#GAME92 28/04/18 Bottesford Town 4-0 Worksop Town

Bottesford Town 4-0 Worksop Town

Bottesford’s Bacon Inspires Big Win Over The Tigers

Bottesford add another defeat to Worksop’s losing streak thanks to a goal from Ridley in the first half and a hattrick from Declan Bacon. Worksop showed little attacking presence as the hosts had the better of the game.

Declan Bacon almost put the home side ahead in the opening minute. Bacon accelerated with the ball past Holden but as he went to place it past the keeper, Alexander rushed out and saved it with his feet. 

Bottesford Town got their noses in front in the second minute. Ex Tiger Lee Ridley glanced Henry Mallet’s corner beyond the reach of Alexander at the front post. 

Thomas Spall went close for Bottesford just before the twentieth minute mark. Spall cut in, rode the challenge of Trench and curled a shot towards the near post however Alexander was alert to catch the attempt. 

Thirty minutes in, there wasn’t many noticeable chances to pick from either side. Bottesford sprayed the ball around in the Tigers half but failed to find that final ball that they required. 

The final two chances of the first period fell to the Tigers on the stroke of half-time. Mitch Husbands broke down the right before fizzing in an inviting ball into the middle for Joel Phillips but Bowskin got a toe end on it to send it away from the Tigers forward and deny him a certain tap in. Then, Michael Trench’s long throw made its way to Phillips at the back post but disappointingly, the former Chesterfield youth striker hit his shot high and over. 

The half-time whistle sounded to end an excitement deprived first period. The second half began like the start as the hosts had a chance very early on. Declan Bacon sizzled in a dangerous cross for substitute Golland but he failed to connect with the set-up and the ball bobbled out of play.  

The Worksop faithful then enjoyed a ten minute spell of chances. Firstly Mitch Husbands latched onto Luke Black’s through ball. The Worksop skipper sent in a lovely cross however Johnston raced back to cut out the danger. Then, Husbands held the ball up on the edge of the area before teeing up Overton but the Rovers loanee fired the ball over the bar. 

Bacon was slowly making his way into the game and went very close to getting on the scoresheet. Bacon accelerated down the left and towards goal. The Bottesford top scorer rifled a shot across the face of goal but Diggles, who replaced the injured Alexander, stretched out his leg to deflect it out for a corner which in the end came to nothing. 

‘The Poachers’ had their best opportunity of the second half on the hour mark. Henry Mallets free-kick was nodded against the upright by Hutson and cleared only to the edge of the box where Graves hammered the ball over the stand. 

Bottesford doubled their lead through hitman Declan Bacon. The number ten was threaded through on goal by Jack Cross. Bacon took it in his stride before cooly slotting the ball past an outrushing Diggles. 

The home side then added a third to their tally fifteen minutes from time. Bacon rolled his man to pick up Graves’ ball and advance towards goal. Like his first, Bacon calmly stroked the ball past the keeper for his brace. 

Richard Golland almost inflicted more pain on the Tigers. Bacon held the ball up well before slotting the ball down the line for Golland who hit his shot across the face of goal and wide. 

Bacon completed his hattrick as he hammered in the final nail in the Tigers’ coffin. Declan Bacon, wide right of the Tigers half, beautifully lobbed the keeper with an accurate side-footed volley. 

The final chance of the game fell to the team in yellow and blue. Henry Mallet’s out-swinging corner was powered towards goal by Johnston but Diggles tipped over the effort. 

The referee brought proceedings to an end and confirm Worksop’s twelfth defeat in a row. We next face Harrogate Railway Athletic away on Monday night in the penultimate game of the 2017/18 campaign. 

Attendance: 105

Goals: Ridley (2’), Bacon (67’, 75’, 85’)

BTFC: Jordan Douglas, Jack Bowskin, Joe Edwards, Lee Ridley, Tom Johnston, Jack Cross (Alex Holden), Thomas Spall, Henry Mallet, Dayle Hutson (Bradley Hockin), Declan Bacon, Wayne Graves (Richard Golland)

Unused Subs: Ashley Ellis, John Corbett

WTFC: Jason Alexander (Joshua Diggles), Jack Holden, Michael Trench, Tyler Lysons, Alex Boyd, Lee Hill, Luke Black (Igor Mlynarski), Charlie Baird, Mitch Husbands, Matty Overton, Joel Phillips (Luke Smith)

#GAME91 25/04/18 Millmoor Juniors 0-5 Worksop Town Ladies

Millmoor Junior 0-5 Worksop Town Ladies

Terrific Tigeresses Triumph To The Title In Five Star Performance 

The Ladies only required one point to win the league prior to this fixture. However, they did one better as they cruised to victory with an excellent performance and a clean sheet. Leah Hardy netted four well taken goals as well as a tap in from Abbie Lister to earn their win.

The Tigeresses started the game as they meant to go on as they were dominant throughout. In the second minute, Hardy went close to opening the scoring. Mollie Cartwright won the ball off Holly Mappin and switched it out to the right wing where Lister chipped the ball over for Leah Hardy who saw her volley saved down low by Antcliffe. 

Hardy was amongst the chances once again minutes later. Kamils corner was glanced towards goal by Hardy but Ashleigh Beck blocked the shot on the line and the keeper pounced on the loose cause. 

Worksop Town Ladies opened the scoring inside ten minutes. Kamil was thwarted on the edge of the area by Shannon Marriott. Leah Hardy stepped up and cut through the ball causing it to create lots of swerve as it moved towards goal. This wrong-footed Antcliffe as she could only get a hand on the effort which nestled in the bottom corner. 

A quarter of the way into the game, Millmoor had their first and only chance of the opening period. Jade Wordsworth’s long throw into the box created a mini game of head tennis before the ball ended up at the feet of Jess Barker who fired goalwards but Beth Heaps was alert and got down quickly and held on to the shot. 

The Tigeresses had three good chances to add to their lead in the space of five minutes. Firstly, Hayley Hirst gave the ball to Leah on the edge of the box. Hardy held the ball up before teeing up an unmarked Shannon Brooks who hammered her shot just over the bar. Then, Hardy brilliantly slalomed her way past three or four players but saw her end product bravely blocked by Jade Wadsworth. Finally, Dayna Antcliffe spilt Woolley’s pump upfield into the path of Hardy however the Leagues leading scorer saw her dinked effort bounce wide. 

Town extended their advantage through Abbie Lister. A fantastic move started with Shannon Brooks who superbly picked out the run of Kamil. Sian Kamil squared the ball across the box for Abbie Lister who nipped in front of Beck to stroke the ball home. 

Hardy bagged her brace several minutes later in similar fashion to the second goal of the game. This time it was Chappell who slipped the ball down the wing for Kamil to latch onto. Kamil took it down towards the byline before pulling the ball back for Leah Hardy to slam home. 

Hardy almost netted her third on the stroke of half-time. Ellie Sheehan received the ball out wide. Sheehan twisted in and out as she lost her marker to drive the ball into the middle. Hardy used her initiative and heel flicked the ball towards goal but, unfortunately for her, saw the keeper save it with her feet. 

The half-time whistle went meaning the Ladies had one hand on the title. The second half continued with the Tigeresses controlling the majority of the game as they won the match and title in style. 

A mix-up at the back almost gifted Worksop an early goal just after the restart. An unusual poor Worksop corner bobbled towards the front post. Alex Ashton saw her clearance deflect off the back of Baker and cannon off the post. The ball then found its way to the feet of Hirst who wrong-footed her marker before curling the ball towards the left corner which was caught by Antcliffe. 

Moments later, Millmoor had only their second clear opportunity of the game. Holly Mappins’ corner was redirected towards goal by Oliver Chapman. The attempt was high and looping but Heaps stretched out and parried the effort away from danger. 

On the hour mark, Hardy almost claimed her hattrick goal. Mel Kostrzewski weaved her way into the area before popping the ball through to Hardy. Leah rode the challenge of Baker before seeing her curling effort tipped wide by the Millmoor number one. 

Carly Rowlands made her long anticipated return after a lengthy period injured with a dislocated shoulder. She almost got on the scoresheet ten minutes after the break. Hardy’s corner was sliced into the middle by Wadsworth for Brooks who teed it up for Rowlands to hit but she shot wide of the target.

Hardy was getting closer and closer to that all important third goal. Rowlands corner was headed back into the middle by Lister. Hardy nicked the ball off Thompson before turning and firing towards goal however the keeper got down and held the shot. 

With twenty- five minutes to go, substitute Bell almost made instant impact. Rowlands threaded a ball into Kostrzewski who cleverly flicked it on to Bell who took a touch to steady herself before hitting her shot straight at Antcliffe. 

