#GAME60 30/01/18 Thackley A.F.C 2-2 Worksop Town

Thackley A.F.C. 2-2 Worksop Town

A Game of Two Halves!

HIGH FLYING BAIRD! CHARLIE SCORES TWO IN TWO

Tigers score two first half goals through Baird and Trench before the latter of those scorers was dismissed for bringing down Ngoe in the box. Garrod scored the penalty and then netted a 95th minute equaliser.

Thackley went close two minutes in when Luke Robinson whipped his corner towards the penalty spot. Jerry White connected with the corner but he saw his header strike the bar and fly over.

The home side’s attempt must have sparked Worksop into life as they had a very dominant twenty minutes following the chance. Firstly on eleven minutes, Matty Templeton took on his marker and cut the ball back to Woolley who let the ball roll across his body before shooting straight into the keepers hands. Several minutes later, Barnett teed up Husbands on the edge of the area, Husbands took to ball out of his feet and fired a fierce shot towards goal again but it was straight down keeper Luke Wilson’s throat and he caught well.

The visitor’s drew first blood in the game as they took the lead on 19 minutes. Wakefield had the ball on the right-hand side of the box and out-muscled Rothel to hit a hard shot towards goal. Wilson could only parry the ball into the path of Charlie Baird who tucked the ball into an open net for his second goal in successive games.

Worksop doubled the lead three minutes later through Michael Trench. Matty Templeton tracked back and dispossessed Ethan Walshaw on halfway, he then played it down the line for Michael Trench who then found Harry Wakefield on the edge of the box, Wakefield held the ball up, turned to his left and out-paced Rothel before hitting a ferocious shot towards goal. Wilson again could only parry the effort into the path of a Tigers player which was Trench who continued his run and slid in to net for the second goal of the night.

Thackley almost pulled a goal back on the stroke of halftime. James Ngoe broke down the left before cutting in and rifling a shot towards goal. However, young Callum Fielding dived and palmed Ngoe’s shot over the bar. Following the corner Mitch Husbands made a crucial tackle to stop Hughes from scoring after Hughes had chested down Whiteley’s corner, the ball was crossed back in by Hughes and Walshaw headed wide.

The Tigers produced a solid first half but things took a turn for the worse three minutes after the restart. Worksop hit the post from Mitch Husbands’ scuffed shot before Thackley cleared to Ngoe who broke through on goal. Varley slipped and then Trench flew in and brought down the Thackley winger in the box. The referee didn’t hesitate in sending Trench for an early bath as he was the last man, Garrod stepped up and slotted the penalty past Fielding who had guessed the right way.

Moments later Thackley must have thought they had equalised. The ball fell to Hughes from Walshaw’s cross. He saw his shot blocked on the line from Hodder, Hodder was in action again as the right-back had to shoot up and throw himself in front of Robinson’s shot from the block. The ball rebounded in the air to Hughes

whose volley was saved superbly by the feet of Fielding.

Thackley were pushing for that equaliser against ten men Worksop and they had two good chances to in the space of three minutes. Firstly, Garrod received the ball with his back from goal. He subsequently turned Phillips and shot towards goal but Fielding was positioned correctly to easily catch. Then Robinson cut in from the left and shot towards goal, Fielding spilt the shot but he pounced on the ball to preserve the lead.

Husbands had a great game and was almost on the scoresheet himself. The ball broke loose on the left and Higginson took it in his stride, he lured three opposition players with him to the by-line before crossing into the box, Hargreaves headed it only away to Husbands who shot first time into the keepers hands.

Worksop must have fought they had got all three points when Igor Mlynarski ran through one-on-one with the keeper. It seemed that the youngster had too much time to think about it before trying to place it to the right of the keeper and the bobbly pitch played a part in Wilson saving the tame effort with his feet.

That would prove costly as five minutes into stoppage time, Thackley completed their second half comeback. Mike Garrod tapped the ball in from under the crossbar following a goalmouth scramble.

A crazy night in Bradford ended with a very late equaliser which left Tigers fan’s hard done by as they must of felt they had done enough to claim their first League with in three months.

Attendance: 112
Goals: Garrod (49’, 90+5’); Baird (19’), Trench (22’)
MOTM: Mitch Husbands

TAFC: Luke Wilson, Ethan Walshaw (Adam Simpson), James Rothel, Pat McGuire, Kris Hargreaves, Jerry White, James Ngoe, Paul Whiteley, Joe Hughes (Matt Broadbent), Mike Garrod, Mark Trueman (Luke Robinson)
Unused Subs: Kingston David, Kieran Thompson

WTFC: Callum Fielding, Jordan Hodder, Michael Trench (s/o 48’), Mitch Husbands, Jed Phillips, Matt Varley, Steve Woolley, Jack Barnett, Harry Wakefield, Charlie Baird (Conor Higginson), Matty Templeton (Igor Mlynarski)
Unused Subs: Alex Boyd, Harry Dunbar

(Written for www.worksoptownfc.co.uk)

#GAME59 27/01/18 Albion Sports 1-1 Worksop Town

Albion Sports 1-1 Worksop Town

Tigers snatch a point back to Worksop after scoring right at the death.

It was a trip up north to Leeds to attend Albion Sports vs Worksop Town thanks to the Nelson Taxi. Albion Sports play at Farsley Celtic’s ground, Throstle Nest.

It was the worst possible start for the Tigers as the hosts took the lead in the fourth minute. Morley crossed deep into the Tigers box from just inside the Tigers half. Centre-Back Sam Denton battled with his marker and sent his header looping over Callum Fielding and into the net.

Ten minutes later Albion went close to doubling their lead. Trench cleared Alex Cusack’s overhit cross straight to the feet of Cissa. The winger shot first time towards the bottom corner however young Callum Fielding got down quickly to parry wide.

Fielding again showed his class after twenty minutes by producing a smart save from Morley. Josh Morley carried the ball ten yards from the halfway line before rifling a shot towards the net. Fielding pounced across goal and tipped the ball wide of the post and out for a corner.

