County Senior

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS!

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Sheffield FC Reserves on Saturday 15th March 2008

The 'Juniors' finally clinched the Division Two title on Saturday 15th March 2008 at The Bright Finance Stadium, Dronfield, the home of the oldest football club in the World - Sheffield FC . The side showed a couple of changes from the previous week, Adam restored Simmy to the starting line up, Rob Hayes back from sickness, Midget taking up a wider role operating on the left hand side of midfield. Tony Slater on the bench with Adam Cruise, Marc Maddy, Arron Larkin. We started brightly putting the Sheffield FC Reserves goal under pressure and quickly gained a corner, on 5 minutes we went ahead when another corner from the left delivered by Midget, Rob Hayes rose to head it home, it wasn't quite clear at the time many on the side thought Lee Jordan had scored, but Hayzee soon let us know that he had scored his twenty for the season. In the 30th minute, we went further ahead when Lee Jordan and Simmy combined, leaving Lee to drive the ball past their keeper's left just inside the post. Sheffield came back with two good efforts on goal via Tom Carney whose free kick was just wide of the top corner, then the second one which was on target but straight at Ben. We went in at half time 2-0 up and feeling confident, but on the resumption of play it was a different Sheffield side that came out and for the next 20 minutes or so put us to the sword. In the 50th minute Sheffield FC were awarded a penalty, when for once Mark Deeley who usually times his tackles to perfection got it wrong and up stepped their captain Andy Taylor to smash the ball into the roof of the net, giving his counterpart no chance. , By this time we were all at sea and shipping water, with Gary Townend making runs from midfield giving our back four all sorts of problems, Sheffield went close on numerous occasions and in the 64th minute it was no real surprise when Sheffield equalised, the ball coming into the box from good play by Gary Townend, one or two of our defenders thought there was a 'handball' and stopped which allowed, Baba Eskante to equalise 2-2. This seemed to shake us out of our apathy, with Mark Richards and Will driving the players on, we gradually took a grip of the game and began to pressure the Sheffield goal. After several near misses, in the 70th minute we went back into the lead, when Lee Jordan scored his second of the game. 3-2 .The final twenty or so minutes, saw us on the touchline 'biting our nails' but the defence well marshalled by Dave Woodcock held out to see us take the title, well done to Sheffield FC Reserves who pushed us all the way.

Team: Ben Brunt (Captain), Richard Pierpoint, Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, Lee Jordan, Will Senior, Mark Richards, Martin Jones, (Tony Slater) Simon Mould, Rob Hayes (Arron Larkin)

Subs not used: Marc Maddy, Andy Cruise

Goals: Rob Hayes (5 minutes) Lee Jordan (30th,70th minutes)

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Bramley Sunnyside on Saturday 16th February 2008

For the visit of our near neighbours Bramley Sunnyside FC to Grange Park, Adam made a couple of changes to the previous weeks line up restoring fit again Ben Brunt and he gave Craig Williams his first start since the away game against Thorncliffe on 24th November. From the kick off we attacked the goal at the 'Tip end of the ground', early encounters gave us evidence that Bramley were really up for this and made several attempts on Bens goal . One player for Bramley who took the eye early on was Danny Parker who was playing on the left hand side of midfield. On seven minutes we went into the lead, when nice inter passing on the left side allowed Craig Williams to run at their back four, then he unleashed a brilliant strike which easily beat the Bramley keeper, Keiran McClare. We continued to press without any success , Rob Hayes going close on a couple of occassions, without being able to add to his 18 goal tally for the season, Bramley continued in search of the equaliser and in the 23rd minute Danny Parker went on a 'mazy run' which took him past three of our defenders shot for goal, just going over the top of the crossbar. a warning indeed. The score at half time was 1-0 to us,

We began to dominate proceedings in the second half and their keeper came to the rescue on more than one occassion, when Bramley did manage an attack. Mark Deeley was always on hand with a timely tackle to bring the ball out of defence, Will and Mark Richards were again the bedrock from which most of our attacks evolved. In the 80th minute Adam brought on Tony for Midget to change things slightly and then in the 85th minute brought Simmy on for Craig. who had 'worked his socks off' with a lot of unselfish running. We eventually ran out winners 1-0 thanks to the effort from Craig to bring to a conclusion a game played in a very sporting spirit, well officiated by the Referee Lee Williams and his two assistants Ken Burnham and Jim Gibson. Man of the match between Will and Mark Deeley and Bramley Sunnyside their keeper Keiran McClare