However Worksop’s persistent pressure paid-off as Hardy completed her hattrick. Good work on the left allowed Lauren Bell to find Hardy in the box. Leah, with her back to goal, swivelled her defender and rifled her shot hard, low and past the keeper. 

The Tigeresses rounded the Title off with another cracking finish. Leah Hardy used the same technique she used for her second goal but this time hit it over the wall and just over the reach of the keeper. 

Town played the ball around the field for the remaining minutes before the referee blew her whistle to confirm that the Ladies were the 2017/18 League Champions. An excellent achievement for the Ladies who are still unbeaten. 

Congratulations to Rob Hardy and the girls on their wonderful campaign and enjoy the celebrations. You’ve done everyone at Worksop Town proud. 

Attendance: approximately 20

Goals: Hardy (10’, 30’, 75’, 86’), Lister (26’)

MJLFC: Danya Antcliffe, Ashleigh Beck, Shannon Marriott, Jade Wadsworth, Jess Stables, Holly Mappin, Lianna Pargin, Lucy Keane, Jess Baker, Olivia Chapman, Alex Ashton

Subs: Jill Thompson

WTLFC: Beth Heaps, Ellie Sheehan, Abbie Lister, Kirsty Woolley, Shannon Brooks, Mollie Cartwright, Sian Kamil, Brooke Chappell, Leah Hardy, Hayley Hirst, Laura Elsworth

Subs: Carly Rowlands, Lauren Bell, Mel Kostrzewski, Kathryn Wood, Becca Webb

#GAME91 24/04/18 Hallam FC 3-4 AFC Emley

Hallam FC 3-4 AFC Emley 

Emley dampen Hallams playoff hopes in seven goal thriller

It was a very rainy night at Sandygate this Tuesday evening. The pitch held up for the ninety minutes however it did have it’s altercations as players were sliding about and the ball struggled to bounce in areas.

Emley netted two goals in two minutes to put the visitors ahead in the first half. Rhys Thomas added a third just after the break. Jake Currie fired home a penalty a minute later to pull a goal back for Hallam. Emley absorbed Hallam’s attacks before adding an important fourth goal six minutes from time. Hallam again fired back and scored in the last minute of normal time however they couldn’t find the equaliser that they desired.

An action packed game started early on with both side having a chance inside two minutes. A ball over the top of the Emley backline was touched on by Ben Thornton. While the ball was still bouncing, Thornton hit his shot wide of the target. The Emley keeper quickly took the goalkick and saw his lump upfield flicked on by Harrison towards the left side of the final third. The ball suddenly stopped due to the standing water on the pitch allowing Semley to nick the ball and head towards the area. The Emley winger skipped past the challenge of Flint but ended up hitting his effort into the sidenetting.

Five minutes in, Jake Currie won the ball in midfield and then proceeded to play through Mitchell Dunne. Dunne advanced towards the edge of the area before shooting early to try and catch the keeper out but the shot was under hit and Lawlor caught his attempt.

AFC Emley went ahead in the ninth minute. Roberts, on the left-hand side, toyed with his marker on the corner of the box before wrong-footing him and crossing into the middle where Alex Slack rose highest to head across the keeper and into the net.

A minute later, Emley doubled their lead. A fantastic overlapping run from Alderton allowed the right-back to latch onto Harrison’s through-ball. Alderton cut the ball back to Gregg Porter who slotted his shot cooly past Darwent.

Emley looked in cruise control for the next twenty minutes, they had two chances to add to their tally. Firstly AFC countered from a Hallam set-piece with Porter. Gregg Porter accelerated past Micah Bishop before seeing his strike pushed away to safety by David Darwent. Then Porter’s persistence paid-off when he closed down and blocked McCarthy’s clearance. Porter ran towards the byline before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area where Alex Slack slipped and sliced his shot over the bar.

Hallam nearly pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time. Mitchell Dunne twist and turned his way into the box before seeing his low driven shot saved by the feet of Lawlor.

The half-time whistle went with Emley leading two goals to nil.

Jake Currie got Hallam off to a brighter start in the second period. A great passing interchange ended with Currie riding the challenge of Ingham and firing a shot goalwards from thirty yards out but the effort was straight down the keepers throat and Lawlor caught comfortably.

Despite Hallam starting the better, Emley extended their advantage. Porter out-muscled McCarthy before squaring the ball to Donovan who held it up. Donovan passed to Thomas who weaved his way through two players and smashed his shot past the keeper.

Hallam pegged a goal back a minute later. Sam Smith was impeded in the box while trying to create some space to shoot. Jake Currie stepped up and confidently hammered home from the spot.

Several minutes later, Hallam narrowed the deficit to only one goal. Oliver Beaumont lost his marker and nodded Tootle’s well delivered corner in at the front post.

The two quick goals from Hallam instigated a period of dominance from the home side as they looked to level up the game. A free-kick from Porter was well caught by Darwent. The keeper shot up and booted the ball forward to Dunne who brought it down perfectly and advanced towards goal. Dunne cut in but as he pulled the trigger, Stafford slid into block the effort out for a corner which in the end came to nothing.

Moments later, Mitchell Dunne was causing problems once again for the Emley backline as Hallam should of equalised. Dunne made his way down the left before cutting along the byline. Dunne played the ball into the centre for Smith who got caught up in the box as the ball stopped in the puddle in the goalmouth allowing the keeper to pounce on it.

Sam Smith then had another opportunity to score ten minutes later. Smith battled his way to knock on a clearance from Griffiths however he dummied it and the striker turned Hughes, let the ball bounce and volley his shot just wide of the upright.

Emley eventually broke Hallam’s spell of possession and added a fourth goal six minutes from time. Joel Harrison received the ball in the corner as they looked to waste a bit of time but Harrison had other plans. The Emley number eight cut in between two players before beautifully curling the ball beyond the reach of Darwent and into the top corner.

When it looked like Hallam were dead and buried, they netted once again to add a nervy ending to the game. A low cross from out wide allowed Dunne to nip in front of the keeper and tap the ball home with a minute to go. Would Hallam do it?

The answer… no! Hallam sent wave after wave of balls into the box but couldn’t find the clinical touch to square up the game as Emley defended in numbers. The referee brought the game to a close to confirm that Emley would leave Sandygate with all three points.

Hallam still find themselves four points outside the playoff spots with a game in hand over sixth-placed Glasshoughton Welfare. Hallam next take on Rossington Main at Rossington’s ground this Saturday the 28th of April. AFC Emley sit in twelfth place and have finished their campaign with a win tonight at the ‘Worlds Oldest Football Ground’.

Attendance: 108
Goals: Currie (51’), Beaumont (58’), Dunne (89’); Slack (9’), Porter (10’), Thomas (50’), Harrison (84’)

HFC: David Darwent, Liam Flint, Micah Bishop (Richard Tootle), Tom Roebuck (James Reed), Jack McCarthy, Gareth Griffiths, Oliver Beaumont, Jake Currie, Sam Smith, Ben Thornton, Mitchell Dunne
Unused Subs: Luke Howson, Sam Fewkes, Billy Wright

AFCE: Lawlor, Alderton, Starkey (Thomas), Ingham, Stafford, Hughes, Roberts (Donovan), Harrison, Slack (Bullivant), Porter, Semley 
Unused Subs: Coates, Jackson

#GAME90 23/04/18 Athersley Rec 5-2 Worksop Town

Athersley Recreation 5-2 Worksop Town

Athersley ‘Rec’ The Hearts Of The Travelling Tigers Supporters

The Tigers’ first of two upcoming ‘Monday Night Football’ games ended in a heavy defeat at the hands of Athersley Recreation who found themselves in 18th place and only six points above the relegation zone. Athersley raced to a three goal lead inside the first thirty minutes of the game through Garside, Walker and Briscoe. Worksop pulled a goal back moments after Athersley’s third thanks to a Mitch Husbands free-kick. That wasn’t enough to mount a comeback as Kai Hancock netted a brace either side of halftime to put his side in cruise control. Worksop added a second with nine minutes remaining but the Rec got all three points.

Athersley dominated most of the chances in this fixture. They went close in the third minute. A deep free-kick from Simon Poole was flicked over the keeper by Hancock. With the header seemingly heading in, Jack Holden rushed to clear it off the line. 

Athersley got their noses in front five minutes into the game. A corner from Jack Briscoe was whipped towards the back post where Garside was on hand to head unmarked into the net. 

A minute later, the hosts’ lead was doubled through Ben Walker. Briscoe crossed the ball into the box from the left flank for Walker to nod in at the back stick. 

