Match Reports by either Stuart James or Trevor Herrington unless stated.
Photographs By David Dean
Ossett Town 0 Sheffield FC 1
UniBond League Challenge Cup Third
Round
Tuesday, 24/11/09
Another Cup
match and once again a strong Sheffield squad sweeps
aside the opposition writes Rob Shepherdson .This
time the scalp is Premier division OssettTown to claim
one of sixteen remaining places for the 4th round draw.
Sheffield start the
match playing into a strong swirling wind blowing straight down the pitch from the left hand corner flag. The first 10 minutes see constant Sheffield attacks rewarded with successive corners but no clear
cut chances.On 12 minutes Greg Wright is on hand in our six yard box to clear
the first meaningful Ossett attack and is fortunate when his clearance cannons off a nearby striker and goes harmlessly wide
when it could have gone anywhere.A few minutes later Ossett try again and this
time Clayton shoots from 25 yards but this is also off target. Meanwhile Jamie Jackson (JJ), starting up front alongside Longstaff
for the first time, is proving a real handful for the opponents defence with his turn of pace.A quick break by Ossett sees danger narrowly averted when last man Paul Smith beats Ryan to the ball.On 25 minutes Liam Smith, standing in for cup tied Leigh Walker, has his first serious work to do when
he deflects a shot around the post for a corner.Wooley breaks at the other end
and only a punch from the goalkeeper prevents Longstaff from meeting it with his head.With six minutes remaining Matt Roney breaks on the right wing and delivers a lovely cross to the feet of Longstaff
but the shot is hit skyward and up and over the stand into the street.Minutes
later JJ is clear through on goal and attempts to chip the keeper but Kerr manages to push the ball away.The first half finishes with a Sheffield freekick about 30 yds straight from the Ossett goal
but Paul Smith’s shot is well over.Overall a good first half with Sheffield on top.
In
the absence of a programme to read - their printers had gone bust!, the half time interval was livened by an attractive troupe
of cheerleaders who did well to brighten up the dismal conditions with their brave routine whilst in the café many seemed
to be partaking of (reputedly) the best pies we have seen so far.
With the
wind now behind us, the second half starts with plenty of Sheffield possession but it takes until the
56 minute before Longstaff plays JJ through to create the first chance, it goes narrowly wide.Ossett are sitting back absorbing the pressure before springing the occasional break often involving left winger Hardaker.As a result Woolley has been breaking less himself as he hangs back to pick up the
Ossett player but is now substituted for Cusworth.Brian takes up a forward position
alongside Longstaff with JJ moving to the now vacant left wing.A couple of minutes
later, on the stroke of the hour Cusworth has the ball in the net from a Gav Smith’s cross only to be flagged offside.However it takes only seven more minutes before we find the net again.Pressure on Ossett’s defence pushes the ball out to Gav who hits a cracking shot which is blocked
in the area with ball spilling out to Longstaffwho is unmarked and makes no
mistake from 12 yards.This forces Ossett to take the offensive without creating
many chances whilst an outstanding Leonard remains rock solid in midfield.Chances
are still falling to Sheffield and both JJ and Matt Thorpe have good opportunities to score.The final couple minutes see Osset with their first really good cross of the match into area but no-one
connects well on to it, and then in the final minute a heart stopping moment when Osset’s Andy Lee is played clean through
only to waste his chance.This was would have been wholly undeserved for the
Club as we had played a very good match which was wholly in keeping with our current league status. As for Ossett, well heaven
knows they must be miserable now.
Teams:
Sheffield FC
Liam
Smith, Cooksey, Wright, Gav Smith (C), Paul Smith, Leonard, Roney, Eagers, Longstaff, Jamie Jackson, Woolley.Subs: Gaughan, Jackson, Thorpe, Cusworth
OssettTown: 77 mins Roberts for Fisher, 84 mins Hollindrake for Watson
Sheffield:
56 mins Cusworth for Woolley; 77 mins Thorpe for Roney
Attendance: 81
BTF Man of the Match – Jamie Jackson
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.
Cusworth rises to meet Jamie Jackson's cross......
and it's game, set and match - 2-0
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.
Jordan Eagers shot flashes wide of the post
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.
For
the second time in a week, Sheffield FC came away with a point after conceding a late goal that denied them all three, against
another team that could be in the title mix at the end of the season. At a windswept Dales Lane, an 85th minute
goal from Rushall skipper Nick Preston gave the hosts an unlikely point, after it had looked as if Matt Roney’s 20th
minute effort would be enough to seal an important win. Club had dominated things for much of the game with Rushall very rarely
threatening the visitors, but as with last week’s game at Leek, once the goal went in it became a fraught few minutes
for Sheffield to come away with a point that keeps them at the top of the table.
The
key to who was going to take control of this game was down to who would master the conditions the best, as a swirling wind
made any long ball game a bit of a lottery, and with the wind behind them and having the advantage of the slope it looked
like Sheffield were the ones to take that mantle. It was the hosts however that made the first breakthrough, with the impressive
Ramone Stephens breaking down the right to square the ball to Harry Harris, his shot though fell tamely to Leigh Walker. Club
started to threaten more as the game went on, with Paul Smith’s free-kick scraping the roof of the net, whilst Greg
Wright’s cross from the right wing being headed just over by Brian Cusworth. On twenty minutes Sheffield took a deserved
lead, as Brian Cusworth and Ashley Longstaff broke down the left wing, and set Steve Woolley with the task of placing a simple
pass into the path of Matt Roney, one which RONEY placed first time beyond the keeper into the goal off the near post. Despite
dominating territory for the rest of the half, Club couldn’t capitalise and gave Chris Gemmell in the Pics’ goal
very little to do, something they were to rue later on in the game.
With
the wind now at the backs of the hosts, it was Rushall’s turn to pile on the pressure, and for much of the second period
the ball found itself lodged in the Sheffield half of the field. Despite all the pressure the home side did little to trouble
Leigh Walker in the visitors’ goal, however they did come close following a Tim Jackson corner that was met by the head
of Tom Starkey, luckily for Sheffield it was cleared off the line and to safety. For all the advantage Rushall held, Sheffield
looked quite comfortable holding on to the lead, and almost had the opportunity to grab another goal. Ashley Longstaff found
himself trapped by the left wing corner flag, somehow he managed to play a cute ball to Matt Roney who in turn teed up Jordan
Eagers, and his side-footed shot was well saved by Gemmell who turned it round the post. With time running out and looking
to be on Sheffield’s side, Rushall were awarded a free-kick thirty yards from goal, up stepped Tim Jackson to float
the ball in where it was met by an unmarked header by PRESTON to steer the ball home. It seemed rough justice at the time,
but once again Club were left holding on for the point, and once again the home team were unable to breach the defence to
grab the winner.
Sheffield
remain in top spot after this game, as yet again all those around them slipped up with defeats or draws, making the result
look all the more impressive. Club have now gone seven league games undefeated, and considering that five of them have been
on the road, it looks a formidable statistic. Before this game most would have taken a point, yet once again Sheffield could
have – and should have – easily taken all three. Club now have a rare midweek rest, and go into next week’s
game at home to struggling Lincoln United in promising form, although nothing should be taken for granted with next Saturday’s
fixture – after all Lincoln turned over our promotion rivals Market Drayton 2-0 this afternoon.
A strong Sheffield squad made no mistake in pleasant conditions at Rossington
in the second round of the Senior Cup to comfortably reach the Quarter Final stage writes Rob Shepherdson.With chances a plenty and Longstaff bagging four for himself the difference in quality between the two
leagues reflected the pre-match expectations and, although the young Rossington team tried valiantly at times and earned respect
for their efforts, there was little they could do once the goals started flowing.
With Steve Woolley making a welcome start on the left wing for the first time
in a month, Sheffield still started slowly as both teams try to find their feet in what was at times a little bit scrappy
although both Longstaff (twice) and Woolley had good chances in the opening ten minutes.The first breakthrough came on 13 minutes when Jackson exploits weaknesses in the defence and feeds a low ball across
the edge of the six yard box for SENIOR to opening the scoring.Perversely Rossington
seem to gain confidence from this and play some of their best football of the game but with little impact.However on 20 minutes Club concede a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area which gives
Rossington their first shot on goal; but Walker easily saves.A short spell of
Rossington pressure followed with a couple of corners and shots but nothing to trouble the resolute Sheffield defence.All is not well with Laurence Gaughan and he is replaced just after the half hour
by substitute Matt Thorpe who goes into the right back slot with Wright moving across to central defence. Sheffield began
once more to assert their authority although it takes until the last minute of the half before Roney adds to the score.A poor Rossington ball is intercepted just inside their half leaving RONEY with a
clear run on goal.Making no mistake upon reaching the penalty area Matt unleashes
a fearsome shot to beat the diving keeper at the far post.
