©, P.Smith, Leonard (Eagers), Outram (Longstaff), Thorpe, Cusworth, J.Jackson, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Roney, K.Jackson.

Belper Town: Ogden, Colliver ©, Adams, Naylor, Harcourt, Haigh, Telling (Hudson), Stevenson, Walker (Fedorenko), Oliver, Rushbury (Hindley). Subs Not Used: Kearney, Mirfin.

Att: 345.

Sheffield FC 4 Shepshed Dynamo 1

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 01/12/09

Witton Albion 3 Sheffield FC 0

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 28/11/09

Ossett Town 0 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond League Challenge Cup Third Round

Tuesday, 24/11/09

Sheffield FC 2 Lincoln United 0

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 21/11/09

Sheffield overcame extremely difficult conditions and spirited opposition this afternoon at the BT Local Business Stadium, as a two goal salvo from Brian Cusworth was the difference between two very equally matched sides. In constant driving rain, it looked as if an early goal would set the precedent for the afternoon, with one-way traffic the order of the day. But an energetic Lincoln outfit made the form-book look decidedly off the mark, as they ran the game for long periods of the game, with the outcome only looking safe when Cusworth bagged a second late in the game.

Although the game was never in doubt, the fact that the rain was becoming persistent and increasingly heavy as kick off time approached, conditions for this top versus (near) bottom clash always looked to be a great leveller. However with the first meaningful attack of the game Sheffield opened the scoring, as Matt Roney left Jonty Hawley looking rather leaden footed on the left and the winger did well to dig a lofted cross out that picked out CUSWORTH in the middle, rising majestically to head beyond the stranded Ziccardi. Sheffield looked as much the better side as the table suggested for the first quarter, but as time progressed and Lincoln settled into a pattern, it was the visitors who looked the more threatening. Kallum Smith played in Sam Wilkinson whose shot was well saved by Leigh walker, with Paul Smith doing well to block Wilkinson’s rebound effort, and from the resultant corner from Matt O’Halloran the ball was hooked onto the bar by Jon Machin. Kallum Smith was looking the major threat on the left, along with Jamie Forrester, and it was Smith’s cross that set up Forrester with a volley that went inches wide. Wilkinson turned provider shortly after, as his well placed pass was slotted into the path of Smith, whose shot was side-footed narrowly outside the far post. It wasn’t all Lincoln though, and Sheffield finished the half fairly strong with Matty Thorpe’s shot being spilled by Mario Ziccardi, with ~Cusworth just unable to turn the rebound home.

The deluge persisted during the break, leaving puddles in each goalmouth, which led to both hilarity and frustration for those present as the ball failed to reach its target on more than one occasion. Lincoln were evidently buoyed by their first half efforts, and started the second period with a great deal of confidence, and Sheffield looking pretty much second best on the field. Despite their domination of the game, the visitors appeared to lack anyone capable of really testing Walker, giving the keeper very little to do. When the hosts finally took a hold of the game with some quality passing football, it seemed only a matter of time before they grabbed a second that would wrap up the game, and with fifteen left they finally managed it. The introduction of debutant Jamie Jackson as a foil for Brian Cusworth changed the shape of the game, and when the new signing picked up the ball on the left to plant a cross into the middle, the ball was flicked on for CUSWORTH to rise once more to head beyond Ziccardi. With the game wrapped up, Club started to look more enterprising going forward, and a good move from Steve Woolley and Brian Cusworth set up Jordan Eagers, sadly his shot at the end was narrowly off-target –by this time though, the game was beyond any doubt and the three points were safely in the bag.

The fact the game was played and out of the way is the major thing for Sheffield today, and three vital points in the bag was a major bonus, as Club remain in top spot two points clear. Lincoln look a far better proposition than their league standing suggests, and no doubt they’ll be a key factor in Sheffield’s season by taking points off their promotion rivals, all they need to do is add a bit of fire-power up front – then they’ll be more than a match for anyone in the league. Next along for Club is a League Cup tie up at Ossett Town on Tuesday, followed by yet another six-pointer away at Witton Albion next Saturday, two very different – yet difficult – tests of character.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Cooksey, Wright, G.Smith ©, P.Smith, Thorpe, Outram, Eagers, Cusworth, K.Jackson (J.Jackson), Roney (Woolley). Subs Not Used: Longstaff, Leonard.

Lincoln United: Ziccardi, Hawley, Porter, McDaid ©, Wilkinson, Machin, O’Halloran (Cann), Melton, Wilkinson (Mullarkey), Forrester, K.Smith (Lunn). Subs Not Used: Fleming, Zeurner.

Att: 215

Rushall Olympic 1 Sheffield FC 1

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 14/11/09

Rossington Main 0 Sheffield FC 7

Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Round Two

Tuesday, 10/11/09

Leek Town 2 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 07/11/09

A late goal from substitute Paul McMahon gave Leek Town a share of the spoils, this afternoon at a very rainy Harrison Park, as the hosts came from behind twice to grab a point against table-topping Sheffield FC. Club dominated proceedings for much of the game, taking the lead twice through Ben Leonard (29) and Matt Roney (56) – with Daniel Cope (35) grabbing the first equaliser – but finished pretty much on the back foot and will feel grateful they came away with a well deserved point in an absorbing encounter.