Albion looked strong throughout the first half by limiting Worksop’s time on the ball and also creating many chances. Brave defending by Town kept out frontmen Facey and Janneh from scoring a second. Firstly, Facey attempted to poke Woodward’s cross from the left into the net but Trench got his body in front of the goal and blocked the shot. Michael Trench shot up and tackled Facey once again to stop the Albion forward from shooting. The ball rolled towards Janneh who fired straight across the face of goal and agonisingly wide of the post.

Worksop finally had their first clear chance of the game through Local Lad Matty Templeton. Igor Mlynarski dropped the shoulder and passed the ball to Harry Wakefield. Wakefield crossed towards the back post where Templeton rose highest to connect with the ball. However his header was tame and was no trouble for Jake Lofthouse who comfortably caught the effort.

Worksop then had another sight of an equaliser. Trench slotted the ball down the left flank for Templeton to latch onto. Templeton slotted the ball across the box to Wakefield whose shot deflected off the body of Omalukan and away from danger.

The wind made a massive difference on the day as it would carry the ball an extra 10-15 yards in the air. The second half began and the Tigers would be assisted by the wind in this interval.

Facey had another glorious chance to extended the lead. Facey took Fairhurst’s long ball into his stride and accelerated from the right-hand side towards goal. Before he was challenged he rifled a ferocious shot heading for the top corner but Fielding was on hand to get a strong hand to it and batted it behind for a corner.

It would be Lofthouse’s time to show his class by keeping out the equaliser twenty minutes from time. Woolley’s corner was volleyed towards goal by Sam Liversidge but Lofthouse palmed his effort wide.

In the dying moments Wakefield missed a big opportunity to equalise. Baird’s shot was spilt by the keeper into the path of Wakefield but the eighteen year old striker fired into the body of Lofthouse.

The Tigers were much improved in the second half, they fought for everything and worked hard. This paid off as in the 90th minute Worksop equalised! Steve Woolley slipped the ball thr

WILL HE GET THE JOB?

ough to Baird. He took a great touch before sliding it past the keeper and into the bottom corner to score his first goal in Amber and Black.

Attendance: 93
Goals: Denton (4’); Baird (90)
MOTM: Michael Trench

ASFC: Jake Lofthouse, Joe Wilkes, Josh Morley, Chris Fairhurst, Sam Denton, Kesi Omalukan, Sumali Cissa, Nathan Woodward, Daniel Facey, Lamin Janneh, Alex Cusak
Subs: Aran Basi, Ryan Bacsi, Josh Barden, Joe Barden

WTFC: Callum Fielding, Jordan Hodder, Michael Trench, Steve Woolley, Sam Liversidge, Lee Hill, Igor Mlynarski (Jack Barnett), Husbands, Harry Wakefield, Charlie Baird, Matty Templeton (Jed Phillips)
Unused Sub: Matt Varley

#GAME58 26/01/18 Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Reading

Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Reading

Despite the impressive scoreline and overall good performance, the first twenty minutes were poor for the Owls. Reading took advantage of the slow beginning and went very close four minutes in. David Edwards escaped the attention of the Wednesday backline and latched onto a Bacuna through ball. They advanced towards goal however young Cameron Dawson was switched on and rushed out to stop the shot.

Wednesday took the lead just before the half an hour mark through Kosovan international Atdhe Nuhiu. Venancio saw the run of Nuhiu and played a perfectly weighted ball over the top for the forward. Nuhiu let it bounce before placing it past Jaakkola.

That was it for the first half for clear cut chances. New signing Joey Pelupessy saw his 30 yard strike fly over the bar on 15 minutes and then Bödvarsson out paced Loovens before firing over from 16 yards.

Like the first half, Reading had a chance early into the half and surely would have taken the lead if it wasn’t down to an excellent save by the goalkeeper. McCleary’s pass rolled through everyone to Bödvarsson who shot first time. Dawson got a strong hand to it and then jumped on the ball to avoid the Reading striker from scoring. Incredible piece of goalkeeping.



Nuhiu bagged his and Wednesday’s second goal of the game almost ten minutes after halftime. Matias put in a accurate cross from the left into the box which Nuhiu ran onto and poked it into the goal.

Dawson was proving to be as solid as a brick wall so far in the game however on the hour mark he relied on the post to keep out Bacuna. McCleary cut in and passed it to Bacuna who was twenty yards away from goal. He curled his effort to the right of Dawson but his fierce shot struck the frame of the goal.

A minute later Wednesday made it 3-0 thanks to some poor defending from Reading. Matias slotted the ball through to Boyd but the pass wasn’t the best and looked easy to clear. Both Gunter and Moore both left it for each and Boyd nipped in and netted his first goal for Sheffield Wednesday.

Nuhiu was in search of a hattrick and went close with twenty minutes left. Jack Hunt crossed into the middle where Nuhiu volleyed first time just past the post.

Bacuna’s freekick was easily caught by Dawson with ten minutes remaining. Dawson then kicked the ball out wide for Boyd who had made a run. Boyd accelerated down the wing before rifling a shot towards goal. However Jaakkola parried it away.

MARCO OF THE MATCH

Marco Matias was excellent on Friday night. He had already got two assists to his name and was lurking for a goal himself. Hunt’s cross was headed into the path of Matias. Matias superbly dummied the shot and took it past and outrushing Edwards. He opened fire and shot unfortunately across the face of goal and out for a goalkick.

Matias was even closer to netting several minutes later. He controlled Jones’ cross and attempted to lift it over the defender. It didn’t work but he still had possession and tried to place it past Jaakkola but the Finnish keeper saved with his face.

Reading scored a consolation three minutes from time due to an unfortunate own goal from Dawson. Barrow’s fizzed cross deflected off Venancio and headed towards goal. Dawson tried to save it but it hit the post, hit Dawson and trickled in.

The game ended and Wednesday advanced into the next round. A good performance from the Owls with standout performance’s from Cameron Dawson, Marco Matias and Atdhe Nuhiu.

