#GAME104 22/05/18 Penistone Church 3-4 Shaw Lane AFC

Penistone Church 3-4 Shaw Lane AFC (aet)

Shaw Lane retain the Sheffield Senior Cup in seven goal thriller

Shaw Lane had to come from behind on three occasions before they eventually took and held on to the lead in extra time.

The first chance of the Cup Final fell in Church’s favour. Elliott Firth swung in a free-kick into the box where Brett Lovell flicked it on to Tom Brennan who volleyed over the bar.

Penistone Church shocked the holders as they took the lead. James Young’s corner was powered in at the front post by centre-back Tom Brennan. 

Penistone almost gifted their opponents an instant equaliser. Lovell played the ball back to the keeper after taking the ball off Kieran Lugsden. The keeper butchered his first touch and, after pressure from Lugsden, booted the ball straight into the path of Alex Byrne. Byrne took a touch before rifling a shot towards the top corner which was tipped wide of the upright by the Penistone number one who recovered well. 

Byrne drew another good save out of the keeper minutes later. Ducks skipper Spencer Harris played a quick free-kick to the left-hand side where Byrne dribbled down the wing before suddenly cutting in and fired towards the bottom left-hand corner but the effort was matched by a good save by the Church shot-stopper who held onto the ball. 

Lane equalised just after the half hour mark. Byrne was in acres of space thirty yards out from goal. He thought about a shot before opting to tee up Harris who distributed a thunderous strike, from the edge of the area, into the bottom left corner. 

Byrne was proving to be a real handful for the opposition. Byrne latched onto Jake Picton’s ball down the line until he was impeded by Young. Byrne took the set-piece and curled a wonderful cross into the box for Jake Skelton who glanced his header wide of the mark. 

A minute later, Church struck the woodwork. James Young delivered another great cross into the box from a free-kick. Andy Ring connected with it but saw his looping header hit the bar and bounce over. 

Penistone Church retook the lead on the stroke of half-time. Ash Ellis accurately picked out the run of Keightley and played the forward down the line. Nathan Keightley accelerated away from his marker and headed towards goal. As he entered the box from the left, he used the back post run of Kieran Ryan as a decoy and fooled the keeper by smashing the ball past him to give his side the lead going into the break. 

HT: Penistone Church 2-1 Shaw Lane AFC

Nathan Keightley almost bagged his brace just after the break. The hitman played a ‘one-two’ with Kieran Ryan before firing across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post. 

The Ducks were on even terms in the fifty-third minute. Ben Gordon pulled the ball back from out wide to an unmarked Kieran Lugsden who was on hand to hammer the ball past the keeper. 

Three minutes later, Penistone once again went ahead in the final. Young’s deep freekick was nodded

 on by Lovell into the path of Ring who superbly placed his volley past Wilczynski. 

Just after the hour mark, Jake Picton burst down the right channel and dinked the ball back to Byrne who set himself before volleying the ball goalwards however the keeper made another good save to deny the winger. 

Shaw Lane equalised for the third time in the contest with twenty minutes to go. Alex Byrne darted down the left before drilling the ball across goal to Lugsden who took a touch before smashing the ball into the back of the net. 

Six minutes later, Penistone almost went back ahead. Kieran Ryan held the ball up on the edge of the box before turning and crossing into the middle for Ring who knocked the ball down to Keightley whose fierce half-volley was parried wide by Wilczynski. 

In the dying moments, Penistone almost won the game. Lovell slotted Ring through on goal but as he pulled the trigger, Picton jumped in and stopped the shot. Following the corner, Lovell saw his back post header blocked on the line by Gavin Rothery who denied the centre-back a certain winner. 

FT: Penistone Church 3-3 Shaw Lane AFC 

For the first time in the tie, Shaw Lane went ahead four minutes into the first period of extra time. Chib Chilaka’s cross from the right was unfortunately converted by Brett Lovell into his own net. 

And in the final minute of the first half, Lane thought they had put the game to bed. Chilaka tapped home Gordon’s pass,into the six yard box, but as the substitute got up to celebrate, the linesman flagged for offside. 

ET HT: Penistone Church 3-4 Shaw Lane AFC

A minute after the restart, Byrne ran towards the byline and pulled the ball back for Gordon whose first time shot was excellently tipped past the post.

Penistone then had two chances in as many minutes to get back on even terms. Scott Whittington latched on to Howes through-ball and ran through on goal but Wilczynski rushed out and blocked the attempt. Then in a moment of madness, Kieran Ryan saw his shot palmed out by the keeper. The ball came out too quickly for Whittington who miss-kicked his shot into the path of Keightley who teed up for Howes whose strike cannoned of the post and was cleared. 

Moments later, Gordon rose highest to flick the ball onto Byrne. The winger tried to place his shot past the keeper but he managed to send the ball wide via an outstretched leg. From the corner, Skelton struck the bar with a strong header. 

Shaw Lane had the chance to wrap up the game when they won a penalty in injury time. Lovell was judged to have handled Byrne’s shot in the area. Harris stepped up but saw his spot kick saved by the Church number one. 

ET FT: Penistone Church 3-4 Shaw Lane AFC 

The Evo-Stik side held on to clinch a second Senior Cup triumph in successive seasons. Commiserations to Penistone Church who never gave up and gave us such a good game to watch. Ian Richards has done a great job whilst in charge of the NCEL Premier side. 

Attendance: 671

Goals: Brennan (17’), Keightley (43’), Ring (56’); Harris (33’), Lugsden (53’, 70’), Lovell OG (94’)

PCFC: Chris Smith, Ryan Johnson, James Young, Ash Ellis, Tom Brennan, Brett Lovell, Elliott Firth, Danny Howes, Nathan Keightley, Kieran Ryan, Andy Ring

Subs: Freddy Russell, Robbie Graham, Scott Whittington, Ryan Smith, Duncan Richards

SLAFC: Ed Wilczynski, Jake Picton, Ryan Serrant, Kelvin Lugsden, Jake Skelton, Gavin Rothery, Alex Byrne, Spencer Harris, Kieran Lugsden, Damien Reeves, Ben Gordon

Subs: Matty Davies, Paul Clayton, Chib Chilaka, Myles Wright, Adam Knight

#GAME103 20/05/18 Italy U17s 2-2p Netherlands U17s

Italy Under 17s 2-2p Holland Under 17s

The Netherlands win the Under 17s European Championship

After a goalless first period, The Netherlands took the lead early into the second half through Jurriën Maduro. Italy then raced into the lead when Samuele Ricci and Alessio Riccardi scored within minutes of each other. The Netherlands netted an equaliser with six minutes to go thanks to a tap in from Brian Brobbey. The game ended in a draw and went to a penalty shoot-out which Holland won 1-4.

The opening stages showed nothing to write home about as both sides kept the ball without little attacking intent until the thirteenth minute where Jurriën Maduro cut in from the left, took the ball past two Italian defenders, before curling in a magnificent strike towards the top right-hand corner which unfortunately cannoned off the bar and out.

Jurriën Maduro then teed up Gravenberch on the edge of the area but the latter saw his fierce strike saved and held down low by Russo.

Several minutes later, the Netherlands should have taken the lead. A free-kick, just right to the centre, was struck towards the bottom left corner but Russo produced a smart save down low to parry out the effort which was then hit over the bar by Gravenburch from close range.

Italy then countered forward and were denied an opener due to smart goalkeeping. Riccardi burst down the left before floating a cross towards the back stick. Gyabuaa brought the cross down perfectly and shot first time however he saw his initial attempt saved by the feet of Koorevaar and then as he poked the rebound towards goal, the keeper stretched out a foot quickly to block the secondary effort.

