28.02.18 // SHAW SPEAKS OF 'BATTLING ATTRIBUTES' AHEAD OF SPALDING GAME.
Sheffield FC host Spalding United this Saturday in the Evo-Stik First Division South, where both teams look to end their winless runs, writes Luke Phelps.
Last time out, Sheffield hosted Romulus in what was a crucial game at the bottom of the league. Sheffield started the better team but a straight red card for Julian Lawrence saw the Roms take the lead just after the restart. James Gregory equalised before Romulus scored a second midway through the second half. When all looked lost, Adam Chapman stepped up with a 95th minute equaliser to save a point.
Though a surprise win for Gresley against leaders Basford puts Club in the relegation place.
Sheffield are still without a win since New Year's Day, having won just 5 in the league all season, a league low. Though this is not reflective of recent performances, having picked up 6 points in the last 6 games.
Opposition Spalding are also struggling, having not yet won in six games of 2018. United were pushing for a play-off place earlier in the season but recent form has dropped them to 15th in the table, just six points above Sheffield at the bottom of the league.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game, Sheffield manager Mark Shaw has said: "It's another must win match against a very experienced and tough team. We have to build from our performance on Saturday, and continue to show battling attributes."
Shaw also hopes to have a fully-fit team to pick from, with striker Grant Ryan returning to fitness.
See Club in action from 3pm on Saturday at The Coach and Horses.
Last time out, Sheffield hosted Romulus in what was a crucial game at the bottom of the league. Sheffield started the better team but a straight red card for Julian Lawrence saw the Roms take the lead just after the restart. James Gregory equalised before Romulus scored a second midway through the second half. When all looked lost, Adam Chapman stepped up with a 95th minute equaliser to save a point.
Though a surprise win for Gresley against leaders Basford puts Club in the relegation place.
Sheffield are still without a win since New Year's Day, having won just 5 in the league all season, a league low. Though this is not reflective of recent performances, having picked up 6 points in the last 6 games.
Opposition Spalding are also struggling, having not yet won in six games of 2018. United were pushing for a play-off place earlier in the season but recent form has dropped them to 15th in the table, just six points above Sheffield at the bottom of the league.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game, Sheffield manager Mark Shaw has said: "It's another must win match against a very experienced and tough team. We have to build from our performance on Saturday, and continue to show battling attributes."
Shaw also hopes to have a fully-fit team to pick from, with striker Grant Ryan returning to fitness.
See Club in action from 3pm on Saturday at The Coach and Horses.
26.02.18 // SHAW: "WE DESERVED THE WIN - EVEN WITH 10 MEN."
Sheffield FC manager Mark Shaw says his team “deserved to win” against Romulus at The Coach and Horses on Saturday, where 10-man Sheffield drew 2-2 with a late goal, writes Luke Phelps.
Shaw described the game it as a “massive game” before kick off, and his team started the better and should’ve been ahead when James Gregory shot high from close range in the first half.
As the half was coming to an end though, defender Julian Lawrence was shown a straight red for a high challenge: “I thought it was a red” said Shaw. “He’s off the floor and he’s not in control of his body and then he’s caught the player, so it’s a red card.”
“I thought there was a dubious elbow and a dubious penalty decision in the first half – I think he got one right and probably 2 or 3 wrong... I think this games probably been a bit too bit for the referee and I don’t think we had the rub of the green today.”
Club started in a 4-4-2 formation but had to rearrange at the break with the dismissal of Lawrence. After the restart, Sheffield were a goal behind but found an equaliser through Gregory, who finished off the post with a neat half-volley: “I’ll choose the formation that I think will win the game. Don’t read into it – were looking for a formation that will win us a game of football.”
“It’s not about finding the magic formula, it’s about winning football games.”
The game looked beyond Sheffield when Romulus scored a second through Malachi Farquhason, but in the 5th minute of injury time, Adam Chapman blasted into an open net for the equaliser: “Today we were good. We deserved to win the game even with 10-men, because we were the better side for 90 minutes.”
“If we had 11 men and it was an even contest, then maybe we’d have won the game. Julian's made a poor decision... he’s been sent off and now were probably going to be without him for 2-3 games.”
“Player-wise, everybody put in 100% today, they’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do. Yes, we should have won the game, even with 10-men. And yes, I’m proud of them.”
The shock result of the day was bottom club Gresley beating leaders Basford United 1-0, a result which leaves Sheffield bottom of the table: “It doesn’t matter what’s going on around us. All we can do is win football games.”
Next up for Mark Shaw's Sheffield is another home tie, against Spalding United from 3pm on Saturday.
Shaw described the game it as a “massive game” before kick off, and his team started the better and should’ve been ahead when James Gregory shot high from close range in the first half.
As the half was coming to an end though, defender Julian Lawrence was shown a straight red for a high challenge: “I thought it was a red” said Shaw. “He’s off the floor and he’s not in control of his body and then he’s caught the player, so it’s a red card.”
“I thought there was a dubious elbow and a dubious penalty decision in the first half – I think he got one right and probably 2 or 3 wrong... I think this games probably been a bit too bit for the referee and I don’t think we had the rub of the green today.”
Club started in a 4-4-2 formation but had to rearrange at the break with the dismissal of Lawrence. After the restart, Sheffield were a goal behind but found an equaliser through Gregory, who finished off the post with a neat half-volley: “I’ll choose the formation that I think will win the game. Don’t read into it – were looking for a formation that will win us a game of football.”
“It’s not about finding the magic formula, it’s about winning football games.”