Sheffield were the first to get a grip in the game and pressed the Leek goal for much of the opening encounters, with Matt Thorpe forcing Leek keeper Steve Hodgson to tip the ball over the bar, following a rasping shot from fully thirty yards out. The visitors were playing an enterprising passing game on a very difficult surface, and took a more than deserved lead just before the half hour mark, as Greg Wright dug out a terrific cross from the right wing and LEONARD rose higher than anyone to head majestically home. That lead lasted all of five minutes, as Leek came back with determination, with Leon Ashman exposing the Sheffield flanks to put a ball into the box which COPE diverted into the opposite corner of the net leaving Leigh Walker stranded. Leek could have gone into the break leading, after Ashman let a thunderbolt of a shot go from distance, and it took an acrobatic tip over from Walker to deny the young forward.

The second period saw the hosts starting strongly, and almost got on the scoresheet from a header by Ashman, unfortunately for them the effort sailed just over the bar. The deadlock was broken in a moment of brilliance from the Sheffield man-of-the-match, as Matt Roney chased a ball that looked to be heading to safety, however determination and pace saw RONEY outstrip home skipper Andy Taylor and get to the ball before Steve Hodgson – then taking the ball wide, before hooking a shot in from an acute angle, giving the visitors the lead. That lead could have been extended, as Ben Leonard headed just over, and to be fair Club looked like they had this one under control and coast into the final furlong unhindered. But substitutions from both sides changed the course of the game, and Leek became the more attacking of the two sides, with Richard Bailey going closest to create a leveller with a shot Leigh Walker did well to save. With time running out Leek threw another offensive, a cross came in to the middle that Nick Ward headed back across goal, and in the middle McMAHON stuck a foot out to divert the ball into the corner. The Staffordshire side then threw all they had at Sheffield, who were now looking rather shaky at this point, but luckily Club had just enough in the tank to ride out the storm to head back over the hills will a valuable point.

That valuable point now stretches Club’s lead at the top to four points, as their rivals all seemingly had bad days at their respective offices, making today’s result look all the more impressive. Next up for Sheffield is a trip to Rossington for the Senior Cup tie, followed by a trip to the other side of Staffordshire next Saturday to Rushall in an important top of the table clash, both of whom suffered reverses this afternoon.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Matt Roney

Leek Town: Hodgson, Taylor ©, Allen (Grice), Ruddock, Ward, Hawthorne (Brannan), Bailey, Miller, Ashman (McMahon), Cope, Cordon. Subs Not Used: P.Johnson, W.Johnson.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, Davis, G.Smith ©, P.Smith, Leonard, Outram (Longstaff), Thorpe, Cusworth, Eagers (Cooksey), Roney (Jackson). Subs Not Used: Gascoigne, Senior

Att: 307

Ghoul AFC 2 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 31/10/09

It was a case of both Trick AND Treat in this Halloween fixture, as Club struggled to overcome a spirited Goole outfit in a dour contest, at a far from aptly named Victoria Pleasure Grounds this afternoon. In the end the point that was gained from this draw was enough to see Sheffield go back to the top of the UniBond One South table, after coming from behind twice to level, as the only other top of the table side in action (Rushall) lost to path the way. Hero of the afternoon was Brian Cusworth, who rattled in an impressive brace, whilst Ashley Worsfold and James Ghaichem hit the scoreboard for the Vikings.

To say the first half was a dull affair would be an understatement, neither side created anything noteworthy, and the game had to wait nearly thirty minutes for Brian Cusworth to trouble the goal with a header that went just over. On 37 minutes though the crowd were stirred from their slumber as ex-Clubbie Mick Goddard picked up the remnants of a Sheffield corner twenty yards from his own goal and launched the ball upfield, Adam Lee helped the ball on its way with a header, leaving WORSFOLD free on goal to finish with a low hard shot that gave the previously redundant Leigh Walker with little chance of keeping it out. Effectively that was the summary of the entire first half, one that gave very little to entertain, and one that would have left no-one surprised if it had ended goal-less.

The second period sprang to life fairly early on, putting to rest the “living dead” show of the first half, and within ten minutes Club had drawn level. A ball into the box was only half cleared, and when it was returned into the mix, CUSWORTH was handily placed to stab home the equaliser. Moments later the visitors thought they’d taken the lead, as Matt Outram’s free-kick was headed home by Cusworth, the celebrations were short-lived though as the linesman’s flag was raised for offside. Midway through the half Goole retook the lead, as Glyn Cotton found some space on the right wing after getting goal-side of Paul Smith, the ball was squared across goal to give GHAICHEM the easiest of tap-ins. That lead lasted less than a minute as Club went up the other end and grabbed another leveller, the ball being chested on by Kirk Jackson, and CUSWORTH showed great poise to volley home on the turn. Again Sheffield went close to grabbing the lead, this time Brian Cusworth showing great strength to hold off a defender, before letting a shot go that Craig Parry did well to get a hand on it to turn the ball away. Goole almost grabbed the spoils, as Mick Goddard got a head to the ball, only to see it strike the bar.

This was not exactly the most entertaining of games, but Club did well to come away from the VPG with a point, as this Goole side is a much improved one compared to the one Sheffield faced in the league cup last month. The point takes Club back to the top of the table, but now they go into a difficult period of games on the road, which will probably make or break any title aspirations Chris Dolby’s men have this season. Next up is a trip to Brigg Town, followed by trips to Leek and Rushall, none of which can be consider “easy”.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Brian Cusworth.

Goole AFC: Parry, Fawcus, Jeffs, Wilkinson (Fretwell), Winter, Stratford ©, Worsfold, Cotton, Lee (Fletcher), Goddard (Hunter), Ghaichem. Subs Not Used: Beard, Dudgeon.

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, Davis G.Smith ©, P.Smith, Leonard (Senior), Outram, Thorpe, Cusworth, Longstaff (Jackson), Roney (Eagers). Subs Not Used: Gascoigne, Cooksey.