The home side almost recreated their second goal on thirteen minutes. A cross from Briscoe was headed only inches over the bar by an again unmarked Garside. 

Moments later, Ben Walker cut inside from the right corner of the box and fired a fierce shot that was heading towards the bottom corner but Diggles got down quickly to get a hand on it and push it wide. 

Ten minutes later, the Tigers finally registered a shot on target. A free-kick wide left was swung into the box by Higginson. The set-piece almost caught the keeper out as Greaves had to backtrack to catch the effort. 

Hancock then had two chances to get on the scoresheet. Ben Walker slotted Hancock down the left wing and then the forward headed towards goal. Hancock’s initial shot was saved by Diggles and his secondary shot cannoned off the post. 

Just before the half hour mark, The Penguins added a third goal to their tally. Jack Briscoe tried his luck from thirty yards out as he hammered a bouncing ball into the back of the net.

The Tigers pulled a goal back through captain Mitch Husbands. Jack Holden was thwarted on the edge of the area as he looked to enter and create a chance. Husbands stepped up and hit his free-kick over the wall and in off the bar giving the travelling support a glimmer of hope. 

Thirty-four minutes in, Higginson had the chance to pull another goal back. Conor beat the offside trap to latch onto Holden’s through-ball. Higginson unfortunately fired his shot, from a tight angle, into the sidenetting. 

However in the thirty-seventh minute, Athersley Recreation restored their three goal deficit. Another dangerous cross from Briscoe allowed Hancock to redirect the ball past Diggles from six yards out. 

The halftime whistle went to put an end to a miserable first period for the Tigers.  Many players looked down and dejected as they headed for the dressing room.

Five minutes after the restart, both sides had chances at either end of the field. Firstly, Briscoe’s switch from the left ended up at the feet of Garside who saw his volley towards goal superbly saved by Diggles. The ball was cleared over halfway to Phillips who subsequently played through Overton. The Tigers loanee took a touch before rifling his shot just over the bar. 

Worksop then enjoyed a decent ten minute spell where they kept possession well and looked threatening. They almost scored through Charlie Baird. An unsuccessful corner came out to Trench who played in Baird. The centre-back weaved his way past two players before seeing his effort ricochet off the underside of the crossbar, bounce down and then back out. There were shouts from the Tigers faithful however, the referee gave nothing. 

Rec put the game beyond doubt as they netted another. Joshua Diggles rushed out of his goal to try and clear away what seemed to of been a lost cause. Diggles completely miss-kicked the ball and slipped which gifted Hancock an easy tap in to bag his brace. 

Town pulled another goal back with nine minutes remaining. The ball broke to Higginson who passed it on to Husbands. Husbands held the ball up before sliding Luke Black down the left- hand side. Black squared the ball across the box for Joel Phillips who stroked home his first Tigers goal since joining from Chesterfield. 

The Tigers saw another opportunity pass them by on the stroke of full-time. Mitch Husbands crossed towards the back post where Conor Higginson’s powerful downward header was saved by the feet of Greaves. The ball was then tapped back into the middle by Lysons for Phillips who volleyed over. 

The full-time whistle sounded to confirm Worksop’s eleventh defeat on the bounce. The lads clapped the fans for coming. Higginson and Diggles came over to shake the hands of the supporters and apologise for the performance. We next take on Bottesford Town away on Saturday the 28th of April.

Attendance: 125

Goals: Garside (5’), Walker (6’), Briscoe (28’), Hancock (36’, 67’); Husbands (30’), Phillips (81’)

ARFC: Jordan Greaves, Adam White, Cameron Clark, Bradley Kilner, Andrew McManus, Simon Poole, Jack Briscoe, Ben Walker, Ben Walker, Lee Garside, Danny South, Kai Hancock

Subs: Aiden Salmons, Ryan White, Lyle Wordsworth, Dan Vinten, McCauley Shillito

WTFC: Joshua Diggles, Alex Boyd, Michael Trench, Tyler Lysons, Charlie Baird, Dan Gardner, James Milner (Joel Phillips), Jack Holden, Mitch Husbands, Conor Higginson, Matty Overton (Luke Black)

Unused Subs: Christian Beaumont, Jamie Robinson, Igor Mlynarski

#GAME89 21/04/18 Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Reading

Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Reading

Strong Owls Storm To Victory Against Relegation Threatened Royals

After confirming survival last week in a 1-0 victory over Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday put together back-to-back victories against two teams that were around the Owls’ league position. A Forestieri brace with each goal coming either side of George Boyd’s tap in sealed off a fantastic performance for the hosts who seem to be drowning in confidence.

The first half didn’t see too many chances but when they did come around, it was Wednesday who were creating them. Three minutes in, Daniel Pudil’s over hit cross fell to the feet of Forestieri. Fernando used the decoy of Jack Hunts run to give him a yard of space before hitting his shot high over the bar from the edge of the area.

The first major opportunity came in the twenty-third minute of the game. Jordan Rhodes glanced George Boyd’s pinpoint cross just wide of the target.

Reading’s only glimpse at goal in the opening period came on the half hour mark. Jón Dadi Bödvarsson was gifted a chance as Cameron Dawson spilled a cross from out wide. Bödvarsson pounced on the loose cause and fired towards goal however, Frederico Venancio raced back to the byline and blocked the shot.

Sheffield Wednesday took the lead in the 35th minute. Daniel Pudil pulled the ball back to Forestieri in the area. Forestieri flicked the ball into the air with his first touch before volleying the ball, via a slight deflection, into the back of the net.

Five minutes before the break, Reach had the chance to extend the home side’s advantage. A high ball was knocked down by Jordan Rhodes into the path of Adam Reach whose half-volley bobbled into the hands of Vito Mannone.

The referee blew for halftime leaving the Owls faithful happy with how their team conducted themselves in the first period.

The second half started with a bang as Sheffield Wednesday added a second goal to their tally. Excellent dribbling from Adam Reach allowed the winger to pick out the run of George Boyd who stabbed the ball home for 2-0.

Minutes after Wednesday’s second, the visitors finally had a sight of goal. Chris Gunter picked up the ball on the byline due to an error from Pudil who hit his attempted clearance straight at Forestieri. The Welsh international floated the ball into the centre for Bödvarsson who headed wide of the target.

Reading saw another good chance pass them by on the hour mark. Modou Barrow weaved his way into the Wednesday area before driving the ball across the face of goal but no Reading player could get a touch on the cross to pull a goal back.

With twenty minutes to go, Barry Bannan tested the keeper from the edge of the box. Boyd knocked the ball onto Forestieri before receiving a pass from the forward down the line. Boyd’s cross was headed away by Blackett into the path of Bannan whose volley was tame as the keeper caught it with ease.


Forestieri bagged his brace with sixteen minutes to go. Forestieri kept the ball well on the edge of the area before a push from Swift meant his next touch was heavy. Forestieri slid in and tackled Blackett before rising to his feet to rifle the ball into the top corner. An exquisite finish from the Italian.

Things then went from bad to worse for Reading as they were dismissed to ten men. Atdhe Nuhiu tripped Tyler Blackett when attempting to win the ball. As Nuhiu walked away, Blackett lashed out and kicked the Kosovan international. After a discussion with his linesman, the referee sent off the ‘Royals’ left-back.

On the stroke of full-time, Joao ran himself into trouble but beat Gunter the the loose ball. Forestieri was on hand to shoot at goal however his shot was straight down the keepers throat as Mannone caught it. Reading countered from the chance but Kermogant headed Gunter’s teasing cross wide.

The final chance fell to the away side who were still looking for a way through a tight Wednesday backline. After the ball was being pinged about on the edge of the area, Richards found Swift who turned and curled his effort just wide of Dawson’s left-hand post.

The final whistle went to confirm all three points for The Owls as they look to build up momentum for next season. Where as for Reading, they find themselves only five points above the drop-zone with with two games to go.

Attendance: 24,343
Goals: Forestieri (34’, 73’), Boyd (52’)

SWFC: Cameron Dawson; Jack Hunt (Atdhe Nuhiu), Frederico Venancio (Connor Kirby), Tom Lees, Daniel Pudil, George Boyd; Joey Pelupessy, Barry Bannan, Adam Reach; Fernando Forestieri, Jordan Rhodes (Lucas Joao)
Unused Subs: Joe Wildsmith, David Jones, Marco Matias, Frederik Nielsen

RFC: Vito Mannone; Chris Gunter, Tyler Blackett (s/o 75’), Liam Moore, Tiago Ilori; Joey van den Berg (Yann Kermagant), John Swift, Liam Kelly; Sone Aluko (Pelle Clement), Jón Dadi Bödvarsson (Omar Richards), Modou Barrow
Unused Subs: Anssi Jaakkola, Dave Edwards, Chris Martin, Andy Rinomhota

#GAME88 19/04/18 Worksop Town U19s 2-2 Sheffield United U19s + Post Match Reaction with Jay Bownes

Worksop Town Under 19s 2-2 Sheffield United Under 19s 

Tigers Pegged Back At The Death

Worksop took the lead just before halftime thanks to a penalty from Luke Smith. United equalised early into the second period. The Tigers again retook the lead through Harry Dunbar however in injury time, Greaves netted to take a share of the points.