Italy were inches away from taking the lead on the stroke of half-time. Ricci hit a shot from the edge of the box which clipped the knee of Hendriks causing the ball to loop over the keeper however Koorevaar back tracked and managed to tip the ball over the bar.

HT: Italy U17s 0-0 Netherlands U17s

The Netherlands took the lead six minutes after the restart. Jurriën Maduro battled his way forward and played a ‘one-two’ with Redan before seeing his shot take a deflection off Armini and loop over the keeper to give his country the lead.

The Dutch side almost doubled their lead ten minutes after their opener. Maduro swung a free-kick, wide right of the box, towards the centre where Hendriks rose highest but glanced his header narrowly wide of the target.

Italy evened the game up on the hour mark. Riccardi drilled the ball into the feet of Ricci who was on the edge of the box and had his back to goal. Ricci sharply turned and rifled a shot into the top left corner giving the keeper no chance of saving it.

Two minutes later, Italy went ahead thanks to another spectacular effort, this time from Riccardi. Greco fizzed the ball out wide to Alessio Riccardi who cut in and bent an incredible effort into the top right-hand corner.

Their lead didn’t last long as ten minutes after Italy’s second, Holland equalised. Ihattaren made his way down the left flank before the winger poked the ball across the box to Brian Brobbey who was on hand to stroke it into the net.

The Netherlands then almost won the game right at the death. A corner was headed towards goal by Summerville. The header was chested down by Reden and subsequently laid off to Brobbey who saw a clear goal scoring opportunity denied as Armini made a fantastic last ditch tackle.

FT: Italy U17s 2-2 Netherlands U17s

The game went straight to penalties at The New York Stadium.

Burger stepped up first and calmly hit his shot into the bottom right corner past the keeper who had guessed the right way.

Armini was the first Italian to take a penalty but unfortunately was also the first Italian in the shoot-out to miss a spot kick as he went straight down the middle and the keeper saved it with his feet.

Ihattaren then followed his countryman and placed his penalty into the bottom right corner.

Koorevaar then became a hero as he managed to tip Vergani’s penalty wide.

Maduro then saw the keeper get a hand to his central penalty kick however the effort was too powerful and the ball still hit the back of the net.

Greco netted the next penalty to keep the azzurri in the tie…

However it wasn’t enough as The Netherlands did the expected and Hendriks buried his spot kick to win the European Championship for his country.

PENS: Italy U17 1-4 Holland U17 (2-2)

Attendance: 4,612
Goals: Ricci (61’), Riccardi (63’); Maduro (46’), Brobbey (74’)

ITA: Russo, Barazzetta, Brogni, Leone (Fagioli), Armini, Gozzi Iweru, Ricci (Rovella), Gyabuaa, Vergani, Riccardi, Greco
Unused Subs: Gelmi, Mattioli, Ponsi, Vaghi, Semeraro, Colombo, Cortinovis

HOL: Koorevaar, van Gelderen, Hendriks, Burger, Reden, Q. Maduro, Ihattaren, Gravenberch (Brobbey), Tavsan (Summerville), Mamengi, J. Maduro
Unused Subs: Bakker, Musampa, Franken, Thomas, Lake, Goudmijn

#GAME102 18/05/18 Rum Rooms Legacy 2-0 Swinton Athletic

Doncaster and District FA Challenge Cup Final

Rum Rooms Legacy 2-0 Swinton Athletic

Legacy Upset Holders Swinton As They Win In The Challenge Cup Final

Swinton had more of the chances in the contest however two early second half goals from Steffan Cairns and Daniel Turner shocked Swinton and allowed Run Rooms Legacy to be named as winners.

The Cup Final kicked off and both teams kept hold of the ball well without any forward play until Cairns put a ball over the top for Darren Bird to run onto but the striker was smartly ushered away from the ball by Owen Fieldsend as it rolled out of play.

The first major opportunity fell in Swinton’s favour. Enzo Guarini lost his marker to receive a throw in from Ryan Doxey. Guarini then proceeded to knock the ball past Carl Reade, cut in along the edge of the area, before unleashing a thunderous strike which flew just wide of the upright.

Legacy were a whisker away from taking the lead. An over-hit cross landed at the feet of Josh Gillies who was on the right-hand side. Gillies swung the ball towards the back stick where Bird rose highest to head it back across goal but unfortunately for the number ten, the ball clipped the bar and landed on the roof of the net.

On the fifteenth minute mark, Alex Wilkinson spotted the run of Guarini and cleverly scooped the ball over the head of the Rum Rooms left-back but as Enzo pulled the trigger, Josh Rowley rushed in to make a last ditch tackle to deny the winger.

Several minutes later, Swinton almost got their noses in front. Regan Kelly sharply turned past his marker and hit a fierce strike towards goal which landed in the side-netting.

On the half hour mark, a switch from the left flank was beautifully brought down by Jake Ford but the striker saw his goal-bound volley pushed wide by the finger-tips of Tom Jackson.

Enzo Guarini then saw a golden chance pass him by. The Athletic winger nicked the ball off Alex Reade before darting along the edge of the box and hit a tame effort towards goal which was comfortably held by Jackson.

The final chance of the half fell to the holders. Andy Whitehead drilled in a freekick, wide left of the box, towards goal however the attempt was straight down the keepers throat who caught it.

The referee sounded his whistle for halftime to bring proceedings to a halt.

The holders, who had dominated the first half chances, were left in shock as Rum Rooms Legacy netted two goals in three minutes.

Daniel Turner received the ball down the line on the right channel. Turner set himself before seeing his attempted cross catch out the keeper and nestle into the back of the net to put them ahead.

Three minutes later, Turner fizzed a ball towards the back post where Steffan Cairns sliced his effort however it worked in his favour as it looped over the dive of the keeper to double their lead.

Swinton then had two good chances to pull a goal back in the contest on the hour mark. Mark Clare won the ball in the centre of the park and played it to Tommy Needham who advanced forward before stroking the ball through to Ford. The skipper took a touch however as he went to tuck it under the keeper, Tom Jackson rushed out and saved it with his feet. Then, Ford threaded Guarini through on goal but yet again, Jackson raced off his line to make a crucial tackle and deny the winger.

The next fifteen minutes were played out with little chances. Swinton sent wave upon waves of attacks into the Legacy area however Athletic failed to find the clinical finish they desired. Legacy managed to defend in numbers and started to run the clock down by keeping the ball well.

Swinton Athletic we’re pushing for that goal to kickstart a comeback. Needham headed towards goal before poking it out wide to Justin Greenwood. He played a ‘give an go’ with Ford before hammering a shot low and hard but Jackson dropped down and pounced on the effort.

Moments later, a good passing interchange between Needham and Greenwood allowed the latter to dink the ball over the top for Darren Walker but he was stopped in his tracks as Jackson accelerated out of his goal to block the chance.

Tom Jackson made another incredible save on the stroke of full-time. Justin Greenwood weaved his way past three opposition players and into the box. Greenwood rifled a ferocious strike towards goal which was matched by the keeper who managed to somehow palm the attempt wide.

The referee blew for the last time in the game meaning Rum Rooms Legacy were crowned as The Doncaster & District Football Association Challenge Cup Champions.