If Rossington were deflated by conceding a second goal on the stroke of half time,
the second half didn’t start any better for them and after only a couple of minutes a Woolley cross was met firmly by
LONGSTAFF in the box to head Sheffield’s third.The hour mark sees Eagers
on for Roney and one minute later LONGSTAFF easily beats the offside trap and then the goalkeeper to make it 4-0.Rossington then have their best chance of the game when Thornton manages to deliver a dangerous cross across
the six yard box only for it to evade the desperate attempts of the incoming Nicholls.The 64th minute sees Longstaff win the ball just inside our half and yet again he is free to race forward
chased by defenders.Running almost half the length of the pitch, and with a
tackle imminent, Longstaff neatly beats the keeper to complete his hat-trick (5-0).Senior is then withdrawn in favour of Leonard but pressure on Rossington is relentless and Sheffield’s frontline
threaten a breakthrough at every opportunity. With ten minutes to go Woolley feeds a delightful ball through a crowded box
and once again LONGSTAFF is positioned perfectly and pounces to make it 6-0 and Ashley’s fourth.With the match coming towards a close the final scenes played out and the hard working JACKSON is rewarded
with a well deserved goal from a loose ball following the keeper blocking yet another shot from the irrepressible Longstaff
(7-0).Whilst Rossington are still not giving up and at the other end a final
chance to gain a consolation falls for Fraser’s but his shot goes narrowly wide.
A good performance and result for the Club which demonstrates how serious we are
about this competition.
BTF Club Man of the Match - Ashley Longstaff
Rossington Main; Appleby, Green (Paterson), Billam, Fraser, Rodgers, Holvey, Nicholls,
Pendleton, Thornton, McGhie, Stokes.Subs Not Used: Hilton.
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.
A goal in each half from Jordan Eagers and Ashley Longstaff
were enough to keep Sheffield at top of the league in a hard fought contest this evening at The Hawthorns. Despite Brigg’s
bottom of the league finish last season, it had not stopped the Lincolnshire side performing the league double over Club and
so the visitors were out to ensure a repetition was not going to happen despite Brigg’s much improved form over recent
months. Brigg also had three ex-Sheffield players within their squad, with Cochrane in the starting eleven and Pickess and
Capuano on the bench. Coincidentally, Jon Pickess was BTF’s very first Player Of The Season, and the award had been
made to him in the Clubhouse at The Hawthorns after the League Cup Final defeat to Ossett Albion there in 2003.
After the early opening exchanges it was the home side who
had the first real meaningful effort when Walker had to get down quickly to save Holt's shot. In fact it was the Zebra's who
were making all the running in the first quarter of the game although once Sheffield settled they had a good chance when Cusworth
got onto the end of an Outram cross bringing out a fine save from Pettinger. Back at the other end and once again Walker was
on hand to deny the home side with a reflex save as Sheffield were struggling to combat the pace of the Brigg forwards. Roney
was the next to try his luck, curling a free kick towards the top corner that Pettinger had to tip over. Just past the half
hour mark and another good chance for the home side went begging as Grimes found space to shoot across goal but the effort
was just the wrong side of the post. Five minutes before the break and a good move in which Outram fed the ball into Jackson, who
then laid the ball off to the inrushing Wright whose powerful shot had Pettinger at full stretch to keep the scoresheet
blank. The breakthrough came on 44 minutes as Roney found space on the wing to run at the defence before turning inside and
delivering the ball to the edge of the six yard box where a mad scramble resulted in the EAGERS getting in a shot that appeared
to go in off a couple of players.
Brigg once again started strongly in the second half in an
effort to get back on level terms, Walker having to save well from their first attack. The visitors were finding it difficult
to make any worthwhile attacks at this stage and once again it was a brilliant reaction save from Walker that kept the Zebra's
at bay. After soaking up the early pressure Sheffield finally began to create chances of their own, Eagers being unlucky when
put through by Outram as his shot was deflected off a defenders leg with the keeper beaten. Minutes later Roney delivered
a perfect cross into the area where both Jackson and Cusworth were waiting, Cusworth shouting for the ball, only to see his
volley launched into the outer stratosphere! With Brigg having to press forward there was more space for the visitors to exploit
and the lead was almost extended in bizarre fashion when a long ball forward saw Pettinger and Cochrane come out for the ball,
the defender putting it past his keeper and heading towards goal but the effort was cleared just before crossing the line.
Cooksey came on to strengthen midfield at the expense of Jackson and Longstaff replaced Cusworth up front for the visitors.
Another ex-Clubbie, Jon Pickess was brought on as a sub for Brigg who were now in the last chance saloon in a bid to salvage
at least a point. With three minutes to go they must have thought they'd achieved their objective as shots rained in on the
Sheffield goal, but man of the match Walker made a brilliant double save to deny them a share of the spoils at that stage.
The game was put beyond doubt on 90 minutes when a long clearance upfield saw the Brigg defenders playing 'statues' as LONGSTAFF
beat the offside trap and drew Pettinger out of his goal before rounding the keeper and walking the ball into the back of
the net.
A battling performance and another clean sheet keeps Sheffield
at the top of the league. Next game is a tricky encounter at Leek Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Be aware that their home
game last night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch so please check before travelling.
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”.
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
Spalding United 1 Sheffield FC 3
UniBond Division One South
Saturday 24/10/09
Match Report brought to you by Rob Shepherdson
On two previous visits to the windy Sir Halley Steward
stadium we were both victors and (undeserved) losers but much was expected from Club this season as being league leaders earlier
in the week we had the opportunity to further our cause against one of the perennial poorer performing teams in this division.And so it proved with a well-deserved victory for Sheffield who were clearly
at a higher level than the hosts for much of the match.
New signing Brian Cusworth started up front alongside
Longstaff, with the three Matt’s and Lenny in midfield, and Cooksey coming in alongside Gav in central defence supported
by Greg and Ryan in the full back slots. Leigh, as usual, was in between the posts.
Spalding had the first chance after 5 minutes when
a corner was headed back out of the Sheffield area only for a 20 yard strike to go comfortably over our bar.On 10 minutes Club gets its first chance when Outram is tripped on the edge of the area before curling
the resultant free kick into the danger zone for Cusworth to rise above the defenders only to see his header also go over
the bar.Spalding then plays a ball above Cooksey which is picked up by their
left winger but the dangerous cross is safely put behind by Davis for a corner.In
the wet and windy conditions the first 20 minutes are pretty even for both sides with few chances being created although Club
now begin to exploit the obvious weak points in Spalding’s defence especially from crosses. Almost immediately this
pays dividends when a fine cross from Roney is met unchallenged in the area for LEONARD to head Sheffield in front on 21 minutes.A second almost follows when Outram fires in another cross which is met squarely by
an unmarked Longstaff only for the goalkeeper to scramble the ball around the post.With quality crosses forthcoming from both Outram and Roney, and Longstaff and Cusworth combining well up front.It was inevitable that continued pressure would bear fruit and on 24 minutes Roney
was once again the provider this time for LONGSTAFF to head in. But its not all
one way and Spalding still create the occasional chance with Scott find his way past defenders for Mowbray to head wide whilst
any even better chance falls to Garrick when Gav slips on the edge of the Sheffield area only to send the ball skywards thankfully
clearing the Social Club sited behind Leigh’s goal. But Club is still in the ascendancy and Roney and Outram are still
creating major problems for the defence with some wonderful crossfield balls creating chances for Longstaff, Cusworth and
Leonard.In the dying minutes of the first half Thorpe plays Longstaff through
from the halfway line only for a chasing defender to nick the ball off Ashley just as he was lining up to shoot.With two minutes left on the clock Spalding replace injured striker Garrick with Spence who almost makes
an immediate impact when he heads over from a rare Spalding corner.
Sheffield pick up in the second half from where they
left off with Longstaff going close on 52 minutes with a header from the six yard box which the keeper manages to scramble
away.One of the best moves of the match follows on 55 minutes with Outram breaking
out of defence and feeding Thorpe in midfield. Matt Thorpe keeping the momentum going cleverly feeds Roney who beats his marker
and races for the penalty area before unleashing a ferocious shot which goes narrowly wide - much to the disappointment of
the visiting fans.Thorpe also has a good shot saved and on 58 minutes following
which Spalding’s Captain (King) is deservedly booked for bringing down Outram.Outram responds with another good run only for Cusworth to shoot over the bar.Spalding are now struggling to get out of their own half but when the do finally manage to push up into midfield a
smart Sheffield ball beats their intended offside trap to leave Brian Cusworth clear with only the keeper to beat.CUSWORTH makes no mistake and its 3-0 after 63 minutes.3
minutes later Spalding surprisingly pull a goal back when GOODE strikes from 20 yards past an unsighted Walker.Five minutes later Spalding’s Mowbray hits the side netting when in a good position to score as Sheffield
shows signs of losing the impetus.On 79 minutes Eagers is brought on for Roney
but Spalding continue to threaten and the increasingly dangerous Mowbray hits the bar with a header. At the other end Longstaff
chases a loose ball left by the defence but is gradually pushed wide of the goal and fires into the side netting from an acute
angle.The final act of note falls to Thorpe who shoots over following the blocking
of Cusworth’s shot on the line.The final whistle brings a good victory
for the Club and our second away win of the season; no bookings either is a bonus!