The game looked beyond Sheffield when Romulus scored a second through Malachi Farquhason, but in the 5th minute of injury time, Adam Chapman blasted into an open net for the equaliser: “Today we were good. We deserved to win the game even with 10-men, because we were the better side for 90 minutes.”
“If we had 11 men and it was an even contest, then maybe we’d have won the game. Julian's made a poor decision... he’s been sent off and now were probably going to be without him for 2-3 games.”
“Player-wise, everybody put in 100% today, they’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do. Yes, we should have won the game, even with 10-men. And yes, I’m proud of them.”
The shock result of the day was bottom club Gresley beating leaders Basford United 1-0, a result which leaves Sheffield bottom of the table: “It doesn’t matter what’s going on around us. All we can do is win football games.”
Next up for Mark Shaw's Sheffield is another home tie, against Spalding United from 3pm on Saturday.
24.02.18 // CHAPMAN SAVES LATE POINT AGAINST ROMULUS.
10-man Sheffield FC draw 2-2 with relegation rivals Romulus in a feisty affair at the bottom of the Evo-Stik First Division South, writes Luke Phelps.
A goalless first half was capped with the dismissal of Julian Lawrence for Sheffield, who after the restart were a goal behind through Romulus forward Zak Lilly. James Gregory equalised for Sheffield with a deft finish inside the box before Romulus took the lead again through Malachi Farquhason. When all looked lost, Adam Chapman stepped up to save a point for Sheffield in the 5th minute of injury time.
Sheffield lined up in their third different formation in three games, opting for a 4-4-2 with Damian Magee coming in at left back and Leon Osbourne returning to the team up front.
Roms kicked off and started the game as the better side. Zak Lilly had a chance to score when Matt Yates’s miskick found him 40 yards from goal, but his effort was wayward. The visitors were claiming for a penalty minutes later, when David Howarth went down under pressure from Julian Lawrence, but referee Martin Beard didn’t agree.
After a nervy opening Sheffield were beginning to string some passes together and had a great chance to score 7 minutes in when Adam Chapman played through James Gregory who ran towards Billy Spink in the Roms goal, but sent his effort high over the bar.
With 25 minutes down the game was more of an even encounter. Romulus were hitting Sheffield on the counter but Club remained slightly more on top. Mark Shaw’s team were piling the ball into the box with set-pieces and ling throws, and had a penalty shout of their own when Chapman seemed to be shoved over in the Romulus box.
Both teams massively needed the win coming into today, with 1 point separating Roms in 20th and Club in 21st. With the half drawing to a close it seemed the intensity of this fixture had effected the players, with the referee dishing out 3 first half yellow cards.
Despite dominating possession for large parts of the first 45, Sheffield were almost behind when a low cross wriggle through to Lilly at the back post who struck past Yates, but not past Julian Lawrence who stood firm on the goal line to clear.
Lawrence has been a prominent figure in the Sheffield XI of late, but was no longer a part of the game after being shown a straight red on 43. As Romulus broke with Howarth, Lawrence came flying in and seemingly over the top of the ball. The referee paused for a second before showing a straight red to Lawrence.
After the restart Chapman filled in a centre half and Andrew Gascoigne in central midfield leaving Leon Osbourne as the lone striker.
Lilly hard been Roms biggest threat all afternoon and got the goal that he probably deserved a minute into the second half. Malachi Farquharson was played through for a one-on-one with Yates inside the box and had his initial effort saved. The rebound though fell kindly to the on-rushing Lilly who tapped into an empty net.
Damian Magee came in for his first start since October and had a tough day back at The Coach and Horses, before being replaced by Alex Brown on the hour mark.
With the lead theirs, Romulus had no need to push Sheffield and sat back, remaining dangerous on the counter throughout the game. But Yates, making his home debut, had another strong performance in goal for Sheffield.
With 20 minutes of the game remaining, it looked as though Club were beaten but out of nowhere James Gregory (71) made the game level again. Captain Gascoigne picked up the ball on half way and after beating several players, found himself in the box. Gazza shot at a Roms defender and the loose ball fell to Gregory who half volleyed against home off the post.
What was a feisty encounter had now settled. Both teams look satisfied with a point but it was not to be as Farquharson (81) put Romulus back in front. An in-swinging corner met the head of a Roms defender but the effort was blocked. With the ball bouncing around the Sheffield box, Farquharson kept his cool and rifled the ball home from close.
With the game coming to an end, Shaw introduced the pace Rod Orlando-Young to the Sheffield attack. As always at The Coach and Horses, late drama is never too far away and this encounter were to be no different. With Sheffield throwing everything at the Roms with seconds left, a long ball found the feet of Luis Morrison who squared the ball to Chapman (90+5) who quickly found his feet and fired to ball into an empty net.
Sheffield FC: Yates, Turner, Morrison, Lawrence, Magee (Brown 55), Yates (Worrall 66), Chapman, Finlaw, Gregory (Orlando-Young 90), Gascoigne, Osbourne.
Attendance: 216
A goalless first half was capped with the dismissal of Julian Lawrence for Sheffield, who after the restart were a goal behind through Romulus forward Zak Lilly. James Gregory equalised for Sheffield with a deft finish inside the box before Romulus took the lead again through Malachi Farquhason. When all looked lost, Adam Chapman stepped up to save a point for Sheffield in the 5th minute of injury time.
Sheffield lined up in their third different formation in three games, opting for a 4-4-2 with Damian Magee coming in at left back and Leon Osbourne returning to the team up front.