Att:  236.

A first half goal from Andy Gascoigne and then three goals in the space of six minutes either side of the hour mark from Matt Roney, Greg Wright and Kirk Jackson saw Sheffield through to the next round of the UniBond League Cup in a  lively encounter at the BT Local Business Stadium. It was a changed side that took to the field from the one which played at Spalding due to suspensions, injury and also Walker being cup-tied. Due to a tight hamstring new signing Brian Cusworth would have to make his home debut from the bench if needed.

Sheffield started well and had the first effort on goal with Roney powering in a shot straight into the arms of Mann. However, with just 5 minutes on the clock it was the visitors who took the lead with their first attack as ROSS slotted home inside the near post from just inside the area. Sheffield's response was a free kick into the area that was scrambled away. They then enjoyed a succession of corners and Mann had to be at his best to tip over a twenty five yard effort from Eagers. The keeper then coming to the rescue for the visitors by saving Jackson's header on the line. It was turning into a lively encounter with the hosts doing most of the pressing but Harrogate looking dangerous on the break. This was in evidence on 24 minutes when the visitors stretched their lead as they broke down the left and when the ball was crossed to the near post Smith could only fumble the save and once again ROSS was on hand to punish the mistake. Sheffield kept to their game plan, which meant man of the match Roney terrorising the Harrogate defence and sending over cross after cross, which had the Harrogate defence panicking all night. Jackson went close once more when making a perfect contact from a Greg Wright free kick, but once again Mann was in fine form to tip the ball over the bar. The resulting corner was cleared, but not far enough as Roney picked out GASCOIGNE at the back post and the youngster did the business and headed home to reduce the arrears. Minutes later Mann was called into action once more to deny Jackson as the keeper got the faintest of touches to divert the striker’s header onto the bar. It was one way traffic now as Sheffield strived for an equaliser before the break and had Harrogate pinned in their own penalty area with a flurry of corners but somehow, although the Harrogate defence was creaking it just wouldn't give way and they went into the break with a slender one goal lead.

Sheffield kept up the pressure from the restart, Senior getting on the end of a Gascoigne cross, but Mann was quickly out of his goal to block the chance. Jones had a decent opportunity for the visitors as the ball was pumped forward down the middle, but his shot was wide of the mark. Sheffield drew level on 54 minutes with  the best goal of the night as the ball was fed out to Roney on the wing, who took the ball forward  then cut inside leaving at least three defenders chasing shadows before curling a perfect shot into the far corner that even the excellent Mann had no chance of reaching. The joy was short-lived though as from the restart Harrogate took the ball downfield and ROSS was in the perfect position to complete his hat trick and silence the crowd as the visitors once more took the lead. It was now end to end stuff as Harrogate were pushed back as wave after wave of Sheffield attacks were being thwarted by a resolute defence and the excellence of Mann, and the visitors were happy to try and hit Sheffield on the break. This seemed to be what they had planned as hat trick hero Ross was replaced to add more pace up front. This only seemed to inspire Sheffield more who had Harrogate virtually pinned in their own half. Sheffield drew level once more on the hour mark as Roney's free kick was cleared out only as far as WRIGHT, who, from twenty yards hit a pile-driver that whistled past the despairing dive of Mann with everyone stood waiting for the defender to cross the ball into the area for his strikers.  A minute later and Sheffield took the lead for the first time in this cup tie as once again a Roney cross caused havoc in the area, the cross wasn't properly cleared and JACKSON was on hand to poke the ball home from the edge of the area.

It was now up to Harrogate to press forward if they wanted to be in the hat for the next round which left gaps at the back for Sheffield to exploit. Fortunately for the visitors some over eager anticipation by the strikers resulted in numerous offside decisions. With ten minutes to go Sheffield fans had their hearts in their mouths when Smith dropped an easy catch but the ball was cleared away before the Harrogate forwards could pounce. The keeper redeemed himself towards the end when he got down well to block a shot at his near post. Despite the late pressure the Sheffield defence held firm, although in added time with what would be the last corner of the game, Harrogate sent everyone into the area, including the keeper Mann and the resulting kick saw a mad goalmouth scramble before Cooksey cleared the ball off the line.

So Sheffield progress into the third round, where they will face Ossett Town away on Tuesday November 24th. A fine performance all round and a well deserved win in a very entertaining match. It's back to league action on Saturday with a trip to the deceptively named Victoria Pleasure Grounds to take on Goole, where a few familiar faces could be on show in the opposition line-up.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Roney

Sheffield FC: L.Smith, Wright, Davis, Gaughan, Cooksey, Eagers, Roney, Potter (Thorpe), Jackson, Senior (Longstaff), Gascoigne. Subs Not Used: Cusworth, G.Smith.