Attendance: 14,848
Goals: Nuhiu (29’, 53’), Boyd (61’); Dawson OG (87’)
MOTM: Marco Matias

SWFC: Cameron Dawson; Frederico Venancio, Glenn Loovens, Daniel Pudil (Liam Palmer); Jack Hunt, George Boyd, Joey Pelupessy, Adam Reach (David Jones), Morgan Fox; Marco Matias (Jordan Rhodes), Atdhe Nuhiu
Unused Subs: Joe Wildsmith, Jacob Butterfield, Ross Wallace, Lucas Joao

RFC: Anssi Jaakkola; Chris Gunter, Tiago Ilori, Liam Moore, Leandro Bacuna (George Evans); Garath McCleary (Modou Barrow), Pelle Clement, David Edwards, Roy Beerens; Jón Dadi Bödvarsson, Yann Kermorgant (Sam Smith)
Unused Subs: Vito Mannone, Tyler Blackett, Liam Kelly, Sone Aluko

#GAME57 20/01/18 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Cardiff City

Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Cardiff City

Cardiff went close in the early stages but good defending from Morgan Fox stopped the visitors taking the lead. Wildschut weaved his way from the left to the byline and then towards goal. He squared the ball to Jazz Richards who attempted the backheel however Fox followed him and intercepted the attempt.

Cardiff had the ball in the back of the net after a defensive mistake but it was ruled out by the referee for a foul. Thorniley, who made his debut today for the Owls, hit his cross into the body of Zohore. Zohore then shoulder-barged Thorniley to the floor and curled a stunning effort into the top left corner from 30 yards out.

Again Cardiff were the dominant side when creating chances and Wildschut went close on 20 minutes. Holilett broke down the middle and then passed the ball out to the left, Yanic Wildschut shot first time but Wildsmith dropped down quickly to save the shot.

Wildsmith was called into action several minutes later as Zohore latched on to Bennett’s cross down the line. Zohore continued to run before scuffing his shot due to the challenge of Pudil leaving Wildsmith to comfortably hold.

Wednesday finally conjured up a chance half an hour in. Joao broke down the left wing. He then heel-chopped across the body of Morrison before teeing up Ross Wallace on the edge of the area. Wallace took a touch before firing just over the bar.

Wildsmith again showed his class by making a crucial save from Grujic. The on-loan Liverpool midfielder picked up the free ball and shot from 30 yards. However once again Joe Wildsmith was on hand to parry the fierce effort wide and out for a corner.

Wednesday went close with halftime looming through a clever freekick routine. Wallace placed the ball down and, as he took his steps back, David Jones came from nowhere and swung in a cross into the box. This caught a few Cardiff defenders out leaving an unmarked Jordan Rhodes to head over.

Rhodes should have scored on the stroke of halftime. Venancio sent Joao down the righthand side. He cut in and slipped the ball through to Rhodes who hit it straight at Neil Etheridge. The ball trickled out to Reach who smashed it over.

Wednesday finished the half stronger but couldn’t find their clinical side. Reach picked out Fox at the back post. Fox brought down the ball and then saw his shot blocked by Bamba meaning both teams went in at halftime goalless.

Lucas Joao had Wednesday’s best chance of the game ten minutes after the restart. Joe Ralls’ header back to Morrison was intercepted by Rhodes. Rhodes then slotted Joao through on goal. All he had to do it place it past an out rushing Etheridge and he… dragged his shot agonisingly wide of the post.

A few minutes later, Joao had another glorious chance to put Wednesday in the lead. Rhodes received Palmer’s throw in and turned Sol Bamba. He chipped the ball into the middl

e where Lucas Joao headed down and straight into the body of Etheridge.

The team from Wales responded with a chance of their own from danger man Wildschut. He controlled Jazz Richards’ cross with his back to goal. The ball span up and Wildschut turned and saw his volley go narrowly wide of the goal.

Wildsmith again showed great goalkeeping when Mendez-Laing crossed low from the left. The ball went through a host of bodies before Wildsmith got a strong hand down to the cross which stopped Morrison from an easy tap in.

The game ended goalless meaning Wednesday have still not scored in the league in 2018.

Attendance: 23,277
MOTM: Joe Wildsmith

SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Frederico Venancio, Daniel Pudil, Jordan Thorniley; Liam Palmer, Ross Wallace (George Boyd), David Jones, Adam Reach, Morgan Fox; Lucas Joao (Atdhe Nuhiu), Jordan Rhodes (Marco Matias)
Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Jack Hunt, Sean Clare, Joey Pelupessy

CCFC: Neil Etheridge; Bruno Ecuele Manga, Sean Morrison, Sol Bamba; Jazz Richards, Marko Grujic (Callum Paterson), Joe Ralls, Joe Bennett; Junior Hoilett (Kadeem Harris), Kenneth Zohore, Yanic Wildschut (Nathaniel Mendez-Laing)
Unused Subs: Brian Murphy, Greg Halford, Loïc Damour, Anthony Pilkington

#GAME56 19/01/18 Sheffield F.C. Under 19s 1-1 Worksop Town Under 19s + Post Match Reaction

Sheffield F.C. 1-1 Worksop Town + Post Match Reaction

It was Third vs First as the Tigers travelled to Sheffield FC looking to keep their unbeaten record. They opened the scoring just after halftime through Igor Mlynarski however the points were shared right at the very end as Sheffield equalised due to an own goal.

Mlynarski was a constant threat throughout the game and he had two great chances ten minutes into the first half. Firstly Sutton won the ball off the opposition winger and gave it to Igor. Mlynarski cut in from the left and shot narrowly wide of the post. Then from a poor goal kick, Igor set himself up for the volley and then sent a thunderous effort towards the net but Ben Woodcock pushed the ball away from danger and out for a corner.

Shortly After, Woodcock was in action again as he kept out Black’s effort. Black dispossessed Minchin of the ball and advanced forward. He cut onto his right foot and curled an effort towards the bottom left. But the F.C. keeper parried the ball away to safety.

Sheffield had the ball in the net early on when Hastings cut open the Tigers backline with a pass to Mahir Islam who tucked it past Fielding. However the linesman flagged for offside.