Roms kicked off and started the game as the better side. Zak Lilly had a chance to score when Matt Yates’s miskick found him 40 yards from goal, but his effort was wayward. The visitors were claiming for a penalty minutes later, when David Howarth went down under pressure from Julian Lawrence, but referee Martin Beard didn’t agree.
After a nervy opening Sheffield were beginning to string some passes together and had a great chance to score 7 minutes in when Adam Chapman played through James Gregory who ran towards Billy Spink in the Roms goal, but sent his effort high over the bar.
With 25 minutes down the game was more of an even encounter. Romulus were hitting Sheffield on the counter but Club remained slightly more on top. Mark Shaw’s team were piling the ball into the box with set-pieces and ling throws, and had a penalty shout of their own when Chapman seemed to be shoved over in the Romulus box.
Both teams massively needed the win coming into today, with 1 point separating Roms in 20th and Club in 21st. With the half drawing to a close it seemed the intensity of this fixture had effected the players, with the referee dishing out 3 first half yellow cards.
Despite dominating possession for large parts of the first 45, Sheffield were almost behind when a low cross wriggle through to Lilly at the back post who struck past Yates, but not past Julian Lawrence who stood firm on the goal line to clear.
Lawrence has been a prominent figure in the Sheffield XI of late, but was no longer a part of the game after being shown a straight red on 43. As Romulus broke with Howarth, Lawrence came flying in and seemingly over the top of the ball. The referee paused for a second before showing a straight red to Lawrence.
After the restart Chapman filled in a centre half and Andrew Gascoigne in central midfield leaving Leon Osbourne as the lone striker.
Lilly hard been Roms biggest threat all afternoon and got the goal that he probably deserved a minute into the second half. Malachi Farquharson was played through for a one-on-one with Yates inside the box and had his initial effort saved. The rebound though fell kindly to the on-rushing Lilly who tapped into an empty net.
Damian Magee came in for his first start since October and had a tough day back at The Coach and Horses, before being replaced by Alex Brown on the hour mark.
With the lead theirs, Romulus had no need to push Sheffield and sat back, remaining dangerous on the counter throughout the game. But Yates, making his home debut, had another strong performance in goal for Sheffield.
With 20 minutes of the game remaining, it looked as though Club were beaten but out of nowhere James Gregory (71) made the game level again. Captain Gascoigne picked up the ball on half way and after beating several players, found himself in the box. Gazza shot at a Roms defender and the loose ball fell to Gregory who half volleyed against home off the post.
What was a feisty encounter had now settled. Both teams look satisfied with a point but it was not to be as Farquharson (81) put Romulus back in front. An in-swinging corner met the head of a Roms defender but the effort was blocked. With the ball bouncing around the Sheffield box, Farquharson kept his cool and rifled the ball home from close.
With the game coming to an end, Shaw introduced the pace Rod Orlando-Young to the Sheffield attack. As always at The Coach and Horses, late drama is never too far away and this encounter were to be no different. With Sheffield throwing everything at the Roms with seconds left, a long ball found the feet of Luis Morrison who squared the ball to Chapman (90+5) who quickly found his feet and fired to ball into an empty net.
Sheffield FC: Yates, Turner, Morrison, Lawrence, Magee (Brown 55), Yates (Worrall 66), Chapman, Finlaw, Gregory (Orlando-Young 90), Gascoigne, Osbourne.
Attendance: 216
21.02.18 // ROMULUS PREVIEW
Sheffield FC return to The Coach and Horses this weekend where they face Romulus in a relegation six-pointer in the Evo-Stik First Division South, writes Luke Phelps.
Club are without a win since New Year's Day, and without a home win since early November. Last weekend the team travelled to league leaders Basford United. After a goalless first half, Mark Shaw's Sheffield team were frustrating United, who opened the scoring within minutes of the restart, before going on to put 4 past debutant goalkeeper Matt Yates.
Scoring goals in front of our own crowd seems to be an issue, having netted in just 1 of the last 4 home games and the task of scoring against Romulus will be made harder with the absence of target man Grant Ryan.
Romulus lay in 20th place of the table, 1 place and 1 point above Sheffield who have 3 games in hand. After a dire start to the season, conceding 62 goals in their first 20 games, Romulus have begun to find form with the appointment of Richard Evans as manager.
In their last 10 outings, Romulus have conceded 10 and scored 16, picking up an impressive13 points with wins against Market Drayton, Chasetown and Loughborough Dynamo.
Last weekend the team hosted Cleethorpes Town, and lost 3-2 after a hard-fought game.Mark Shaw spoke of the importance of this upcoming fixture after defeat at Basford, and speaking ahead of Saturday has said: "It’s a massive game and it’s a game we need to win… We need to make sure our players are fully fit and raring to go."
See Club in action from 3pm at The Coach and Horses on Saturday.
Club are without a win since New Year's Day, and without a home win since early November. Last weekend the team travelled to league leaders Basford United. After a goalless first half, Mark Shaw's Sheffield team were frustrating United, who opened the scoring within minutes of the restart, before going on to put 4 past debutant goalkeeper Matt Yates.
Scoring goals in front of our own crowd seems to be an issue, having netted in just 1 of the last 4 home games and the task of scoring against Romulus will be made harder with the absence of target man Grant Ryan.
Romulus lay in 20th place of the table, 1 place and 1 point above Sheffield who have 3 games in hand. After a dire start to the season, conceding 62 goals in their first 20 games, Romulus have begun to find form with the appointment of Richard Evans as manager.
