Outstanding afternoon for players, coaches, parents, and carers.
For the third consecutive week, the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League put on a fantastic afternoon of football for its players, coaches, parents and spectators. Last Sunday, it was the turn of our five-a-side teams to take centre stage at Goals Sheffield, with 8 Junior County Cup ties preceding 19 League fixtures across 4 Divisions, including the newly-formed League Two, write Margaret Gregory and Colin Muncie for http://www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.
There was a warm welcome for the team from Barton Inclusive, and a return to competitive action for two teams from Social Eyes, with the teams from Rawmarsh engaged in two of the opening County Cup ties.
Social Eyes Green participated in a thrilling encounter with Spartans, whose coach, Darren Sharp, takes up the story. “The first match of the season for both teams were in the Junior County Cup, with Social Eyes taking a healthy lead at half-time. Spartans vastly improved in the second half, however, despite goals from Matt, Jacob and Paul and terrific saves in goal by Jake, Social Eyes clung on for the win.
“Spartans FC wish all the best to Socialeyes Green in the next round.”
In the adjoining pitch four, Social Eyes White suffered a baptism of fire despite a brave display against City Knights. The Knights were clinical in their finishing and eased into the next round.
“Sheffield FC’s new five-a-side Championship team made their debut against Bradford Diamonds in the County Cup.“ Sheffield’s Scott Gregory and fellow coaches Kevin, Liam and Morgan told us, “Bradford raced into a three goal lead in the first half given their expected early nerves. Two quick goals at the start of the second half from Adam Kitchener and Blake Williams scoring on their debuts pulled it back to 3-2. Adam Kitchener nearly made it 3-3 with a rocket of a shot that hit the crossbar. Bradford went on to score a fourth near the end to make the final score 4-2 to Bradford.”
Here’s Bradford’s Paul Jubb on the game. “In the County Cup game the Diamonds got off to a dream start going 3-0 up at half-time with goals from Harvinder, Hashim and Matty; but the Sheffield Purples scored straight from the kick off and then got another to make it 3-2 but Man of the Match Matty scored the fourth to win 4-2 and set up a next round clash against our own Premier Green team.”
A good win for Sheffield Black over Club Doncaster Titan Blue was watched by the coaching team from Sheffield FC. “Sheffield FC’s debut in the 5-a-side Premiership started life with a bang with a 3–1 victory against Club Doncaster Titans Blue in the Cup,” Scott and team told us. “There were two first-half goals from Kyle Johnson and another by Charley Docking in the second-half. Sheffield did concede in the last seconds, but with great play and a professional attitude throughout, managed to see the game out.”
Titans’ John Hibbert was philosophical about the result. “When we went into Game One, I thought we were ready – but when Sheffield Black scored their first goal, a few heads dropped; but don’t get me wrong, it was end-to-end stuff. We played really well, and we were in their half all the time. With Luke’s assist, Jamie scored his first goal, but we lost.”
“It was a good game, but we just couldn’t score again.”
Liam Taylor watched his Titans Yellow side progress at the expense of Derek Dooley Green. “It was an end-to-end game at the start of the game and Barney opened the scoring and they equalised straight from kick off; then Barney went close to make it 2-1, Barney made it a great hat trick and Titans were 3-1 up. Dooley made it 3-2 in the second-half, then 3-3. Titans made it 4-3 from Thomas and Barney made it 5-3, but Dooley made it 5-4 straight from kick off. We won 5-4 in the County Cup! What a game; I was really proud of everyone who played for Titans, and I am over the moon with their performance.”
Bradford Emeralds lost their Cup tie with Barton Inclusive. Paul Jubb told www.southyorkshireabilityleague.com, “the Emeralds Cup game was against Barton from two Leagues above us, and we were easily beaten, despite us having 7 players on the pitch. Nick got our goal even though he was wearing two left boots!!; and Darren was outstanding in goal for us.”
In the remaining tie, Derek Dooley Blue defeated Bradford Fuchsia in a cracking game of football. “The Fuchsias played Derek Dooley, who are a League below them in the County Cup and lost 7-6 in a thrilling game,” Paul Jubb told us. “Harriet scored 2 goals and Alyssa who was making her debut after moving up from League 2, scored an amazing 4 goals and was Woman of the Match – but it wasn’t enough as the Fuchsias crashed out of the Cup!”