BTF Man of the Match – Ben Leonard
Spalding United: Norris, George, King (c), Toyne,
Hone, Walker, Forbes, Mowbray, Goode, Garrick (Spence), Scott.Subs Not Used:
Olivera, Lamming, Roberts.
A
first half equaliser from Ben Leonard, a second half debut goal from Matty Thorpe and a bizarre third goal from man of the
match Matt Outram saw Sheffield take all three points and go top of the league this afternoon at the BT Local Business Stadium.
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.
Sometimes you just have to grit your teeth.....
and take one for the team - from Matt Roney's shot
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.
Two goals from Jordan Eagers and one from Joel Purkiss weren't enough in this evenly fought
encounter which ended all square after extra time and had to be settled on penalties. Sheffield had Andrew Potter returning
to the side, but work commitments, injuries and illness also saw some regular faces missing as there was no Hobson, Paul
Smith or Kirk Jackson. The visitors also had yet another Smith to add to the growing collection as young Liam Smith took up
the position between the posts due to Leigh Walker being cup tied. For the home side there was the site of yet another familiar
face to Sheffield followers as Martin Kearney was in the net for the Nailers.
There was little to choose between the teams in the early exchanges, with neither keeper
tested although Roney had half a chance just before the quarter hour mark when Outram's cross found the winger at the back
post but he couldn't control the ball and Harcourt was able to clear the danger. However, Belper went in front on 17
minutes when a free kick out on the left was met by Asa INGALL who headed home. Less than five minutes later and the score
was doubled when Gaughan fouled Walker in the box and STEVENSON made no mistake from the resulting penalty kick.
Sheffield seemed to lose their way for a ten minute spell with some wayward passing but
just on the half hour mark they pulled together again and Eagers had a shot from distance. Senior was next to go close, his
shot on the turn just going wide of the post. At the other end Smith had to have two attempts to gather a speculative effort
from Oliver. He then made a good save from the Belper centre forward, palming away the shot and Stevenson should have
done better with the rebound but he blazed it over the bar. Sheffield were back in it on 40 minutes after a flowing move downfield
was taken on by Outram whose cross was turned goalwards by Senior, only to see Kearney get a hand on it to deflect it onto
the bar, however, the rebound fell to EAGERS who blasted it into the roof of the net. This certainly buoyed up the visitors
as the teams went into the break.
Sheffield had a dream start to the second half when, with just two minutes played, a long
ball into the area had Naylor tugging away at Longstaff's shirt, the referee awarding the visitors a penalty for the infringement.
Up stepped EAGERS to convert the kick, despite Kearney getting a hand to the ball, to bring the sides level. It was now
Sheffield who were in the ascendancy, causing all sorts of problems and Kearney had to be at his best to save a shot from
Longstaff. It was by no way all one way traffic though as both Oliver and Rushbury had good efforts for the Nailers. Roney
had a long range shot that Kearney had to have two attempts to get it under control. With time running out both sides were
tiring and looking to finish the game within the ninety minutes. The visitors at last managed to get their noses in front on
82 minutes when a Roney corner was met in the middle by Purkiss and Longstaff for Sheffield and Naylor for the Nailers. The
ball went goalwards and trickled in between post and player as Rushbury's Gordon Strachan-esque attempts failed to clear
despite being stood on the line, the goal being awarded to PURKISS. A minute later and Belper went so close when Fedorenko
was inches wide with a header just past the post. Belper then had a succession of corners, and as Sheffield finally got the
ball clear they thought they'd done enough, but just as the 90 minutes were up WARREN found space to unleash a shot from about
ten yards out that brought about an equaliser.
The first half of extra time produced nothing of note as both defences were solid throughout.
The second period of added time produced a couple of noteworthy efforts, Belper having a strong appeal for a penalty turned
down as the referee adjudged that it was 'ball to hand' on Gaughan. Colliver had a good shot from distance that was well
gathered by Smith. Sheffield had a glorious chance to go in front when Gascoigne put Longstaff through, but the striker blazed
over with only Kearney to beat. The last action of the game saw Smith produce a great save to tip over a back header from
Naylor.
So it all went down to penalties, with Sheffield starting and Potter having his kick
saved by Kearney. Naylor put the home side in front with Belper's first kick. Gascoigne then brought the team's level, his
spot kick creeping in despite Kearney getting a hand to it. Adams was next for the home side, restoring their lead as Smith
got a hand on his shot too.Eagers then came forward for Sheffield, but this time Kearney saved his kick, however, not to
be outdone Smith kept the visitors hopes alive as he too saved from Rushbury. Next up for Sheffield was Gaughan but he put
his shot wide of the post. The game was wrapped up as Pride came forward to convert for the home side and send the Nailers
through to the next round.
So, it's back to league action on Saturday with a re-arranged HOME fixture against Market
Drayton Town, with the usual 3pm kick off.
A 79th 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.
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.
Cantilever Park was the windy setting for the seasons FA Trophy campaign against UniBond
1 North equivalents Warrington Town with a visit to Whitby Town at stake in the next round.
With a strong gusty wind running straight down the pitch, losing the toss was never going
to be to our advantage and so this proved as we kicked off the first half directly into a headwind. Warrington
started the more positive and had the ball in our net as early as the 7th minute only for the player to be judged offside.
Two minutes later we have our first real attack of the game and the second of two successive corners found Leonard in
space in the penalty area but his shot lacks any real strength and is easily saved. Warrington push forward and a powerful
20 yard shot from MCCARTHY takes a wicked deflection off Daz Winter to wrong foot Walker and give the home side
a 10 minute lead. Warrington maintain pressure after the re-start and Purkiss makes a final challenge to break it up
only to be harshly judged to have been unfairly won.Joel kicks the ball away
in frustration earning himself the first yellow card of the afternoon.
Against increasingly strong gusts of wind Sheffield mount a rare attack on 19 minutes
to find Outram on the right wing; his cross is met well by Winter in the area only for his header to go agonisingly wide.Warrington’s Taylor is the next to be yellow carded for a clumsy challenge on
Gav Smith.The 27th minute sees Warrington go close again when an in-swinging
cross is missed by everyone and to Walker’s relief passes safely past his left hand post.Another dangerous low cross is then well cleared by Paul Smith as Club are held back in their own half
as the hosts continue to make the most of the conditions.This difficulty in
playing balls forward was aptly demonstrated by Ryan Davis whose upfield throw-in in almost came completely back to himself.Just as Sheffield hopes to restrict the half time deficit to just one goal are increasing,
the rather fussy referee adjudges Hobson to have handled a ball in the area and awards Town a penalty. GAGHAN makes no mistake
from the spot to put Warrington 2-0 up on 38 minutes.Just 4 minutes later and
its 3-0. Paul Smith concedes a corner which is then whipped straight across our six yard box just evading Leigh Walker's desperate
clutches.Unfortunately it comes down just where unmarked Warrington full back
GROGAN is waiting for a simple header. The final few minutes of the half sees Club’s best spell of the game so far with
a clever back heel from Leonard putting Outram clear on the right wing.Matt’s
dangerous cross earning Sheffield a corner. The corner is easily cleared by the defence however as they move out one defender
is lagging and plays both Outram and Gav Smith onside when the ball is played back upfield. Outram is first to reach the ball
and heads for the right side of the penalty area where another cross is sent into the box which, unfortunately, is just a
little too high for both Gav Smith and the quickly incoming Kirk Jackson to reach with the defence still playing catch up.
With the wind now behind us the second half starts for the Club with a new tempo and
Warrington are pushed back on the defensive.On 50 minutes Adam is played clean
through on goal and is only narrowly beaten to the ball by the out-rushing keeper.One
minute later Gav Smith has a good chance to shoot from close range but whilst he sets the ball up for his best foot a defender
stretches just far enough to nick it away.The 52nd minute sees Adam clear through
again but this time the keeper is able to push the shot away. However, showing the fastest reactions of any, Purkiss pounces
on the loose ball and fires off a shot which thumps the post, then travels back across face of the goal and just beyond the
reaches of the approaching Chris Adam.The first substitution takes place on
54 minutes with Matt Roney replacing Joel Purkiss and moving onto the left wing whilst Chris Adam moves up front to partner
Jackson.Club remains on the offensive and straight away Adam finds space outside
the area and puts in another telling cross for Gav Smith which the defence can only put behind for another corner.Shortly afterwards Matt Outram fires a good shot from 25 yards which is only slightly wide.
