Today it’s the final 5-a-side matchday at Goals Sheffield and the chance for the 5-a-side teams to celebrate the life of our late secretary Darren Warner. Once again his widow, Sharon and family will join us to present the prizes. Join us later in the week for a complete roundup of all the games.
We have received the missing City Knights 7-a-side match reports, so as a pre-cursor to this afternoon you can relive last weeks games.
Sharon Lavender, secretary/manager of City Knights, began with a thank you to Sharon Warner for presenting the City Knights with the 7-a-side Premiership WINNERS CUP!
Well done guys we are all so proud of you, you deserve this!
Sharon continued, “thank you Colin for all you and Margaret and Mike have done for us to keep this league going and keeping us safe.”
“I felt so honoured to have been asked asked to say a few words in memory of our dear friend Darren. It was lovely that Sharon and Jordan were there to hear how much Darren did for us and meant to us, also to let Sharon know she isn’t alone we are a football family and we stick together and support each other, and we are here to support her and her boys too.We appreciate it wasn’t easy for her to be there without Darren.
We had 3 matches our first was against Bradford City Claret. Final score 4-0 to The Knights. Our Second match was against Bradford City Blue. Final Score 4-0 to Bradford. Third and final match was against Bradford City Blue. Final Score 6-0 to The Knights.
Sharon continued, “our first match for the 7-a-side Premiership was against Sheffield Red and we were playing to win the League Cup and the guys certainly played their hearts out!
The first match the guys put the pressure on straight away. Kyle Hancock with a great assist for Stephan MacDonald who ploughed in a great goal. Then the next 3 goals were assisted well by Jordan Bratby for Kyle Hancock to get his hat-trick. Adam Wyatt did well in goal ending up with a clean sheet. Great team work guys!
Second match against Sheffield Red they seemed to have put all their energies into the first game, but by the third match they had recharged their batteries and it showed on the pitch. The first great goal was from Warren Foster and assisted by David Barker, the next one was assisted by Jordan Bratby and scored by Kyle Hancock. The next one was a great one, two pass by Kyle Hancock to Warren Foster to score a great goal, the next goal came just before the first half with a great assist by Jordan Bratby and a great volley by Kyle Hancock. This was the start of another hat-trick for Kyle Hancock, with assists by Jordan Bratby, Warren Foster, David Barker. Grant Chapman, Adrian Bingham did a great job in defence, another clean sheet for Adam Wyatt. David Barker and Liam Bingham supported well. Jordan Bratby did great on the wing ended up assisting 2 goals. The captain Warren Foster gave great support to his players, whilst scoring 2 goals and assisting one. Steven MacDonald did a great job supporting his team. They all played well together. Well done guys, we are all proud of you.
Still with the passion in their hearts from winning their last game, they showed all they had got in this game. They played amazing! Classic team work, great ball control, great communication amazing defending and fantastic attacking. Well done to Asa Wilson for his fantastic hat-trick plus 1 and Chris Senior for his 2 amazing goals, Dan Purdy for his great goal, and Gavin Fosters’ amazing final goal.”
Captain Stevie G sent this message.
The first game was good as we all concentrated well to get the job done for the title. A solid performance to get the 4-0 win which allowed us to be more creative in the second game. We were able to play a bit more relaxed game and try new things. All this extra freedom showed in the result with an 8-0 win; despite them having an extra player in the second game.
I think mentally we did well, as they were trying to get in our heads, but we didn’t allow them.
All in all I’m very proud of the lads; we thoroughly deserve the title and every single one of the lads should be proud of themselves.
No kit colour clash in any of the matches, so bibs are not required.
Please be reminded that we are still not allowing spectators to attend and only 2 officials for each team permitted . However, there will not be a limit on the player squad numbers, allowing all registered team players the opportunity of participating on the final day.
We will be staging a celebratory memorial in honour of Darren Warner at 3pm, as was done at the 7-a-side fixtures last Sunday and be joined by his wife Sharon and family members.
Trophies and medals to the League winners/ runners up will be made after the last matches in each division.
Following on from our remembrance of SYACL secretary Darren Warner on Sunday, we join with Bradford City Disability FC, one of our teams, as they remember the horrific fire at their stadium on Saturday, 11 May 1985which killed 56.
The Bradford City stadium fire occurred during an English League Third Division match between Bradford City and Lincoln City at the Valley Parade stadium on Saturday, 11 May 1985, killing 56 spectators and injuring at least 265.