Derek Dooley Blue’s Claire Cowlishaw told us; “The Blue team started their Cup campaign against Bradford Ladies Fuchsia team. This was an end-to-end game with both teams scoring and both goalkeepers saving goals. Believe scored a hat trick, Jordan scored and Reuben too, but that’s where the cup run ends.”
So, to the Premier Division, and Derek Dooley White team had a few new team members, and these were their first competitive matches. “They had a good first game against Sheffield Black and narrowly lost 2-1,” Dooley’s Claire reported. “There were some good performances with solid defence by Jordan B and Craig in goal, who saved it being a bigger win for Sheffield.”
Dooley White’s second game was against Bradford Green. “The team had a reshuffle,” Claire told us, “there were good performances from everyone who tried their best; well done to Luke who made his first appearance with his brother’s team. The second half saw Tom go in goal and Craig had a run out. They put on a good show against a good team.”
Club Doncaster Titans went down to Sheffield Black. “The game was end-to-end; we had a much better game. Sheffield scored but the lads kept their heads and started to play our game, and half time was 1-0. We came out in the second half; we defended well and controlled the game. I thought that was our turning point; we still lost 1-0 but got our confidence back.”
Titans Blue went down to City Knights Red in their next game. “We started to hold our own, but Liam beat himself up – he couldn’t get his shots on target. We were not using our team mates the way we should. We were making mistakes, losing our heads; then Cam was late in a bad tackle, Liam lost his cool, so Cam was sin-binned. Luke then got injured so Cam came back on but by then our focus had gone. The guys enjoyed it; so now we need to learn to be strong on the ball, make our passes crisper and we need to show care for our team mates. We need to learn to pass and move and make space for the killer pass.”
Sheffield FC Black’s Scott Gregory told us, “our last match was a tough game against a quick and exciting Derek Dooley White, but, after a tight contest, Sheffield finished off the day 2-1 victors with goals from Charley Docking and Kyle Johnson.”
Scott thought that it had been a wonderful day for all his clubs. “All our coaches are incredibly proud of our players and the professionalism they showed,” Scott said. “We want more of the same for the next fixtures.”
City Knights Red’s Sharon Lavender described her team’s afternoon. “Our first match was against Bradford City Green,” Sharon said. “It was a tight first half and Knights pressed forward early; midway through, Liam took the ball off a Bradford defender and slotted it into the corner of the net making us 1-0 up. In the second half Bradford soon equalised; their second goal came as a lucky shot, our keeper Paul looked like he had covered it – but it bounced in front of him then bounced over his hands as he dived into the net. Bradford got another goal after that. The final score was 3-1 to Bradford.”
“Our second match was against Titans Blue,” Sharon added, ”we re-organised the layout and came out strong in the first half. The opening goal came after 5 minutes, Eddie Williams squared it to Mark Boyes and Mark slammed it in the net. Not long after Titans pulled one back leaving it 1-1, but just before half time Mark pulled one back leaving it 2-1. With heads high and focused the players were on fire. The second half brought more delight for the Knights as they communicated and gelled well to achieve more goals, Kieron with determination to get the ball back and as he did, he blasted into Titans goal, with which we removed a player. The fourth goal was assisted by Eddie Williams, who crossed to Chris Brown who shot it through the Titans keeper’s legs. The final score was 5-1.”
“Well done guys so proud of you!” Sharon added. “Thank you, Titans Blue, for giving us a good game, and also thank you to all the support that was given on the day, from the referees and Managers, committee members to our own players relatives and players.”
“Well done to all the teams on the day!”
So, after two League fixtures, Bradford City Green and Sheffield FC Red lead the way with maximum points. City Knights have three points from that one win, and both Derek Dooley White and Titans Blue will be looking to get off the mark next month.
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Bradford City FITC Disability Green | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Sheffield FC Disability 5-a-side (Black) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | City Knights Red | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Club Doncaster Titans FC (Adult) Blue | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Derek Dooley Football Academy White | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Into the Championship, and Club Doncaster Titans played their first League match since forming in April of this year. They faced Barton Inclusive, as Martin Taylor told us, “this was end-to-end stuff and there was some brilliant football from both sides, but Barton took the lead 1 – 0. After the Titans Ladies lost the lead, they all pulled together and started working together, bonding as a team, and played brilliant football; the Ladies were unlucky not to equalise. A brilliant double save from Kaz Roberts kept it at 1-0 at this time. We were so proud of the Ladies and how they pulled together, but after a lucky break Barton make it 2 – 0 and that was the final score.”