Goals: Turner (49’), Cairns (52’)

RRLFC: Tom Jackson, Josh Gillies, Carl Reade, Dave Tracey, Josh Rowley, Matthew Wilson, Daniel Turner, Nick Howcroft, Steffan Cairns, Darren Bird, Alex Reade
Subs: Ryan Soar, Tom Speight, Chris Radcliffe, Josh Forbes, Quinlan Simms

SAFC: Jordan Watson, Ryan Doxey, Alex Wilkinson, Andy Whitehead, Curtis Wilkinson, Owen Fieldsend, Enzo Guarini, Tommy Needham, Jake Ford, Justin Greenwood, Regan Kelly
Subs: Hayden Barnett, Darren Walker, Mark Clare, Jamie Deakin, Dan Morton

Massive thank you to THE66POW for sorting this out for me. You can check out his blog by CLICKING HERE

#GAME101 17/05/18 Retford United U19s 6-3 Worksop Town U19s

Retford United Under 19s 6-3 Worksop Town 

The Badgers defeat the Tigers in an end of the season affair

A nine goal thriller took place at Cannon Park on a cool Thursday night. The Under 19s Bassetlaw Derby was an end to end game which was tighter than the score line suggested.

Harry Dunbar netted the opener but Retford instantly replied with an equaliser three minutes later through Casburn. The same thing happened again after twenty minutes, Harry Dunbar got his double however ten minutes later Casburn also bagged his brace. Retford then went ahead for the first time in the game after an hour when Heath smashed one in at the back post. Christian Beaumont then struck a wonderful strike to even up the game with ten minutes remaining. Casburn put the hosts in the lead with his third of the game with four minutes to go. The Tigers then went for it in hope they would find a leveller however, Retford twice caught Worksop out on the break to wrap up the win. 

Retford opened the chances early on and missed a golden opportunity to get their noses in front. Zach Casburn held up the ball on the penalty spot before teeing up Wonham who disappointingly curled his shot wide. 

Moments later, Josh Carpenter latched onto Luke Smiths miss-hit shot but the number nine snatched at the chance and blazed it over. 

The Tigers almost gifted a goal to the hosts after six minutes. Jake Woodward rushed off his line to try and clear a clearance but found himself caught in no mans land as Casburn beat him to the ball and volleyed it over Jake but fortunately the ball took a big loop over the bar thanks to a bobble on the pitch to spare his blushes. 

Worksop Town drew first blood in the tie. Niall Blakemore threaded the ball through the United backline for Harry Dunbar who took a touch and cooly stroked it past the keeper

The home side equalised three minutes later. Dec Heath played it down the line for Callum Amendola who squared the ball across goal to Zach Casburn for an easy tap in. 

Worksop instantly hit back and almost went back ahead. Will Sutton tried his luck from twenty-five yards out but the keeper matched the attempt and made a great save to push it wide of the upright. 

Worksop got their noses back in front after twenty minutes thanks to Dunbar who got his second of the game. Josh Carpenter dribbled towards the byline before firing the ball across goal. Pritchard unselfishly dummied the set-up for Dunbar who poked it home. 

Dunbar almost completed his hattrick soon after his second. Igor Mlynarski turned his marker inside out before crossing the ball low for Dunbar whose shot was well saved by the feet of Atkinson. 

Casburn bagged his brace on the half hour mark. A corner from Callum Amendola was accidentally flicked on by Blakemore towards the back post where Casburn was on hand to slot home. 

The Badgers almost went ahead. Casburn brought down Presley’s pump upfield but saw his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by Woodward. 

Retford had the final chance of the first half.  Danger man Zach Casburn cut the ball back for Amendola who saw his fierce shot bravely blocked by Blakemore.

HT: Retford United 2-2 Worksop Town

Zach Casburn was causing the Tigers defence all sorts of problems throughout the game. Casburn cut in and fired a shot at goal which cannoned off the post and out to Joseph who saw his attempt blocked by the legs of Niall Blakemore. 

Carpenter then saw a great chance pass him by. Igor Mlynarski drove through the centre before passing to Dunbar. The lanky forward then teed up Carpenter who dragged his shot wide. 

Just after the hour, Retford went in front for the first time in the game. Jake Woodward spilt Amendola’s first time shot into the path of Dec Heath who smashed home at the back stick. 

Amendola then cut across the body of Blakemore but his shot was superbly saved by the body of Woodward to avoid more misery for the Tigers. 

The visitors pegged back United to be on even terms once again. Igor Mlynarski superbly weaved his way down the right channel, leaving three markers behind in the process, before cutting it back to Dunbar. The ball was slightly behind Harry so he turned and teed up Beaumont who powered his strike into the bottom corner. 

However Retford still had momentum in their favour as they went ahead once again. The ball deflected into the path of Zach Casburn, from a corner, who slotted it into the bottom corner for his hattrick. 

Reford made sure that all three points would stay at Cannon Park as they added two further goals in stoppage time. Retford countered from a Worksop corner. Wonham burst down the right, skipped over the challenge of Blakemore, and stroked it past an outrushing Woodward. 

Then with the Tigers pushing every player up field. Worksop lost the ball and left three unmarked United players to advanced towards goal. Heath knocked it across the box for Wonham who slid it in past the keeper. 

The full-time whistle was blown to the relief of the Tigers. 

Despite the last few heavy defeats, it has been an excellent season for the Tigers with them finishing third and improving massively from last campaign. Well done to all the Lads that gave their all. And Well done to Jay Bownes, Lee Carlin and Aaron Pickersgill who have done great this season.

Goals: Casburn (13’, 31’, 86’), Heath (66’),  Wonham (90+3’, 90+6’); Dunbar (10’, 22’), Beaumont (79’)

RUFC: George Atkinson, Louis Colley, Dan King, Harry Cook, Kane Wheeler, Olly Presley, Alanger Joseph, Alex Wonham, Zach Casburn, Dec Heath, Callum Amendola

Subs: Kyle Blake, Nathaniel Firth, Alex Bennett, Connor Brockwell, Ethan Waring

WTFC: Jake Woodward, Niall Blakemore, Ben Cook, Jack Crook (Christian Beaumont), Blake Blythe, Luke Smith, Will Sutton, Harry Dunbar, Josh Carpenter (Callum Fielding), Liam Pritchard (Owen Stead), Igor Mlynarski 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE66POW’s VERSION OF EVENTS

#GAME100 12/05/18 Grimsby Borough 2-3 Eccleshill United

Grimsby Borough 2-3 Eccleshill United

The Eagles Fly High As They Win The Play-Off Final

Eccleshill United beat Grimsby Borough to be promoted via the NCEL Division One Play-offs. United struck first through striker Ashley Brown. Grimsby equalised just after a lengthy stoppage in play, due to an bad injury, through Callum Lovett and then Borough went ahead thanks to Debnam just before the hour mark. However in added time, Andrew Cooper netted from the spot and then in Extra Time Eccleshill won the tie through Harrop.

Pre-Match
I set out in search for my football fix. In the end I decided upon Grimsby Borough vs Eccleshill United in the NCEL Division One Play-Off Final to see which team we would see visiting Sandy Lane next season.

It was confirmed a week or so a go that Worksop Town were playing Cleethorpes Town in a pre-season friendly. Being the anorak I am, I visited Cleethorpes’ new home to see how the preparations were going ahead of its opening in the summer.

I then had Fish and Chips on the sea front before heading over to The Bradley for the Final!

Kick-off
Unfortunately we entered the ground 5-10 minutes late as we struggled to find a parking space.

The first chance we saw fell in Grimsby’s favour. Josh Venney took aim from thirty yards out however Dom Smith matched it and caught the effort.

United took the lead a minute later. Ashley Brown brushed off his marker before dribbling past Steele and slotting his shot under the keeper.