The stadium, long-established home to Bradford City Football Club, was known for its antiquated design and facilities, which included the wooden roof of the main stand. Previous warnings had also been given about a major build-up of litter in the cavity below the seats in the stand. The stand had been officially condemned and was due to be replaced with a steel structure after the season ended.
The match against Lincoln City, the final game of that season, had started in a celebratory atmosphere with the home team receiving the Football League Third Division trophy.
At 3.40 p.m., TV commentator John Helm remarked upon a small fire in the main stand; in less than four minutes, with the windy conditions, it had engulfed the whole stand, trapping some people in their seats. In the mass panic that ensued, fleeing crowds escaped on to the pitch but others at the back of the stand tried to break down locked exit doors to escape, and many were burnt to death at the turnstiles gates, which had also been locked after the match had begun.
There were many cases of heroism, with more than 50 people later receiving police awards or commendations for bravery.
The disaster led to rigid new safety standards in UK stadiums, including the banning of new wooden grandstands. It was also a catalyst for the substantial redevelopment and modernisation of many British football grounds within the following thirty years.
Bradford City continues to support the burns unit at the University of Bradford as its official charity.
It’s been an unusual season, to say the very least; but the final 7-a-side matchday didn’t disappoint as the League reached a stunning climax at Concord Sports Centre in Sheffield on Sunday afternoon, writes Margaret Gregory and Colin Muncie for www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.
The afternoon – which stayed dry throughout – also featured a moving tribute to former Secretary Darren Warner, whose wife Sharon and son Jordan spent the afternoon with the teams. The League Committee and clubs made a series of presentations to Sharon, and Aston Swallownest coach James Scally paid his own very personal tribute, as did City Knights coach Sharon Lavender. League Chairman Mike Stylianou led the tributes, which ended with a short poem of remembrance.
Players pay tribute to the late, great Darren Warner.
Vernon Thompson and Julie Lambert led a group of visitors from Sherwood Colliery Ability Counts FC who had made the trip across from Nottinghamshire to pay tribute to their great friend.
Sharon presented the League winners and runners-up with their trophies and medals; with the inaugural Darren Warner Fair Play trophy going to Wheatley Wanderers, chosen by Referees Secretary Sean Wright and his colleagues on the basis of their outstanding sportsmanship during the season. This award meant a great deal to Chris Pow and his squad – the first winners of the trophy in Darren Warner’s name.
Congratulations to them and thank you to Sharon and Jordan for spending the afternoon in the company of the players her husband did so much to champion, support and encourage.
Darren would have been thrilled by the standard of football on show across all three pitches on Sunday, with a number of issues unresolved going into the final day. Sadly, there were no spectators on hand to witness the action, but as always, the League’s Covid-19 safety protocols were rigorously enforced, with temperature checks and track and trace recording on arrival, liberal application of hand sanitiser and each squad remaining in their own bubble when not in competitive action.
It was pretty clear that City Knights Black would emerge as Champions from the Premier Division going into Sunday’s fixtures, and they rounded out their season with two wins over Sheffield Red. Sheffield Black clinched the runners-up spot, drawing with Club Doncaster Titans (White) but gaining three points against Derek Dooley Sheffield United Kicks FC. Dooley coach Claire Cowlishaw reflected on her side’s narrow defeat. “This was a well-balanced match with some good attacking and defending by both teams,” Claire told us. “Dooley were talking to each other and were working together with a few shots, but not getting past the goalkeeper. They went behind just before half time.”
“The second half saw some good solid defending and good goalkeeping by Dom to keep them in the game. Brad got the ball in the net from a free kick sailing past everyone and into the goal; shame no-one touched it to bring them level.”
Dooley’s fared better in their later match with Club Doncaster Titans (White) and clinched all three points. Here’s Claire again; “This match saw a shuffling of positions and Jack going up front where he had a few shots saved. Some solid defending by Adam and great goalkeeping from Nick, saving a few shots and going down to save from his right. Stephen chased a ball stopping it from going out and passing it to Brad who shot and scored to have us winning at half-time. Second half carried on with a balanced match and Elliott scored to increase their lead. Then a shot that couldn’t be stopped brought Doncaster back into the game.”
Claire summed up the afternoon. “It was a great final day of this weird season seeing the team relegated to a more balanced League.”
“This day would have made Darren so proud,” Claire added, “he was a lovely man who will be missed by many. Lovely to hear all the comments, what a man he was, and it was a fitting tribute to create the Darren Warner Fair Play award.”