Callum Fielding made two great saves in the space of two minutes just before halftime. Firstly Islam out paced Larder and fired a shot towards goal which Fielding palmed away. Then Eagle saw his shot superbly saved by the young goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Worksop took the lead three minutes after the break. Harry Dunbar tackled Callum Riley, the ball trickled to Igor Mlynarski who took it in his stride and slotted past the keeper.

Twenty minutes later Mlynarski almost bagged his brace when he controlled Holden’s cross on the right hand side. Igor took the ball out of his feet and rifled a shot towards goal. The fierce effort cannoned off the post and away from goal.

‘The Worlds First’ almost equalised in the last minute of normal time when Max Dungworth sent left-back Eagle through on goal. Alfie Eagle dragged his shot across goal and saw his effort strike the framework and then cleared away from goal.

Town must of thought they had done enough to win the game however the hosts equalised with the last kick of the match. Blakemore fouled James Hastings wide right of the box. Alfie Eagle swung in the freekick towards the six yard box where the ball came off a Tigers defender and into the back of the net.

Goals: Mlynarski (48’); Own Goal (90+7)
MOTM: Luke Smith

SFC: Ben Woodcock, Keeton Minchin, Alfie Eagle, Logan Chapell, Callum Riley, Brad Jones, James Hastings, Ben Mitcheson, Mahir Islam, Louis Hutchinson, Mohammed Ehsan.
Subs: Sam Morley, Sam White, Finlay Barker, Max Dungworth, Regan Watkinson.

WTFC: Callum Fielding, Kieran Larder, Will Sutton (Christian Beaumont), Alex Boyd, Blake Blythe, |Mitch Batty (Josh Carpenter), Luke Black (Niall Blakemore), Jack Holden, Luke Smith, Harry Dunbar (Owen Stead), Igor Mlynarski

Jay Bownes’ Post Match Thoughts
‘We’ve drawn against a good side and it feels like a loss’

Igor Mlynarski slotted past Ben Woodcock three minutes into the second half after latching onto Dunbar’s tackle. However Sheffield F.C. equalised with the last kick of the game due to an own goal. ‘It’s frustrating but, I’ve said to the lads it’s why we play football, it’s why we love it and hate it, it’s the ups and downs of it. Today it feels like a loss, we’ve drawn against a good side but it feels like a loss so that tells you the standards we have at the minute. As long as we learn from our mistakes and about game management then I’m happy for the experience which we will learn from and carry through to futures games’.

The wind was a major factor on a cold Friday night. When questioned on the weather and how it affected his approach to the game, Jay stated ‘it’s hard to set up before a game as you don’t know which way your kicking and we were kicking into the wind so it was difficult. We were under the cosh a bit and the wind was holding the ball up but I knew that if we could control the game and go in at halftime drawing then I thought we would be set up ready to go for it in the second, that’s why we started with two holding midfielders. I brought on a Striker for a midfielder and I went a little more attacking and we got going. We needed to be more smart with game management and do things right, slow things down but they’re young and will learn from this’.

Next up for the Under 19s are Alfreton Town at Sandy Lane next Thursday. ‘Alfreton are notoriously a good footballing side. We played them in preseason with a totally different side and we owe them one really cause they beat us heavily. Everybody asks how we prepare for each game but we’re top of the tree at the minute and I think people have to prepare for us. We will do what we normally do each week’.

#GAME55 16/01/17 Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Carlisle United

Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Carlisle United

'Walking in a Waddle Wonderland'

After last weeks goalless draw up in Cumbria, it was time for the replay in S6. Like the last affair, it was freezing and this time we had a lot of snow to welcome too… great (Not!). Due to public transport, bloody trams, I arrived bang on kickoff.

Fredrick Nielsen made his debut and he made a crucial tackle in the early moments of the game. Jamie Devitt broke down the right. He squared it to Lambe who then teed up Bennett where Nielsen slid in strongly to stop the shot.

Wednesday opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Dawson’s goalkick fell to Nuhiu who chipped the ball over the Carlisle backline for an unmarked Matias who, took a touch, and  smashed the ball into the roof of the net. This was his first goal of the campaign.

Moments later, Matias almost bagged his brace after an impressive move by the Owls. They kept possession well before Hunt played it to Matias on the edge of the area. Matias passed it to Nuhiu before turning his marker before latching on to Nuhiu’s through ball, the forward tried to dink the ball over the keeper but Jack Bonham rushed out and saved with his feet.

Matias then turned provider as Boyd almost made it 2-0. Hunt’s attempted cross was blocked into the path of Matias. Marco ran down the line before squaring it to Boyd who tried to slot the ball under the keeper but Bonham got down quickly and saved it.

Matias went close again just minutes into the second half when George Boyd played Fox down the wing. Fox sent an inviting cross to an on-rushing Matias, however the Portuguese failed to make contact and the chance was gone.

Wednesday got their second when Matias intercepted Gary Liddle’s poor pass. Matias played the ball into the path of Nuhiu who cut inside of Liddle. He then dropped the shoulder and took it past Parkes before accurately slotting the ball past Bonham with his weak foot.

Nuhiu makes it 2-0

Connor O’Grady was another youngster who was called up for the game and he could of extended the lead further with twenty minutes to go. Butterfield played a one-two with Matias from the corner. The midfielder then crossed the ball into the middle where O’Grady rose highest but unfortunately he headed over the bar.

Carlisle went close when Ex Wednesday loanee Hallam Hope passed it to Devitt. Devitt tip-toed past Reach and Hunt before curling an effort towards goal but Cameron Dawson was on hand to get down and catch the shot with ease.

Dawson was in action again when Hope set up Ex-Blade Shaun Miller who rifled a shot towards goal. Dawson dived and parried Miller’s thunderous shot wide of the post.

The final whistle went and Wednesday went through to the Fourth Round where they will face Reading at home. After using de-icer to get out of my seat, I set off home. This was new manager Jos Luhukay’s first win and also his first introduction to the proper English weather.