Team: Ben Brunt, Richard Pierpoint, Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, Lee Jordan. Will Senior, Mark Richards, Martin Jones ( Tony Slater), Rob Hayes, Craig Williams (Simon Mould)

Unused subs: Joe Gant, Marc Maddy, Andy Cruise

Scorer: Craig Williams (7th Minute)

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Penistone Church Reserves on Saturday 26th January 2008

On a beautiful early spring afternoon we travelled to the Memorial Ground at Penistone to 'take on' Penistone Church Reserves, we were hoping to improve on the previous weeks performance which for us was a lack lustre display against Phoenix Sports, when a Rob Hayes goal secured a point in a 1-1 draw. Today's game saw the return of Joe Gant between the sticks after Ben Brunt was injured last Sunday when he received a cut around his right ear which required nine stitches. Also returning to the starting line up was Tony Slater, who was taking the place of Simmy who was on the bench after carrying an injury. Adam didn't wish to risk aggravating the injury, hence Simmy on the bench, also making a start was Richard Pierpoint. The rest of the subs' as follows Andy Cruise, Arron Larkin, Marc Maddy and returning after suspension Craig Williams. The first 15 minutes or so were very even with Penistone pressing on our goal and with a little more composure could have made it count, in the 9th minute they hit the cross bar and several of the Penistone players appealed to the Referee that it had crossed the line ,but Mr. Statham was well placed and had no hesitation in rejecting their appeals, incidentally I thought the Referee had a decent game he was always looking to keep the game flowing. In the 27th minute Rob Hayes scored to put us one goal up. The in the 36th minute we witnessed one of the goals of the season when a ball out of defence on the left hand side from Jack Kitchen to Midget who threaded the ball back to Jack who made a run towards the Penistone goal he then tried to 'back heel the ball' to Midget, but only managed to play the ball forward, it looked at one stage that he had lost possession, but Jack managed to knock the ball square to Will, who then hit the ball as sweet as a nut into the bottom corner of the Penistone goal, giving their 'keeper no chance. The Penistone supporters acknowledged the goal. Will was at the heart of every attack and it was a typical 'box to box' performance from the captain for the day. At half time the teams went in with score 2-0 to us. After the resumption we layed siege on the Penistone goal and it was no surprise when we went further ahead a free kick just outside the box, which Will took and duly dispatched the ball into the Penistone goal. We were well and truly in control now and further goals from Rob Hayes in the 65th minute, followed by a rare 'goal' for us at least from Dave Woodcock, in the 70th minute, which was quickly followed by Rob Hayes in the 73rd minute who completed his hat trick. In the 78th minute Craig Williams got his name on the score sheetafter coming on as sub for Mark Richards, when he was put through and tucked the ball home to make the score 7-0 to us. Subs coming on Arron taking over from Tony and Andy coming on for Lee Jordan. Man of the Match, Will Senior who played the captains part and with his midfield partner Mark Richards were always looking to encourage the rest of the lads. Another good days work, with another three points in the 'bag'

Team: Joe Gant, Richard Pierpoint, Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, Lee Jordan (Andy Cruise), Will Senior, Mark Richards (Craig Williams), Tony Slater (Arron Larkin), Martin Jones, Rob Hayes.

Unused Subs : Simon Mould, Marc Maddy

Below is a Match Report for the game verses High Green Villa on Saturday 26th January 2008

Our game verses High Green Villa saw the first outing of the season for Joe Gant who took over in goal from Ben Brunt who was on 'a day at the races'. Will Senior took the captains arm band in the absence of Ben. In the first half we kicked towards the 'Tip end' on a day that saw a swirling wind, that was slightly in our favour. We went ahead on 4 minutes when Simmy was played in by Rob Hayes, Simmy easily beating their keeper. On 21 minutes we went further ahead when a clearance from Joe Gant which went well into their half, catching their defence square, the ball finding Rob Hayes who went on one of his runs and slotted the ball home.. We weren't having it all our own way, with a High Green Villa side that was always looking to go forward but excellent work by our midfield destruction team of Mark Richards and captain Will were always in evidence, giving their attack little chance to shine. I doubt if there is stronger midfield pairing in the County Senior League as Mark and Will. Just before half time we increased our lead when good work from Midget down the left hand side allowed Rob Hayes to score his second goal of the game. Half time 3-0