With the dust finally settled, the 7-a-side Premier Division table looked like this. Congratulations to City Knights Black and Sheffield Black on their fine seasons.
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
City Knights Black
8
7
1
0
8
1
7
22
2
Sheffield Black
8
4
3
1
7
4
3
15
3
Club Doncaster Titans White
8
1
3
4
4
7
-3
6
4
Sheffield Red
8
1
3
4
4
7
-3
6
5
D. Dooley Sheffield United Kicks
8
1
2
5
3
7
-4
5
It couldn’t have been closer in the 7-a-side Championship, setting up a thrilling 8-minute play-off between Bradford City Disability FC Amber and Aston Swallownest Red.
Before that however, both sides had won both of their final day fixtures to share the lead at the top of the table with identical records and on 21 points each.
Bradford City Amber enjoyed two wins over Derek Dooley Orange. Bradford’s Stefan Dubej takes up the story, “Well done to the Ambers – Champions of the Championship!”
“In our first game, the result was Bradford City DFC Ambers 3 Derek Dooley Orange 0. The first half was close but in the second half we got our noses in front and managed to add to that and got a 3-0 win. Goals by George, McKenzie and Jordan.”
Claire Cowlishaw agreed with Stefan’s assessment. “The first game was even in the first half, showing solid performances from Nathan and Richard as leaders and good defending by Clark with some super goalkeeping saves by Nathan F,” Claire told Syacl.com. ”The second half carried on as before, but then a lovely shot by Bradford saw them take the lead. This was soon followed by another -but the team didn’t let their heads go down and kept trying against the top of the League.”
In the second game Bradford City DFC beat Derek Dooley Orange 2-0. “It was the same again in the second game,” Stefan recounted. “We took the lead with a McKenzie thunderbolt followed by an equally good finish from George.”
“The second game carried on at the same pace with both teams making some good runs down, only to be saved by the goalkeepers,” Dooley’s Claire Cowlishaw reported.
Meanwhile, Aston Swallownest Red enjoyed wins over Brunsmeer Awareness -coming from two goals behind – and over Wheatley Wanderers to set up a highly-charged play off.
The 8-minute shoot out saw Bradford City Amber take a two-goal lead, but Aston hit back to set up a tense last few minute.
Stefan reflected on that tense finale. “So, into the play off we went and it was close to start with. Aston had a few chances but some good saves by John kept it equal. We got a free kick and George spotted a gap and belted in the first goal, from near the half-way line, closely followed by some good team work that resulted in another goal from George. Despite a late goal from Aston, we held on for the victory and the win to make us Champions.”
“I’m so proud of all my players for the effort over the season,” beamed Stefan, “and especially today when we knew we had to win all 3 games. Fantastic! I also have to mention Henry who couldn’t be with us this weekend, but has been an important part of the team.”
“My players of the day: John; Chris; James; Jordan; George; Ali; Rhys; Mo and McKenzie – my full squad.”
Wheatley’s Chris Pow gave SYACL.com his take on the afternoon’s events. “We lost our first match to Brunsmeer which was an important game, as we could have escaped relegation with a good win. We put up a great fight, but the game was settled by a good goal on the break.”
Wheatley rounded off their season against title-chasing Aston Swallownest Red. “With nothing to play for but pride, we tried our hardest without subs against this fast, young side,” Chris reported. “Our highlight was Lance scoring a long-distanced shot that got a deflection on its way in.”
“Thanks for a great year. We’ll be back for next season,” Chris signed off; Our congratulations to Wheatley on their well-earned Fair Play award.
Aston Swallownest Red Coach James Scally was disappointed but proud in equal measure. Writing on his Facebook page, James said “Well done to my Aston teams finishing second in both their Leagues.”
“For the Reds, the play-off was a step too far and maybe the occasion got to the lads, which is normal. I’ve not had a play-off before, so it was new to me too. My lads worked so hard, so hopefully it will be third time lucky.”
“We got closer to going up – that’s all I can ask.”
In the other fixture, there was a win for Brunsmeer Awareness, giving them their second win of the campaign, leaving Wheatley in fifth place, but with the well-deserved consolation of the first-ever Darren Warner Fair Play Award.
The frantic finale meant that the final Championship table was as follows, with our congratulations to Bradford City Amber and Aston Swallownest Red.