Harrogate RA: Mann, Robinson (Haigh), Ball (Hesketh), Husband, Danby, Stansfield, Thirkell, Mitchell, Jones, Ross (Ramplin), Zephaniah. Sub Not Used: Yorath

Att: 153

Ex-England and Yorkshire cricket captain Michael Vaughan was in the stand to watch what turned out to be definitely a game of two halves.  It was Market Drayton who were quickest off the mark, catching the Sheffield defence cold as they took the lead in the 4th minute when a free kick from Porter was floated into the area where McMULLEN was on hand to head home. Moments later, a similar move, this time from open play saw Biddle head just the wrong side of the post. It was obvious that Town were not overawed by playing the World's oldest football club for the first time in their history, and to be honest, at this stage they were running the show as Sheffield just couldn't get their attacking game going. McMullen went close again with a header, this time Walker having to get down pretty fast to stop the effort. Porter then thought he'd have a go at scoring himself with a speculative effort from the sideline that was not that far over the bar. It took the hosts just over half an hour to trouble Pryce in the visitors net when Roney's cross cum shot was punched away by the keeper. Sheffield were back in it on 33 minutes when a short throw by Davis was whipped into the area by Roney and LEONARD was on hand to head home.  The visitors almost took the lead again from the restart when yet another free kick was delivered into the area and Ward headed just over the bar. At the other end, another effort by Roney was gathered by the keeper. It was a lively end to the half as Sheffield had a claim for a penalty denied when Roney was bundled off the ball just inside the area. Walker then had to be at his best to stop a shot from Ward whilst the final action of the half saw Thorpe chip the ball forward to Longstaff whose outstretched foot just failed to connect with the ball with Pryce out of position.

Was it one of those inspired half time team talks that we here so much about when a struggling team suddenly turn into world beaters? It could well have been as Sheffield emerged for the second half and took the game by the scruff of the neck. With only a minute on the clock Longstaff had a good chance when through with only Pryce to beat, but he had to stretch too far and his shot was well held by the keeper. It was now Market Drayton who were finding it hard to get near the Sheffield goal as the hosts kept the pressure on. The midfield had tightened up, with Leonard throwing himself into every challenge whilst at the back the defence were mopping up anything remotely resembling an attack. Just before the hour mark Sheffield took the lead when Eagers released Roney out on the wing and his cross was met by THORPE to head home on his debut. The hosts didn't sit back on their slender lead, as Longstaff had a shot well gathered by Pryce. The keeper then made a fantastic save from Cooksey, diving full length to tip the ball round the post. Cooksey almost became villain shortly after, dallying on the ball near to his own area which allowed Rogers to steal the ball off him but Walker saved with his feet, there were also appeals for a penalty as the defender seemed to tug the striker back before his shot but the referee waved play on. Sheffield could breath more easily on 79 minutes when OUTRAM, who was standing just about on the sideline and at least 30 yards out hoisted a ball so far up in the air that everyone had given up on it as it seemed to be sailing over the bar, but it came down right behind Pryce (who was stood by the far post) hit the post and went in! Thorpe almost doubled his own tally with a screamer of a shot from 25 yards out that was just the wrong side of the post. So, three points and a place at the top of the league for today's effort. Full credit to the visitors who gave us the run around in the first half and played their part in an entertaining game. Sheffield's next game is now away at Spalding next Saturday and NOT Tuesday night, as the visitors that night Quorn drew today in the Fa Trophy and will now be involved in a replay.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Outram

Sheffield FC: Walker, Wright, Davis, Smith, Gaughan (Cooksey), Leonard, Outram (Purkiss), Eagers, Longstaff, Thorpe, Roney (Gascoigne). Unused sub: Senior.

Market Drayton Town: Pryce, Francis, Griffiths, Humphreys, Bowyer, McMullen (Garratt), Porter, Horler, Ward (Rogers), Davies, Biddle (Beech). Unused subs: Haynes, Spooner.

Att: 249

Belper Town 3 Sheffield FC 3

(after extra time - Belper won 3-1 on penalties)

Presidents Cup First Round

Tuesday, 13/10/09

Sheffield FC 1 Willenhall Town 0

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 10/10/09

A 79^th minute Jon Hobson header, his first goal since returning to Club, was enough to give Sheffield a vital three points this afternoon. It was an arduous battle this afternoon at the BT Local Business Stadium, as basement club Willenhall put up a stiff resistance, which Sheffield found very difficult to break down.

The game had quite a lively start to proceedings, with Sheffield very much on the offensive, creating a few good chances. Chris Adam’s shot was well saved by Stephen Jackson in the Lockmen’s goal, with Chris Porter hooking the ball away to safety, whilst Ashley Longstaff headed straight at the keeper moments later. Kirk Jackson set Adam up with a chance that was deflected wide, and from Matt Outram’s resulting corner, Jackson poked the ball wide. Willenhall seldom threatened Leigh Walker’s goal, with the Sheffield keeper having very little to do, with the visitors’ best effort coming from Namibian striker Tangeni Nghishidimbwa who shot just over. Sheffield did manage to get the ball in the net, after some neat inter-play from Longstaff and Adam gave Matty Outram a tap-in; however the “goal” was ruled out for offside. After a small dust up started by Alex Roofe and Ash Longstaff, one which both sides were lucky not to pick up any cards, the game died out somewhat with very few chances created at either end.

The second half continued in pretty much the same vein, with very little in the way of goalmouth action, and neither keeper having anything of note to do. The best effort of note in the first period of the half came from the hosts, after Jackson flicked on a long ball from Walker, with Longstaff shooting just off target with the suspicion of a deflection helping it on its way. Again Willenhall’s best chance came from Tangeni Nghishidimbwa, who once again found himself with a bit of room to shoot, this time though Walker was able to get his body behind the ball. Lee Cooksey almost gave a bit of life to a rather dull encounter, as his effort was blocked by Adam Robinson on the line, when a goal looked a certainty. The goal eventually did come the hosts’ way with just over ten minutes to go, and it came from an old tried and tested route, a Roney corner – a HOBSON header – goal! That seemed to knock what stuffing there was in the Lockmen, and although they finished the game pressing more, they created nothing that really threatened Sheffield’s goal.