Its all Sheffield now and another good run at the defence by Outram results in a free
kick just outside the area and Warrington’s Grogan booked.Roney sends
in an awkward ball which is cleared off the line with the keeper completely beaten.63 minutes and Warrington win a corner from their first attack of the half but this comes to nothing. Club’s
second substitution on 64 minutes brings Andy Gascoigne on for Ben Leonard in midfield.Warrington now showing a little bit more confidence against the wind in an attempt to ease the concerted Sheffield
pressure on their defence and bring McLennan on for Chetcuti with 20 minutes to go.Ryan Davis manages to knock out a potentially dangerous cross for only Warrington’s second corner of the half
on 75 minutes and in the resultant play Hobson is once again adjudged, rather harshly it would appear, to have handled the
ball in the area.Outram was booked for the protestations whilst GAGHAN converts
his second penalty of the day to give Warrington their 4th.
Club now make their final substitution of the day surprising supporters by bringing Greg
Wright on for Matt Outram whilst Warrington reciprocate by replacing Grogan and Taylor with Dacey and Smith respectively.WRIGHT makes an immediate impact on the game by heading in a Sheffield corner
for a much deserved goal on 83 minutes.Two minutes later Roney is brought down
in the area and Sheffield are given a penalty.Kirk Jackson’s effort brings
a good save from Mottram in Town’s goal but the ball cannot be held it bounces up nicely for a simple follow up from
WRIGHT for Club’s second whilst the defenders look on. Panic is now setting in the Warrington defence as the comfortable
lead now appears to be under threat and the keeper has to make another good save from Jackson this time a flick on from a
cross.Astonishingly, with it looking highly likely that at least one more goal
would be added to our tally, Warrington make another rare break and GAGHAN get his hat trick with a shot from inside our area
on 90 minutes. A final chance for Club falls to Wright who heads over from a difficult position and misses out on what would
have been one of the most amazing hat-tricks ever seen however it is Warrington that earn the trip to the East Coast resort
in the Qualifying Round.
BTF Club Man Of The Match - Matt Outram
Warrington Town: Mottram, Grogan (Dacey), Chetcuti (McLennan), Hardwick, Tomlinson, Taylor
(Smith), Hadland, Connolly, Evans, McCarthy, Gaughan. Sub Not Used:Smearton
Two goals late in the second half saw Sheffield's resistance finally broken
as Club finished with nine players, Gaughan being stretchered off for a head injury and Adam sent off for hitting out at the
home keeper.
There was nothing to choose between the teams in the early exchanges as both
sides got to grips with a greasy surface and strong breeze, which this half was favouring the visitors. This enabled Sheffield
to launch the ball forward at every opportunity to target man Longstaff, his strike partner Adam looking to feed off any knock
ons that occurred. This was okay for a while but the Lairds soon reorganised their defence and started putting two players
on Longstaff. Once they got the ball down and started to play wide there was more success as both Outram and Starosta were
always causing danger down the right, and likewise Woolley over on the left. Clear cut chances were very limited though, Foulkes
having an effort blocked in the area by Wright for the home side whilst Jones did well to clear away a Starosta free kick.
Shortly after this, Longstaff headed over a half chance. Woolley was next to work his magic on the wing, sending over a cross
that was just behind the inrushing Gascoigne. Just before the half hour mark the youngster nearly put Sheffield in front after
some pressure on the Lairds goal saw the ball cleared only as far as the edge of the area and Gascoigne unleashed a terrific
shot that hit the base of the post with Whiteside well beaten. Then the home side came very close to taking the lead when
a breakaway saw the ball played into the area and Walker had to make a point blank reflex save to stop a certain goal. Lairds
were now putting pressure on the Sheffield defence and a long throw by Thompson caused all sorts of problems as it bobbed
about in the area until Walker once again was on hand to fingertip the ball over the bar. Just before the break Starosta had
to be replaced by Davis as he had picked up an injury in what was becoming a pretty physical game. The visitors had a lucky
escape just before the break when an appeal for offside was waved away and Young found himself on his own, but man of the
match Walker came to narrow the angle and the forward shot wide of the goal.
Lairds made a substitution before the restart as Lynch was replaced by Loughlin.
It was the home side who got off to a fast start this half as they forced a corner. The resulting kick saw Young unmarked
at the back post but he missed the ball with the goal at his mercy. Gav Smith then had to clear off the line as
Sheffield were under constant pressure. Purkiss came on to replace Outram in the hope of maybe at least giving the defence
some respite once they cleared the ball, and also some support for Longstaff, as Adam moved back out to the wing. Once again
Cammell Laird were wasteful in front of goal, this time Thompson failing to make contact inside the six yard box. Sheffield
finally did get an effort on target when Longstaff's turn and shot was put out for a corner by Whiteside. The biggest cheer
of the night came when Lairds replaced Young with Morgan. Sheffield had a short spell of attacking, gaining a couple of corners
but they were easily dealt with. With twenty minutes to go Longstaff found himself one on one with the keeper, but just before
he could shoot Atherton was on hand to make a saving tackle. The deadlock was finally broken on 75 minutes as Lairds
broke forward and MORGAN made no mistake in putting the home side in front. Davis then cleared a shot off the line as Sheffield
were finding it difficult to get out of their own half. Gaughan made his first appearance for club, replacing Woolley. He
was involved almost straight away, clashing heads when clearing the ball. Moments later play was suspended as the Irishman
fell to the ground and both physios were on the pitch to attend to the player, who was stretchered off to await the ambulance.
With Sheffield having already used up their substitutes they were now chasing the game with a player short, giving the home
side more space to exploit, as seen when Walker once again had to be at his best to stop a Corrigan shot. When the board for
SEVEN minutes added time was held up Sheffield went all out to try and rescue the game, but it was put beyond their reach
when once again MORGAN broke free and rounded Walker to make the game safe. Sheffield had the final bit of pressure, gaining
a couple of corners but with two goals now to find the task was beyond them. To add to their woes on the night Adam was dismissed
with a straight red card for striking Whiteside.
A pretty dismal affair really where at half time the team looked like they
could get something out of the game, but a poor second half performance put paid to that. News of Laurence Gaughan was that
he was kept in hospital overnight with suspected concussion and was released at 4am the following day and is now at home in
bed resting.....quite a debut, hopefully he'll have no memory of it at all. The defeat had little effect on the league
table though as Sheffield slipped to fifth, but still only three points off top spot. Next up is a break from league action as
the team travel to Warrington Town in FA Trophy action.
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
Sheffield FC 7 (SEVEN) Goole AFC 1
UniBond League Cup Round One
Tuesday, 22/09/09
A makeshift
Sheffield side ran out comfortable winners, tonight at the Coach and Horses Ground, as visitors Goole crumbled against their
rampant hosts. Five goals in the last twenty minutes gave Club an emphatic victory as Joel Purkiss, Daz Winter and Andy Gascoigne
all weighed in with a brace each, whilst captain Kirk Jackson grabbed the other – ex-Clubbie Micky Goddard grabbed the
Vikings’ consolation from the spot.
Sheffield
fielded three debutants this evening, with keeper Jamie Green, Ben Starosta and Chris Adam all making their first starts.
But it was one of the Club regulars that kick-started the night’s events, as with just two minutes on the clock, JACKSON
chipped a stranded Tom Osborne from twenty yards. Matt Roney was making a good show, and set up the second goal on 18 minutes,
crossing from the right wing to give PURKISS an unmarked header. It was obvious that Goole’s Osborne was the busier
of the two keepers, and he had to be at his best to deny a Kirk Jackson header, getting down well to tip the ball round the
post. At the other end Lee Cooksey did well to head off the line from an Ashley Worsfold shot, but moments later the defender
turned from hero to villain, as he was adjudged by referee Nigel Smith to have pushed Mick Goddard in the back – with
GODDARD stepping up to send Jamie Green the wrong way. The rest of the half was mainly Sheffield, with Ben Leonard heading
just wide from a Roney corner, whilst Greg Wright saw a shot turned round the post spectacularly by Osborne.
The
second half started rather tamely, with just a Gavin Allott shot being well stopped by Jamie Green, and Joel Purkiss being
blocked by Osborne on a one-on-one the only talking points of the first 25 minutes of the half – with the exception
of Andy Gascoigne’s free-kick that must be one of the worst in the 152 year history of Sheffield FC! In the 70th
minute the scoreboard started ticking over, as Matt Roney crossed from the left, and an unmarked WINTER heading home despite
the vain attempt of Lee Stratford. Three minutes later Roney burst down the left once more, delivering the ball into the middle,
before PURKISS poked the ball in to make it four. It was five with ten minutes to go, as GASCOIGNE let rip from 25 yards,
with the ball bouncing in off the post. With five to go GASCOIGNE grabbed his second, as he latched on to a through ball,
slotting it under the keeper. The comedy moment of the “larger” scoreboard numbers making their way behind Green’s
goal were becoming rather prophetic, as the number seven just reaching the scoreboard as Starosta’s free-kick being
met by WINTER, who rose unopposed to head home an unprecedented seventh goal.