In their last 10 outings, Romulus have conceded 10 and scored 16, picking up an impressive13 points with wins against Market Drayton, Chasetown and Loughborough Dynamo.
Last weekend the team hosted Cleethorpes Town, and lost 3-2 after a hard-fought game.Mark Shaw spoke of the importance of this upcoming fixture after defeat at Basford, and speaking ahead of Saturday has said: "It’s a massive game and it’s a game we need to win… We need to make sure our players are fully fit and raring to go."
See Club in action from 3pm at The Coach and Horses on Saturday.
18.02.18 // SHAW: "ROMULUS GAME IS MASSIVE"
Sheffield FC manager Mark Shaw stresses the importance of this weekend's fixture against Romulus, after a 4-0 defeat at league-leaders Basford, writes Luke Phelps.
Club went into half-time at 0-0 after a strong start to the game. Andrew Gascoigne and Luis Morrison had chances to open the scoring in the first half but within the first minute of the second, Basford found their opening goal. From then on it was damage limitation for Sheffield, who haven't won since New Years Day.
Speaking after the game, Sheffield manager Mark Shaw said: "I thought we were solid first half. They probably had the better chances and in the second half they just stuck the gear up, and conceding a goal so quick is a disaster and then they just built on top of that with confidence and composure. We just couldn’t get back into the game.
"I'm disappointed with how the game filtered out and we probably could've put up more of a fight with around ten minutes to go but we didn’t and disappointingly it's just filtered into a 4-0. We got beat 4-0 in 44 minutes, it's extremely disappointing."
Shaw opted for a 5-3-2 formation at Basford: "We went to try and almost beat them at their own game. We thought we had more exposure today and we thought with our three at the back we'd look after their two up top, and we thought our two up front would've caused them a few more problems.
"The first half we kind of nullified each other and it was a bit of a brutal contest and in the second half, we stopped doing what we were
doing and they exploded. It's very important that you look at what went wrong and what you can do to make it better."
Basford's Greenwich Avenue Stadium is on one of the few at this level of football to have a 3G pitch: "They play on it and train on it twice a week, it's an advantage to them and the way they're able to use it. They’ve got a very good team with football league players, players who have played in the conference and won this league in the past. We're up against it - there's a reason why they're top of the league."
After signing for Sheffield on a month long youth-loan on Friday, Derby County's Matt Yates made his debut in goal for Club: "It could've been 6 if it wasn’t for young Yates. From my point of view he's only going to get better."
Next up for Sheffield is relegation rivals Romulus: "It's massive now. We got to start looking at every game as a battle to the end and we can't look at it saying 'it's alright we'll play the next one', Romulus is massive. All the top sides got beat today. Everyone's had a free hit, not gained anything not lost anything. There's a lot of work to do next week, let's hope we can go and get a result.
See Club in action from 3pm this Saturday at The Coach and Horses.
Club went into half-time at 0-0 after a strong start to the game. Andrew Gascoigne and Luis Morrison had chances to open the scoring in the first half but within the first minute of the second, Basford found their opening goal. From then on it was damage limitation for Sheffield, who haven't won since New Years Day.
Speaking after the game, Sheffield manager Mark Shaw said: "I thought we were solid first half. They probably had the better chances and in the second half they just stuck the gear up, and conceding a goal so quick is a disaster and then they just built on top of that with confidence and composure. We just couldn’t get back into the game.
"I'm disappointed with how the game filtered out and we probably could've put up more of a fight with around ten minutes to go but we didn’t and disappointingly it's just filtered into a 4-0. We got beat 4-0 in 44 minutes, it's extremely disappointing."
Shaw opted for a 5-3-2 formation at Basford: "We went to try and almost beat them at their own game. We thought we had more exposure today and we thought with our three at the back we'd look after their two up top, and we thought our two up front would've caused them a few more problems.
"The first half we kind of nullified each other and it was a bit of a brutal contest and in the second half, we stopped doing what we were
doing and they exploded. It's very important that you look at what went wrong and what you can do to make it better."
Basford's Greenwich Avenue Stadium is on one of the few at this level of football to have a 3G pitch: "They play on it and train on it twice a week, it's an advantage to them and the way they're able to use it. They’ve got a very good team with football league players, players who have played in the conference and won this league in the past. We're up against it - there's a reason why they're top of the league."
After signing for Sheffield on a month long youth-loan on Friday, Derby County's Matt Yates made his debut in goal for Club: "It could've been 6 if it wasn’t for young Yates. From my point of view he's only going to get better."
Next up for Sheffield is relegation rivals Romulus: "It's massive now. We got to start looking at every game as a battle to the end and we can't look at it saying 'it's alright we'll play the next one', Romulus is massive. All the top sides got beat today. Everyone's had a free hit, not gained anything not lost anything. There's a lot of work to do next week, let's hope we can go and get a result.
See Club in action from 3pm this Saturday at The Coach and Horses.
17.02.18 // BASFORD 4-0 SHEFFIELD.
Sheffield FC lose 4-0 at Basford in the Evo-Stik First Division South, as the league leaders prove their worth in the second half, writes Luke Phelps.
Basford’s Fernando Bell-Toxtle scored with his first touch of the game just seconds after the restart, converting from close range. Rob Duffy got the second for Basford when he pounced on a rebounded effort inside the six yard, before Ashley Grayson made it 3 for Basford midway through the second half. Defender Deon Meikle headed home a fourth for Basford late on.