Attendance: 12,003
Goals: Matias (28’), Nuhiu (66’)
MOTM: Frederick Nielsen

SWFC: Cameron Dawson; Frederick Nielsen, Frederico Venancio, Connor O’Grady; Jack Hunt, Jacob Butterfield, David Jones (Adam Reach), George Boyd, Morgan Fox; Marco Matias, Atdhe Nuhiu 
Unused Subs: Joe Wildsmith, Liam Palmer, Daniel Pudil, Ross Wallace, Jordan Rhodes, Lucas Joao

CUFC: Jack Bonham; James Brown (John O’Sullivan), Tom Parkes, Mark Ellis (Shaun Miller), Gary Liddle, Danny Grainger; Reggie Lambe, Luke Joyce, Michael Jones; Jamie Devitt, Richard Bennett (Hallam Hope)
Unused Subs: Morgan Bacon, Samir Nabi

#GAME54 13/01/18 Maltby Main 1-1 Worksop Town

Maltby Main 1-1 Worksop Town

Hill’s last minute goal rescues a point for the Tigers

Main opened the scoring through Ryan Carroll on twenty minutes but Lee Hill came back to haunt his former club by netting the equaliser right at the death

Maltby started the brightest of the two teams and had two early chances. The ball found its way to Rigby on the edge of the box where the winger hit it on the half-volley over the bar. Two minutes later Ryan Carroll danced his way through the Tigers defence before dragging his shot across goal and wide

Maltby Main opened the scoring just before the twentieth minute mark through Ryan Carroll. Carroll flicked on Hopewell’s cross from the right into the net.

The Miners almost doubled their lead when Danny Patterson saw his thirty yard free kick ricochet off the post.

Worksop’s best chance came a couple of minutes before the break as Micah Bishop took Phillips’ knock down in his stride. Bishop cut in, dribbled the ball for a few yards before releasing a tame shot towards goal which the keeper picked up with ease.

The whistle blew and the home side went into the changing rooms one goal ahead.

If it wasn’t for some brave defending by Worksop Town then Maltby would have gone two goals ahead. Ex-Tiger Steve McDonnell was played through by Carroll. McDonnell rounded substitute Fielding and squared the ball across goal to Patterson whose shot was blocked by Matt Varley. The ball fell back to him and he shot first time however Callum Fielding had set himself and saved superbly with his legs.

Shortly after, Charlie Baird had a good chance to equalise when he dispossessed a Maltby midfielder. Baird turned and battled his way through a couple of tackles before shooting straight at Josh Lill from the edge of the area.

Worksop’s constant pressure paid off as Lee Hill equalised in the last few minutes of the game. Matthew Varley’s long throw in was met by the head of Lee Hill who rose highest to score the leveller and to snatch a point off his former employers.

Attendance: 313
Goals: Carroll (18’); Hill (87’)

MMFC: Josh Lill, Bradley Morton, Joe Austin, Reece Wesley, Ryan Carroll (Josh Nodder), Dean Smith (Bradley Kilner), Sam Forster, Daniel Patterson, Steve Hopewell, Steve McDonnell, Cameron Rigby
Unused Subs: Jamie Bailey, Jed McGowan, Ross Duggan

WTFC: Jason Alexander (Callum Fielding), Steve Woolley, Jed Phillips, Lee Hill, Sam Liversidge, Matt Varley, Gareth Curtis (Harry Dunbar), Mitch Husbands, Alec Denton, Charlie Baird, Micah Bishop (Igor Mlynarski)
Unused Subs: Jordan Hodder, James Jepson

(written for www.worksoptownfc.co.uk)

#GAME53 12/01/18 THE SHEFFIELD STEEL CITY DERBY!!!

Sheffield United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

It was a massive game on Friday night; S2 vs S6, Blades vs Owls, Red vs Blue. United seeked to do the double over their Sheffield rivals, where as Wednesday wanted revenge after a 4-2 thumping at Hillsborough and also a good performance after recent games.

I met my mate and we went to ‘The Three Magpies’ pub in Brinsworth for a few drinks and some food before a group of us got a minibus into Sheffield. We got to Bramall Lane at about 7.25pm but it would take us twenty minutes to get in! The queue, well more like bundle, of people was massive. The atmosphere was ecstatic, both sets of fans chanting against each other like a competition to see who would be the loudest (Wednesday of course 😉). This got me even more excited for the next 90 minutes of football, however the nerves were still there because of what happened earlier on in the season (I couldn’t face Mark Duffy dancing his way through our defence before slotting it past Westwood again).

Kickoff imminently followed and the Derby was underway. United squealed their Chip Butty song and Wednesday sung ‘Hi Ho Sheffield Wednesday’.

United had more of the ball in the early stages of the derby and went very close through John Lundstram. Flecks corner was only headed away by Jordan Rhodes to Lundstram who hooked a volley back into the box. The effort dipped and landed on top of the net.

Wednesday responded with an effort of their own. Adam Reach’s shot was deflected into the path of Joao. Joao switched the ball from his left foot to his right to avoid the tackle of O’Connell and tried an audacious chip from 20 yards which landed on the roof of the net.

Not much else happened apart from a few chances that didn’t really trouble either side. Both Steel City clubs defended well and went in at halftime goalless.

In to the second half we went and Wildsmith produced an outstanding save to deny the Blades an opener. George Baldock curled in a cross from the right. Clayton Donaldson connected with the cross sending the ball towards goal. Everyone in the ground thought it had looped in until Joe Wildsmith stretched and clawed the ball over the bar. A brilliant piece of goalkeeping from the Wednesday fan.

Wednesday were inches away from taking the lead. Pudil’s long throw was headed away first by Lundstram and then by Baldock, but the right-backs clearance fell kindly for the Owls’ wing-back who struck a curling volley just past the post.

Again Wednesday were on the front foot and had another great opportunity when Palmer passed the ball to Wallace on the edge of the box. Wallace teased O’Connell about which way he was going before rifling a shot towards goal. However Simon Moore got down to the shot and saved it.

The visitors were down to ten men after the hour mark. Glenn Loovens received his second yellow of the game when the Wednesday captain brought down an accelerating Donaldson. From the following free-kick former Owl Leon Clarke headed wide of the target.