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Bradford City Amber
9
8
0
1
8
1
7
24
2
Aston Swallownest Red
9
7
0
2
7
2
5
21
3
Derek Dooley Orange
8
2
2
4
4
6
-2
8
4
Brunsmeer Awareness
8
2
1
5
3
6
-3
7
5
Wheatley Wanderers
8
0
1
7
1
8
-7
1
Bradford City Blue went into the final Match Day knowing that they would be crowned as Division One Champions; finishing their campaign with a win and a defeat against City Knights Blue.
Reflecting on the first game, Coach Daniel Johnson told SYACL.com, “we started off a bit sluggish, but Stephen got hold of the ball at the left-hand side of the pitch and struck it. The City Knights keeper seemed to get in front of the ball, but it just managed to go in between the keeper’s legs.
“The second goal came again from Stephen assisted by Luke from the edge ofthe area. The second-half came and the third goal from Tim assisted by Ethan from inside the area; 2 minutes from time Luke stuck a sweet shot from outside the area assisted by Ethan to make it 4. Our Player of the game was Ethan McLaren.”
There was a surprise first defeat in their final game of the season, as City Knights Blue exacted convincing revenge for that earlier defeat. Daniel was philosophical, having rung the changes for that last game. “It was a very shocking score-line that the management team have to take ownership of for changing things around for the second game, Daniel admitted. City Knights played really well winning the first half 4-0 then things got changed back to original line-up, but still we couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net and conceded another 2 goals losing 6-0.”
“Well done to City Knights Player of this Game – Mark Dalton.”
On a happier note, Daniel celebrated a successful season. “Despite the results of the day we had started the day already Champions. A big well done to Bradford City DFC Blues – Champions of League One.”
Aston Swallownest Blue enjoyed a thrilling end to their first season by clinching second place under coach Nathan Fox, who admitted to a tense afternoon! Two wins over Sheffield White meant that despite two wins of their own, Club Doncaster Titans Red couldn’t catch the team from Aston to the delight of coach James Scally.
“For the Blues, their first season has been fantastic; even though on a few match days they have been short of players, it’s a great achievement,” James admitted.
“So well done to both teams – up the Aston Swallownest!”
It was a tough afternoon for Bradford City Clarets, as they went down to City Knights Blues and Doncaster Titans.
“It was a bad day for the Bradford City DFC Clarets again today,” Paul Jubb admitted to Syacl.com. “They lost their first game 4-0 to City Knights Blues. City Knights were too strong on the day and overcame our young side easily.”
“Clarets also lost their second game 6-2 to Doncaster Titans,” Paul added. “There were two good goals from Eddie Ratcliffe at the end of the game.” Steven Jowett was Player of the Day today.”
“This was the Clarets first season at 7-a-side and they have a lot to learn,” Paul concluded. “Their highlight of the season was beating the Bradford City DFC Blues 2 1 at Bradford Goals!”
Congratulations to Bradford City Blue and to Aston Swallownest Blue, who occupy top spots in the final Division One table of the season.
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Bradford City Blue
10
9
0
1
9
1
8
27
2
Aston Swallownest Blue
10
6
0
4
6
4
2
18
3
Club Doncaster Titans Red
10
4
2
4
5
5
0
14
4
City Knights Blue
10
3
4
3
6
6
0
13
5
Bradford City Claret
10
1
3
6
4
9
-5
6
6
Sheffield White
10
0
5
5
3
8
-5
5
So, the 7-a-side season comes to a thrilling, poignant conclusion. Thanks to all our fantastic players, coaches, our Chairman Mike Stylianou, Secretary Paul Jubb and Referee’s Secretary Sean Wright, and of course to our brilliant Website Editor, Margaret Gregory.
Thanks to Sharon Warner and son Jordan for sharing the final day with us, and to Concord Sports Centre for hosting our competition, and congratulations to all our winners.
Next week it’s the turn of the 5-a-side lads and lasses who wrap up their own season at Goals Sheffield.
The SYACL is delighted to report that it has been successful in winning a bid for funding as part of the Football Foundation’s “Return to Football” grant scheme, writes Margaret Gregory for SYACL.com
The Football Foundation is a charity jointly funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and the Government; Return to Football is a £2.1m fund financed by the FA and Sport England, using money from the National Lottery, which was set up to provide grants of up to £2.5k in support of clubs and organisations who were restarting or setting up new football activities.
The SYACL’s bid for funding was successful, with the maximum of £2500 awarded to the League.