Grimsby were in search of an equaliser after Eccleshill had took the lead. Luke Mascall tried his luck from range but, again, Dom Smith was alert and managed to tip over his dipping effort.

On the half hour mark, Grimsby were denied due to desperate defending by the Eagles. Adam Drury brilliantly picked out the run of Winfarrah who drilled a ball into the middle which was cleared out by Sam Bradley only to Venney. Josh Venney neatly stroked the ball through to Debnam. The captain saw his shot fizz up into the air and wide to Winfarrah who saw his thunderous volley bravely headed wide by Stor.

Moments later, Eccleshill had the chance to double their lead. Thomas Rose broke through on goal thanks to an Ashley Brown flick on. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Rose saw his shot blocked by the body of Scott Drury.

There was then a large stoppage in play due to Scott Manning breaking his Fibia and Tibia following a challenge from Daniel Trott. Our shock came when the Physio’s rolled a table from the canteen on the pitch to act as a stretcher (Eccleshill finished fourth in the league however today this player would be top of the table!) after around hour of waiting, the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital and we could restart play. Wishing a speedy recovery to Manning.

Minutes after the restart in play, Borough levelled up the tie. Daniel Trott stretched out a leg and managed to poke a pump upfield out wide to Drury. The Borough number two held the ball up for a second before crossing perfectly into the middle where Callum Lovett powered a header into the top corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Grimsby almost got their noses in front. James Petronzio crossed into the middle where Drury’s touch fizzed the ball up into the air. Drury used his initiative and produced a spectacular over-head kick which went just over the bar.

HT: Grimsby Borough 1-1 Eccleshill United

Grimsby almost instantly went ahead a minute after the break. Daniel Trott miss-kicked Winfarrah’s pass in the area which caused a scramble in the box. The ball popped back out to Trott who fired towards goal but saw his effort saved by the feet of Smith.

On the hour mark, Grimsby made it 2-1. Callum Lovett saw his strike from the edge of the area deflect towards goal. Jack Debnam reacted quickest to poked the ball past the keeper and into the roof of the net.

Minutes later, Lovett dinked a lovely ball towards the back stick however Trott had to stretch out his leg to volley and could only get his effort to land on top of the net. From the goal-kick, the ball landed at the feet of Josh Venney who set himself before seeing his rifled shot parried wide by a scampering Smith.

Borough seemed to be in cruise control at that point in time. They were inches away from extending their lead with thirteen minutes remaining. A pump upfield was superbly headed down the line by Trott for Adam Drury who accelerated down the left before pulling the ball back to the edge for skipper Jack Debnam who fired a ferocious strike which went inches wide of the post.

Borough were still creating more and more chances as they looked to wrap up the final. Winfarrah found himself with the ball at his feet on the right-hand side. He used great skill to weave around three opponents but lacked the quality finish it deserved as the winger hit his shot straight down the keepers throat and Smith caught comfortably.

As the game entered added time, Grimsby Borough seemed in full control of the game and looked like they were going to clinch promotion. However Eccleshill United had other plans as in the ninety-third minute, they levelled the game. The referee pointed to the spot after Carlton Jerome was thwarted in the area. Andy Cooper stepped up and cooly tucked the Penalty into the bottom left sending the keeper the wrong way in the process.

FT: Grimsby Borough 2-2 Eccleshill United

Eccleshill seemed to have a burst of confidence after that last minute equaliser. They almost found themselves in front two minutes after the restart. A poor pass by Venney allowed Harrop to take the ball in his stride and advance goal-wards. Harrop rounded the keeper but somehow saw his rolling effort cleared off the line by Josh Sunter.

Grimsby were almost gifted a goal in the eight minute of extra time. Debnam swung in a ball from the left towards the six yard area where United substitute Maturine nodded towards goal but luckily for him, keeper Smith reacted quickly and caught the header.

On the stroke of half-time in extra time, Eccleshill went in front. Miscommunication between Smythe and Sunter allowed Levi Maturine to nick the ball off the latter and pick out Harrop at the back stick who smashed the ball into the back of the net to send the travelling fans into raptures.

ET HT: Grimsby Borough 2-3 Eccleshill United

Grimsby had two chances in the second period of Extra Time to try and take the game to penalties. Firstly, Venney saw his free-kick from twenty-five yards out fly over the wall and disappointingly over the bar. Then, a high ball from Scott Drury was spilt by the keeper. Another scramble in the box occurred but at the last second, Smith recovered in time to pounce on the ball and avoid anymore glimpses at goal.

The Eagles defended in numbers and saw the game out to confirm that they would be playing in the NCEL Premier Division next season.

Congratulations to Eccleshill United, Commiserations to Grimsby Borough

CLICK HERE TO READ THE66POW’s VERSION OF EVENTS 

Attendance: 190
Goals: Lovett (34’), Debnam (59’); Brown (23’), Cooper (90+3p’), Harrop (105’)

GBFC: S Drury, A Drury, Steel, Lovett, Smythe, Sunter, Debnam, Venney, Trott, Mascal, Winfarrah
Subs: Bradbury, Petronzio, Morrall, Lamplough, Swann

EUFC: Smith, Stor, Bradley, Mathers, Manning, Flaherty, Cooper, Rose, Lever, Harrop, Brown
Subs: Maturine, Thomas, Canning, Pownall, Labad

#GAME99 10/05/18 Worksop Town U19s 1-5 Sheffield F.C. U19s

Worksop Town Under 19s 1-5 Sheffield F.C. Under 19s

Tigers Battered In Penultimate Game Of The Season

‘The Worlds Oldest’ outclassed the Under 19s in a night to forget. Sheffield F.C. raced into a first half lead through White, Hastings and Hutchinson. They added further two goals from Mitcheson and Mohammed either side of a White own goal to round the scoring off.

Sheffield F.C. dominated most of the first period. Five minutes in, Ehsan Mohammed sharply turned into the box but saw his thunderous effort tipped over by Callum Fielding. A minute later, Fielding was called into action again as a scramble in the box ended with Keeton Minchin firing a shot towards goal but Fielding dropped down to stop the shot.

Ten minutes later, Niall Blakemore made an excellent last ditch challenge to deny Sam Morley as he pulled the trigger.

Again Fielding was the saviour for the boys in Amber and Black. Brad Jones won the ball off Beaumont before taking a touch and driving a shot, low and hard, towards goal but Fielding got down quickly to hold onto the effort.

Club opened the scoring just before the half hour mark. Centre-back Sam White drove forward, skipping several challenges on his way, before tucking his shot past Fielding.

The Tigers then had their first major opportunity of the game. Christian Beaumont saw his initial shot blocked by White. Beaumont was then teed up again on the edge by Luke Smith, who had won back possession, but his shot is straight down the keepers throat who caught it.

Sheffield doubled their lead thanks to a fine strike from James Hastings. Hastings, on the left-hand corner of the area, wrong-footed Chad Wooton before planting a spectacular curling effort into the top right beyond the reach of Fielding.

Town barely had time to think as F.C. won the ball of the Tigers from kick-off. Alfie Eagle pumped a ball over the top to Louis Hutchinson who brought down the switch perfectly before keeping his cool to stroke his shot under the keeper.

Worksop almost pulled a goal back with minutes left on the clock. Harry Dunbar smartly scooped the ball past two opponents but unfortunately he saw his ferocious shot caught well by the hands of Ben Woodcock.

On the stroke of half-time, Hutchinson burst through on goal, once again, however this time he dragged his shot wide of the target.