Sheffield kicked off in a 3-5-2 formation with Rob Worrall and James Gregory returning to the starting XI.
Both teams started positively resulting in a fairly open first 15. Basford had efforts with striker Duffy but nothing was troubling Matt Yates, who made his debut in goal for Sheffield after signing on loan from Derby County yesterday.
The long throw of Connor Bartle was a popular attack for Basford throughout the first half, and it almost led to a goal when the loose ball was prodded just wide from Grayson inside the six yard box.
Yates had a busy afternoon today, and was first called into action on 20 where he produced a fantastic save to his right from point blank range when Basford forward Liam Hearn shot from inside the box.
Attacking possession eluded Sheffield for the first half hour, as they found themselves defending a lot of Basford set-pieces. But Callum Harrison who replaced the injured Nyoni, brought an element of calmness to the Sheffield midfield, as his team began to interchange passes.
By the end of the first half Sheffield had Basford on the back foot. Skipper Andrew Gascoigne had a thunderous strike from 20 yards saved by the Basford keeper, who parried the ball into the path of Luis Morrison who couldn’t find his footing in time.
The half time whistle came at a bad time for Sheffield, who conceded the first goal of the game just seconds after the restart. Bell-Toxtle had only been on the pitch for a matter of seconds, but it was he who gave Basford the lead. After failing to clear the loose ball, Bell-Toxtle (46) was quickest to react and the forward hammered the ball into the roof of the net.
After the deficit Mark Shaw's Sheffield side remained calm as they had done through the first 45, and continued to take the game to Basford.
But the lead was soon doubled for Basford. An in-swinging cross met the head of Hearn who’s effort rebounded off the cross bar and left Duffy (65) with a tap-in for 2-0.
Despite a double substitution from Shaw, his side were soon behind by 3 goals and this time it was defender Grayson (72), who found himself one-on-one with Yates inside the box, and finished coolly to put the game beyond Sheffield.
With the 3 goal cushion Basford were now playing free-flowing football and almost had 4 through Hearn and Harry Wakefield attempts.
Club continued to push for a consolation goal though, and substitute Rod Orlando-Young, who also made his debut today, looked liveliest for Sheffield in the final 20 and almost fashioned a chance for fellow substitute Luke Francis.
For all of Sheffield's bravery though, the opposition held too much quality and they got their fourth late on. Grayson again involved crossed the ball from the right hand side, his cross meeting the head of Deon Meikle (88) who finished low past Yates.
That was the final talking point of an eventful second half, where table-topping Basford continued their fantastic season in the Evo-Stik First Division South.
Team: Yates, Turner, Lawrence, Morrison, Chapman, Brown, Nyoni (Harrison 26), Worrall (Orlando-Young 71), Finlaw, Gascoigne (Francis 71), Gregory.
Basford’s Fernando Bell-Toxtle scored with his first touch of the game just seconds after the restart, converting from close range. Rob Duffy got the second for Basford when he pounced on a rebounded effort inside the six yard, before Ashley Grayson made it 3 for Basford midway through the second half. Defender Deon Meikle headed home a fourth for Basford late on.
Sheffield kicked off in a 3-5-2 formation with Rob Worrall and James Gregory returning to the starting XI.
Both teams started positively resulting in a fairly open first 15. Basford had efforts with striker Duffy but nothing was troubling Matt Yates, who made his debut in goal for Sheffield after signing on loan from Derby County yesterday.
The long throw of Connor Bartle was a popular attack for Basford throughout the first half, and it almost led to a goal when the loose ball was prodded just wide from Grayson inside the six yard box.
Yates had a busy afternoon today, and was first called into action on 20 where he produced a fantastic save to his right from point blank range when Basford forward Liam Hearn shot from inside the box.
Attacking possession eluded Sheffield for the first half hour, as they found themselves defending a lot of Basford set-pieces. But Callum Harrison who replaced the injured Nyoni, brought an element of calmness to the Sheffield midfield, as his team began to interchange passes.
By the end of the first half Sheffield had Basford on the back foot. Skipper Andrew Gascoigne had a thunderous strike from 20 yards saved by the Basford keeper, who parried the ball into the path of Luis Morrison who couldn’t find his footing in time.
The half time whistle came at a bad time for Sheffield, who conceded the first goal of the game just seconds after the restart. Bell-Toxtle had only been on the pitch for a matter of seconds, but it was he who gave Basford the lead. After failing to clear the loose ball, Bell-Toxtle (46) was quickest to react and the forward hammered the ball into the roof of the net.
After the deficit Mark Shaw's Sheffield side remained calm as they had done through the first 45, and continued to take the game to Basford.
But the lead was soon doubled for Basford. An in-swinging cross met the head of Hearn who’s effort rebounded off the cross bar and left Duffy (65) with a tap-in for 2-0.
Despite a double substitution from Shaw, his side were soon behind by 3 goals and this time it was defender Grayson (72), who found himself one-on-one with Yates inside the box, and finished coolly to put the game beyond Sheffield.
With the 3 goal cushion Basford were now playing free-flowing football and almost had 4 through Hearn and Harry Wakefield attempts.
Club continued to push for a consolation goal though, and substitute Rod Orlando-Young, who also made his debut today, looked liveliest for Sheffield in the final 20 and almost fashioned a chance for fellow substitute Luke Francis.
For all of Sheffield's bravery though, the opposition held too much quality and they got their fourth late on. Grayson again involved crossed the ball from the right hand side, his cross meeting the head of Deon Meikle (88) who finished low past Yates.