Chairman Mike Stylianou, who put together the application, told the SYACL.com “I’m delighted to tell everyone involved with the League that the Return to Football grant from the Football Foundation has now been deposited in the League account.”
“We have a number of projects planned as the League restarts, so this funding will be very welcome.”
“I’d like to thank the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA for their continued support.”
Kit Colour clashes in the matches below, bibs to be taken on the day by all the teams affected ….
Titans Red v Sheffield White
Titans White v Dooley Kicks
Sheffield Black v Titans White
At 2.30pm we will be celebrating the life of Darren Warner and be joined on the day by his wife Sharon and some of his family members.
We kindly request all teams remain with us for the short ceremony to honour Darren’s life and contribution to the League.
Presentation of trophies & medals to teams finishing first or second will be done not long after their second match and not necessarily at the end of the day, as we normally do.
We have been asked by Nathan Batchelor, National Grassroots Leagues Services Manager if we could help promote The FA McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards to our member clubs, referees, coaches, players etc.
The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are for people who make a positive difference. It’s our way to celebrate the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England – and say a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who inspire us all.
Individuals are nominated by someone else (not themselves), while anyone involved in a club or league can nominate their own club and/or league.
SYACL 7-a-side action restarts at Concord Sheffield.
After a gap of over 5 months, Concord Leisure Centre saw the resumption of competitive action in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League, with over 4 hours of 7-a-side competition across the three artificial pitches on Sunday 11th April afternoon. It was as if the teams had never been away, and if the players were lacking any match sharpness, they hid it well, with 17 high-calibre matches played in terrific spirit and in a variety of weather conditions, including the occasional snow flurry, write Margaret Gregory and Colin Muncie for http://www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.
The well-established Covid-19 protocols operated throughout the afternoon, with every player given a temperature check and a healthy dose of hand sanitiser on admission to the venue. Attendance was recorded in line with track and trace requirements, and the matches were expertly handled by Sean Wright and his referee colleagues.
Before the matches got under way, there was a minute’s applause as a mark of respect for the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Premier Division action saw City Knights Black extend their advantage at the top of the table to 5 points over Sheffield Black, with Sheffield Red in third. And Club Doncaster Titans (White) in fourth.
However, despite two battling performances, Derek Dooley Sheffield Kicks left Concord empty-handed after two defeats. Dooley coach Claire Cowlishaw takes up the story for http://www.syacl.com.
“In our first game against Sheffield Red, the team came up against a good side, but Lewis got injured and went off to hospital, and this knocked the lads’ confidence” Claire explained. [After a bit of a wait at A&E Lewis had no broken bones just a very swollen sternoclavicular (which is the front of his shoulder) they said he has got to rest it.]”
Claire continued, “we saw some great defending from Jack and Adam and some good saves by Dom. The game had some lovely passing and Elliott scored to boost his confidence to get a goal back for the lads but the second goal just didn’t come, despite some good runs up the length of pitch by Brad. The lads did well to say they have had a long time away from football through lockdown. I think all were pleased to get back to playing football even if it wasn’t a winning one.”
“In our second game versus Sheffield Black, the Lads changed keeper and Nick went in showing some good saves but was not able to stop some super shots,” Claire told us. “Elliott and Brad had some great shots. In the second half Jack had a great run and scored a consolation goal.”
With one week of the League competition left, the Premiership table looks like this;
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
City Knights Black
6
5
1
0
6
1
5
16
2
Sheffield Black
6
3
2
1
5
3
2
11
3
Sheffield Red
6
1
3
2
4
5
-1
6
4
Club Doncaster Titans White
6
1
2
3
3
5
-2
5
5
D. Dooley Sheffield United Kicks
6
0
2
4
2
6
-4
2
Into The Championship.
It couldn’t be closer with Aston Swallownest Red and Bradford City Amber locked together on 15 points each and with identical goal differences.
Aston Red enjoyed two wins over Wheatley and Derek Dooley Orange. Wheatley Manager Chris Pow describes that first game. “Special mentions to Tony who turned 60 this year, and our man of the match Kieran in goal for putting in great shifts,” Chris told us, “Aston were always 2 or 3 yards in front though, and beat us comfortably. We enjoy playing against this level, and we are enjoying our time in the Championship.”