HT: Worksop Town 0-3 Sheffield F.C. 

When the Tigers looked for a response in this second period, they were kicked again as Club added a fourth goal. Neat passes between Jones and Hastings allowed space to open up on the left channel. Hastings slotted the ball down the wing for Eagle to hit a low driven ball across for Ben Mitcheson to tap home.

Moments later, Josh Carpenter went close to netting against his old team. Carpenter was sent down the line by Blakemore. The number nine cut inside and curled an effort just wide of the upright.

The Tigers pulled a goal back in the fifty-fourth minute. Luke Smith’s in-swinging corner was converted by Sam White who was put under pressure by Carpenter.

Sheffield almost instantly restored their four goal advantage. Ehsan Mohammed’s freekick was powered onto the post by the head of Logan Chapell.

On the hour point, Sol Williams slid through Igor Mlynarski however he rifled his shot into the side-netting.

Sheffield F.C. added a fifth goal to their tally. A short corner was swung into the box by Sam Morley for Ehsan Mohammed who slammed the ball past Callum Fielding.

Worksop had two chances in as many minutes to score. Blakemore did very well to latch onto Smiths through-ball to cross it towards the back stick for Harry Dunbar who headed across the face of goal and wide. Then, Sam White gave Ben Woodcock an under-hit back pass. The keeper sliced his clearance straight to Nicholls who chipped it in first time but saw his attempt cannon off the face of the crossbar and out.

Winger Morley squared the ball into the middle for Mohammed but, unlike his goal, he saw his strike goalwards parried out to safety by Fielding.

Several minutes later, Cameron Evans was sent down the right flank. He hit a low driven cross towards the back stick where Sam Morley misjudged his shot and struck the post.

Town then went close to closing the deficit. Luke Smiths low corner was poked towards goal by Brad Smart but Woodcock got down quickly to pounce on the chance.

Sheffield had the final chance of the game. Sam Morley cut in from the left, ran along the edge of the area before seeing his shot headed off the line by Blakemore. Then, it was a heart in the mouth moment for Callum Fielding. He spilt the corner but Blake Blythe blocked a snapshot on the line and the ball fell into the hands of a relieved Fielding.

FT: Worksop Town 1-5 Sheffield F.C. 
The referee blew the whistle to put an end to an unusual poor display for the young lads.

Goals: White OG (54’); White (27’), Hastings (39’), Hutchinson (40’), Mitcheson (49’), Mohammed (64’)

WTFC: Callum Fielding, Chad Wooton (Peter Nicholls), Niall Blakemore, Alex Boyd, Ben Cook, Sol Williams, Igor Mlynarski, Christian Beaumont (Blake Blythe), Josh Carpenter, Harry Dunbar (Brad Smart), Luke Smith
Unused Subs: Jake Woodward, Owen Stead

SFC: Ben Woodcock, Keeton Minchin, Alfie Eagle, Logan Chapell, Sam White, Brad Jones, Sam Morley, Ben Mitcheson, Ehsan Mohammed, Louis Hutchinson, James Hastings
Subs: Elliott Carpenter, Cameron Evans, Regan Watkinson

#GAME98 09/05/18 MEADOWHALL SUNDAY LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Meadowhall Sunday League Cup Final

Jack-in-a-Box 2-1 Sheffield Six’s 

Jack’s Come From Behind To Win In Cup Final

Sheffield Six’s took the lead in the game with an incredible effort from Brad Nicholson however Jack-in-a-Box netted two goals in two minutes to win the tie.

Jack-in-a-Box almost took the lead in the opening minutes. Jason Slew switched the ball towards the back stick to Jordan Livett. Livett brought the ball down perfectly however he saw his close range shot saved well by the extended arm of Jack Selby.

Moments later, Six’s were inches away from taking the lead. A long throw from Brad Nicholson was nodded towards goal by Harrison but his attempt flashed past the post.

Six’s opened the scoring in the twenty-second minute in spectacular fashion. Brad Nicholson lobbed the keeper from around halfway. The keeper managed to get a hand to it however the ball still landed in the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, the team in red almost doubled their lead. A corner from Six’s was headed away by David Gelsthorpe. Whilst the ball was still bouncing, Joe Elms unleashed a thunderous effort towards goal however his incredible shot was matched by Richard Spinks who managed to tip it wide.

Jordan Livett was close to levelling the match in the thirty-seventh minute. Harry Webster-Dunkerley ran down the left before coming back on himself to cross into the centre for Livett who produced a fine over-head kick which went just over the bar.

On the stroke of half-time, Jack Selby produced two superb saves to deny Jack-in-a-Box. Kieran Hopkinson found himself in acres of space so he took aim and rifled a shot towards goal from thirty yards out. The effort cannoned off the underside of the bar, bounced down, and was cleared out by Elms. The ball landed to Jamie Hopkins who fired goalwards from the edge of the area but Selby dove down and parried the shot into the path of Connor Rippon who dinked the ball in for Livett who saw his volley saved by the feet of Jack Selby.

HT: Jack-in-a-Box 0-1 Sheffield Six’s

Jack-in-a-box had a very good chance to get back on equal terms five minutes after the restart. Daniel Jenkinson headed Hopkins ball across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the post.

Several minutes later, Luke May pumped in a deep cross into the box which was knocked down by Eddie Parker for Liam Davies who saw his tame volley caught by Spinks.

Jack-in-a-box surprised their opponents by netting two goals in two minutes. Hopkinson saw his free-kick deflect in between the wall and through to Jordan Livett who kept his calm and stroked the ball past the keeper.

A couple of minutes later, Jamie Hopkins powered Webster-Dunkerleys corner past the keeper to put the Jacks into the lead in the final.

Six’s were looking for that all and important equaliser and were denied it with fifteen minutes to go. Luke Clarke’s free-kick was redirected towards goal by Atkinson but unfortunately for the captain, he saw his header palmed away from danger by Spinks.

Jack-in-a-box could have extended their lead but failed to due to the Six’s keeper. Easton was sent through on goal via an over the top through ball. Easton attempted to dink it over the keeper but Jack Selby raced out and blocked the chance. He then rushed back to his line to save Williamson’s rebounded effort.

On the stroke of full-time, Williamson almost confirmed that the trophy would be theirs. Williamson took the ball off of Atkinson and rifled a shot towards the bottom left. The ball seemed to be heading in until Selby scampered across his goal to parry the shot wide of the target.

Jack-in-a-box held on until the final whistle to claim that Meadowhall Sunday League Cup would be theirs for this year. Commiseration’s to Sheffield Six’s Men’s Team who put up a brilliant fight and were unlucky to lose.

Hopefully us under 18s will get there one day…

Attendance: 941
Goals: Livett (62’), Hopkins (64’); Nicholson (22’)

JIABFC: Richard Spinks, Samuel Pickstone, Connor Rippon, Kieran Hopkinson, James Parkin, David Gelstone, Jason Slew, Harry Webster-Dunkerley, Jordan Livett, Jamie Hopkins, Daniel Jenkinson
Subs: Jonathan Granville, Levi Richmond, Aaron Williamson, Jamie Harrison, Aaron Easton

SSFC: Jack Selby, Joe Elms, Luke May, Tommy Davies, Sam Atkinson, Brad Nicholson, Liam Davies, Matt Coyle, Danny Barnsley, Tom Harrison, Harry Buxton
Subs: Arron Lamb, Eddie Parker, Brad Howe, Luke Clarke, John Wood

#GAME97 06/05/18 Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 Norwich City

Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 Norwich City

The Owls End Season With Five-Star Performance 

Sheffield Wednesday rounded the 2017/18 season in style as they thrashed Norwich City on a glorious day at Hillsborough. Atdhe Nuhiu and Fernando Forestieri netted for Wednesday in the first half. Frederico Venancio put the home side further ahead before Nuhiu completed his hattrick either side of a Timm Klose consolation which confirmed a convincing win to finish the season on.