A goal in the opening minutes from Kirk Jackson and a stunning volley in added time from
Joel Purkiss saw Sheffield leave Christchurch Meadows with a well deserved point today in a hard fought game. It was a case
of meeting up with old faces as Jon Hobson returned to his former club to captain for the Sheffield side, whilst the Nailers
had Leigh Walker in goal and were captained by Asa Ingall, both no strangers to the Sheffield fans.
Eagers fires in this second half shot....
that Walker goes full stretch to save
Sheffield got off to a dream start in the third minute with virtually the first attack
of the game when an innocuous ball into the area wasn't cleared and JACKSON got his foot to it to see it bounce tamely into
the net with Walker rooted to the spot. The visitors were having the best of the early play, Outram causing Burley all sorts
of problems on the wing with the defender having to resort to body checking the winger on more than one occasion, yet the
referee deemed them not a bookable offence. However, one free kick saw Outram swing the ball into the area and Gavin Smith
was unlucky with the resulting header putting it wide of the mark. Belper drew level on 14 minutes when Paul Smith lost the
ball in the middle of the park and Haigh found Stevenson out on the wing totally unmarked. He had the time to cut in, look
up and deliver a pin point cross onto the head of HUDSON who made no mistake. Sheffield responded positively, Outram once
again crossing into the area where Walker flapped at the ball as his defence stood and watched, but the referee had blown
for a foul on the keeper. Belper thought they themselves had taken the lead when a corner was headed home by Haigh, but the
whistle had already gone for a foul on Smith. It was the visitors who were creating the better chances, but couldn't finish
the approach work off with a goal. Walker almost gifted them a goal when chasing to clear a ball ahead of Longstaff as he
miscued his kick, but luckily there was a defender on hand to complete the clearance. At the other end it was Hobson doing
the 'clearing up' when Cross was beaten by a shot from a set piece but the captain cleared off the line. The game was turning
niggly with some petty fouls, not helped by the fact that referee and his assistants were by no means working as a team themselves.
Jackson went close to restoring the lead for Sheffield when Eagers fed the ball into the area, and in a move similar to his
goal, Kirk Jackson flicked the ball towards the far corner of the net, only this time Walker was able to dive on it.
However, they should have gone into the lead moments later when Ash Longstaff had a golden opportunity to score. Having
seized on a long ball and with only Walker to beat, the striker's shot was too near the keeper who was able to get a foot
to the ball and deflect the ball away. Belper made the visitors pay for the miss on the stroke of half time when a free kick
into the area was fumbled by Cross and WILSON was on hand to stab the ball home.
Leigh Walker watches this Daz Winter effort....
go narrowly wide. Pity Joel's effort didn't, eh Leigh ?
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
Young
goalkeeper Joe Clegg prevented Witton suffering an embarrassing rout, this evening at the BT Local Business Stadium, as he
saved his colleagues on numerous occasions from being swamped by a rampant Sheffield side. After a string of impressive stops,
including a penalty save, there was little he could do to prevent the hosts taking all three points through an 84th
minute strike from Joel Purkiss.
It was
an understatement to say Club started strongly, as Witton knew the size of the task ahead as early as the 15th
second of the game, as Ashley Longstaff went close with a stinger of a shot. The pressure became relentless for the first
quarter of the game, and Sheffield had a series of chances, any of which could have resulted in a goal on another day. Captain
for the night Jordan Eagers started a move with Steve Woolley, who in turn played a neat one-two with Matt Outram, with Woolley’s
shot hitting the outside of the post. A bad header by Brian Pritchard nearly set up Kirk Jackson, with the defender’s
misdirected clearance giving the striker more time than he actually realised, with Jackson hurriedly hooking his effort over
the bar. Ex-Manchester City keeper Joe Clegg was also beginning to make his mark on this game, and he produced an excellent
save from Longstaff, after the striker hit a fantastic effort on the turn. By now it was apparent that Club’s domination
of the game was almost comprehensive, but Witton still gave glimpses that they may cause some problems for the home side and
Steve Foster proved that by forcing a save from Tom Cross, whilst Brad Maylett set up Steve Brodie with a chance that was
side-footed over. The majority of the action though was at the other end, and Clegg had to get down well to make amends for
a rare error, as his poor clearance only reached Woolley who shot straight back with the keeper out of position. Sheffield
will have been disappointed not to go in at half team at least one goal in front, after chances from Eagers and Outram both
failed to hit the target, although nothing could be taken away from an excellent half’s performance.
The
second period brought more of the same, Witton having to withstand wave after wave of Sheffield attacks, with the defence
becoming more and more frantic. Steve Woolley and Matt Outram both forced saves from Clegg within minutes of the restart,
with one particular double-save bringing murmurs of approval from the home support. Club continued to lay siege on the Albion
goal, as Kirk Jackson set up Longstaff who curled a neat effort just onto the bar, whilst Daz Winter’s header from a
trademark Paul Smith free-kick also went close. Clegg though was coming into his own in the Witton goal, as first he turned
a Jordan Eagers free-kick acrobatically round the post, and with fifteen to go saved his team from the going behind with a
very good penalty save. It was awarded after Pritchard had rugby tackled Outram in an off-the-ball incident, and with Eagers
having a pretty good record from the spot, a goal looked almost certain – however Clegg had other ideas as he got down
well to get both hands to the ball. The penalty seemed to give Witton new impetus, with this they started to press forward
with more confidence, and skipper Stuart Rudd should have done better as he blazed over after a scrambled corner. With six
minutes to go came the breakthrough no-one thought would come, as Matt Outram showed some fantastic skill to dig the ball
away from the touchline and race in on goal, and finishing it off with a squared ball to PURKISS who slotted home from ten
yards. Even then Albion looked as though they could still snatch a point, and nearly did so with a Steve Hall header, luckily
for Sheffield the ball shaved the outside of the post.
After
an impressive performance from Sheffield, an ideal antidote to the first half performance witnessed in the FA Cup on Saturday,
the win catapults them into third spot in the league. There were plenty of fine displays from the Club players, and even given
they were missing Hobson and MacPherson in defence, they still looked as solid as ever at the back. But it was up front where
they impressed the most, leaving a fancied Witton looking rather threadbare and shell-shocked, and if it wasn’t for
the outstanding display from young master Clegg – heaven only knows what the score might have been! Next up for Club
is a tasty looking encounter down the road at Christchurch Meadows, where they face fifth placed Belper Town, if tonight’s
effort from Sheffield is anything to go by it should be entertaining.
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.
Sheffield found their scoring boots this afternoon, in a lively encounter at the BT Local Business Stadium, as they
overcame a feisty Mickleover Sports outfit 4-2. Leading the way in the goalscoring stakes was Kirk Jackson, who weighed in
with an impressive hat-trick, whilst Gavin Smith scored his first goal of the season with a trademark header. The result was
made all the more impressive given that Sheffield had to come from behind twice, after the Derby outfit went in front with
goals from Alex Steadman and Ricky Law, and given a let off when Karl Ashton blazed a penalty over the bar.
Sheffield debutant Ashley Longstaff....
.....in first half action
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.
Gav Smith rises to head home....
and Sheffield take the lead
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.
Tale Of Two Pens !!!!
Ashton misses Sports kick, Jackson grabs his third goal
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 lost their first
match of the season with two second half goals from bogey side Carlton Town this afternoon. Manager Chris Dolby was down to
the bare minimum and only able to name two subsititutes plus himself. Will Senior and Matt Outram out through suspension,
Jon Hobson unavailable due to work commitments and Daz Winter and Rob Cam out on loan.
It was the visitors who had the first chance on a blustery afternoon when Paul Smith released Woolley who fired
over the bar. Carlton's first real effort took almost 20 minutes to materialise when Brady put an effort over the bar after
being set up by Ball. Roney was causing all sorts of problems out on the wing and just after the half hour mark he sent over
yet another cross, this time from a free kick which Leonard headed wide. Sheffield were by now having a lot of the ball but
not doing a great deal with it where it hurts. Jackson had a glorious chance when through on his own after a defensive mix
up, but he failed to get the shot on target with only Barcherini to beat. At the back the defense were looking solid enough
with both the Smiths doing a fine job marking the tall Justin Jenkins when the need arose. Barcherini was back in the thick
of things just before the break, having to save well from both Gavin Smith and Eagers in the same move. The last chance of
the half fell to Jenkins for the home side who headed over the bar from a free kick
Club go one down....
as Swinscoe (No 4) slots home
Bad to worse as Hewitt rounds Cross......
and puts the ball in the empty net
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.
Barcherini goes full length.....
to save this Woolley effort
So once again Carlton have the Indian sign over a somewhat laboured and lacklustre
Sheffield performance this afternoon in a game they should at least have had a share in. Next up is a home game against newly
promoted Mickleover Sports on Saturday; kick off as usual at 3pm.