Play resumed with Villa putting us under some pressure, going close on a couple of occasions. In the 55th minute they capitalised on their pressure when they pulled a goal back, but you are always vulnerable when you have just scored and this was proved in the 56th minute when some 'sloppy play in their defence, left one of their defenders making a mess of a back pass to their keeper. Rob Hayes persistence personified when he closed the keeper down putting under pressure , the keeper played the ball against Rob, who then picked up the loose ball and knocked the ball into the empty net. A just reward for Rob, who never stopped running he never let their defence settle, constantly working their back four. In the 59th minute Arron came on for Marc Maddy, the Villa goal had several more close calls one included Rob rounding their keeper only to see his effort strike the upright. In the 67th minute Tony came on for Jack and in the 75th minute Richard Pierpoint came on for Midget, who was ready for the well earned rest, his running at defenders with the ball, is constant source of danger. In the 81st minute victory was well and truly sealed after Arron punished with a shot from just outside the box. Another three points final score 5-1. Man of the match Rob Hayes a well earned hat- trick and one assist. A special mention for Joe Gant who deputised for Ben and did not let the side down.

Team: Joe Gant, Marc Maddy, (Arron Larkin) Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, (Tony Slater) Lee Jordan, Will Senior (Captain), Mark Richards, Martin Jones, (Richard Pierpoint) Simon Mould, Rob Hayes Unused sub: Andy Cruise

Scorers: Rob Hayes 21,44,56 Simon Mould 4 Arron Larkin 81

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Blackburn Railway on Saturday 12th January 2008

We welcomed Blackburn Railway to Grange Park hoping to 'avenge' our 1-1 draw from the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, which was one of our least effective displays. For the first time for a few weeks, Adam decided to change the format, handing starts to Marc Maddy, Arron Larkin and Tony Slater. Taking their place on the bench Jack Kitchen, Will Senior and Andy Cruise. From the outset our two wide men were seeing plenty of the ball both Lee and Midget making telling crosses for our strikers Rob and Simmy. It was no real surprise from one of Midgets run we opened the scoring in the 8th minute. In the 29th minute we increased our lead when Midget taking a throw in from the right, launched a long one into their 'box' this caused confusion and their defender ended up heading past his keeper. Continuous pressure on the Blackburn defence saw us campened in their half without adding to our score. In one of the rare Blackburn raids on our goal, Dave Woodcock managed to regain possession broke quickly from defence and passed to Midget who went took the ball forward and scored. The second half went very much like the first, the Blackburn goal leading a charmed life but it was to Blackburn credit that they didn't let their heads drop and kept plugging away. We were unable to add to our total and in the 70th minute Adam decided to shake it up a bit, when he introduced Will,Jack and Andy replacing Lee,Arron and Simmy. In the 80th minute with Ben in the danger of going to sleep through lack of involvement was pushed up front and Jack Kitchen replaced him in goal. The final score 3-0. Man of the match Midget.

Team: Ben Brunt, Marc Maddy, Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Arron Larkins , Lee Jordan, Tony Slater

Mark Richards, Martin Jones, Simon Mould, Rob Hayes. Subs: Will Senior, Jack Kitchen, Andy Cruise

Below are Match Pictures for the game verses Blackburn Railway on Saturday 12th January 2008

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Bramley Sunnyside on Saturday 5th January 2008

For our first game of the new year we travelled to the Bill Hawes Ground at Bramley to take on Bramley Sunnyside in the rearranged 'local derby'. For the the third game in a row Adam was able to announce an unchanged team. From the kick off we attacked down the slope with a very strong winter sun in the Bramley 'keepers eyes, having the majority of the play we kept their defence under constant pressure, probing runs down the right hand side by Lee Jordan were causing no end of problems to their back four. Both our strikers Rob Hayes and Simmy Mould went close on a couple of a occasions. Midget with his long throws in to the box was also giving their 'keeper problems. On the 41st minute we went into the lead when from good work on the right, Lee Jordan shot from the corner of the 'box' which beat their keeper but Rob Hayes, following in like any good striker should do, made sure and put the ball in the back of the net, to add to his increasing tally of goals.

The second half saw us kick up the slope, the sun was now in Ben's eyes, we again took the game to Bramley and just like in the first half we had the majority of the play with Will Senior and Mark Richards always involved. In the 72nd minute we went went further ahead, when Midget picked up the ball around the half way line, after good work by Jack Kitchen and whilst under pressure from a Bramley defender, hit a cross cum shot, which took a wicked deviation. From where we were all stood on the touchline thought that the ball was going over the bar and then all of a sudden it dropped over their keepers head giving him no chance. Minutes later we thought we had killed the game off when Mark Deeley put Simmy through who turned their keeper and with the goal at his mercy put the ball wide.