Wednesday started the brighter and front man Fernando Forestieri had two great chances in the opening ten minutes to put the Owls into the lead. A great interchange of passes allowed Nuhiu to poke it through to Fernando Forestieri who saw his shot bounce across goal and wide. Moments later, Bannan sprayed the ball down the wing for Reach who ran with it before seeing his cross headed out by Timm Klose to Forestieri who curled his shot high and over the bar. 

Ash Baker made his first team debut for the Owls, he was on hand to make a vital piece of defending to deny the Canaries from taking the lead. Lewis’s looping cross was redirected towards goal by Oliveira but Venancio managed to intercept the shot. The ball fizzed into the air where Hernandez held off Bannan before sharply turning and cutting it back into the box. Oliveira miss-kicked the ball into the path of Murphy who fired a shot towards goal which was superbly blocked by Baker. 

Wednesday got their noses in front in the fourteenth minute of the game. Loovens played it to Joao on halfway who marvellously turned his man and advanced towards goal. Joao outpaced Lewis and Trybull before cutting inwards where he was clipped by Klose. Joao managed to maintain his balance and passed the ball to Forestieri who slotted Reach down the left. Reach delivered a gorgeous cross towards the corner of the six yard box where Atdhe Nuhiu powered a header across goal and into the back of the net. 

Minutes later, Bannan excellently picked out Reach on the far right. Reach darted down the right before cutting back and rolling it across to Joao who ran over the ball and made a run into the box. Nuhiu slotted it through for Lucas but Joao was marshalled away from the ball by Lewis which allowed Angus Gunn to come out and pick it up. 

Sheffield Wednesday were gifted a goal on the half hour. Christoph Zimmermann was unaware of Forestieri’s pressing and played the ball back to the keeper. His pass back was under-hit allowing the forward to nip in and stab the ball past an out-rushing Gunn. 

Norwich City almost pulled a goal back several minutes after the Owls’ second goal of the game. Ivo Pinto raced down the right before coming back on himself to tee up Oliveira who let the ball run across his body before bending a fierce effort which went just wide of Dawson’s far post. 

Glenn Loovens then received a standing ovation as he exited the field of play. The Wednesday club captain was saying goodbye after five seasons of hard work devoted to the club. His leadership helped the Owls stay up and also reach Wembley as Wednesday made it to the Playoff Final in the 2015/16 season. (Thank you for everything Loovens!)

Norwich had another sight of goal on the stroke of half-time. Josh Murphy played a ‘give and go’ with Hernandez and then skipped past the sliding challenge of Venancio before advancing through on goal. As he pulled the trigger, Ash Baker closed him down and made a fine tackle to keep out the winger. 

The half-time whistle went with Wednesday leading 2-0. A solid first half from the Owls as the dominated most of the play. This trend carried on into the second period however this time City started the brighter with two chances in two minutes. 

Josh Murphy accelerated down the left channel before crossing into the centre for Oliveira whose miss-judged header looped high into the air and Thorniley headed away to safety. Trybull collected the ball and the teed up Oliveira again on the edge of the area but the Portuguese striker turned and fired over. 

Tom Trybull then was teed up thirty yards away from goal by Onel Hernandez. Trybull took aim and rifled a first time shot towards goal but the attempt was straight down the keepers throat and Dawson held onto it. 

Wednesday added a third goal to their tally in the fifty-ninth minute. Firstly Joao was brought down on the edge of the box by Klose. Forestieri stepped up and saw his set-piece go over the wall but tipped wide by Gunn in the Norwich goal. Pelupessy’s short corner was passed around from Forestieri to Bannan and then to Reach who subsequently swung in a great ball into the middle where Frederico Venancio exquisitely volleyed the ball into the bottom corner. This is Venancio’s last game before his loan expires. 

Wednesday were flying at that point as they added a fourth goal thanks to another defensive mistake. A fabulous passing display between Pelupessy, Nuhiu, Joao and Forestieri allowed the latter to play Pelupessy down the right-hand side. Pelupessy crossed into the middle where Zimmermann clattered into Gunn as he went up to claim the cross. The ball landed kindly for Nuhiu who slammed in his second of the game. 

The away side pulled a consolation goal back with seven minutes to go. Norwich took the corner short to Murphy who turned and wrong-footed his marker before he saw his shot deflect into the path of Klose who hammered his shot past Cameron Dawson. 

Wednesday were denied another goal due to a great save from Gunn. Bannan intercepted Klose’s passed and slotted Forestieri through on goal. The Italian headed towards goal but saw his shot saved by the feet of Angus Gunn. 

Angus Gunn then made another wonderful save a minute later. Jordan Thorniley latched onto Pelupessy’s through ball and floated an accurate cross towards the back stick where Nuhiu thumped a header towards goal however Gunn managed to get a hand to the effort to palm it away from danger. 

Atdhe Nuhiu got his deserved hattrick in the third minute of injury time. Forestieri played a one-two with Nuhiu before being thwarted in the box by Hernandez. Nuhiu stepped up and stroked the spot-kick into the bottom corner. This was the first hattrick scored by a Wednesday player since Neil Mellor in the 2010/11 season. 

The referee stopped proceedings shortly after to end the season on a high for the Owls after a poor first half to the campaign. 

Attendance: 28,189

Goals: Nuhiu (14’,60’, p90+3’), Venancio (58’), Forestieri (30’); Klose (83’)

SWFC: Cameron Dawson; Ashley Baker (Liam Palmer), Frederico Venancio, Glenn Loovens (Jordan Thorniley), Daniel Pudil; Barry Bannan, Joey Pelupessy, Adam Reach (Marco Matias); Lucas Joao, Atdhe Nuhiu, Fernando Forestieri 

Unused Subs: Joe Wildsmith, Tom Lees, Frederik Nielsen, Jordan Rhodes

NCFC: Angus Gunn: Harrison Reed, Christoph Zimmermann (Sean Raggett), Timm Klose, Jamal Lewis; Onel Hernandez, Tom Tryball, James Maddison (Ivo Pinto), Moritz Leitner, Josh Murphy; Nelson Oliveira (Dennis Srbeny)

Unused Subs: Michael McGovern, James Husbands, Marco Stiepermann, Marley Watkins

#GAME96 05/05/18 Parkgate 3-1 Worksop Town

Parkgate F.C. 3-1 Worksop Town

Worksop End The Season In Defeat

Worksop took the lead just before the half-time whistle went however Parkgate pulled it back to win the game comfortably with second half goals from Flynn, Bagley and Brissett.

The day started fairly early. Me, Glyn Howarth and Rich Nelson all got the 10.13 train to Sheffield to start the day with a couple of beers while sitting in the gorgeous summery weather. The first two pubs we went to were both shut (Typical!) but we settled in The Graduate. After a couple of pints and collaring John Stocks over, after he was in the area writing bits for his upcoming books, for a drink and a chat about some old history of the Tigers past.

We then jumped on the train through to Rotherham to meet up with the other Barmy Army reprobates in the centre. Despite being surrounded by Rotherham United fans, we made lots of noise and out-sung them whilst also having a laugh. A few more drinks there and we booked the taxis up to Roundwood Sports Complex ready for the final game of the 2017/18 season.