Sheffield FC: Cross, Wright, MacPherson, G.Smith, P.Smith, Leonard, Roney
(Wainman), Eagers, Jackson (Purkiss), Gascoigne, Woolley. Sub Not Used: Dolby
Att: 86
Sheffield FC 4 Flixton 0
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 29/08/09
Sheffield got their FA Cup campaign off to a flying start with a resounding 4-0 win
over Flixton, Will Senior's header on two minutes being followed by a three goal salvo in the second half from Jordan Eagers
(penalty) and a brace from Greg Wright. The visitors did themselves no favours as persistent pettiness and indiscipline saw
them end the game with just eight players after the referee had done waving his red card about, although by the time all this
occurred the game was already over as a contest.
Will Senior is kicked in the head......
and the ref points to the penalty spot
Eagers slots home the spot kick for 2-0
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.
Greg Wright ghosts in at the back....
and Club are three goals to the good
Greg Wright again......
deadly from two yards, makes it 4-0
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.
Leon Wainman pulls Dan MacPherson away....
with the referee about to brandish the red card
Sending off number one (we think !!)
Sending off number two (we think !!!)
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.
A goal in each half from Jordan Eagers and Steve Woolley
saw Sheffield move up to fifth place in the table, in a pulsating game against newly promoted Chasetown, at the BFS tonight.
Both sides made a positive start to the game, the visitors
defence having to head away a Paul Smith free kick, and then Price gathering the ball at his far post from another cross.
At the other end Steane's free kick had Cross diving full length to palm the ball away. The breakthrough came in the 23rd
minute, when Woolley's cross from out on Chasetown right saw EAGERS send a glancing header goalwards, beating Price at his
near post. It was no more than the hosts deserved as they displayed to nifty footwork and passing skills as to the more direct
approach of their visitors. Sheffield almost doubled the lead moments later when Roney was tackled by Teesdale and the ball
ran loose to Gascoigne, but the youngster couldn't keep his shot down. Hobson then had a good chance with a header that was
over the bar. Sheffield didn't have it all their own way though as Hobson had to head clear when under pressure and Marshall
had a good chance from a tight angle when Cross went walk about but the striker could only put it into the side netting. Gavin
Smith then had a glorious chance when ghosting into the area unmarked, but his header was off target. The Scholars were increasing
the pressure in an attempt to go into the break on level terms and came within a whisker of doing so when Steane's corner
was met by the towering Thomas who rose unmarked to head over from five yards with the goal at his mercy. Similarly at the
other end Sheffield could well have had a second in the last minute of the half as Roney swung over a cross to the back post
that caught Price unawares and Gascoigne rose majestically but his header went agonisingly wide.
The visitors almost struck straight after the restart when
Cross had to save at close range from John Branch's header. Cross was again in action soon after that, this time denying Marshall.
Ten minutes in and Sheffield's wingers were once more creating problems for the visitors. This time Woolley linking up with
Roney, whose cross is inviting for Jackson, but the striker couldn't convert to open up his current account. Woolley was unable
to convert a Roney cross at the back post as the winger was exploiting the lack of pace of Teesdale. With 20 minutes left
Sheffield had to scramble the ball clear from a free kick, but the defence were looking very solid all round, with Paul Smith
adding that touch of calmness and maturity when needed. Chasetown should have been celebrating an equaliser minutes later
when Steane's cross found substitute Birch totally unmarked two yards out but he headed was wide of the goal. Gascoigne then
went on a run down the middle, only to be halted by Price's tackle, but the ball fell kindly out to Dempsey who attempted
to fire into the open net from 40 yards out. Luckily for Chasetown his effort was off target. The visitors were throwing everyone
forward at every opportunity in an attempt to rescue the game, resulting in them being hit on the break by a Sheffield side
who were not content to shut up shop, but press forward. This was typified by man of the match Paul Smith who broke up
an attack and threaded a cross field ball some 40 yards to Roney who ran past Teesdale, (who was a virtual spectator of the
wingers skill for most of the night) before crossing to Senior who's volley saw Price make the best save of the
night. Sheffield doubled their lead with five minutes remaining when WOOLLEY cut in from the left to wrong foot Slater
and coolly slot the ball past Price. Tempers were getting a bit frayed at this stage but there was still time for substitute
Outram to almost get on the scoresheet in added time as Senior broke forward and put the ball into the wingers path and his
shot on the run just trickled past the post. The winger then picked up yet another stupid booking for a reckless challenge.
So Sheffield keep up their unbeaten run to the start of
the season and their third clean sheet in four games with another solid all round performance and have yet to concede
a goal in open play. Next up is a break from league action as they start on their own FA Cup quest with a home tie this
Saturday against Flixton.
A lacklustre and scrappy
first half finally sprung into life during the second 45 minutes, as headed goals from Steve Woolley and Andy Gascoigne saw
Sheffield register their first win of the season, and also break their goalscoring duck at the Mears this afternoon.
It was the visitors who had the first real
opportunity almost 15 minutes in, when a long punt forward from Cross found Jackson whose shot was well saved by Hateley.
Woolley then caused panic in the home defence with a free kick they couldn't clear first time, but Gavin Smith was unable
to latch onto the loose ball. At the other end a deep cross to the back post saw Hobson head behind with Wormall closing in
on him. Outram then found himself free to run onto a through ball, but some strong defending from Sam Saunders saw the Sheffield
winger muscled off the ball and Saunders was able to clear. Just past the half hour mark and Grantham came within inches of
taking the lead when Norris's snapshot across the keeper just missed the target with Cross at full stretch. The hosts were
taking advantage of the breeze in their favour at every opportunity to play the ball quickly and directly up to the forwards
and once again Sheffield were almost caught out when good work from Norris released Ben Saunders through on goal but he hit
his shot over the bar. Then a mix up between Cross and Hobson saw the Sheffield skipper hit the ball back towards his
own goal, making Cross scamper across the area to whack the ball out before it crossed the line. The dying minutes of the
half saw Sheffield put pressure on the home defence without actually getting a shot on target.
Steve Woolley meets Matt Roney's cross....
and Sheffield are in the lead
Half time substitutions by boss Chris Dolby
saw him bring on the youngsters Gascoigne and Purkiss at the expense of Senior and Leonard, and Gascoigne almost made a dream
start to the half as Woolley's corner was cleared to the edge of the area and Gascoigne fired in a fierce shot which Hateley
did well to hold. The hosts also went close when French found space on a forward run and his shot had to be tipped round the
post by Cross at full stretch. Sheffield made their final substitution, bringing on Roney for Outram. The winger made himself
busy straight away, running past his marker but firing widely over the bar. It seemed than anything Roney could do, so could
Hughes, who found himself in a slightly better position for the hosts, but sent the ball into orbit.
Andy Gascoigne rises to head home....
and Club go two up at Grantham
The deadlock was finally broken in the 71st
minute when a quick throw from Gavin Smith found Roney on the wing and his cross was met by the unchallenged WOOLLEY to head
home from six yards. This seemed to inspire the visitors, who were now dominating proceedings and looking to make the game
safe, despite their being just under 20 minutes left to play. 'Super sub' Roney was involved again on 77 minutes when his
corner was headed straight back to him, this time he lofted the ball into the area and GASCOIGNE was on hand to head home
from close range. The Gingerbreads were now starting to crumble and Sheffield kept up the pressure, Purkiss going close
when latching on to a long clearance from Cross as two defenders got in each other's way. Despite over three minutes' added
time, Grantham couldn't mount another effort on target as Sheffield held out for the three points and a clean sheet too.
Next up is a home game this coming Tuesday against
one of the pre-season favourites Chasetown, who hit six past Quorn this afternoon.
A penalty from Matt Haddrell and an own goal from Tom Schwarz saw
Sheffield leave the Seddon Stadium with a point in a game of two halves.
It was the visitors who created the first opportunity with Woolley sending
over a cross that needed a strong header to clear the danger. Sheffield then had a let off when a mix up between Hobson and
Cross saw the ball fall to Walker, but his shot was wide of the mark. Woolley was involved again a few minutes later when
he spotted Senior making a run to the near post and his cross almost had the league debutant celebrating a goal but Reeves
got their just before him to clear the ball off his toes. The hosts then had a break away as Walker sprinted onside from the
half way line but Cross managed to take the sting out of the shot and Hobson was on hand to clear the ball off the line. The
deadlock was broken on 23 minutes when, from a Kidsgrove corner the ball was delivered towards the back post and was handled
by Leonard in his attempt to head the ball clear. HADDRELL gave cross no chance from the resulting penalty. This seemed to
give the hosts more impetus as they started to exert more and more pressure on Sheffield and could have doubled the lead five
minutes later when Haddrell played the ball towards the back post for the inrushing Walker, but fortunately for the visitors
he was unable to connect with the goal at his mercy. Just past the half hour mark and Bridge then went close with a well
struck volley that just missed the target. Sheffield were back in it on 41 minutes when, Senior latched on to a loose ball
in the box and fired in a shot that SCHWARZ turned into his own net to send the teams into the break on level terms.