“I was so proud of you ladies – how you played and pulled together,” was Martin’s summary.
Titans Ladies played their part in a history making match against Bradford City Ladies, the first all ladies match in the SYACL.
The game was end-to-end again, both teams played brilliant football and in the brilliant spirit of the game. It was going to be hard for someone to score because both teams were playing brilliant football, with both keepers in great form, but Bradford scored a well taken goal. After conceding the goal the Titans Ladies knuckled down and put the pressure on the Bradford Ladies, and but for some brilliant saves by Gemma in the Bradford goal the Titans would have equalised. The Titan’s ladies worked hard to get the equaliser which was scored by Zena Romain making it 1 – 1. After this the Titans Ladies were buzzing and playing brilliant football. It looked like the first all Ladies match was going to end in a draw but the Bradford Ladies just managed to score again with two minutes to go to make it 2 – 1, which was the final score.”
Here’s Martin’s final word on the day, “I was so proud to be the stand in coach today for the Titans Ladies team today whilst your normal coach Steph Hall was on holiday.”
Paul Jubb gave us the Bradford viewpoint. “The last game saw the first ever all-women’s clash in the South Yorkshire League against Club Doncaster Titans Women’s team. In another tight game the Fuchsias came out winners with another two goals from Anna to win 2 – 1 and go joint top of the Championship.“
Bradford Fuchsia came out worthy winners in another brilliant game with Bradford Diamonds. “Their last game was the much anticipated and talked about game, since the fixture came out a month ago, Ladies versus Men,“ said Paul. “It didn’t disappoint – the Diamonds men’s team took the lead twice but it was the Fuchsia Ladies who came out on top 3-2; after being down twice 1-0 & 2-1. They came back to win 3-2 with all the goals coming from hat trick hero Anna.”
Sheffield Purple began life in the Championship with a repeat fixture against Bradford City Diamonds after their earlier Cup confrontation. Bradford won 3-1 as Scott and his coaching team of Kev, Liam and Morgan explained. “It was a close game with chances at both ends, but Bradford were more clinical with their finishing. Adam Kitchener scoring the only goal for Sheffield.”
Paul Jubb gave us Bradford’s reaction. “Diamonds again had to play Sheffield Purple in their 1st League game, and it went pretty much the same way; this time the Man of the Match was hat-trick hero Hashim.”
In the last match Sheffield Purple played another team new to the League in Barton Inclusive. “It was another close game with Barton going into a one goal lead; then just before half time Steven scored to equalise on his debut for Sheffield,” Scott Gregory reports. “In the second half both teams went for the win and Barton managed to get a second goal. Just before the end, Adam Kitchener let fly with a shot that hit the upright which would have made the score 2-2, and would have been a fairer result.”
Scott was delighted. “What a heroic effort by all our players, most of them had never played a competitive game before these fixtures,” he said. “We’re really proud of all the players and they will have learnt a lot from their first experience of competitive football.”
Two games into the new season then, and the impressive Barton Inclusive and Bradford Fuchsia lead the way with two wins each. Bradford Diamonds are third, and both Titans Ladies and Sheffield Purple can consider themselves really unfortunate not to take anything from the day.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Barton Inclusive Football Club Inter Bar | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Bradford City FITC Disability Women’s | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Bradford City FITC Disability Diamonds | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Club Doncaster Titans FC (Adult) Ladies | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Sheffield FC 5’s (Purple) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
In League One, Spartan’s coach Darren Sharp described his club’s two League games, starting with another excellent game with Rawmarsh St Joseph’s Social Eyes which followed their earlier Cup thriller. “The following match between the teams was the first game of the season, which again proved to be a tight affair throughout, with Social Eyes Green grabbing two late goals to seal the win,” Darren recounted.
“Spartans were full of confidence for their last match of the day against Dooley Blue,” Darren added. “Jake played outfield scoring two sensational goals, but despite heroic defending by Dom and Sam and great saves in goal by Oliver, Dooley Blue were the better team and deservedly secured a comfortable win.”