That was the final talking point of an eventful second half, where table-topping Basford continued their fantastic season in the Evo-Stik First Division South.
Team: Yates, Turner, Lawrence, Morrison, Chapman, Brown, Nyoni (Harrison 26), Worrall (Orlando-Young 71), Finlaw, Gascoigne (Francis 71), Gregory.
16.02.18 // BASFORD (A) PREVIEW.
Sheffield FC travel to the unbeaten League leaders Basford United this Saturday, in the Evo-Stik First Division South, writes Luke Phelps.
Basford managed 28 league games unbeaten till last month, they run came to an end at Stamford AFC. So with just 1 loss and 23 win in the league this season, United lie in 1st place with 21 points separating themselves with 2nd placed Bedworth United.
Their last outing was a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United, who beat Sheffield 2-1 last month in a bitterly disappointing away trip. That was United’s 10th straight home win, and the 3rd times this season that they’ve scored 5+ at home.
As for Sheffield, they’ll be heading into this game a little bit fresher with the postponement of Tuesday night’s game at home to Spalding United.
New Years Day's victory at Stocksbridge was Sheffield’s last in the league, with draws against Stamford and Alvechurch in between. Sheffield are proving to be something of a force on the road losing just 1 of their last 6 away trips, thumping Cleethorpes in their own back garden 4-0 in the process.
So as Sheffield look to rectify their narrow 2-1 defeat back in the reverse fixture back in September, they also look to be the only team to conquer Basford in their own Greenwich Avenue Stadium. Sheffield manager Mark Shaw has said: “It’s going to be a very difficult game to be honest. Basford are flying and have been all season.
“I’ve been and watched them a few times and they have a lot of quality players so it’s going to be a good game. Our players have worked hard over the last couple weeks.
“We need to be positive and work hard, have a never say die attitude and we have to keep going for 90minutes.”
See Club in action at Basford this Saturday from 3pm.
Basford managed 28 league games unbeaten till last month, they run came to an end at Stamford AFC. So with just 1 loss and 23 win in the league this season, United lie in 1st place with 21 points separating themselves with 2nd placed Bedworth United.
Their last outing was a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United, who beat Sheffield 2-1 last month in a bitterly disappointing away trip. That was United’s 10th straight home win, and the 3rd times this season that they’ve scored 5+ at home.
As for Sheffield, they’ll be heading into this game a little bit fresher with the postponement of Tuesday night’s game at home to Spalding United.
New Years Day's victory at Stocksbridge was Sheffield’s last in the league, with draws against Stamford and Alvechurch in between. Sheffield are proving to be something of a force on the road losing just 1 of their last 6 away trips, thumping Cleethorpes in their own back garden 4-0 in the process.
So as Sheffield look to rectify their narrow 2-1 defeat back in the reverse fixture back in September, they also look to be the only team to conquer Basford in their own Greenwich Avenue Stadium. Sheffield manager Mark Shaw has said: “It’s going to be a very difficult game to be honest. Basford are flying and have been all season.
“I’ve been and watched them a few times and they have a lot of quality players so it’s going to be a good game. Our players have worked hard over the last couple weeks.
“We need to be positive and work hard, have a never say die attitude and we have to keep going for 90minutes.”
See Club in action at Basford this Saturday from 3pm.
03.02 // SHEFFIELD 2-2 ALVECHURCH.
10-man Sheffield FC battled to the bitter end to salvage a point at home to Alvechurch with a 2-2 draw in the Evo-Stik First Division South, writes Luke Phelps.
Josh March gave Alvechurch the lead after half an hour from the penalty spot, before an own goal from Andy Parsons got Sheffield on level terms. But an unavoidable own goal from Ben Turner put Sheffield behind for the second time in the game, before Adam Chapman salvaged a late, scrappy equaliser for Club.
Sheffield adopted a previously unseen 4-1-3-2 formation with Sam Finlaw playing in the deep lying midfielder role, Adam Chapman moving into midfield and Grant Ryan pairing with Kuda Muskwe up front. New loan signing Luis Morrison, who is famed for his appearance on TV's Love Island, started as centre back on his Club debut.
One week on from the disappointing trip to Newcastle Town, there was a sense of optimism flooding The Coach and Horses where the new-look Sheffield side took on the well-supported Alvechurch. Club have suffered from a lack of goals of late but an added striker seemed to give Sheffield the upper hand on the opening 5 minutes. Grant Ryan had a headed effort from a corner saved, and Rotherham loanee Kuda Muskwe was looking for those darting runs in behind the Church defence.
Sheffield’s latest centre back partnership became well occupied as Clubs early dominance had quickly faded. The visitors almost took the lead on 14, when a free kick whipped onto the penalty spot met the head of Church midfielder Andy Parsons who’s flicked header ricocheted off the unknowing head Julian Lawrence, before looping up and rebounding off the corner of the goal frame.
Church had Sheffield pegged back in their own half for much of the first half, and got the lead which they probably deserved on 29 minutes. Debutant Morrison had a positive start to his Sheffield career but was responsible for giving away a penalty after a late, but not malicious tackle on Church striker March. Tom Turton stepped up for the visitors, and sent Louis Jones the wrong way for the lead.