The flag went up and the fans were in full voice as the lads walked out. This trend carried on for the full ninety minutes. In fact Parkgate netted the third goal but the Barmy Army just carried on singing. I was recording the chanting as it happened and a few fans cheered for the home side but they were drowned out by ‘Na Na Na Nananaaaaaa Nanananaaa Worksopppp’ (to the tune of Hey Jude).

Both teams had nothing to play for. Parkgate were already relegated and Town were safe but deprived of confidence and form. It also had that end of the season feel; Beautiful weather and players playing in second gear.

Charlie Baird had the first chance of the game. Mlynarski teed up Baird on the edge of the box. Charlie turned and whipped a dangerous ball towards the far post which went just wide of the upright.

Ten minutes later, Jas Alali swung in a cross towards the centre which was glanced wide by the head of Martin Brissett.

On the stroke of half-time Worksop Town got their noses in front. Charlie Baird did brilliantly to carry the ball down the left towards the byline before cutting in and rifling his shot under the keeper and into the far corner.

The Tigers then had the first chance of the second period. Michael Trench’s free-kick was flying into the top right until Jamie Housley scampered across goal to push the chance over the top.

Moments later, James Hastings switched the ball over to the right side of the area where Chris Wood dropped the shoulder, cut in, and fired a shot towards the bottom corner which was superbly blocked on the line by Jack Holden.

Parkgate equalised in the fifty-fourth minute of the game. A low cross into the box was uncleared leaving it to travel towards the back stick where Danny Flynn tapped home.

Parkgate took control over the rest of the game and they went ahead with twenty minutes remaining. Diggles’ clearance landed at the feet of Bagley. It took the number ten two bites of the cherry to net as his first effort was blocked but his second was neatly tucked home.

The Steelmen added a third goal in the closing stages. Martin Brissett turned his marker and fired a magnificent strike beyond the grasp of Joshua Diggles.

As previously stated, this goal didn’t stop the supporters from chanting but it did knock the belief out of the side whose heads were clearly down and desperate for the full-time whistle.

The referee, thankfully, blew for the end of the game and the end of a torrid campaign. A season to forget for Tigers fans. There were some good moments of this season though. Whether it was Barry Radfords sheep and goat impressions at the expense of the clubhouse and Athersley players. Or the player initiation songs after a 5-0 preseason win over Matlock Town including a special rendition of Carly Rae Jepson’s “Call Me Maybe” by Jack Barnett which brought many laughs. The FA Vase trips to Haughmond and Dunston were fantastic too! And even when things were really bad, us fans still had a laugh and a sing-song to try and drown out the sorrows. It’s a great shame what has happened this year.

The players came over at the end to shake our hands and say thank you for our support and we thanked them for their efforts. Milligan waited in the middle for his players for a post-match talk and clapped the fans from afar.

After the game a few of us stayed around for a chat with fans, volunteers and players. I’d personally like to thank Paul and Niall after a stressful beginning to their Worksop journey. They work tirelessly to get it right (which they will, I’m sure of it) and thank you to them for helping me with things. I’d like to thank the experienced players for sticking by us and helping us get through this season and also thank you the young lads for their efforts, it wasn’t easy for them however they’ve gave us their all. Good luck to those who are off to America for their scholarships. Thank you to all the fellow fans who continuously support our beloved football club. Thank you to all the volunteers who keep the club going, you’re all great! And finally to Jake and Luke who have helped me grow as a writer and gave me useful tips and advice that I needed!

The day finished off with tea in the chippy up the road and then the train back to Sheffield for one last drink in the Globe before heading back to Worksop so Glyn could get the last train back to his native Whitwell!

Attendance: 189
Goals: Flynn (54’), Bagley (69’), Brissett (87’); Baird (44’)

PFC: Jamie Housley, Jas Alali, Chris Telling, Danny Flynn, Tim Whittaker, Mack Collinson, James Hastings, Andrew Fox, Martin Brissett, Brandon Bagley
Subs: George Morris, Brandon Jenkinson, Chris Wood, Kyle Andre, Levi Owen

WTFC: Joshua Diggles, Alex Boyd, Michael Trench, Tyler Lysons (Harry Dunbar), Jack Holden, Dan Gardner, Luke Black (Jamie Robinson), Charlie Baird, Mitch Husbands, Luke Smith, Igor Mlynarski (Joel Phillips)
Unused Subs: Christian Beaumont, James Milner

#GAME95 02/05/18 Espial U19s 2-3 Worksop Town U19s

Espial 2-3 Worksop Town U19s 

Tigers Claw Back From Behind In Heated Contest

An eventful tie was carried out at the Chesterfield Panther Rugby Club. Goals, penalty misses, red cards, fights. This game had it all!

Espial opened the scoring three minutes into the game. Tom Alcock managed to poke the ball past the keeper as miscommunication between Jake Woodward and Blake Blythe allowed the Espial striker to do so. Matters got worse for the Tigers as Captain Blythe had to come off as he jarred his knee in the build up to the goal. 

Due to the low amount of players that the Tigers had at their disposal this game, usual keeper Callum Fielding was played up front however he was one of the standout players in the fixture. He almost converted Luke Smith’s free-kick but Fielding saw his header loop just over the bar. 

Luke Smith was the catalyst of all the Tigers’ attacks. He cut open the Espial backline with a beautiful ball through to Igor Mlynarski who advanced towards goal before seeing his shot parried wide by Ethan Marsh. 

On twenty-five minutes, Town failed to equalise from the spot. Callum Clark was dismissed for saving Luke Blacks certain goal with his hand on the line. Will Sutton stepped up and curled his effort wide of the target. 

Mlynarski was denied once again minutes later. Chad Wooton sent a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Mlynarski to latch on to. Igor’s first touch set himself up for a half-volley which he executed perfectly but saw his attempt saved by the feet of Marsh. 

The Tigers equalised on the half hour mark. Luke Black sent in an accurate cross into the middle for Callum Fielding who glanced his header beyond the reach of Marsh. 

Kiyan Morris almost restored Espial’s one goal lead moments after the Tigers levelled. Chad Wooton headed Stewart’s corner out to only Morris who volleyed it just inches wide of the post. 

Fielding almost bagged his brace as the first half was coming to a close. Mlynarski slotted Black down the wing. Luke Black out-paced Jepson before floating the ball into the box for Fielding who saw his header land straight into the keepers hands. 

The half-time whistle went with both sides tied at 1-1. 

The second half exploded with action. Worksop were awarded another penalty four minutes after the break. Black toyed with his marker before sharply turning into the box but was brought down by Jepson. Black took the spot-kick but saw his effort pushed wide by Marsh. 

Town should have taken the lead in the fifty-fourth minute of the game. Fielding weaved his way into the box before unselfishly squaring the ball for Black. The ball bobbled up as it reached Black as he hit his shot from close range over the bar. 

Several minutes later, Fielding almost put the Tigers ahead. Fielding picked up Smiths through-ball and burst towards goal. He fired a thunderous shot towards the top corner that unfortunately just went wide of the upright. 

Just after the hour mark, Espial retook the lead. Kiyan Morris darted down the left before whipping an a ball that went unchallenged until Harry James rocketed his shot into the far corner of the net. 

Worksop almost instantly evened the game up. Will Sutton cut across his marker and swung in a ball towards the back stick where Luke Smith nodded the ball over the bar. 