This was the Tigers’ first game since the 25th of January due to the recent bad spell of weather we’ve endured. You could tell it’s had its effect as it took a bit of time for the home side to settle back into routine. They opened the chances on the 15th minute mark. Igor Mlynarski took aim around 30 yards away from goal. The shot clipped the shoulder of Harrison Neal and flew just wide of the top right-hand corner. 

Soon after, The Blades had an attack of their own. Jake Kelly skipped past several challenges before squaring the ball across the box where, luckily for the Tigers, Christian Beaumont was on hand to sweep up the danger. 

Moments later, Town had another good opportunity to get their noses in front. Mlynarski played a ‘give and go’ with Carpenter before running past the centre-back. As he shot though, the keeper flew out and blocked the effort with his feet. 

Town had their best chance of the game on the half hour mark. A deep free-kick was flicked over the keeper by Harry Dunbar. With the ball heading into an empty net, Jean Bellhovan raced back to clear it off the line. 

The first half was mainly dominated by the Tigers. Smith held the ball up in the middle of the park before laying the ball off to Crook who curled his shot just wide of the post. 

With five minutes of the half remaining, the Tigers were awarded a penalty. Harry Dunbar was impeded in the box after Mlynarski struck the post with a teasing cross towards the back stick. Luke Smith stepped up and fired his penalty straight down the middle. 

The halftime whistle sounded giving both managers a change of team talk after a late goal in the half. 

The second half started with chances for each team. The Tigers advanced forward straight from the restart. Mlynarski tried his luck from 25 yards out but unfortunately, he dragged his shot wide. The

Blades countered straight away with Stainford who cut the ball back to Kelly on the edge of the area who sliced it wide. 

Sheffield United equalised six minutes after the break. Angelo Capello cut inside from the right, ran along the edge of the box into the centre before seeing his effort deflect off Blythe and nestle into the bottom corner. 

Worksop were in the hunt for another goal to put them ahead again in the fixture. They went close to doing so minutes later. Nicholls rode the challenge of Kyron Gordon and passed the ball to Carpenter who used his strength to hold off his marker. Carpenter quickly turned and shot goal-wards however Joe Dunn caught the attempt. 

Sheffield United were utilising the pace that they had in their locker. They were in on goal once again on the hour mark. Stainford burst past Nicholls and sent in a low driven cross towards the centre. Fielding got down quickly to intercept what was sure to be an easy tap in for United. 

The Blades looked the more likely to net at this point in the game after a good fifteen minute spell. United countered from a Tigers set-piece. Etia was slotted through on goal by Stainford, he shot first time but the number nine dragged his shot across the face of goal and wide. 

Worksop Town got their noses back in front with twenty minutes to go. A throw-in from Wooton was flicked on by Luke Smith into the path of Harry Dunbar who neatly tucked his shot past the keeper.

Debutant Chad Wooton almost got himself on the scoresheet. His mazy run nearly ended with his cross heading towards the back-stick sneaking in however it landed the wrong side of the post. 

It was heartbreak for the hosts as United equalised in injury time to nick a share of the points. Jake Kelly accelerated down the left wing before sending in a bobbly cross towards the centre. Fielding made an uncharacteristic error allowing Clark Greaves to rifle his shot into the net. 

The referee blew for full-time moments after the leveller leaving the Tigers disheartened however in hindsight, four points from a possible six from the Blades is still a good achievement. 

Attendance: 56

Goals: Smith (41’), Dunbar (70’); Capello (51’), Greaves (90+3’)

WTFC: Callum Fielding, Christian Beaumont (Owen Stead), Niall Blakemore, Jack Crook, Alex Boyd (Peter Nicholls), Ben Cook, Igor Mlynarski (Chad Wooton), Blake Blythe, Josh Carpenter, Luke Smith, Harry Dunbar (Mitch Batty)

Unused Sub: Jake Woodward

SUFC: Joe Dunn, Tinashe Buute, Jake Stevens, Harrison Neal, Jean Bellhovan, Kyron Gordon, Jake Kelly, Jack Stainford, Jacques Etia, Sam Oefron, Angelo Capello

Subs: Clark Greaves, Sam Kelly, Javelle Clark, Harrison Foulstone.

Reaction from Jay Bownes

What are your thoughts with how the game panned out after a late equaliser from United?

It is our first game back after a two month absence so we looked a little bit rusty in the first half, our positional play was poor and our work rate wasn’t good enough. We had a conversation at halftime and the lads came out in the second period and did exactly what we told them to do. I just feel like we need to be more savvy and more intelligent with how we manage the game. Sometimes in situations you’ve just got to get the ball and just turn the opposition to give yourself a breather but also put a bit of pressure on them. With twenty-five minutes to go we’re still trying to play in our own area and half when really we can just turn them and ease the pressure off a little bit. Although if someone offered me four points off Sheffield United then I’d of snapped their hand off so overall I’m happy with their performance. 

After, like you have previously mentioned, many months without a game. How relieved are you to finally be back underway with a run of games?

Yeah it feels a bit alien after just playing and not managing due to the games being called off. It’s a different feeling from playing and I’ve missed it. To bring so many different faces in and a new lineup and for us to have done as well as we have, I couldn’t of asked for much more. The break hasn’t done us any favours but now we’ll get a good run of five or so games to finish the season strong. 

Cook, Wooton and Nicholls all made their debuts tonight from the under 16s. What were your thoughts on how they conducted themselves?

Cook has only just turned seventeen, you’ve got Chad at right back who’s just turned sixteen and also Pete who’s turned sixteen. The futures bright for us and we’ve got a good coup of youngsters for us to pick from but that’s the idea. We’ve sent some of our players to the first team, we’ve brought some in and it’s a conveyer belt our talent for Worksop Town and it’s what We’re here to do. It’s not all
about winning matches, obviously it’s nice when we do but it’s about developing players for the future and for the Tigers first team hopefully. 

Are you still very much in contention for the title?

Today we got a point which is the least we needed. If we’d of lost we would have been wrote off but if we win all our games in hand then we go one point behind Sheffield United so yeah we are very much in it. In perspective, Sheffield United beat Swallownest 15-2 last week and beat Alfreton 6-0 so today’s result is a good result. And I fully expect us to be either first or second at the end of the season. 

Having said that, is Alfreton next week the biggest task so far?

It is as Alfreton seem to always bring their A game and their best side when playing against Worksop Town. We’ve got enough in the tank, we’ve got players coming back from injury and new faces so the squad will be ample to get a result next week…we owe them one really. 

#GAME87 18/04/18 Worksop Town 0-4 Rainworth Miners Welfare

Worksop Town 0-4 Rainworth Miners Welfare

The Tigers Are Turned Over By The Wrens 

The misery continues for the Tigers as goals from Sykes, Jordan, Goodwin and Dawes sealed the win for the Wrens.

A beautiful sun set was in store prior to the match however what unfolded on the pitch was no pretty sight. The visitors found themselves in ninth place but hadn’t won in their last four games. Their previous result was a 3-0 defeat at the hands of relegation threatened Hall Road Rangers. Where as for the Tigers, they’ve fallen to eight successive defeats. They lost 3-1 to leaders AFC Mansfield in their previous fixture. 

Rainworth were the dominant team throughout the game. They went very close to opening the scoring in the first three minutes. Tomas Poole raced through on goal after Kyle Jordan had set him free with a ball over the top of the Worksop defence. Poole attempted to curl it around Diggles however the keeper rushed out and tipped the shot wide of the target. 

Minutes later, Matt Sykes was through on goal once again. Sykes easily skipped the challenge of Charlie Baird and rifled a shot towards goal which was subsequently parried away to safety. 

After ten minutes, the visitors got their noses in front. Matthew Sykes latched on to Kyle Jordan’s header before hitting it low and hard in the corner from a tight angle. 

The Tigers had their first and only chance of the first half after twenty minutes. The move started out with good skill from Conor Higginson who teed up Trench out wide. Trench played the ball down the line for Matty Overton. The on loan winger beat his marker and put in a low driven cross to Mitch Husbands who held up the ball for several seconds before turning sharply and shooting towards goal. Unfortunately for the hosts, Ex-Tiger Richard Adams stuck in a leg to deflect the goal-bound shot wide. 