Sheffield started the second half in a positive mood, with Senior just
firing over, after turning his marker. The visitors took early control of the half although there was a scare early on when
a Sheffield corner saw the ball cleared and Kidsgrove went on the counter attack, but the danger was snuffed out. The visitors
had a good shout for a penalty turned down when a Paul Smith header struck Sanders hand on the line but the referee waved
play on. It was nearly all Sheffield at this point as the Kidsgrove defence wobbled under the increasing pressure. The home
side's one clear cut chance fell to Walker who found himself one-on-one against Cross, but the keeper stood tall and
saved the striker's effort, which in fact was his only contribution needed in this half. In the dying seconds Woolley once
again put the ball into the area and Hobson was on hand to head the ball goalwards where Wright was lurking but his diving
header went agonisingly the wrong side of the post.
So, yet another draw, although after a scrappy first half there was no
denying that Sheffield came out and played how we know they can in the second half. Perhaps the late arrival of the team didn't
help matters, but they were unfortunate not to walk away with all three points tonight. Next up is a trip to Grantham Town
on Saturday, where we've had some tough tussles before and there's no reason why this one will be any different.
Sheffield FC: Cross, G.Smith, Wright, Hobson, Leonard (Gascoigne), Outram
(Roney), Eagers, Jackson, Senior (Purkiss), Woolley. Subs Not Used; Dempsey.
Att: 151
Sheffield FC 0 Stamford 0
UniBond Division One South
Saturday, 15/08/09
Cheerio, Cheerio, Cheerio......
unfortunately Hobbo had already preceded Beeson !
It ended all square in the season opener, this afternoon at a sunny but
blustery Bright Finance Stadium, as two of the pre-season title favourites cancelled each other out. In a game that was short
on chances, both teams huffed and puffed in the humid conditions, but neither could get the vital breakthrough. Not only was
the game even on the scoresheet, but it also ended all-square in the red card stakes, as Sheffield’s Jon Hobson and
Stamford’s Lee Beeson were victims of getting doubles in a game that was littered with yellow cards.
The
game always promised to be an open encounter and it was the visitors that were the first to cause problems, as ex-Peterborough
United legend David Farrell found himself free on goal and round the keeper only to tread on the ball, allowing Tom Cross
to get back and force Farrell to shoot wide of the goal. At the other end Jordan Eagers was being a handful for Stamford’s
defence, and some crafty footwork by the Club midfielder set the ball up for young Andy Gascoigne, whose shot was well blocked
by visiting keeper Chris Wright. Steve Woolley was also causing the Daniels some concern, and he managed to weave his way
through the defence before setting up Dan MacPherson, who headed just over the bar. Stamford started to find their feet and
caused problems of their own, with Michael Stevenson heading Lee Beeson’s free-kick just over, whilst David Farrell
saw his shot well blocked by Tom Cross and Stevenson headed wide of the mark shortly after. The best piece of football though
came in the dying seconds of the half, as both Steve Woolley and Jordan Eagers dribbled the ball through a static defence,
setting up Kirk Jackson to shoot just wide on the turn.
This shot from Kirk Jackson against Stamford......
just ended up just missing yours truly !!!
Sheffield
almost gifted Stamford a goal in the opening seconds of the restart, as skipper Jon Hobson and Tom Cross had a moment of indecision,
allowing Michael Stevenson to nip between and head over the keeper – luckily Hobson was able to scamper back to the
line to hook the ball to safety. Club’s best goal scoring opportunity came when Andy Gascoigne showed good footwork
to send a ball across the face of the goal, with Jordan Eagers sliding in at the back post just unable to make the vital connection
to steer the ball home, although moments later Steve Woolley could claim he’d gone closer as he headed a Gav Smith cross
against the foot of the post. On the hour the hosts found themselves down to ten men, as Jon Hobson was shown a second yellow
(the first coming in the first half for a pull) for a trip on Stevenson, and with that it seemed to put Sheffield on the defensive.
For all their attacking possession though Stamford could only muster a couple of real chances, with the best coming when the
Daniels’ man-of-the-match Stevenson fed substitute David Cobb with an inch perfect defence splitting pass, Cobb’s
shot was well blocked by Cross with the rebound being hooked well wide by Stevenson. In the 83rd minute Sheffield’s
day was made that much more comfortable, as Lee Beeson was booked for a tangle up with Matt Roney – the referee’s
patience finally telling for a series of fouls – then shown a second almost immediately for a foolish handball from
the resultant free-kick. The last chance to break the deadlock came in the last minute of stoppage time, and it would be fair
to say Stamford would have felt hard done to if it had ended in a goal, as Gav Smith burst through the defence to set up Jordan
Eagers who’s shot was tipped wide by Chris Wright.
Andrew Gascoigne puts in a great ball........
but Jordan Eagers is agonisingly close to getting a vital touch
Both
sides could honestly claim to have been the better in this stalemate, and a goal-less draw was the most likely result, even
from a very early stage in the contest. It’s too early in the season to say whether or not this is a good result or
not, and to be able to gauge whether either side will be challenging for the end of season honours, needless to say that both
teams will feel somewhat disappointed not to have come away from this game with all three points. No doubt there will be a
clearer picture after the midweek games, as Club head to Kidsgrove on Tuesday, who ended up in a draw themselves this afternoon
at Quorn.
BTF Club Man Of The Match - Tom Cross
(pictured left)
Sheffield completed their pre-season friendlies with a 3-1 win against
old rivals and last year's Division One South Champions Retford United, this afternoon at the BFS, thanks to goals from Dempsey,
Eagers (pen) and Outram.
It was the visitors who created the first real chance when Harvey went on
a good run forward, before squaring the ball across the area for Godber, but Cross was out quickly to block the shot. Just
after the quarter hour mark Dempsey made inroads into the Retford defence, before teeing up Gascoigne, whose shot was cleared
by a defender. The play went straight up the other end, and this time it was Cross to the rescue, making a double save from
close range to deny the visitors the lead. Sheffield should have taken the lead minutes later when an attack saw the
ball break free to an unmarked Eagers, but his shot lacked power, giving Kingston an easy save. It was fairly end to end stuff
at this stage, Harvey being very lively up front for Retford, but getting caught offside frequently. Just past the half hour
mark Cross had to dive full stretch to turn the ball away, after Thompson hit a free kick that was heading towards the bottom
corner. The deadlock was finally broken on 37 minutes, when good build up play from the hosts saw DEMPSEY wriggle past his
marker and fire in a shot (pictured below left) across Kingston, and into the far corner of the net.
Billy Dempsey hits the opening goal
On the stroke of half time Sheffield were unlucky not to double the lead
when Gascoigne's challenge for the ball set up Woolley, whose effort grazed the outside of the post.
The second half couldn't have started better when Sheffield went further in
front on 49 minutes. Eagers went chasing for a ball in the Retford area and was bundled over in an untidy challenge. It was
EAGERS himself who slotted home the resulting penalty, sending Kingston the wrong way.
You go that way...........
......and I'll go this way
Retford were by no means out of it though as Ellender had a good opportunity
but fired over the bar. Then it was Cross once again to Sheffield's rescue as he made his second double save of the game as
Harvey tried to get on the score sheet for the visitors. The game was over as a contest just before the hour mark when
good work down the Retford right wing saw the ball swung over to the far edge of the area where OUTRAM was on hand to send
the ball goalwards and into the net as it took a slight deflection wrong footing Kingston. Retford grabbed a consolation goal
with ten minutes left to play with a well taken goal from substitute LUDLAM.
So, a decent performance which should give the lads confidence going into
the new season, which gets underway next Saturday with a home fixture against Stamford
Club’s
preparations for the coming season continued these evening, at a balmy Bright Finance Stadium, with an encouraging performance
against near neighbours Chesterfield. A crowd of nearly 600 were present to see a Spireites side, containing a fair smattering
of first team players, come from behind to run out 3-1 winners – with goals from Martin Gritton, Lloyd Kerry and Scott
Boden overturning an early effort from Matt Roney.
Sheffield
were far from overawed in this one, although Martin Gritton sounded an early warning for the hosts, with a header that flashed
just wide of the goal. Club took the lead on 16 minutes after some enterprising play saw Club awarded a free kick on the corner
of the 18-yard box, with RONEY whipping in the dead-ball to the crowded area, the ball taking a deflection that steered it
into the net beyond Tommy Lee. Chesterfield came back with determination, with Darren Currie seeing his shot deflected just
wide, before GRITTON showed his class by picking the ball up midway in the Sheffield half – then letting a fierce shot
go, giving Tom Cross no hope. Moments later the game was turned on its head, as a Scott Bowden through ball split the hosts’
defence, leaving KERRY the apparently easy job of coolly lobbing Cross to make it 2-1.