Whilst this wasn’t exactly the most entertaining game the large crowd expected, it was good enough to give Club the points to continue the promotion push, propelling them into fourth spot with the leaders looking anxiously over their collective shoulders. Next along is another trip to Belper, this time for a Presidents’ Cup tie, provisionally followed by the visit of Market Drayton Town – dependant on their FA Trophy replay on Tuesday evening.

BTF Club Man of the Match – Jon Hobson

Sheffield FC: Walker, G.Smith, Davis, Hobson ©, P.Smith (Eagers), Gaughan, Outram (Roney), Cooksey, Jackson, Longstaff (Senior), Adam. Subs Not Used: Purkiss, Wright.

Willenhall Town: Jackson, Roofe, Robinson, Griffiths, Porter, Meakin-Richards, Morton, Wills (Murphy), Nghishidimbwa (Pugh), Pinnock, Edward (Robins). Sub Not Used: Tasker.

Att: 475

Sheffield FC 4 Frecheville CA 0

Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Challenge Cup First Round

Tuesday, 6/10/09

Sheffield eased into the next round of the Senior Cup at a rain soaked Coach and Horses with an easy victory over Frecheville. The game saw the return of two former Sheffield FC players in Paul Brook and Craig Ludlam. Brook being part of the side that so famously retained it's NCE Premier Division status by beating North Ferriby Utd 4-3 in the final game of the 1996-97 season at Owlerton Stadium.

Right from the start it was the hosts who took the game forward and it was just a surprise that they had to wait 12 minutes before registering the first goal, Lee COOKSEY putting the ball in the net after a weak punch out from Bryan. Shortly after, the midfielder struck a shot that rattled the bar. Longstaff was next with a good chance when he was through on goal, but he somehow managed to pull the ball wide of the post. Sheffield went further ahead on 23 minutes when Outram ran through the middle before passing the ball out wide to Roney, whose cross was met by Will SENIOR to volley home on his return to the side,. Two minutes later and the game was well and truly over as a contest as once again Man of the Match Matt Outram was instrumental in the build up, releasing Senior who this time turned provider by chipping the ball into the area for Ash LONGSTAFF to head home.

The second half continued where the first finished, with Sheffield pinning the visitors back in their own half. With barely five minutes of the half played COOKSEY was on hand again to stab home a close range effort after good work from Gav Smith on the by-line. Frecheville did mount a couple of sporadic attacks but Walker had no saves to make in the entire ninety minutes, his 'highlight' being to catch the ball from a free kick in the last couple of minutes. There were more than enough chances to have at least doubled the final score, but some wayward finishing, plus a brilliant second half display by Tom Bryan in the Frecheville goal kept the scoreline down to single figures.

It's back to league action for Club this coming Saturday with the visit of Willenhall Town.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Outram

Sheffield FC: Walker, G.Smith, Davis, Hobson, P.Smith (Gallaway), Wright, Outram, Cooksey, Longstaff, Senior, Roney (Purkiss). Unused subs: Leonard, Winter, Jackson.

Frecheville CA: Bryan, Walley, Bailey (Greaves), Small, Wall, (Brook), Yeardley, Cooper, Ludlam, Meadows, Mulgrew, Nshindano.

Att: 117

Warrington Town 5 Sheffield FC 2

FA Trophy Preliminary Round

Saturday, 3/10/09

Cammell Laird 2 Sheffield FC 0

UniBond Division One South

Tuesday, 29/09/09

Sheffield FC 1 Loughborough Dynamo 0

UniBond Division One South

Saturday 26/09/09

A goal by on loan striker Ashley Longstaff in the first half was the difference between the two sides at the BT Local Business Stadium this afternoon.

Sheffield had Leigh Walker in goal, after his return from last week’s opponents Belper Town. They also fielded recent signings Ben Starosta and Chris Adam from the start, Ryan Davies having to be content with a place on the bench. It was Sheffield who were the quickest out of the blocks as an attack in the opening minute saw Jackson through, but he was beaten by Nurse in the Dynamo goal. Starosta then floated a free kick into the area that was flicked on by Jackson to Longstaff, whose volley was blocked by Nurse and the follow up was also smothered by the energetic keeper. Next to try his luck was Outram who anticipated a long ball forward and cut inside his marker before sliding the ball beyond the keeper but Allen was on hand with a last ditch clearance to save the day for the visitors. Jackson then had a decent chance when latching onto an Adams cross, but he hit his volley into the ground and it sailed over the bar. There were a couple of sporadic attacks from Loughborough, but these were easily dealt with as Sheffield bossed the opening half hour, having the better of the play and creating good opportunities, especially from both wingers. This was displayed in the next move when Outram swung over a deep cross to the back post Where Jackson was on hand to head back towards Longstaff, but as the striker was about to unleash his shot Harrison got a toe in to clear the danger. The visitors finally came to life a minute later, McLarnon's shot making Walker save at his left hand post. However, it was the Dynamo captain Matt Nurse who was by far the busier 'keeper, having to make an excellent stop from Starosta’s free kick. The breakthrough came just past the half hour mark when a long ball from defence saw LONGSTAFF react first and put the ball beyond the onrushing Nurse and record his first goal for the club. Both Outram and Adams were then denied by Nurse, who was single-handedly keeping the marauding Sheffield attack at bay. Longstaff had a golden opportunity to double the lead in added time when teed up by Adams, but his effort was woefully put over the bar.