Claire Cowlishaw looks back on Derek Dooley Orange’s loss to Aston. “All the players were eager to get back to playing football,” Claire told www.southyorkshireabilitycounts league.com. “This was a hard match to start with, playing top of the league. The players put in a valiant effort but were beaten by the better team.”
Bradford City Amber (pictured) had back to back wins over a plucky Brunsmeer Awareness side. Coach Stefan Dubej was delighted with his afternoon’s work.“ Well done to the Ambers today,” Stefan told us.
“Despite only having 6 players we won both games to keep in the running for the League title. In Game 1 we went into an early 3-0 lead, then in the second half let one in to take the score to 3-1. That’s the way it stayed until the final whistle. Our scorers were Mackenzie, Jordan and George.”
“In the second game I think they thought we were still playing the first game,” Stefan added. “We let one in and at half time were 1-0 down.”
After an inspired team talk at half time by the coach we scored 3 goals in as many minutes to seal another victory, with our scorers George with 2 and Mackenzie.”
“Our Player of the Day was John Bigmore for all his amazing saves.”
Brunsmeer star Richard Brown gave us his side’s version of events. “It was a weak start from Brunsmeer as Bradford make it 1-0 in the first few minutes; then a couple of minutes later a goalkeeping mistake from Brunsmeer goalkeeper made it 2-0 to Bradford. A third followed shortly before half time.”
“A much more spirited performance from Brunsmeer in the second made the final score 3-1 to Bradford,” Richard added.
“In game 2, it was a much stronger starting performance from Brunsmeer and in the first few minutes Brunsmeer took the lead and into half time at 1-0,” Richard explained. “Bradford started the second half brightly and got the equaliser a few minutes after the restart; they quickly made it 2-1 and then a 3rd followed shortly after, to make the final score Bradford 3-1 Brunsmeer.”
In the final game of the day, there was a crucial victory for Derek Dooley Orange in a hard fought contest with Wheatley Wanderers. Here’s Claire from Dooley; “This was a more even match and lovely football played with lots of passing between the players. We applied lots of pressure and Stephen broke the deadlock to give the Orange team their second win of the season.”
Wheatley Manager Chris Pow agreed that it had been a close battle with little between the sides. “An early injury and a small squad held us back today, but we put a good game in against old rivals Dooley’s,” Chris said. ”They scored a well-engineered goal, but we had a few good chances ourselves.”
With just one week of League action left, it’s all to play for in the Championship. The table looks like this:
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Aston Swallownest Red
6
5
0
1
5
1
4
15
2
Bradford City Amber
6
5
0
1
5
1
4
15
3
Derek Dooley Orange
6
2
2
2
4
4
0
8
4
Brunsmeer Awareness
6
1
1
4
2
5
-3
4
5
Wheatley Wanderers
6
0
1
5
1
6
-5
1
Congratulations to Bradford City Blue, (pictured below} who have clinched the Division One title with a week to spare. Coach Danny Johnson was absolutely delighted.
“League 1 Champions 20/21!! Well done to the Blues who won both their games today to clinch the League title for the 2nd time in 3 years!” said Danny.
“In Game One, between Bradford City Blues and Sheffield Whites, the first half ended 0-0 with both teams playing well to keep the score that way. Then the second half kicked off and Bradford managed to score the first goal with a good run through the middle from Ethan to pass it to Luke who slotted it home. Bradford scored again with a quick kick in from Luke who passed it to Dale who scored.”
“Then the third goal went in, marked with a bit of confusion whether the ball went over the line for a goal kick or not, but with the ref not blowing his whistle Bradford managed to squeeze it through the defence and a little touch from Tim took it past the keeper; 3-0 was the result of that game. In Game 2, between Bradford City Blues and Sheffield Whites again the first half finished 0-0,” Danny told www.syac.com. “Neither team could find a way through to get that first goal, with very good play from both keepers.”
“The second half kicked off, but still no team could get the ball between the goal posts,” Danny went on, “then out of nowhere Luke played a great pass from the edge of the pitch to Dale at the other side, who controlled it well, and with a great strike of the ball scored. The game ended 1-0 to Bradford.”
“Player of the day was Ethan“ said Danny. “He was outstanding today; well done to all the players and teams today it was a really good day.”
It was a tough day for the other Bradford team in Division One, Bradford City Claret (below), who suffered two narrow defeats.
Coach Paul Jubb admitted that it had been a frustrating afternoon. “It was a bad day for the Clarets today!“ Paul told us. “We lost 4-0 then 3-0 to Aston Swallownest Blue. The Clarets started off with 3 players missing, from beating the Blues in their last game. Mark and Simon came to help out on the day but 7-a-side is a step too far for them to compete in.”