Wednesday almost won it right at the death through Adam Reach. Wallace crossed in to the middle where Moore and Stearman clashed. Reach tried to head it in but Stearman headed it away before Lundstram headed it straight to Reach who chested it down and hit it on the half-volley. The shot fired towards goal but Simon Moore shot up to parry it wide, he had previously been crouched over in pain after bumping into his own defender.

Wallace again went close as he cut in from the right and lashed a shot towards the net but Moore blocked the goal-bound shot with his body. That was it for the game and both sides walked away with a point.

So the game ended 0-0 and both teams must of felt they could of nicked the win. Both teams were solid defensively and keepers Wildsmith and Moore made some crucial saves to earn the clean sheets.

Even though many Blades fans have stated the game was boring, I thoroughly enjoyed the night. I loved the atmosphere and the adrenaline that’d run through me every time Wednesday attacked or the nerves as United drove forward.

Overall it was brilliant!

Attendance: 31,120
MOTM: Joe Wildsmith

SUFC: Simon Moore; Chris Basham, Richard Stearman, Jack O’Connell; George Baldock, John Fleck, John Lundstram, Mark Duffy, Enda Stevens; Clayton Donaldson (James Wilson), Leon Clarke
Unused Subs: Jamal Blackman, Daniel Lafferty, Jake Wright, Lee Evans, Ryan Leonard, Billy Sharp

SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Frederico Venancio, Glenn Loovens, Daniel Pudil; Liam Palmer, Ross Wallace (Sean Clare), David Jones, Adam Reach, Morgan Fox; Lucas Joao (Atdhe Nuhiu), Jordan Rhodes (George Boyd)
Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Jordan Thorniley, Jacob Butterfield, Marco Matias

#GAME52 06/01/18 Carlisle United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Carlisle United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

It was FA Cup Third Round time and Wednesday were traveling up to Cumbria.

Wednesday went close very early on when Reach gave it to Palmer on the right hand side. The right-back swung in a cross which Atdhe Nuhiu headed towards goal. Unfortunately for the Kosovan international his effort struck the face of the bar and up into the air where Bonham caught easily.

Shortly after, David Jones sent in a deep free kick into the box. Keeper Bonham went up to catch the cross but collided with Clint Hill, the ball found its way to the edge of the area where Reach volleyed first time wide.

Again the Championship side we’re pushing for that opener when, on the half hour mark, Nuhiu knocked the ball down on the 18 yard box for Boyd. The Scotsman’s shot was blocked into the path of Nuhiu who hit a tame shot towards the target but the Carlisle keeper was equal to it and pushed the ball away to safety.

Carlisle were not content in being second best in this game and almost went ahead from an ex-Owls loanee. James Brown was allowed to run unchallenged from his own half down the right side. He passed it through to Hallam Hope who wrong footed Fox and then lashed a fierce effort across the face of goal. This happened in the closing stages of the first half and both teams went in at the break level.

George Boyd impressed on his return to the side after a long term injury and almost helped Wednesday take the lead by winning a free-kick near the corner flag. David Jones curled in a cross to the near post where Joao connected with the ball, however his chance struck the frame of the goal and away from danger.

Wednesday were being watched by new manager Jos Luhukay,who was in the stands at Brunton Park, Wednesday were showing a better attacking outlet than they have produced in recent games. Ross Wallace did what Ross Wallace always does as on the sixtieth minute as he cut in onto his left foot and rifled a shot agonisingly wide of the post.

Carlisle thought they had took the lead on 68 minutes through Sam Cosgrove. Jamie Devitt picked out Cosgrove’s back post run. The Cumbrians’ striker headed past Wildsmith but as he got up to celebrate he noticed the linesman’s flag was up for offside, silencing the home crowd.

Bonham made a crucial save for the home side in the dying moments. David Jones slotted the ball down the right wing. Liam Palmer latched onto the ball and crossed perfectly for Nuhiu who headed powerfully towards goal. However Jack Bonham superbly got down and parried the ball wide. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Carlisle number one.

Wednesday attacked all game but Carlisle defended very well and definitely earned the replay at Hillsborough next Tuesday.

Attendance: 7,793
MOTM: George Boyd
CUFC: Jack Bonham; Tom Parkes, Clint Hill, Gary Liddle; James Brown, Reggie Lamb (John O’Sullivan), Jamie Devitt, Mike Jones; Hallam Hope (Shaun Miller), Sam Cosgrove (Richard Bennett)
Unused Subs: Morgan Bacon, Mark Ellis, Tom Miller, Samir Nabi

SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Liam Palmer, Glenn Loovens, Frederico Venancio, Morgan Fox; George Boyd (Jordan Rhodes), Ross Wallace, David Jones, Adam Reach; Lucas Joao, Atdhe Nuhiu (Marco Matias)
Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Ashley Baker, Connor O’Grady, Daniel Pudil, Jacob Butterfield.

Jay Bownes’ Post Match Reaction to the win against Gainsborough Trinity

POST MATCH REACTION!!!

Worksop Town last night brushed aside Gainsborough Trinity in a 4-1 thrashing. Josh Carpenter opened the scoring on twenty minutes. Harry Dunbar and Igor Mlynarski both scored in quick succession to make it 3-0 five minutes after the restart. Ben Bool pulled a goal back for the hosts but the Tigers quality prevailed as on the stroke of full time Mlynarski netted his brace in spectacular fashion as he saw his 30 yard wonderstrike nestle in the top corner.

Prior to the game the venue was switched to Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park. Jay believes this may had a slight impact on the way the Tigers played. ‘We don’t play long ball, we play out from the back and the pitch helped no one really. We couldn’t be a direct as we wanted to be. Obviously it was a small pitch, width was fine but it was the length that played a part being a lot shorter but I think it was never going to be a sparkling game of football just cause of the conditions and the surface but I think we had to grind out a result and that’s what we did’.