Sheffield started the second half in the same vein of form, Outram making Nurse palm away a shot before Longstaff’s follow-up effort was blocked on the line. The big striker was unlucky moments later when latching onto a loose ball as his goal bound effort was spectacularly saved by the keeper. Ten minutes in and this time it was Walker once again at full stretch to turn a Scott Clamp effort round the post. Longstaff was replaced with Purkiss at this stage, which must have been a relief to Nurse and the rest of his defenders. Loughborough were now starting to come more into the game, with Kris Nurse going close as Walker had to save at his near post. Sheffield had to reshuffle the midfield soon after as Eagers went off injured to be replaced by Gascoigne. The visitors were now adventuring forward more in an effort to get something from the game, and Noble was a whisker away from connecting with Ross's cross. Sheffield were being pinned back in the latter stages as Dynamo pressed for the equaliser and Sheffield had a lucky escape when Jamie Allen beat Walker to the ball, only to see man of the match Paul Smith make a goal line clearance. The home side were now hanging on for the points as the visitors surged forward, Collis hitting the upright with Walker beaten. The final minutes saw Sheffield slow the game down and retain possession in the corners until the referee brought the game to an end.

Loughborough will probably feel hard done by after their efforts in the last half hour, but the game should have been over as a contest by half time if it wasn't for yet another brilliant display from Matt Nurse between the sticks. The win puts Sheffield up to fourth spot, just below Witton Albion on goal difference. Next up is the long midweek trip to Cammell Laird on Tuesday, who lost 4-1 today at Workington in the FA Cup.

BTF Club Man of the Match: Paul Smith

Sheffield FC: Walker, Starosta, Wright, G.Smith, P.Smith, Winter, Outram, Eagers (Gascoigne), Jackson, Longstaff (Purkiss), Adam (Woolley). Subs Not Used: Roney, Davis

Loughborough Dynamo: M.Nurse, Harrison, L.Allen, Noble, Betts, Clamp, Morgan (J.Allen), McLarnon (Collis), K.Nurse, Brennan, Hale (Ross). Sub Not Used: Hohn

Att: 272

Belper Town 2 Sheffield FC 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 19/09/09

The second half saw Sheffield carry on where they left off, only this time chasing the game. Outram was still the main supply for the forwards as he had Burley on the back foot time and again. Eagers tested Walker's reflexes as his first time shot from Outram's pass had the keeper punching clear. Belper were reduced to a couple of long range efforts, although Cross had to make one full length save from a Stevenson free kick. It was Walker again to the rescue with a double save as Longstaff's shot was parried by the keeper and with Jackson following up, his effort was blocked too. With Woolley already substituted, Dolby decided that it was time to 'go directly' for goal by withdrawing Man of the Match Outram and bringing Purkiss on to supplement the firepower up front and rely on the rocket launches from Cross to cause the damage. It certainly gave the Belper defence something to think about as their own Man of the Match Leigh Walker was being kept busy directing things in front of him as well as pulling off some stunning saves. However, Sheffield got their just rewards two minutes into added time when Cross launched yet another ball upfield where Longstaff managed to control it and head it back to Purkiss who, from twenty yards out and from the corner of the area hit a fantastic volley over Walker and into the net. Sheffield fans still had to endure a few nerves just after the goal as Belper gained a corner, but the danger was cleared and the referee brought the game to an end.

A game which both sides would have probably have settled for a point before play. Sheffield showed some good touches and on the balance of play and chances, had enough opportunities to have come away with all three points, but after falling behind they showed true character by fighting to the end and grabbing the equaliser.  Next up is a break from league action as we take on Goole at home on Tuesday night in the League Cup. Come and support the lads, you may see some familiar faces lining up for the opposition.

BTF Man of the Match: Matt Outram

Belper Town: Walker, Harcourt, Burley, Ingall, Naylor Haigh, Hudson, Stevenson (Colliver), Oliver (Simpson), Wilson (Trimmer), Fedorenko. Unused Subs: Adams, Middleton

Sheffield FC: Cross, G.Smith, Wright, Hobson (Cooksey), P.Smith, Winter, Outram (Purkiss), Eagers, Jackson, Longstaff, Woolley (Gascoigne). Unused Sub: Leonard

Att: 256

Sheffield FC 1 FC United of Manchester 3

FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round

Saturday, 12/09/09

The day’s biggest FA Cup crowd were in attendance this afternoon at the BT Local Business Stadium, to enjoy the warm September sunshine, and to witness a fairly comprehensive victory for FCUM over Sheffield FC. Over 1,200 people crammed the Dronfield terraces, creating a memorable atmosphere for all present; however three unanswered first half goals for the visitors gave matters on the pitch a rather lopsided outcome. Goals from Been Deegan and two from Carlos Roca - one of which was a penalty – all but wrapped up the game by the interval, although Club dominated the second period, with Jordan Eagers capping a fine display with a well taken spot-kick of his own.

It was a rather tense start to the game with very few chances created by either side, and the main talking points in the first quarter of the game were the robust challenges from Simon Carden and Jon Hobson on opposition victims, with the Sheffield skipper the one who picked up a yellow card. United managed the first real effort on goal twenty minutes in, as David Chadwick saw his header fly just wide of the post, from a rather good corner from Jermaine Wright. Club’s best effort of the half came after a neat one-two between Gav Smith and Jordan Eagers, resulting in a shot from Smith, with FCUM keeper Sam Ashton more than up to the task of saving. Just after the half hour mark the visitors made the breakthrough, with DEEGAN driving the ball through a crowded box, with the ball cruelly deflecting off a body beyond Tom Cross. United added a second just before the break, as a suspiciously offside looking Carlos Roca found himself clear on goal, Cross did well to block Roca’s effort, but as the ball fell to Adam Carden who fell in the area under the attention of Dan MacPherson – ROCA made no mistake from the spot, sending Cross the wrong way. To add insult to injury the visitors added a third in injury time, as Paul Smith misjudged a long ball; ROCA gambled well and coolly lobbed the advancing Cross from about 25 yards out.