The set back looked to have injected some life into Sheffield attack, but the team were dealt a harsh blow when captain and talisman, Andrew Gascoigne was forced off with injury. Despite the loss Sheffield continued to push get an equalizing goal that would lift them back out of the relegation zone. Chapman and Ryan had ranged efforts on goal for Club, who went in for the break a goal behind
One can imagine that Mark Shaw was not best pleased with his side at half time, but soon after the restart they found themselves back defending. For the first time in the game though, Sheffield manager to launch something of a counter attack on Alvechurch. Ryan played an early cross into strike partner Muskwe who’s exquisite first touch set him up for a close range one on one with Church keeper Lewis Gwilliams. But rushing in to prevent a goal was Parsons (49) for Alvechurch, who’s lunging leg looped the ball over his own keeper, putting a club back on level terms.
There was an air of misfortune descending upon The Coach and Horses, and it’s next victim was Sheffield s Ben Turner. On the attack again, March volleyed towards goal from the corner of the box for Church. A well-driven shot was pawed away by Jones and so unfortunately, off of the shins of Turner (53) for an own goal.
Again it needed a goal deficit to kick some life into the Sheffield team. Cecil Nyoni came close to his first goal for the club with a low shot from the edge of the box whistling just wide of the post. Jones had another top performance for Sheffield keeping his team in the game throughout but with a fresh attacking line, Sheffield were enjoying a good spell of possession in the opposition half. Finlaw had a thunderous shit blocked inside the box, and Lawrence sped from deep to touch a Rob Worrall cross just wide.
5 minutes of the game remaining and Mark Shaw's team were endlessly pushing for an equaliser and substitute Leon Osbourne missed a golden opportunity when Ryan crossed low for Osbourne on the edge of the six yard box. The frustration of the team Sheffield team was beginning to spill over and with just 2 minutes left Ryan was shown red. After the referee blew for a Ryan foul, the striker appeared to show dissent towards the referee, which resulted in his dismissal.
It all seemed over with Sheffield now down to 10 men and still a goal behind. Though their persistent perseverance in the second half miraculously paid off when captain fantastic Adam Chapman (90+1) tapped home the equaliser. A swinging Worrall free kick hit Lawrence at the back post. The defender who had another good performance, squared the ball across the face of goal and there was Chapman to finish.
Sheffield FC: Jones, Turner, Brown, Lawrence, Morrison, Finlaw, Nyoni (Worrall 70), Gascoigne (Gregory 35) Chapman, Ryan, Muskwe (Osbourne 61).
Alvechurch: Gwilliams, Ashmore, Foster, Turton, Parsons, Carter C, Bellis, Yates, Reeves, Lloyd, March.
Attendance: 220.
Josh March gave Alvechurch the lead after half an hour from the penalty spot, before an own goal from Andy Parsons got Sheffield on level terms. But an unavoidable own goal from Ben Turner put Sheffield behind for the second time in the game, before Adam Chapman salvaged a late, scrappy equaliser for Club.
Sheffield adopted a previously unseen 4-1-3-2 formation with Sam Finlaw playing in the deep lying midfielder role, Adam Chapman moving into midfield and Grant Ryan pairing with Kuda Muskwe up front. New loan signing Luis Morrison, who is famed for his appearance on TV's Love Island, started as centre back on his Club debut.
One week on from the disappointing trip to Newcastle Town, there was a sense of optimism flooding The Coach and Horses where the new-look Sheffield side took on the well-supported Alvechurch. Club have suffered from a lack of goals of late but an added striker seemed to give Sheffield the upper hand on the opening 5 minutes. Grant Ryan had a headed effort from a corner saved, and Rotherham loanee Kuda Muskwe was looking for those darting runs in behind the Church defence.
Sheffield’s latest centre back partnership became well occupied as Clubs early dominance had quickly faded. The visitors almost took the lead on 14, when a free kick whipped onto the penalty spot met the head of Church midfielder Andy Parsons who’s flicked header ricocheted off the unknowing head Julian Lawrence, before looping up and rebounding off the corner of the goal frame.
Church had Sheffield pegged back in their own half for much of the first half, and got the lead which they probably deserved on 29 minutes. Debutant Morrison had a positive start to his Sheffield career but was responsible for giving away a penalty after a late, but not malicious tackle on Church striker March. Tom Turton stepped up for the visitors, and sent Louis Jones the wrong way for the lead.
The set back looked to have injected some life into Sheffield attack, but the team were dealt a harsh blow when captain and talisman, Andrew Gascoigne was forced off with injury. Despite the loss Sheffield continued to push get an equalizing goal that would lift them back out of the relegation zone. Chapman and Ryan had ranged efforts on goal for Club, who went in for the break a goal behind
One can imagine that Mark Shaw was not best pleased with his side at half time, but soon after the restart they found themselves back defending. For the first time in the game though, Sheffield manager to launch something of a counter attack on Alvechurch. Ryan played an early cross into strike partner Muskwe who’s exquisite first touch set him up for a close range one on one with Church keeper Lewis Gwilliams. But rushing in to prevent a goal was Parsons (49) for Alvechurch, who’s lunging leg looped the ball over his own keeper, putting a club back on level terms.
There was an air of misfortune descending upon The Coach and Horses, and it’s next victim was Sheffield s Ben Turner. On the attack again, March volleyed towards goal from the corner of the box for Church. A well-driven shot was pawed away by Jones and so unfortunately, off of the shins of Turner (53) for an own goal.
Again it needed a goal deficit to kick some life into the Sheffield team. Cecil Nyoni came close to his first goal for the club with a low shot from the edge of the box whistling just wide of the post. Jones had another top performance for Sheffield keeping his team in the game throughout but with a fresh attacking line, Sheffield were enjoying a good spell of possession in the opposition half. Finlaw had a thunderous shit blocked inside the box, and Lawrence sped from deep to touch a Rob Worrall cross just wide.