Jake Woodward made his first start in the league for the Under 19s and produced an impressive performance in the absence of Callum Fielding. When questioned about how crucial have two good keepers, Bownes stated ‘it’s a good thing and it’s a headache for me but a good head ache. In terms of Jake, I’ve always had faith in him, Jakes been patient and he’s a bit younger than Cal but I believe in both of them and whoever I put in will do a good job. Cals made that step up playing for the first team and Jakes got to fill in when needed and he did that brilliantly today, he made some great saves, his kicking was good so yeah I’m pleased with his performance'.

Last week Igor Mlynarski and Harry Dunbar were signed up for the first team linking up with other Under 19s promoted like Callum Fielding, Luke Smith, Will Sutton and Alex Boyd. ‘So from my point of view and Lee will back me up on this cause it’s his philosophy as well is that even if we lost every game this year, our objective is to develop our players ready for the first team so if their doing that and Ryan see’s something in those players then for me I’m doing my job. I would like them to get a chance, I know it’s never easy at the level they are at and they need to be eased in but they’ll be in and around the squad and able to pick up good habits. It’s pleasing for me as a manager, it’s pleasing for us as a coaching team as we’re not a results based club, we’re a development club and if we can get five or more players into the first team then we have done our job’.

Match Report - Click Here

Written for the Worksop Town Under 19s Facebook Page

#GAME51 05/01/18 Gainsborough Trinity U19s 1-4 Worksop Town U19s

Gainsborough Trinity 1-4 Worksop Town 

Top Tigers Thrash Trinity

Worksop continued their unbeaten form into 2018 by beating bottom side Gainsborough Trinity

Town started the brighter with two early chances. Beaumont picked out Josh Carpenter in the box and floated a cross into the Striker but Carpenter headed his effort across the face of goal. Shortly after, Kieran Larder played a one-two with Liam Pritchard before flashing a dangerous low cross across goal but despite Holden’s late run, he couldn’t arrive in time to net the opener.

A Russ isn't just for Christmas, he's for life

Worksop opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Josh Carpenter. Alex Boyd headed Holden’s corner into the air, as the ball dropped Carpenter pounced onto the free ball and poked the ball into the net.

Harry Dunbar replaced Liam Pritchard at halftime and the 6ft 4” striker made instant impact as four minutes after the restart he doubled the lead. Dan Gardner sent a long diagonal ball to Niall Blakemore who brought the ball down perfectly and laid the ball off to the edge of the box where Dunbar curled it beautifully into the top right corner.

A minute later the lead was trebled when Luke Smith split open the Gainsborough backline with a pass. Igor Mlynarski latched onto the pass and advanced towards goal. Igor was tackled by Joe Hayden however the momentum the Tigers winger had going into the challenge meant the ball went into the air and over the keeper. Both Mlynarski and Dunbar were recently both called up to the first team.

Lewis Szanto scored in the reverse fixture at Sandy Lane, where the Tigers came from behind to win 3-2, and he almost netted again when he spun Gardner and shot towards goal but Jake Woodward got down quickly and held onto the shot.

Trinity pulled a goal back just before the hour mark when Ben Bool beat keeper Jake Woodward to a Callum Jarvis deep cross and headed into an empty net.


Luke Smith scored a wonder goal in the Tigers previous fixture against Retford United and he almost replicated that by rifling a shot from 30 yards towards goal. Unfortunately for Smith, his shot went inches wide of the wrong side of the post.

Mlynarski put the game to bed spectacularly in the dying moments. Mitchell Batty gave the ball to Mlynarski, Igor cut inside an hit an amazing 30 yard screamer into the net giving the keeper no chance.

This takes Jay and Lee’s unbeaten tally to eight games now as the Tigers are sitting comfortably at the top of the table. Their next fixture is away on Thursday 11th of January where they face Swallownest FC.

Goals: Bool (57’); Carpenter (20’), Dunbar (49’), Mlynarski (50’, 90’)

GTFC: Harrison Crabtree, Jordan Rose, Tom Watson, Brad Mears (Francis Sukwa), Joe Hayden, Saif Abdurraheem, Callum Jarvis, Khalid Sulieman (Christiano Da Costa), Awais Tamir (Stefaan Ryan), Ben Bool, Lewis Szanto
WTFC: Jake Woodward; Kieran Larder, Dan Gardner, Alex Boyd, Niall Blakemore; Owen Stead, Jack Holden (Bailey Hall), Christian Beaumont (Luke Smith); Igor Mlynarski, Josh Carpenter (Mitchell Batty), Liam Pritchard (Harry Dunbar)

Written for www.worksoptownfc.co.uk and Worksop Town FC Under 19s Facebook Page

#GAME50 01/01/18 Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Burton Albion

Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Burton Albion

New Year, Same Old Wednesday!

Wednesday we’re instantly on the back foot as they gave away a penalty. Loovens and Butterfield looked like they had enjoyed the New Years Eve celebrations too much and they were hanging from the night before as Butterfield’s intended pass for the Owls skipper was too short allowing Will Miller to race through on goal. Butterfield chased and brought Miller down in the box and the referee blew for a penalty. However Lucas Akins couldn’t convert the penalty as Joe Wildsmith got down and saved his second consecutive penalty.

Wednesday tried to conjure up a chance and they did when Hunt’s cross was headed out by Jake Buxton. Jones set himself and volleyed wide from the edge of the box.

However two minutes later Burton took the lead. Tom Flanagan was allowed to run 30-50 yards with the ball unchallenged before smashing a shot past Wildsmith to make it 1-0.

The Owls instantly looked for an equaliser and almost did when Stephan Bywater collided with Buxton when trying to catch the ball. The ball spilled out to the byline where Reach got to it first, turned, and crossed into the middle for Rhodes who headed straight into the body of the former Wednesday keeper.

That was all for a poor first half as Albion went into the break a goal up.

Four minutes after the restart the brewers doubled their lead. Morgan Fox’s pass was intercepted by Naylor. Naylor passed to Akins who then turned into the catalyst for the move by sending Lloyd Dyer through on goal. Dyer drove away from Venancio and neatly tucked his shot past Wildsmith.