It could be argued that United took their foot off the gas, but the second half saw a totally different Sheffield performance, one which had the visitors on the back foot for much of the half. Matt Roney’s free-kick found Gav Smith, who hooked the ball over, whilst Smith also forced an excellent stop from the impressive Ashton. It looked as if Club would get their just rewards eventually, and midway through the half they did, although it came in controversial circumstances. As Ashton collected the ball from a corner, Adam Tong was involved in an off-the-ball incident with Gavin Smith, with the Sheffield player knocked to the floor. Both players received yellow cards, surprisingly in Tong’s case, and a penalty awarded to the hosts – much to the angst of the FCUM players – one that EAGERS dispatched with ease. United could have added to their total; Roca could have got his hat-trick, as he did well cutting in from the left to shoot just over. The best chance of the half though came as Jerome Wright burst through the Sheffield defence, squaring the ball to Ben Deegan who had the easiest of tasks of slotting into the empty net, but there to clear off the line was Gavin Smith – coming from nowhere to clear the danger.

For much of this game Sheffield more than held their own, but on the day there could be little argument that FC United showed their higher division class, and more than deserved their win. Club will be able to look back on this one as a good experience with plenty of learnings, but more than anything it will be remembered for being a great day for a large well behaved attendance, and nice little payday to top it off.

BTF Man of the Match – Jon Hobson.

Sheffield FC: Cross, G.Smith, MacPherson, Hobson ©, P.Smith, Leonard (Gascoigne), Roney (Outram), Winter (Purkiss), Jackson, Eagers, Woolley. Subs Not Used: Wright, Green, Wainman.

FC United: Ashton, Warrender, Garner, Moses (Cottrell), Chadwick ©, Tong (Nugent), A.Carden, S.Carden (Marsh), Deegan, Wright, Roca. Subs Not Used: Shenton, Williams, Morris, Mack.

Att: 1,208 

Sheffield FC 4 Mickleover Sports 2

UniBond Division One South

Saturday, 05/09/09

After the crowd had been treated to a fly-past by the Red Arrows whilst the players were shaking hands, the game started rather flat in comparison, with neither side holding the ball for more than a few passes. Seven minutes in though the game sprang to life, as Jon Hobson’s headed clearance went across the field to STEADMAN who met the ball with the sweetest of strikes, leaving Tom Cross rooted to the spot as the ball hit the back of the net. Moments later Sports had the opportunity to make it two, as a deep cross from Danny Martin was met by the head of Ricky Law, with the ball fizzing just over the top. Club had to wait until midway through the half to test the Mickleover keeper and Tom Whittle was up to task, getting down well to stop a half-volley from Matt Roney, following a Steve Woolley cross. Three minutes before half time Sheffield finally made the breakthrough, as a long free-kick from his own half by Tom Cross was poorly dealt with by Sam Carter, and nipping in to capitalise on the error was JACKSON to hook the ball over the advancing Whittle and into the net. In injury time Club nearly took the lead, as Steve Woolley managed to get in front of the now shaky looking Sam Carter, his final effort was narrowly wide of the mark.

Sheffield had the worst start possible in the second half, as Tom Cross pondered too long on the ball and lost control, allowing LAW to dispossess the keeper and slide the ball into the empty net. If anything this spurred the hosts into action, and within three minutes they were level as Gavin Smith delivered the perfect cross into the box, where JACKSON was on hand to finish with a towering header. Club were now well and truly on top, and could have made it three moments later as Dan MacPherson’s shot was blocked by Whittle, with Jackson’s rebound being blocked on the line by Marc Strzyżewski. Ashley Longstaff was also impressing on his debut, and was combining excellently up front with Jackson, and he combined with Gav Smith to set his strike partner up with an excellent opportunity – one that Jackson just headed over. It seems strange commenting on a Sheffield game where they dominated the aerial battle, but such was the dominance, every time the ball went into the box it was a home player’s head that connected with it. On the hour that was summed up, when Matt Roney sent in a fantastic free-kick into the mix, and GAV SMITH rose a good six inches higher than anyone else to head home for the third.

Club continued to press and dominate the game, and nearly made it four from a poorly cleared Matt Roney corner, with substitute Jordan Eagers volleying against the bar. Whilst Club looked in complete control, Mickleover were handed a lifeline, as a Gavin Smith challenge on Eric Graves was deemed worthy of a penalty. Whether or not the sight of his number being held up on the bench moments earlier affected him in anyway is rather subjective, either way Karl Ashton’s penalty must go down as one of the worst for some time in S18, with the ball not only clearing the bar – but the fence and probably county line too – it was his last contribution. Tom Cross managed to make a good stop to deny Mickleover a share of the spoils, getting down well to deny Ricky Law, who had been left open in space on the left wing. In injury time the game was wrapped up, as substitute Andy Gascoigne burst into the area, only to be upended by Liam Walshe. Naturally with a hat-trick on the cards, Jackson stepped up, and made no mistake with a calmly taken spot-kick.

Overall this was a very entertaining game, and neither side were shy with some of the challenges, with plenty of players leaving the field knowing they’d been in a battle. But the major point to take from this was the quality up front from the Sheffield pairing of Longstaff and Jackson, who looked a pretty decent pairing, working excellently together. Obviously there were other areas where Sheffield shone, with Gavin Smith’s performance in particular getting nods of approval from all and sundry, and it could (and should) have looked a whole lot more impressive if not for the two gifted goals. The win leaves Club in sixth spot, but the league takes backstage next week, as we turn our attention to FA Cup matters – in particular the eagerly awaited visit of FC United of Manchester, who come to Dronfield fresh from their trip to the Lake District, where they lost 1-0 to Kendal.