As with
most pre-season friendlies, the pace dropped considerably in the second period, and it wasn’t until midway through the
half that Chesterfield registered another effort on goal. Sadly this was a pretty tame effort, but still resulted in their
third goal of the evening, as BODEN took advantage of a defensive mix-up to get a toe to poke the ball hard enough to trickle
apologetically into the empty net. As much as they tried Sheffield couldn’t get any closer with the scoreline, with
Steve Woolley getting closest with a fine run and shot, one which rasped just off target. Next along is the final pre-season
game, with last season’s UniBond One South champions Retford the visitors, Saturday 3:00pm kick off.
Chesterfield:
Lee, Tingay (Clay), Clare, Hall, Austin, Hedley, Lewis (Darikwa), Kerry, Boden, Gritton, Currie (Watkis). Subs Not Used: Malak,
Moller.
Att:
562.
Parkgate 0 Sheffield FC 4
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 28/07/09
After Sheffield's European adventure into Poland at the weekend its closer
to home for tonight's annual warm up game at Parkgate. After a brief opening spell where both sides were finding their feet
in the slippery conditions it was Sheffield who struck first on 12 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for offside. However,
the visitors were dominating the play, with Parkgate being restricted to breakaways, although their two pacey forwards will
certainly cause trouble in the NCE this season. They almost took the lead just before the half hour through a defensive mistake,
but Wright was on hand to tidy up the danger. The deadlock was finally broken on 33 minutes when some neat footwork by Outram
near the by-line saw him take two defenders out of the game and cross to the near post where SENIOR was on hand to poke the
ball home. Eagers almost doubled the score when connecting with Outram's corner kick but headed over.
The second half saw Sheffield make five half time substitutions, but it did
little to affect the flow of the team. Woolley took up his position on the wing and sent over a cross which Graham headed
just wide. Sheffield finally broke the Parkgate defensive resistance on the hour mark when some good short passing on the
edge of the penalty area saw Purkiss lay the ball off to GAV SMITH to drive the ball home from a well worked move. Purkiss
himself then had a fierce shot deflected wide with the keeper out of position. With just under 20 minutes left to play Sheffield
further increased their lead when Woolley's corner was delivered into the danger area and LEONARD rose unchallenged to head
home. It was now time for target practice as Sheffield were shooting at will, the Parkgate keeper doing well with a double
save from Woolley and Wainman. With just under ten minutes left to play the visitors completed the scoring, once again Woolley
providing a perfect cross into the box which Parkgate didn't clear, and LEONARD was on hand to fire home and grab his
second of the night.
Next up its Chesterfield at home on Monday 3rd August.
Sheffield’s trip to Poland ended in defeat on Saturday,
but more bridges appear to have been built for the World’s Oldest Football Club, despite ending up on the wrong end
of a 3-1 scoreline. This match held as part of the 60-years’ celebration of Nowej Huty was the highlight of an all-day
“picnic”, involving American Football, darts anda football match
with Hutnika “Old Boys”. Hutnik dominated the game and went into a two goal lead through Krzysztof Świątek
(22nd minute) and Paweł Pyciak in the 55th minute, before Robert Cam pulled one back for Club in
the 72nd minute; Michał Nawrot wrapped things up for the Kraków outfit four minutes later. Robert Shepherdson
was there, and writes on behalf of www.behindtheflag.net.
Under the leadership
of Lee Walshaw, Sheffield were straight into the match but soon on the defensive as the professional Polish Liga 3 side made
determined efforts to benefit from their home advantage, with significant pressure put on Sheffield’s midfield and defence. Club
held firm although it was not until the 15th minute when we created our first chance with a long distance effort
from Roney forcing a fine save from the Hutnik keeper to tip the ball over. The resulting corner was not cleared with the
ball dropping to Wainman who tried a spectacular overhead kick, which also went just over. Hutnik resumed their pressure,
and in the 22nd minute a break on the right wing evaded Gav Smith, and Krzysztof Świątek was on hand
to steer the ball pass Cross. A strong first half performance continued by the Club, and now chasing a deficit began
to develop increasingly threatening attacks orchestrated, with Eagers and the two wingers Roney and Outram in the thick of
it. One attack in the 43rd minute found Wainman behind the Hutnik defence and his resulting shot smashed
into the bar only for him to be judged offside. In the final minute of the first half Cross was forced into a full length
dive to tip a goal-bound shot to keep the arrears at 1-0.
The second half started
brightly for Sheffield, and we came straight out of the starting blocks into the attack, which was almost rewarded in the
46th minute when Wainman managed to deflect a Leonard shot into the right hand corner only to be judged offside
once again. Continued pressure from Sheffield failed to achieve the decisive breakthrough it deserved and in the 55th
minute a rare counter attack from Hutnik found Paweł Pyciak unmarked in the area to score Hutnik’s second.
Left back Woolley was now pushing forward more and more and his turn of speed was causing real problems for Hutnik’s
defence. Some good work in midfield allowed substitute Cam to run clear, with his 65th minute shot going narrowly
wide. However just six minutes later he received the ball on the edge of the six yard area, and made no mistake with
a thunderous shot into the roof of the net much to the delight of the visiting fans and polite applause from the home supporters. Unfortunately
our jubilation was short-lived as the 77th minute saw Hutnik’s Michał Nawrot evade Club’s offside
trap and beat Cross, before slotting the ball into an empty net to re-instate the two goal deficit. Sheffield went straight
back on to the attack and Leonard meets a well placed cross with a strong header which the Hutnik keeper does well to hold.
Our final attack of note is in the 81st minute when another Woolley charge up the left wing produced a fine cross
which a sliding Cam put just over. With the clock showing 89th minutes a collision of players in midfield left
a Hutnik player requiring attention and the referee decided that this is an appropriate moment in which to bring the game
to end. Thankfully the Hutnik player was not seriously hurt and managed to join in the post match celebrations. This
was an extremely good performance by the club especially as they had not arrived until 1am that morning and would leave early
the following day which was bound to be a drain.
A video of the game is here, whilst translated Polish articles of this game can be found HERE – HERE – HERE – and HERE!
Sheffield continued their pre season build up away at North
East Counties side AFC Emley tonight. On a sunny, if somewhat windy evening it was the hosts who had the first meaningful
effort, when Tomlinson fired over the bar. Roney made Clarke work in the Emley goal as his corner was punched out under pressure
from Paul Smith. Just after ten minutes it was the hosts who took the lead, Nodder's corner being headed home by FULTON. Sheffield
almost drew level moments later, as first a Paul Smith free kick was fired low but straight at the keeper, and then Outram
delivered a perfect cross onto the head of Leonard, but he got too far under the ball and directed it over the bar. It was
the visitors who were having the majority of the play at this stage, but they had to be aware of the speed at which Emley
broke forward, a typical example being Sidebottom's run and cross which was headed goalwards by Kenworthy, only for Cross
to tip it round the post.
With the wind slightly favouring the visitors they were
able to put across some telling crosses into the area, but on more than one occasion the effort was hit just a shade too strong.
Outram came close with an audacious chip from way out, but the effort was just too strong as the wind helped it sail beyond
Clarke, and also over the bar. Sheffield drew level before the half hour mark when a Roney cross to the back post was tapped
across the area by Outram, and JACKSON was on hand to open his goalscoring account for the season. Following this MacPherson
had a long range shot just wide of the target, and then Jackson almost set up Eagers as he headed the ball on and the youngster
burst into the Emley penalty area, but a last ditch tackle from Fulton saved the day for Emley. With five minutes to the break Sheffield
took the lead, and once again it was a Roney cross, this time headed goalwards by Leonard that saw JACKSON once again pounce
from three yards out to give the visitors the lead. Not to be outdone, Emley hit back almost immediately when Sidebottom's
corner was only cleared to the edge of the area where Stewart was on hand to drive the ball hard and low into the net.
Dempsey got the first chance of the second half, controlling
a cross field ball from Paul Smith before bringing out a fine save from Clarke. As per usual it was time to ring the changes,
as both teams made use of their substitutes, the referee also allowing the teams to reintroduce players late on even after
their initial substitution, which was causing quite a headache for the announcer! When PURKISS came on he made an impact straight
away, making a run to the near post and slotting the ball over the keeper from Jack Potts' low cross. Sheffield produced the
best move of the game after breaking up an Emley attack as they went forward, passing the ball from one player to the next,
Brazilian style before Jackson finished the move off with a shot that Clarke had to dive down low to turn round the post.
Sheffield didn't have it all their own way as Cross had to make two or three one on one saves to maintain Sheffield's goal
advantage. The one time he was beaten, Leonard managed to get in the way of a fierce pile-driver that almost took his head
off.
Overall a pretty good work out for both sides. Emley should
do well in the Northern Counties if they can play like that every week. As for Sheffield, well it was another step on the
road to fitness. Next up is an overseas trip to Poland to take on Hutnik Kraków!
)
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