Both teams then had a player dismissed each with fifteen minutes of normal time remaining. Kiyan Morris picked up the ball which had gone out for a throw in to delay Worksop from restarting play. Larder went to get it off the Espial winger but Morris threw the ball into Kieran’s face which started a brawl. When things calmed down, the referee sent Luke Black and Morris off for violent conduct. 

The Tigers had two good chances to score. Firstly, Mlynarski cut in from the right and curled an effort that looked to be nestling into the top corner however Ethan Marsh somehow managed to tip the shot over the bar. From the corner, Kieran Larder saw his volley land on the roof of the net. 

Worksop’s pressure paid off as in the eighty-eighth minute they equalised in spectacular fashion. Sol Williams found himself in acres of space just inside the oppositions half. Williams was about to pump it into the box until he took a touch and hammered the ball into the top right corner from thirty yards out. 

Jake Woodward then made a fine save to keep Worksop in the tie. Harry James smashed a shot goal-wards but Woodward dove and pushed it over with his fingertips. 

Worksop won the game in the second minute of injury time. Smith turned his marker and fired towards goal but again the keeper saved it with his feet. The ball deflected out to Igor on the edge of the box who set himself before driving the ball towards goal which took a slight deflection on its way in. 

The referee brought proceedings to an end to give Worksop Town the three points they deserved. 

STAR MAN: Ben Cook 

Most of the plaudits will go to our attacking outlet however I’m going to give it to centre-half Ben Cook. Cook was a rock at the back, he won everything in the air and when in possession of the ball he put his foot on it and opted to play it out from the back other than hoof it upfield. He also made some vital challenges to keep out Espial at times, especially at the end as he was needed to stop the home side countering as they looked to win the game which they did. 

Attendance: Approximately 30

Goals: Alcock (3’), James (62’); Fielding (31’), Williams (88’), Mlynarski (90+2’)

EFC: Ethan Marsh, Laurie Fletcher, Matt Constable, Jake Jepson, Dan Richmond (Tyrone Stewart), Harry James, Kiyan Morris (s/o 78’), Callum Clark (s/o 25’), Michael Higgingbottom, Morgan Rodgers, Ben Alcock

WTFC: Jake Woodward, Sol Williams, Kieran Larder, Alex Boyd (Niall Blakemore), Blake Blythe (Chad Wooton), Ben Cook, Will Sutton, Luke Smith, Luke Black (s/o 78’), Callum Fielding, Igor Mlynarski

#GAME94 01/05/18 Frickley Athletic 1-2 Stamford A.F.C.

Frickley Athletic 1-2 Stamford A.F.C.

Stamford Stun Frickley To Advance To The Play-off Final

Stamford netted twice in the opening thirty-five minutes to put themselves in a great position for the rest of the game. Frickley sent wave upon waves of attacks but, despite pulling a goal back, Frickley just couldn’t find that clinical finish they desired and Stamford advanced. 

The first major opportunity fell to Stamford in the fifteenth minute of the game. Rob Morgan weaved his way past Ible and Burns before seeing his shot towards the front post pushed wide by Jake Turner. 

Stamford opened the scoring twenty-one minutes in to the playoff tie. Eliot Putman over-hit his cross which landed at the feet of Ben George. The right-back curled a beautiful ball into the middle where Rob Morgan rose highest to glance the ball beyond the keepers grasp and into the top corner. 

Minutes later, Stamford thought they had doubled their lead as they had the ball in the back of the net again. Eliot Putman volleyed Jordan Smith’s knock down past the keeper and into the net but the referee blew for a push on Burns as Smith won the header. 

However ten minutes later, Stamford were awarded a penalty after Daniel Burns was judged to have handled the ball in the area. Kieran Wells stepped up and hammered the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net. 

Stamford were inches away from extending their lead. A corner caused a scramble in the box. The ball popped out to the edge of the area where Ben George drove his shot just wide of the post. 

Frickley finally broke the dominance of the away side to have a chance of their own. A long throw in by Nicky Darker was headed towards the back post by opposition player Henry Eze. Miscommunication between Morgan and Haystead allowed Allott to get to the ball first but he saw his shot saved by Haystead. 

Frickley had three chances to pull a goal back on the stroke of half-time. Firstly, Algars free-kick was headed out only to Walton who saw his rifled effort towards goal blocked by the head of Eze. Walton then switched the ball out to Algar who swung the ball back into the middle. The keeper fumbled the cross into the path of Burns who chested it down before volleying towards goal however keeper Haystead raced back and somehow tipped the effort over the bar. From the corner, Daniel Burns headed the ball back across the box for Gavin Allott who saw his header cannon off the bar and wide. 

The half-time whistle went to settle the nerves of the travelling support…for now anyway. 

Algar produced two accurate free-kicks in a matter of minutes which Frickley failed to capitalise on. The Blues’ left-back floated in a ball which was flicked on by Burns and then headed towards goal by his defensive counterpart Jameel Ible but yet again the keeper managed to get to it and parry it wide of the target. Moments later, he whipped a free-kick towards the penalty spot for Hazel whose downwards header was saved by the feet of Haystead. 

It was end to end attacks as we approached the hour mark. Jordan Smith latched onto Duffy’s through ball before pulling the ball back to Kieran Wells. The pass was slightly behind him so Wells dropped the shoulder before turning and firing across the face of goal and wide. Hazel then dispossessed Duffy in the middle and played through McGinley. McGinley carried the ball ten yards before taking aim for the bottom left however the keeper got down quickly to tip it wide. Hazel pounced on the loose ball and flashed his shot across the face of goal and off the far post. ‘The Daniels’ cleared the ball over halfway to Wells who raced towards goal. Sam Liversidge closed him down and pushed the striker out wide. Wells then teed up Smith for a first time shot which curled across goal and wide. 

Stamford were then reduced to ten men with twenty-five minutes remaining. Kieran Wells chased down a cross over the top but the keeper came out to claim the ball. Wells stuck out a leg to nick the ball however he caught the keeper in the face. Frickley erupted with frustration and the referee dismissed the Stamford number ten. 

The blues were pushing for that important goal they needed to get back into the game. McGinley broke down the right channel before he chipped the ball into the centre for Hazel who saw his tame header caught comfortably by Haystead. 

Several minutes later, substitute Brad Wells won a free-kick while holding up the ball on the left-hand side. Jake Duffy swung in a curling effort which almost caught out the keeper as he stretched to push it over the bar. 

The final ten minutes were dominated by Athletic. Algar saw his deep set-piece flicked just wide of the upright by Richard Patterson. Minutes later, Nicky Darker saw his header ricochet off the woodwork and over the bar. 

Frickley did eventually pull a goal back in the fifth minute of injury time. Algars corner was headed out to Jacob Hazel who struck a volley towards goal which was sliced by Putman into his own net. 

Frickley pressed and lumped balls into the box to try and take the game to extra time however Stamford defended in numbers and saw the game out to earn a spot in the final. 

Attendance: 536

Goals: Morgan (21’), Wells (34’); Hazel (90+5’)

FAFC: Jake Turner, Sam Liversidge, Ben Algar, Richard Patterson, Jameel Ible, Daniel Burns, Reece McGinley, Nicky Darker, Jacob Hazel, Gavin Allott, Tyler Walton

Subs: Thomas Dugdale, Cameron Hough, George Milner, Jack Burton, Paul Stancliffe

SAFC: Danny Haystead, Ben George, Eliot Putman, Michael Armstrong, Delroy Gordon, Henry Eze, Rob Morgan, Jake Duffy, Jordan Smith, Kieran Wells, Jon Challinor

Subs: Brad Wells, Ollie Brown-Hill, Callum Ball, Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, Joe Burgess