The Wrens had two great chances to extend their lead either side of the half hour mark. Sykes was causing the backline of the Tigers many problems with his excellent dribbling ability and quick feet. He burst through one-on-one with the keeper but Josh Diggles spread himself and blocked the shot brilliantly to keep the deficit at only one goal. Then Kyle Jordan saw his corner powered across the face of goal and wide by Richard Adams. 

The visitors had another good chance on the stroke of halftime. Matthew Sykes swung in a dangerous ball towards the back stick. Will Sutton headed it away but only to Ex-Worksop Town captain Kyle Jordan whose fierce volley at goal went just over the bar. 

A poor first period of play was brought to a halt. Would a halftime team talk inspire the Tigers to fight and get back into the game?

Well Worksop definitely started better in the first moments of the second half. Conor Higginson slipped the ball through to Mitch Husbands. Husbands held off and turned Wankiewicz before hitting his shot straight into the side-netting. 

Things took a turn for the worst as Rainworth Miners Welfare added a second goal in the fifty-third minute through Kyle Jordan. A cross from Sykes fell to Jordan whose side-footed volley managed to squeeze between Diggles and the post to nestle in the bottom corner. 

Moments later, Rainworth added a third thanks to Ross Goodwin. A deep free-kick from Bradley Jones was unchallenged as it enter the area which allowed Goodwin to smash home from close range. 

On the hour mark, Charlie Baird took aim from about thirty yards out however his effort hit the back of the stand rather than the net. 

The away side hammered in the final nail in the Tigers’ coffin as they netted again through a former face. The ball made its way out to the right-hand side of the box to Charlie Dawes who took a touch before firing his shot into the bottom corner. 

The Tigers almost got a consolation goal late into the game. The ball was worked out to the left where Joel Phillips crossed into the middle. James Milner connected with the set-up but the effort was caught by Francis.

On the stroke of full-time, James Milner chested down Trench’s pump out from the back. Milner flicked it over Walker but the shot, like the performance, was disappointing as it trickled back to the keeper. 

The referee blew for the final whistle to put an end to Worksop’s misery and left the fans disgruntled. Next up for the Tigers are Barton Town who are unbeaten in seven games, we play them on Saturday at Sandy Lane. 

Written for Worksop Town FC (www.worksoptownfc.co.uk)

Attendance: 282

Goals: Sykes (11’), Jordan (53’), Goodwin (59’) Dawes (73’)

WTFC: Josh Diggles, Tyler Lysons, Will Sutton (Joel Phillips), Jack Holden, Alex Boyd, Charlie Baird, Matty Overton (Luke Black), Michael Trench, Mitch Husbands, Conor Higginson, James Milner

Unused Subs: Josh Carpenter, Igor Mlynarski, Christian Beaumont

RMWFC: Andy Francis, Robert Ludlam, Bradley Jones, Ross Goodwin, Richard Adams, Steve Wankiewicz, Danny Booth, Max Pemberton, Tomas Poole, Kyle Jordan, Matthew Sykes 

Subs: Nathan Modest, Jack Bennett, Luke Walker, Charlie Dawes, Gareth Curtis

#GAME86 14/04/18 AFC Mansfield 3-1 Worksop Town

AFC Mansfield 3-1 Worksop Town

The Bulls Come From Behind To Beat The Tigers.

The Tigers opened the scoring through Charlie Baird but a second half comeback from the hosts won the game thanks to goals from Oliver Fearon and a brace from Matt Plummer.

Mitch Husbands had scored five goals in his past five games and the captain went close in the opening five minutes of the game. He received the ball on the edge of the box via a good run and pass from Overton. Mitch spun his man and fired towards goal however the keeper caught comfortably.

The home side thought they had taken the lead ten minutes in. Oliver Fearon saw his header from the corner saved by Tigers debutant Diggles from close range. Plummer reacted first to hit it towards goal but Jay Bownes blocked the chance on the line despite many people in the crowd thinking that the ball had crossed the line.

AFC Mansfield were in on goal once again but couldn’t find that finishing touch they had shown all season. Philip Buxton volleyed Dudley’s cross over the top towards goal but Diggles got down and held onto the attempt.

Mansfield’s captain then went close to opening the scoring twenty-five minutes into the game. Matthew Wilson rose highest in the box and redirected Buxton’s corner towards goal. The header beat the keeper however, the returning Michael Trench was alert enough to head it off the line.

Cameron Dear was causing the Worksop backline many problems with his quick movement and feet. He broke through the defence but saw his efforts blocked by a good tackle from Alex Boyd.

Worksop eventually managed to break the Bulls’ dominance in the first period. The ball fell to Charlie Baird twenty yards from goal. Baird took aim but unfortunately hit it just over the bar.

On the stroke of halftime, the whole ground was in disbelief as AFC Mansfield were denied a clear goal. After a scramble in the box, Skipper Matt Wilson hammered the ball towards goal. Diggles pushed the ball into the roof of the net before the ball was kicked away from goal. The referee didn’t blow for the goal and play continued.

The halftime whistle sounded with the game somehow still goalless at the Forest Town Arena.

Worksop took a surprisingly lead three minutes after restart. Joel Phillips held the ball up on the left-hand side before crossing into the centre where Charlie Baird nipped in front of the keeper to nod into the goal and send the travelling Tigers faithful into raptures.

The home side struck the post moments after the Tigers’ opener. Plummer headed Ghaichems deep freekick across goal but, unfortunately for the Mansfield defender, on the post.

Mansfield were on level terms just after the hour mark. Liam Marsden looped the ball over the head of Alex Boyd for Oliver Fearon who rifled his side-foot volley straight past the keeper. This was Fearons 36th League goal of the campaign.

Minutes later, Plummer saw his ferocious shot at goal saved well down low by Diggles.

AFC Mansfield went ahead with twenty minutes to go. Cameron Dear got in behind the defensive line of Worksop and accelerated towards goal. Diggles came out and saved Dears initial shot however Plummer was on hand to slot in the rebound.

The league leaders’ turn around was complete on 75 minutes as Plummer bagged his brace. Plummer powered Buxton’s well executed set-piece into the ground but more importantly for AFC, into the bottom corner.

In the dying stages, Mansfield had another chance to extend their lead. Bradley McDonald latched onto Buxton’s through ball and skipped past the challenge of Boyd but then subsequently dragged his shot wide of the post.

The final whistle went to add another defeat to Worksop’s season, eight losses on the bounce to be exact, but it also put Mansfield further ahead of promotion rivals Pontefract who lost 1-0 to Penistone Church. We would like to give a big shoutout to the impeccable Worksop Town supporters who sung their hearts out all game giving us classics such as ‘YOU! I’m gunna take you to a Dunbar’ and ‘Here comes the Luke in Black’.

The Tigers next face Rainworth Miners Welfare on Wednesday night where they welcome back some familiar faces to Sandy Lane in Kyle Jordan, Craig Denton, Alex Nightingale, Steve Wankiewicz, Nathan Modest and Jack Waddle. AFC Mansfield have a week long break before playing Worksop’s visitor’s, Rainworth Miners Welfare on Saturday 21st of April. 

Written for Worksop Town FC

Attendance: 181

Goals: Fearon (64’), Plummer (69’, 75’); Baird (48’)

AFCM: Jason White, Liam Marsden, Mark Dudley (Bradley McDonald), Jonathan D’Laryea, Matthew Plummer, Matthew Wilson, James Ghaichem, Phillip Buxton, Oliver Fearon, Cameron Dear (Ellis Wall), Lynton Karkach (Jordan Annable)

Unused Subs: Danny Naylor, Tim Gregory

WTFC: Josh Diggles, Jack Holden, Will Sutton (Christian Beaumont), Michael Trench, Alex Boyd, Jay Bownes, Luke Black (Igor Mlynarski), Charlie Baird, Mitch Husbands, Joel Phillips (Harry Dunbar), Matty Overton

Unused Subs: Jason Alexander, Jamie Robinson

#GAME85 12/04/18 Handsworth Parramore 3-1 Liversedge

Handsworth Parramore 3-1 Liversedge 

Parramore’s Promotion Push Boosted By Win Over Liversedge 

An efficient Handsworth Parramore performance saw them keep the pressure on the top three. Jed Phillips netted just before the break to give Parramore the lead. Rhys Davies equalised five minutes after the restart however goals from Alex Rippon and a second from Phillips sealed the win for the Amber Parras.