It was almost three when Naylor’s back-heeled pass was ran onto by Brayford but the ex-Sheffield United fullback dragged his shot wide of the target.

Adam Reach then sent an inviting cross towards the front post where Rhodes headed an effort towards goal. However Bywater denied any sight of a Wednesday come back by palming the ball to safety.

Reach had a chance of his own shortly after when Hunts shot hit the body of Rhodes, the ball fell for Reach on the half-volley but Ben Turner closed down quickly and then ball went out for a Wednesday corner.

Again Bywater was called into action when Rhodes teed up Nuhiu on the edge of the box. Nuhiu hit a shot on the half-volley towards the bottom left corner however Bywater got down to parry wide. Following the corner Nuhiu headed on to the roof of the goal.

Burton confirmed that they were taking all three points in the last minute of the match. Akins sent Dyer down the line. Dyer returned the favour by picking out Akins’ run. Akins then gave Dyer the ball back on the edge of the area, he turned Reach and scuffed his shot wide but only wide to Naylor who slotted home.

FT: Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Burton Albion
Embarrassing… absolutely embarrassing. Burton came and completely out played us and no offence to Burton but we HAVE to beat a team like Burton… especially now we’re getting dragged into a relegation battle, we’re only 6 points from the relegation zone and with how we performed we cannot be looking up. It needs sorting as soon as possible. I never thought after losing to Hull in that playoff final that we would find ourselves in this situation we are in today.

P.S. can someone remind me what it’s like to win please! XD

Attendance: 25,506
MOTM: Stephan Bywater
Goals: Flanagan (37’), Dyer (50’), Naylor (89’)
SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Jack Hunt (Liam Palmer), Glenn Loovens (Daniel Pudil), Frederico Venancio, Morgan Fox; Ross Wallace, Jacob Butterfield (Atdhe Nuhiu), David Jones, Adam Reach; Jordan Rhodes, Lucas Joao
Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Ashley Baker, Almen Abdi, Marco Matias.

BAFC: Stephan Bywater; John Brayford, Ben Turner, Jake Buxton, Kyle McFadzean, Tom Flanagan; Will Miller (Jamie Allen), Tom Naylor, Luke Murphy (Sean Scannell); Lloyd Dyer (Joe Sbarra), Lucas Akins
Unused Subs: Connor Ripley, Stephan Warnock, Hope Akpan, Marvin Sordell

#GAME49 30/12/17 Brentford 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Brentford 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday

The last game of 2017 started very early… 6.20am to be exact. I was up at 5.40am and out the house by 6.20am to walk to Meadowhall to get a tram to Hillsborough. I met up with Burkey, Brad, Ryan and the famous Patrick Hernandez!

We were on the Wednesdayite coach down to London for Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday. The noticeable event on the coach was I WON THE BINGO! That would be the only win for me today though… thanks a lot Wednesday.

When we arrived in the Capital we headed straight to the pub called Griffin for a couple of pints and some chants with some mates… soon after we headed to the ground ready for kick off.

Wednesday opened the chances when Adam Reach picked up the ball and drove forward into space. However he couldn’t follow up his wonder strike last week against Forest as he dragged his shot wide.

Shortly after Wednesday had their first and only shot on target when Morgan Fox crossed from the left wing to Atdhe Nuhiu who beat Barbet to the ball, sadly the Kosovan international’s header proved to only be a tame effort for Bentley to catch.

Brentford took the lead on the 20th minute mark when forward rushing Nico Yennaris played a one-two with Jozefzoon. The Brentford captain found Vibe. Lasse Vibe dropped the shoulder, sending Glenn Loovens into no mans land, before slotting past a wrong footed Joe Wildsmith.

Shortly after the Bees were in again as Romaine Sawyers slotted through the unwatched Josefzoon who turned and shot but his effort was blocked by the body of Wildsmith.

Ryan Woods was teed up on the edge of the area, he rifled a shot at goal but his shot was parried away by Wildsmith.

Wildsmith was called into action again when Vibe made a diagonal run away from Loovens and lashed a shot towards the net but the Wednesday keeper flung himself at it and the ball went over the bar for a corner. It seemed that Wildsmith was the only Wednesday player that turned up. From the resulting corner Josefzoon missed a sitter. The corner was played deep, Barbet played the ball back in to the box where Josefzoon spooned the ball over from seven yards out.

Into the second half we went. Wednesday didn’t really show any hope of getting back into the game as Brentford almost scored a spectacular goal. Barbet took a quick throw in to Sergi Caños who set the the volley perfectly with his left foot, he turned and hit a fierce strike that just went over the bar and on to the roof of the goal.

Wednesday had another chance from a corner when Lucas Joao made a run towards the front post. He redirected the cross towards goal but the header went onto the roof of the net.

However Brentford put the final nail in the coffin seven minutes from time when Neal Maupay spotted an unmarked Josefzoon’s run on the right. He took a touch and hammered his shot into the top corner.

FT: Brentford 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
A disappointing game for the Owls who didn’t really show much fight all game. Brentford looked a good side, they were set up properly and played some very good football. I will start to pick a man of the match now for games and explain my choice. As a bit of bias I’m picking young Joe Wildsmith who made some very good saves and kept Wednesday in the game despite their awful defending.

Attendance: 10,853
MOTM: Joe Wildsmith
Goals: Vibe (20’), Josefzoon (83’)
BFC: Daniel Bentley; Nico Yennaris, Chris Mepham, Andreas Bjelland, Yoann Barbet; Florian Jozefzoon, Josh McEachran (Kamohelo Mokotjo), Romaine Sawyers, Ryan Woods, Sergi Caños (Ollie Watkins); Lasse Vibe (Neal Maupay)
Unused Subs: Luke Daniels, Josh Clarke, Alan Judge, Lewis MacLeod.

SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Liam Palmer (Jack Hunt), Glenn Loovens, Daniel Pudil, Morgan Fox; Ross Wallace (Almen Abdi), Sam Hutchinson, Jacob Butterfield, Adam Reach; Atdhe Nuhiu (Lucas Joao), Jordan Rhodes
Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Frederico Venancio, David Jones, Marco Matias.