Sheffield FC: Cross, G.Smith, MacPherson (Wright), Hobson ©, P.Smith, Leonard (Eagers), Roney, Winter, Jackson, Longstaff, Woolley (Gascoigne). Subs Not Used: Wainman, Purkiss.

Mickleover Sports: Whittle, S.Carter, J.Carter, Walshe ©, Hoyle (Burton), Strzyżewski, Steadman (T.Law), Martin, Ashton (O’Connell), R.Law, Graves.

Att: 263

Carlton Town 2 Sheffield FC 0

UniBond Division One South

Monday 31/08/09

Two minutes into the second period and the visitors almost took the lead as Eagers tackled in the opposition area and the ball fell loose to man of the match Roney whose rasping drive was well saved by Barcherini. It was Paul Smith who was next to test the keeper from a free kick, but the effort was safely gathered. Sheffield kept pressing forward and a good move from midfield eventually found it's way to Eagers just inside the area, but his shot was blocked by Swinscoe. At this point Carlton decided to change things around by bringing on their two remaining substitutes. Shortly after this Roney was taken off and replaced by Wainman. This seemed to turn the game in Carlton's favour, as they started to attack more, and Sheffield's own attack's dwindled as there was no service now on the right wing, Woolley being a virtual spectator stuck out on the left side without any service.

Just past the hour mark Carlton came close when a long ball into the area had the visitors panicking before the ball was eventually cleared. Jackson was replaced by Purkiss up front for Sheffield, the only other substitute being the manager himself, who was busy directing things from the touchline. Chaplin had a good chance from the edge of the area, but once again the shot was wide of the mark. Meanwhile at the other end, Wainman got the better of Brindley but his header was wide of the mark. The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute when pressure in the Sheffield area saw Cross having to make his first save of the half but the ball fell kindly to SWINSCOE at the near post who swept the ball home. Three minutes later and the lead was doubled when Carlton broke down a Sheffield attack and quickly released the ball forward to Ball who ran on unchallenged before knocking the ball into the path of HEWITT who had the simple task of putting it beyond the reach of the stranded Cross. Sheffield tried to rally to salvage something out of the game, Woolley coming inside and firing in a shot that had Barcherini at full stretch, but that was as far as they got to getting on the scoresheet.

It was a dream start for the hosts, as they went on the attack from the kick off and gained an early corner. From the resultant kick Roney sent over a cross which SENIOR met at the near post to head home. It was all Sheffield then as the crowd were expecting a goal avalanche as the team pressed Flixton back. In fact it was almost twenty minutes before they had their first real chance when Spence headed wide at the back post from a free kick. Dickinson had a good chance minutes later when, with a clear sight of goal and no defender in front of him he hit a shot that was woefully wide of the target. Sheffield were creating plenty, but clear cut scoring chances were at a premium, Gascoigne going closest when just failing to connect with a low cross into the box. So Sheffield went into the break with just the one goal lead.

Outram replaced Roney at the start of the second half, immediately marking his presence with a run and cross that Gascoigne volleyed over the bar. Just over ten minutes into the half and the hosts were awarded a penalty for a high challenge on Senior. A somewhat controversial decision in the eyes of the Flixton players, but once the dust had died down up stepped EAGERS to slot the ball into the corner just beyond the reach of Jowsey. This episode unsettled the visitors who were then questioning every tackle and losing their own discipline. As a result some of the play became scrappy as petty fouls started to creep into the game. Wainman was brought into the game at the expense of Senior, to give the Flixton defenders yet more pace to worry about as they laboured to clear the ball time after time. The fact that Cross was a spectator this half tells you just how impotent the visitors were going forward. Wainman almost got on the scoresheet with his first touch as a free kick was headed on by Eagers and the striker was there to head against the bar.

Despite all the pressure Sheffield were finding it difficult to kill the game as Jowsey was in fine form, making a double save from Leonard. However, he couldn't keep the hosts at bay all afternoon and Sheffield increased their lead on 71 minutes when Outram's free kick was floated into the box where WRIGHT was on hand to slot the ball home unchallenged from three yards out. Wainman then makes Jowsey pull off a fine save as the striker is once again foiled by the keeper. From the resulting corner the game was well and truly over as WRIGHT was on hand again, this time from two yards out to blast Sheffield into the next round. There was still time for Wainman to resume his personal battle with Jowsey, this time latching onto a through ball and slipping it beyond the keeper's reach, only to see it trickle agonisingly wide of the post. In the dying seconds an altercation between MacPherson and one of the Flixton players saw the visitors red carded, as well as one of his team mates for dissent. As for the third sending off? We're still trying to work that one out!

Sheffield's reward for this victory is a home tie in the First Qualifying Round against FC United of Manchester, but before that  there is the small matter of a trip to Carlton Town on Monday, 3pm kick off, where more league points are at stake.

BTF Man of the Match: Steve Woolley

Sheffield FC: Cross, Wright, MacPherson, G.Smith, P.Smith, Leonard, Roney (Outram), Eagers, Senior (Wainman), Gascoigne (Dempsey), Woolley. Subs Not Used: Purkiss, Green.

Flixton FC: Jowsey, McDonnell, Scarry, Whitehead, Spence, Boardman, Dickinson (Haggis), Barnes (G.Smith), C.Smith, Keogh, Edwards (Matthews). Subs Not Used: Fradley, Osbourne

Att: 174