Handsworth had the ball in the back of the net within the first minute. A corner from Jordan Lemon was nodded in at the back stick by Lee Cooksey but upon celebration, the referee blew his whistle for an apparent push.

Ten minutes in, Steve Istead accurately picked out Jed Phillips just left of the box. Phillips brought the ball down well but disappointingly smashed over from close range.

The early stages portrayed the idea that Parramore would have most of the chances with Liversedge defending in numbers to keep out the hosts however, Sedge had a good chance to take the lead after a large spell of possession from the visitors. Mark Lamb passed it forward to striker Joe Walton who toyed with Radford about which was he was going to go before curling it around the defender towards the bottom corner but Leverton dropped down quickly and parried Walton’s effort.

The fiery Jordan Turner then had the chance to give home side the lead. Having done the hard bit by taking on and beating Bradley Davies, Turner subsequently hit his shot straight down the keepers throat who held it comfortably.

Glynn Cotton squandered several glorious chances throughout the game. Cotton used his strength to muscle his way into the box. His initial shot was blocked well by Leverton but Cotton sliced the rebound wide of the goal.

Handsworth saw a good possibility at goal denied by Harry Stead. Alex Rippon chased down what seemed to be a ball that would end up back at the keepers feet on the edge of the box. Rippon slid in and managed to get a toe on it to push it past the keeper. With the ball rolling towards an empty net, Stead managed to kick to ball away and out for a throw-in. Phillips received the throw wide right, turned, and whipped in a dangerous ball into the centre. Jordan Turner just missed it so Stead, who had anticipated Turner making a connection, reacted quickly and pushed the ball away to safety.

Glynn Cotton missed two chances in quick succession. Firstly, Cotton failed to get enough of a connection on Rhys Davies’ dangerous cross into the centre as he glanced it across goal and wide. Then minutes after (similarly to his chance at the start of the game) the Sedge number ten saw his first shot saved by Leverton but hammered his rebound, again, wide of the target despite it looking like it was easier to score.

Parramore took the lead on the stroke of halftime. Jed Phillips took aim from around thirty-five yards out and saw his ferocious effort clip off the shoulder of Taylor, loop high and curl into the right-hand side of the goal beating keeper Stead.

The whistle went moments later and both managers would have needed to change their halftime team talk with the opener coming very late in the half.

Ex-Worksop Town winger Rhys Davies netted five minutes after the restart to bring Liversedge level in the fixture. A scramble in the box was cleared out wide to Davies. Davies carried he ball from just inside his own half towards the edge of the box where Rhys cooly slotted the ball past an outrushing James Leverton.

However, the game only lasted on equal terms for ten minutes as on the hour mark, Parramore were back in front. A set-piece ended back out wide with Brad Nicholson who curled the ball into the middle where Rippon powered a header into the back of the net.

Five minutes later, Davies almost netted his second. Rhys Davies slalomed his way through the Handsworth backline before trying to stroke past the keeper but Leverton spread himself and stopped the shot.

Jed Phillips bagged his brace to put his side further ahead. Green burst down the left-hand side before cutting in and squaring the ball to Phillips who took a touch and rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

Alex Rippon nearly netted his braced not long after Phillips did. A long ball over top by Istead was headed on by Rippon who tried to get it over the keeper and into the net but Stead read what Rippon was trying to do like a book and backtracked to catch the shot.

In the final minute of normal time. Sedge almost pulled a goal back to try and ignite a late comeback. Substitute Jordan Windass pushed his way into the box but saw his attempt saved by the feet of Leverton. The ball fizzed up into the air and Cameron Taylor tapped the ball over the keeper and just wide of the post. Parramore countered, the ball ended up at the feet of Ludlam who turned and fired his shot wide of the net.

The final whistle sounded with the Parras earning all three points with a professional performance.

Also check out the66pow’s version of events by CLICKING HERE! Was good to see him last night, a top man

Attendance: 82
Goals: Phillips (45’, 72’), Rippon (60’); Davies (50’)

HPFC: James Leverton, Ollie Yates, Brad Nicholson, Steve Istead, Lee Cooksey, Ozzy Radford (Will Eades), Jed Phillips, Jordan Lemon, Alex Rippon, Jordan Turner (Parris Dixon), Jamie Green (Stuart Ludlam)
Unused Subs: James Ashmore, Tyler Bradley

LFC: Harry Stead, Bradley Davies (Samuel Gibson), Tom Brook, Brandon Kane (Jordan Windass), Cameron Taylor, Daniel Walker, Rhys Davies, Arron Fell, Joe Walton, Glynn Cotton, Mark Lamb
Unused Subs: Craig Billington

#GAME84 10/04/18 Hemsworth Miners Welfare 5-3 Worksop Town

Hemsworth Miners Welfare 5-3 Worksop Town

The Wells Beat Worksop To Move Up To Sixth

Mitch Husbands put the Tigers ahead early into the game. Hemsworth equalised minutes later through Connolly and then went ahead after Taylors goal thirty minutes in. Connolly completed his hattrick after the break as well as strike a from Danville to put The Wells 5-1 up. A goal from Robinson and a Husbands penalty pulled two goals back for the visitors however it wasn’t enough to get anything out of the game.

Hemsworth opened the chances early into the game. Nash Connolly was sent through on goal but Jason Alexander rushed out and saved with his feet before pouncing on the ball to avoid any danger. 

Worksop countered from that chance. The ball was played to Milner on the left. Milner sent a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Husbands who carried the ball fifth-teen yards before firing straight at Rusling. 

Mitch Husbands put the away side ahead in the thirteenth minute. Husbands powered Conor Higginson’s accurate corner into the ground and past the Hemsworth keeper. 

The Tigers’ lead only lasted two minutes as The Wells equalised through Nash Connolly. Connolly was set free through the middle by Samuel Jones. Connolly advanced towards goal and cooly slotted his shot past an outrushing Alexander. 

Miners Welfare almost completed the turn around a minute later in similar fashion. Bradley Dockerty was played through on goal by Hayton but this time Alexander came out and deflected the ball into the sidenetting. Samuel Jones headed the resulting corner wide of the target. 

James Milner almost got the goal his run deserved. Milner slalomed his way past three Hemsworth markers before seeing his thirty yard strike deflect just wide of the post. 

Hemsworth went ahead in the game on the half hour mark. Connolly turned his man and saw his deflected set-up headed across goal and into the net by an unmarked Joe Taylor. 

Worksop were in search of an equaliser and went close moments after Taylor’s goal. Mitch Husbands rode the challenge of Sam Leach and darted down the wing. He cut in from the right and fired wide of the post. 

The halftime whistle went with the home side leading.

Jason Alexander made some incredible saves in this second half to keep Worksop in the game as Hemsworth dominated. Brad Dockerty escaped the attention of the backline and latched onto Hayton’s through-ball. Dockerty tried to slide it round the keeper by Alexander got down and palmed it away from goal.

Joel Phillips then went close just before the hour mark. Alexander’s long clearance was flicked on by Higginson to Husbands who subsequently nodded it down to Phillips. Phillips took a chance and half-volleyed the ball towards goal but the ball landed on the roof of the net. 

The next twenty minutes were heavily dominated by the hosts. Luke Danville replaced Joe Taylor and almost made an instant impact. Nash Connolly swung a ball into the middle for Danville whose header was superbly pushed away from goal. 

Danville then was was the one providing the chances. The substitute carried the ball to the byline before cutting it back to the edge of the box. Samuel Jones saw his rifled shot at goal blocked off the line by Dan Gardner. 

Alexander was keeping the Tigers in this fixture as he made two fantastic saves in quick succession. Firstly, Alexander tipped Richard Colliers curling freekick, that was sneaking in, away from goal. Dockerty picked up the loose ball wide left of the box. He cut in and hit a fierce shot towards goal which was parried away from danger by the Tiger’s number one. 

Moments later, Samuel Jones saw his thirty yard effort cannon off the post and away from goal. 

Hemsworth were edging closer and closer to extending the lead and did so on 74 minutes. Miscommunication between centre-backs Charlie Baird and Dan Gardner meant both players went up for the same cross but both were beaten in the air by Danville who flicked it on to Connolly who ran through and tucked it past Alexander. 

Three minutes later, Hemsworth added a fourth goal to their tally. Luke Danville headed in Colliers corner-kick after he found himself unmarked in the area. 

The visitors had their best chance of the second period thirteen minutes from time. Conor Higginson won possession in the middle of the park. He took on a player before squaring the ball to Overton. Despite being around thirty-five yards out, Matty Overton saw his curling attempt ricochet off the crossbar and away to safety. 