In the 80th minute Bramley pulled a goal back when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Phil Roberts curled it over our 'wall' Ben managed to get a touch on it, but it deflected onto the upright and back into play and Bramley's No 6 Wayne Johnson knocked the ball into the unguarded net. For the next five minutes or so Bramley put us under pressure as they went in search of the equaliser, but one of the redeeming features of our play this season is we know how to defend, we eventually weathered the storm and came out victors 2-1. The man of the match for us was Lee Jordan who never stopped running and he was replaced towards the end of the game by Tony Slater , Mark Deeley picked up a knock and was 'subbed', Marc Maddy coming on along with Aaron Larkin

Team: Ben Brunt, Richard Pierpoint, Mark Deeley (Marc Maddy), Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, Lee Jordan (Tony Slater) Will Senior, Mark Richards, Midget Jones, Simmy Mould, Rob Hayes Unused sub Andy Cruise

Below is a Match Report for the game verses Caribbean Sports on Saturday 29th December

On Saturday we welcomed Caribbean Sports to Grange Park for a top of the table clash, which promised to be a 'cracker'. We were able to put out an unchanged team, fielding the same team that did so well at De La Salle, the team as follows: Ben Brunt, Richard Pierpoint, Mark Deeley, Dave Woodcock, Jack Kitchen, Lee Jordan, Will Senior, Mark Richards, 'Midget' Jones, Simon Mould, Rob Hayes. On the bench, Adam Cruise. Tony Slater, Marc Maddy. From the kick off we were attacking the 'Tip' end of the ground against a very strong blustery wind, which was always going to prevent a good game of football. Caribbean started much as we thought they would, using the power of their front two but we gradually gained the upper hand and in the 20th minute our leading scorer Rob Hayes opened the scoring. Although they had the wind at their backs the Caribbean had yet to test Ben in goal, in wasn't until the 35th minute did they manage a shot on goal, when the very experienced mid fielder ex, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United player Andy Kiwomya had a shot easily dealt with by Ben Brunt. In the 39th minute we went further ahead when Simmy Mould scored with a 'cheeky goal' At half time with the score 2-0 in our favour, we turned round with the wind at our backs. The game followed very much the same pattern as the first half with Caribbean starting to take control and in the the 67th minute they managed to pull one back. Our defence was coming under the 'cosh' but well marshalled by Dave Woodcock and 'Cat' Deeley they weathered the storm and were eventual winners 2-1.It was never going to be a classic but I felt that both teams to be congratulated for providing an entertaining game in severe weather conditions. No one player stood out for man of the match award, all the players turned in quality performances

Below is a Match Report for the game verses De La Salle on Saturday 22nd December

For our last game before Christmas the first team travelled to the illustrious surrounding of Beauchief Abbey to play De La Salle , hoping to keep up the winning 'habit' welcomed back in to the line up, after injury was midfielder Mark Richards missing from the starting eleven was recent signing Craig Williams who is presently suspended. This required Adam to shuffle round the midfield and front two. The line up as follows: Captain Ben Brunt in goal, Richard Pierpoint, Dave Woodcock, Mark Deeley, Jack Kitchen, Mark Richards, Will Senior, 'Midget' Martin Jones, Lee Jordan, Simon Mould. Rob Hayes. On the bench Marc Maddy, Andy Cruise, Tony Slater

For the first 20 minutes or so it was an even contest with De La Salle , taking advantage of their undulating sloping pitch and proving difficult to break down, That was until the 22nd minute when their defence was caught napping by a quick break and our leading scorer Rob Hayes pounced on a beautiful through ball to slot the ball home from close range. The second goal wasn't long in following when Simmy Mould twisted and turned their defence and left them standing to score with a left foot shot. At half time it was 2-0 A second half starting very much like they left off. and in the 52nd minute Simmy scored beating their keeper from the corner of the 18 yard box to bend the ball quite exquisitely to the keepers left, although three goals to the good we always felt that De La Salle could come back at us and after three substitutions, Adam replacing Rob Hayes, Midget, Richard Pierpoint this became apparent when for the next 15 minutes or so De La Salle began to press and put us under a bit of pressure but Will Senior working tirelessly in midfield we began to get back on top and in the 87th minute Lee Jordan scored to put the game beyond our opponents. We eventually ran out 4-0 winners. The Man of the Match: Will Senior.