5 minutes of the game remaining and Mark Shaw's team were endlessly pushing for an equaliser and substitute Leon Osbourne missed a golden opportunity when Ryan crossed low for Osbourne on the edge of the six yard box. The frustration of the team Sheffield team was beginning to spill over and with just 2 minutes left Ryan was shown red. After the referee blew for a Ryan foul, the striker appeared to show dissent towards the referee, which resulted in his dismissal.
It all seemed over with Sheffield now down to 10 men and still a goal behind. Though their persistent perseverance in the second half miraculously paid off when captain fantastic Adam Chapman (90+1) tapped home the equaliser. A swinging Worrall free kick hit Lawrence at the back post. The defender who had another good performance, squared the ball across the face of goal and there was Chapman to finish.
Sheffield FC: Jones, Turner, Brown, Lawrence, Morrison, Finlaw, Nyoni (Worrall 70), Gascoigne (Gregory 35) Chapman, Ryan, Muskwe (Osbourne 61).
Alvechurch: Gwilliams, Ashmore, Foster, Turton, Parsons, Carter C, Bellis, Yates, Reeves, Lloyd, March.
Attendance: 220.
29.01 // ZOE JOHNSON: POST-MATCH.
Fans were treated to a thriller at The Coach and Horses on Saturday, where Sheffield Ladies held out for a dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in WSL2, writes Luke Phelps.
Mel Johnson opened the scoring for Club early on when she pounced on a rebound inside the box. The visitors equalised through a penalty before Johnson scored a carbon copy of the first to restore Clubs lead.
With 10 remaining of the first half Sheffield’s Hannah Cain and Tottenham’s Sophie McClean were both shown red for an off the ball incident. This didn’t faze Club though as Johnson finished from close to secure a first half hat-trick.
Seconds after the restart Tottenham made it 2-2 through Bianca Baptiste before Jenna Dear received a second yellow, and her marching orders for Sheffield. Now with 9 players on the pitch, Sheffield sat deep and punished Spurs on the counter through Katie Anderson.
Sophie Wiltshere pulled one back for Spurs with a looping finish but Sheffield stood firm and held out for all 3 points, on a dramatic day off football in WSL2.
Speaking after the game, Sheffield manager Zoe Johnson said: “For the fans it was an absolutely fantastic game, hopefully it gets more of them back down.
“It had everything that could possibly be thrown at you in a game: a penalty and 2 red cards against a very good side . The girls stayed resilient and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.
“We’ve come so close in our last few league games. They shoe the same desire week in week out and we end up getting a little but unfortunate in games and sometimes you need a bit of luck to go your way.”
Hannah Cain’s red card was somewhat controversial, with the exact details still to be uncovered. “I think it had been going on for a while” said Zoe on Cain’s sending off, “Our player has got some marks but I don’t know about theirs. Well review the footage. There’s not really much we can say about it because we didn’t see it.”
Next up for Sheffield Ladies is an away trip to Durham in the FA Cup. “It’s a massive game at the weekend said Zoe, “I was just saying to the girls that we massively deserved that and it’s been coming for a long time. That win should hopefully shape out season and the Durham game.
“If we shoe the character we showed today and possess the qualities we had in the first half in possession, then hopefully the game will go out way. Durham are a fantastic team and we’ve played them a lot, in the cup and in the league for the last few seasons. It’s always a hard fought game and we’re going to have to be at our very best.”
Mel Johnson opened the scoring for Club early on when she pounced on a rebound inside the box. The visitors equalised through a penalty before Johnson scored a carbon copy of the first to restore Clubs lead.
With 10 remaining of the first half Sheffield’s Hannah Cain and Tottenham’s Sophie McClean were both shown red for an off the ball incident. This didn’t faze Club though as Johnson finished from close to secure a first half hat-trick.
Seconds after the restart Tottenham made it 2-2 through Bianca Baptiste before Jenna Dear received a second yellow, and her marching orders for Sheffield. Now with 9 players on the pitch, Sheffield sat deep and punished Spurs on the counter through Katie Anderson.
Sophie Wiltshere pulled one back for Spurs with a looping finish but Sheffield stood firm and held out for all 3 points, on a dramatic day off football in WSL2.
Speaking after the game, Sheffield manager Zoe Johnson said: “For the fans it was an absolutely fantastic game, hopefully it gets more of them back down.
“It had everything that could possibly be thrown at you in a game: a penalty and 2 red cards against a very good side . The girls stayed resilient and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.
“We’ve come so close in our last few league games. They shoe the same desire week in week out and we end up getting a little but unfortunate in games and sometimes you need a bit of luck to go your way.”
Hannah Cain’s red card was somewhat controversial, with the exact details still to be uncovered. “I think it had been going on for a while” said Zoe on Cain’s sending off, “Our player has got some marks but I don’t know about theirs. Well review the footage. There’s not really much we can say about it because we didn’t see it.”
Next up for Sheffield Ladies is an away trip to Durham in the FA Cup. “It’s a massive game at the weekend said Zoe, “I was just saying to the girls that we massively deserved that and it’s been coming for a long time. That win should hopefully shape out season and the Durham game.
“If we shoe the character we showed today and possess the qualities we had in the first half in possession, then hopefully the game will go out way. Durham are a fantastic team and we’ve played them a lot, in the cup and in the league for the last few seasons. It’s always a hard fought game and we’re going to have to be at our very best.”