Nash Connolly completed his hattrick with ten minutes to go. Connolly tapped Dockerty’s low driven cross into the net at the back post. Dan Gardner had to sit out the rest of the match due to picking up an injury while trying to stop The Wells’ fifth goal. This meant the Tigers were down to ten men. 

Worksop pulled two goals back in the final seven minutes of the game. Good work from Joel Phillips out wide allowed Jamie Robinson to finish Phillips’ cross at the back stick. Then Mitch Husbands was impeded just inside the box and the referee blew and pointed to the spot. The Worksop skipper stepped up and placed his penalty to the keepers left-hand side. 

The final whistle sounded to confirm the Tigers’ seventh successive defeat. 

STAR MAN: Jason Alexander

The shot-stopper kept the Tigers in the game longer than they ought to have been. He also stopped the scoreline ending up in double figures. He pulled off some brilliant saves and his distribution was excellent. 

Attendance: 150

Goals: Connolly (15’, 74’, 81’), Taylor (30’), Danville (78’); Husbands (13’, 88’), Robinson (83’)

HMWFC: Danny Rusling, Sam Leach, Adam Wilson, Adam Hayton, Harry Viggars, Stefan Holt, Nash Connolly, Samuel Jones, Joe Taylor, Bradley Dockerty, Richard Collier

Subs: Luke Danville, Lloyd Henderson, Jack Steers, Luke Hogg

WTFC: Jason Alexander, Jack Barnett (Luke Black), Will Sutton, Jack Holden, Charlie Baird, Dan Gardner, Igor Mlynarski (Jamie Robinson, Matty Overton, Mitch Husbands, Conor Higginson, James Milner (Joel Phillips)

Unused Subs: Callum Fielding, Christian Beaumont

#GAME83 08/04/18 Worksop Town Ladies 3-1 Oughtibridge

Worksop Town Ladies 3-1 Oughtibridge

Tigresses Fight Back To Edge Closer To The Title 

Oughtibridge took an early lead but goals from Robinson and Chappell put the Tigresses ahead at the break. Top scorer Leah Hardy added another on the hour mark to confirm the win for the home side.

(I couldn’t get the Oughtibridge lineup so they will be referred as, for example, O1)

Oughtibridge shocked the league leaders by opening the scoring early on. O15 was played through on goal by O2. She carried the ball into the box and hit her shot off the post and in. 

Worksop were in search of that important equaliser and went close after ten minutes had passed. Leah Hardy popped herself and the ball in between two defenders who had come together to stop the lethal striker. Hardy set herself and fired towards goal but the Oughtibridge number one saved well with her feet. 

Oughtibridge then had the chance to put themselves further in front of the Tigresses but failed to do so thanks to a great save from Wood. Almost a carbon copy to the first goal, O15 was played through and tried to put her effort to the right of the keeper. Kathryn Wood superbly pushed the attempt onto the post and away from danger. An excellent save from the Ladies keeper. 

Worksop levelled the game just after the half hour mark. Robinson’s run from deep was almost thwarted by a strong tackle from a Oughtibridge defender but Lucy leaped over the challenge with the ball. She darted towards goal and calmly curled it past the keeper. 

Minutes later, Worksop almost nudged their way into the lead. A deep freekick from Mollie Cartwright was flicked goalwards by Leah Hardy. Unfortunately for the forward, her header bounced just inches wide of the post. 

The hosts went ahead on the stroke of halftime through Brooke Chappell. Leah Hardy slalomed her way to the byline before floating a cross towards the back stick where Lauren Bell headed onto the post. The ball ricocheted into the path of Chappell who had two bites of the cherry before tucking it past the keeper. 

The halftime whistle went minutes later with the Tigresses leading 2-1. 

Five minutes after the restart, Leah Hardy had the chance to add her name to the scoresheet. Hardy dispossessed the Oughtibridge defender, who had just chested down the goalkick, of the ball and headed towards goal. With the ball still bouncing, Hardy volleyed fiercely towards goal which the keeper held well. 

Town added another goal to their tally to put daylight between themselves and their opponents. Lauren Bell did very well to pick out an unmarked Hardy in the centre. Hardy swivelled around and headed towards goal before slotting cooly past the Oughtibridge number one. 

They was major concern for Worksop when Lucy Robinson went down after a chance with ten minutes to go. Ellie Sheehan showed great desire as she beat her marker to the ball to send Lucy through on goal. Robinson took a touch before rifling her shot into the sidenetting. She then was clattered to the ground by a defender and looked in some discomfort. She was treated by fellow teammate Shannon Brooks before being carried onto the sideline. After a few minutes, she limped her way back to the dugout. 

The Tigeresses could have put the game beyond doubt with three minutes of normal time remaining. Sian Kamil accelerated down the wing and then put in a dangerous low driven cross into the area. The keeper spilt it but a covering defender cleared the ball. Shannon Brooks channelled her inner Peter Kay and smashed the ball over the stand (“ave it”). 

The final chance of the game fell to our visitors in the last minute of injury time. O11 was put through on goal after a lovely switched cross from O2. O11 took the ball out of her feet but saw her effort blocked by the head of Cartwright. 

The fulltime whistle went to confirm the Ladies’ third win in a week. This puts them seven points clear of second placed Socrates with a game in hand. Worksop Town Ladies next face Dearne & District Ladies next Sunday (15th of April) at Sandy Lane. 

STAR WOMAN: Nisha Lea

Nisha was a key part of todays victory and deserves the plaudits for her performance. She made some strong attacking runs down the wing and used good skill to hold up the ball whilst her teammates transitioned from defence to attack. She defended well and attacked the ball many times from goalkicks and crosses. She used her strength well to not get knocked off the ball easily and worked very hard. 

Attendance: 35

Goals: Robinson (29’), Chappell (43’), Hardy (60’); Oughtibridge (7’)

WTLFC: Kathryn Wood, Becca Webb, Kirsty Woolley, Mollie Cartwright, Ellie Sheehan, Brooke Chappell, Shannon Brooks, Hayley Hirst, Lauren Bell, Leah Hardy, Lucy Robinson

Subs: Nisha Lea, Sian Kamil, Abbie Lister, Laura Elsworth

#GAME82 07/04/18 Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Fulham

Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Fulham F.C. 

Fulham defeat to Owls As They Edge Closer To Second Place

A game dominated by the visitors was won by a late strike from loanee Aleksander Mitrovic. A vital three points which boosted Fulham’s automatic promotion hopes as they close the gap on second place Cardiff City.

Fulham had the ball in the back of the net just after ten minutes. Tom Cairney had the ball at his feet after Kevin McDonald nicked the ball off Adam Reach. Cairney returned the favour and slipped him down the right-hand side of the box. McDonald passed the ball into the centre and Ojo was on hand to redirect it into the net. As he got up to celebrate, the linesman raised his flag and the goal was ruled out for offside. 

Ojo was soon in again. He weaved his way into the box, cut inside and hit a tame shot at goal where Wildsmith caught comfortably. 

Ten minutes later, Fulham hit the woodwork. Targett played a ball into the middle where Mitrovic dummied the ball through to Ryan Sessengnon who dinked the ball through to Mitrovic who had continued his run. He back-heeled it in his stride before tapping the ball over Lees to Sessengnon whose looping header bounced off the crossbar and out. 

McDonald then tested the keeper just before the half hour mark. Tom Cairney held the ball up on the edge of the box until he teed up Kevin McDonald who saw his rifled shot parried away from danger by Joe Wildsmith. 

Wednesday then had a goal ruled out for offside five minutes before the break. Pudil’s throw was held up well by substitute Jacob Butterfield. The Wednesday number eight slotted the ball through for Pudil to cross into the box where Lucas Joao flicked the ball into the net. The linesman raised his flag however Daniel Pudil looked onside when the pass was made. 

On the stroke of halftime, Fulham had the best chance of the game. The ball was worked out to the right channel where Ojo played Fredricks down the line. The Fulham right-back floated a ball into the box where Mitrovic powered a header towards goal, only to be stopped by the quick reflexes of Joe Wildsmith. Wednesday countered from the goalkick, Boyd was played down the left by Butterfield. Boyd’s cross was headed down to the edge of the box by Nuhiu for Reach who saw his volley blocked by Tim Ream. There were shouts for handball but the ref gave nothing and blew for halftime. 

Wednesday started the half the brightest of the two teams and had several good chances to take the lead. 

Firstly, Reach ran into space around 30 yards from goal. None of the Fulham players closed him down so Reach took aim at the net. Unfortunately for the winger, he dragged his shot wide. 

A minute later, Jack Hunt outmuscled Ryan Sessengnon and crossed dangerously towards the back stick where Atdhe Nuhiu was just seconds too late to make any connection. 