Darren was pleased with his players and the afternoon as a whole. “Spartans FC enjoyed the start of the new season,” he added, “both on the pitch and the time spent during matches socialising together in the bar area between matches.“
Dooley Blue’s Claire takes up her side’s start to the League One campaign. “Now for League duties in the first game against Aston,” Claire told us. “The team took on board the words from Nathan their coach and played some lovely football against a physical side but went 3-0 up. Unfortunately, Aston goalkeeper received an injury and had to go off, so we took a player off to even it out. Our players then went on to two touch football and there was some lovely passing between Jordan and Rueben. There were some good saves from Ryan, but we went on to win the game.”
“The second game against the Spartans saw Believe scoring with his first touch.” Spartans then equalised; there was some solid defending by Cody and great goalkeeping from Ryan; we went on to win against the seven players of Spartans.”
Elsewhere, Rawmarsh St. Joseph’s Social Eyes Green added to that fine win over Spartans with another hard-fought win over James Scally’s Aston Swallownest, playing their first match day in the 5-a-side League.
As a result, Social Eyes share top spot in the table with Derek Dooley Blue, both with 100% records. Doncaster Deaf Trust will join the competition soon, and Aston Swallownest and Spartans will be hoping to build on their strong displays by getting some points on the board next month.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Derek Dooley Football Academy Blue | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Rawmarsh St Joseph’s J.F.C. Social Eyes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Doncaster Deaf Trust FC White | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Aston Swallownest Juniors Disability Tea | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Spartans FC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Into League Two, and a super day for Club Doncaster Titans Yellow as Liam Taylor told www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com. “We won our first match against Derek Dooley Green,” Liam told us. “Derek Dooley opened the scoring 1-0 and from a Titans kick off Derek Dooley scored to make 2-0. Barney scored to make it 2-1 at half time.” “In the second half Derek Dooley scored to make it 3-1, Paul scored to make it 3-2 and again to make it 3-3. Christian scored to make it 4-3 to the Titans for the first time in the game; Derek Dooley levelled to make it 4-4. Barney scored to make 5-4, Titans made it 6-4 and although Derek Dooley made it 6-5 from a free kick, we won 6-5 in another end-to-end game.”
“Titans edged it 6-5; what an impressive performance, and again I am really happy with each and every one of them, “ Liam told us.
Titans then again came out on top against Bradford City (Emeralds), as Liam describes. “Matt B made 1-0, Barney made it 2-0. After Bradford made 2-1, Barney made 3-1, Christian made it 4-1. Bradford got the score back to 4-3 and we won the game.”
“What a great performance – I am really happy” Liam summed up. “Meanwhile, Bradford Emeralds were on the receiving end of a defeat to City Knights White.”
We had all eight of our players on and the City Knights Whites annihilated us,” Paul Jubb told the website.
“Luckily, we still had one game left and a much more even game against Doncaster Titans Yellows,“ Paul added. “Jake even scored a couple of rare goals for him! We lost 4-3 but it was a far more enjoyable experience than the game before.“
Derek Dooley Green played their first League game with Club Doncaster Titans Yellow. Here’s Claire Cowlishaw. “Now to League action against Doncaster again. This was quite even, and Titans came out on top, with a good performance by all our players trying their best.”
“Then it was Rawmarsh to play,” Claire went on, “and a solid consistent performance by all the team saw them take another win. It was a tough first day for Social Eyes White, but there was some joy for Stuart late in the game as he scored a penalty to notch his side’s first ever goal.”
So, after five matches in League Two, two wins each for City Knights White and Doncaster Titans Yellow sees the clubs sharing the early lead in the table. Derek Dooley Green have three points, with Bradford Emeralds and Social Eyes White ready to do battle again next month.
LEAGUE TWO TABLE
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | City Knights White | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Club Doncaster Titans FC (Adult) Yellow | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Derek Dooley Football Academy Green | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Bradford City FITC Disability Emeralds | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Rawmarsh St Joseph’s J.F.C. Social Eyes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
So, the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League takes a couple of weeks off before the Junior teams are back in action at Goals Sheffield next month.
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Here come the photos.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 