Just after the hour, Frederico Venancio thought that he missed a great chance to put the home side ahead. A deep freekick from Joey Pelupessy was knocked on by Nuhiu into the path of Venancio who fluffed his lines and miss kicked the ball wide of the post. The linesman had already raised his flag to spare his blushes. 

Fulham slowly grew into the second period but squandered a golden chance. Cairney switched the ball across the area to McDonald on the right of the box but the Fulham midfielder blasted his attempt over the bar. 

Fulham did take the lead with just over ten minutes left. Teenage sensation Ryan Sessengnon darted into the box and threaded a ball across the box to Mitrovic who hammered home his ninth goal since his arrival from Newcastle United. 

Substitute Neeskens Kebano then had two glorious chances to extend the lead in the space of a minute. Firstly Matt Targett accurately picked out the run of the DR of Congo international however Kebano scuffed his effort across goal and wide. Kevin McDonald then slid Kebano through one-on-one with Wildsmith but the young shot stopper rushed out and saved well. 

Wednesday almost nicked a point in injury time. Pudil, who latched onto Forestieri’s through ball, cut the pass back towards the edge of the box. Reach lost his footing before laying the ball off to Forestieri who curled his shot over the bar. 

The referee brought the game to an end to confirm that Fulham would be only two points outside the automatic promotion places. 

STAR MAN: Joe Wildsmith

The young goalkeeper kept Sheffield Wednesday in this contest longer than they ought to have been. He again pulled off some cracking saves. His handling was excellent and his distribution was accurate. Definitely the bright spark of this disappointing campaign. 

Attendance: 25,653

Goals: Mitrovic (78’)

SWFC: Joe Wildsmith; Jack Hunt, Frederico Venancio, Tom Lees, Daniel Pudil, George Boyd (Marco Matias); Barry Bannan (Jacob Butterfield), Joey Pelupessy, Adam Reach; Lucas Joao (Fernando Forestieri), Atdhe Nuhiu

Unused Subs: Cameron Dawson, Jordan Thorniley, David Jones, Jordan Rhodes

FFC: Marcus Bettinelli; Ryan Fredericks, Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Matt Targett; Sheyi Ojo (Floyd Ayité (Neeskens Kebano)), Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, Ryan Sessengnon, Aleksandar Mitrovic

Unused Subs: David Button, Cyrus Christie, Tomas Kalas, Oliver Norwood, Aboubakar Kamara

#GAME81 05/04/18 Handsworth Parramore 4-2 Knaresborough Town

Handsworth Parramore 4-2 Knaresborough Town

Parramore Come From Behind To Advance Into The Next Round Of The Cup

Knaresborough shocked the home side by going into a two goal lead through Black and Clayton. However Parramore equalised thanks to goals from Ashmore and Grantham just before halftime. Parramore showed the Division One Leaders the ways of the division above by going on to win the cup tie thanks to goals from Radford and Turner.

There was an early scare for the home side in the opening five minutes. Keeper Jamie Leverton rushed off his line to clear a Town attack. Nick Black beat Leverton to the ball and looked to chip the keeper who was in no mans land. Lee Cooksey raced to the goal line to sweep up the attempt.

Minutes later, Cooksey was down the other end of the field trying to open the scoring for the Amber Parras. James Ashmore’s corner ended up back at his feet on the left-hand side. Ashmore crossed into the middle for Lee Cooksey who headed wide of the post.

Again Cooksey was in the thick of things in this fixture however this time he was the one assisting the attack. He spotted the run of Corey Grantham who had accelerated away from his marker. Grantham carried the ball towards the right corner of the box before firing his shot across the face of goal and wide.

The home side were in on goal once again. Josh Hemmingway found himself in acres of space in the middle. He tried his luck from thirty yards but saw his effort parried wide by Rushworth.

Despite Parramore looking the most likely to net the opener, Knaresborough took the lead thanks to Nick Black. Ben Clayton knocked the ball through to Black. The Knaresborough number nine cleverly cut inside the body of Will Eades before tucking his shot past Leverton and into the bottom corner.

There was chances at either end of the pitch just before the half hour mark. Firstly ex-Worksop and Hallam player Jed Phillips headed the ball down to Corey Grantham from Ashmore’s corner. The pacey striker saw his instant shot bravely blocked by Sam Cook. Knaresborough countered down the right channel with Ben Cohen. Cohen ran into the centre before playing it out wide to Dan Clayton who crossed towards the back stick. Leverton saw the ball slip through his grasp and the ball popped out through his legs but, luckily for the keeper, Ozzy Radford cleared it away before a Knaresborough player arrived.

Knaresborough doubled their lead on 35 minutes. Dan Clayton made an excellent darting run through on goal after latching onto Nick Black’s clever through ball. He skipped a couple of tackles before he neatly dinked the ball over the outrushing Leverton and into the net.

Unfortunately for the NCEL Division One leaders, Parramore netted two goals in two minutes to level the Fourth Round tie. James Ashmore skipped past his marker before firing past Rushworth from 20 yards out to make it 2-1. Ashmore then turned from scorer to provider as he put in a dangerous cross into the middle where Corey Grantham beat the keeper to glance his header into the back of the net. 

Knaresborough Town saw a glorious chance to retake the lead saved on the stroke of halftime. Ben Cohen broke down the wing until his passage was being blocked by Stuart Ludlam. Ludlam jockeyed the run of Cohen. The winger tried to curl the ball into the bottom corner but James Leverton got down to palm away the shot. Brown picked up the loose ball and passed it to the edge of the box to Craig McCall who smashed his shot wide. 

The halftime whistle went and both sides went in level with all still to play for in the second period. 

The second half had less chances than the first however, both teams showed their class with great possessive play and good defending. 

Five minutes after the restart, Jack Rushworth produced an incredible save to keep out Lee Cooksey. Jordan Turner won a freekick wide left of the box. Ashmore took it quickly to Grantham who held the ball up before returning the favour by passing back to James. Ashmore drilled in a ball to Lee Cooksey whose low driven shot was superbly saved by the strong hand of Rushworth. 

Handsworth went in front thanks to a goal from their skipper. A scramble in the box, following a corner, was put to an end as Ozzy Radford stabbed the ball into the back of the net. 

Jordan Turner was then denied a spot on the scoresheet moments after the goal. Turner rode the challenge of Callum Rodgers before seeing his thunderous strike ricochet off the upright and out for a throw in. 

Jack Rushworth produced another fine save to keep Knaresborough in the game. Lee Cooksey redirected Ashmore’s corner towards the top corner. Rushworth stretched and made a remarkable acrobatic save to keep out the looping header. 

Handsworth put the tie to bed six minutes from time. Jordan Turner chested down Steve Istead’s pump upfield and advanced towards goal. JT used his strength to hold off Rodgers before slotting his shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner. This was Turner’s ninth goal since joining from Worksop Town. 

Knaresborough had a chance at the end of the game to try and fire up a comeback of their own. Jack Carr kept hold of the ball well before switching it out wide to Harry Brown who cut in and shot tamely at the keeper. 

The game filtered out and the referee brought proceedings to an end to confirm Jas Colliver’s men a place in the fifth round of the League Cup. Parramore next face a trip up to Albion Sports this Saturday 7th April. Where as tonight’s visitors take on Eccleshill United in a 1st vs 2nd affair on Saturday. Knaresborough showed tonight that they will be able to compete in the NCEL Prem next season as it looks very likely that they will win the league in the next couple of games. They’re a team that defend in numbers but counter-attack very quickly which will catch many teams out. 

It was also great to see fellow blogger the66pow at the game. Click here to read his account of the fixture

STAR MAN: James Ashmore

Ashmore was electric on the night. His movement allowed him to always be free to receive a pass. His distribution of the ball was accurate and he created many good chances. A goal and an assist helped his team level the game after falling two goals behind. 

Attendance: 89

Goals: Ashmore (40’), Grantham (42’), Radford (53’), Turner (84’); Black (22’), D. Clayton (35’)

HPFC: James Leverton; Stuart Ludlam (Ollie Yates), Lee Cooksey, Ozzy Radford, Will Eades; Josh Hemmingway (Tyler Bradley), Steve Istead, James Ashmore, Jed Phillips; Corey Grantham (Alex Rippon)

KTFC: Jack Rushworth; Jack Powis, Sam Cook, Callum Rodger, Paul Atkinson; Ben Cohen (Joel Freestone), Ben Clayton, Harry Brown, Craig McCall, Dan Clayton (Jack Carr); Nick Black (Colin Heath)

Unused Sub: Conor Donoghue