“In the first game it seemed that every time Aston Swallownest had a shot, it went in; and they deservedly won 4-0” Paul told us. “In the second fixture I felt we were the better team and should have been 3-0 up, but we didn’t put our chances away. Again Aston Swallownest scored with every attack, to complete a frustrating day.”
Paul did enjoy one particular moment from the afternoon. “The highlight of the day for me was Aston Swallownest’s player/manager James Scally’s Ronaldo free kick & celebration,“ Paul admitted. “ I loved it!” Unfortunately there is no picture of that!!!
So with one League match day left, the title may have been decided, but there’s still a tight battle for second place in the table:
POS
TEAM
PLD
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Bradford City Blue
8
7
0
1
7
1
6
21
2
Aston Swallownest Blue
8
4
0
4
4
4
0
12
3
City Knights Blue
7
2
4
1
5
4
1
10
4
Club Doncaster Titans Red
8
2
2
4
3
5
-2
8
5
Bradford City Claret
8
1
3
4
4
7
-3
6
6
Sheffield White
7
0
5
2
3
5
-2
5
The final round of the 7-a-side League fixtures is set for 9th May, again at Concord Sheffield.
Morning everyone, happy Easter from all at SYACL, all the eggs will need exercising off before our first matchday.
Here are the details:
Please arrive at Concord Sports Centre on the 11th April for the 7-a-side fixtures at the following times:
13.00 – Bradford City Amber. Bradford City Blue . Bradford City Claret. Aston Swallownest Blue. Brunsmeer Awareness. Sheffield White.
14.15 – Aston Swallownest Red. City Knights Blue. D.Dooley Kicks. D.Dooley Orange. Sheffield Red. Titans Red.
14.45 – Sheffield Black & Wheatley Wanderers.
15.25 – City Knights Black & Titans White.
The league will still not provide bibs for kit colour clashes this season, so please take your own if needed and ensure they are not shared between players at any point during the day.
Matches requiring bibs :
D.Dooley Orange v Aston Swallownest Blue
D.Dooley Kicks v Sheffield Red
D. Dooley Kicks v Sheffield Black
Sheffield Black v Sheffield Red
As previously mentioned to team representatives at the update meeting a few days ago – spectators will still not be permitted into matches for the remainder of this season; and each team is limited to a maximum of 10 players and 2 officials. Any parent/carer travelling will have to wait in their vehicle in the carpark due to Covid regulations.
If you have any queries please contact Mike for clarification or Covid related it’s Colin.
An update: Colin’s Super 7 for Autism fund raising 7k walk, 7k run & 7k cycle has been completed. Anyone wishing to make a donation the fundraising page will close at midnight on Tuesday 6th April 2021.
With 7-a-side action scheduled to restart on Sunday 11th April, in line with Government guidance, the organising committee of the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League met virtually on the 30th of March to plan the return to competitive action, writes Margaret Gregory for SYACL.
Chairman Mike Stylianou introduced our new secretary, Paul Jubb from Bradford City Disability FC, and a new Treasurer, Tony Pratt, a trusted former colleague of Mike’s from the education sector.
Darren’s widow, Sharon, will continue to be point contact for any safeguarding issues raised at any of our participating clubs.
With the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults very much in the public eye, clubs were reminded of the requirement to review their safeguarding procedures in line with current FA guidance, and to document permission to the SYACL website to post images of participants on-line and on social media.
The SYACL has reviewed its Covid Risk assessments and shared these with Concord and Goals Sheffield.
Although FA guidance permits the return of a limited number of spectators from 12th April, the SYACL Committee had decided to continue with its restrictions on the size of squads for match days for the final round of 7-a-side matches on the 9th May, and the final round of 5-a-side matches on 23rd May. This decision was endorsed unanimously by the participating clubs, and so 7-a-side squads remain limited to 10 players and two coaches, and 5-a-side squads restricted to 8 players and 2 coaches.
The meeting reviewed the SYACL’s existing protocols for match days, including temperature checks on arrival, the wearing of masks and the strict separation of squad bubbles.
Mike was able to update the Committee on consultation with the FA over dispensation for mixed gender adult football. “I’m pleased to inform you that the FA have this morning agreed to our request to continue mixed gender adult football for next season,” Mike explained. “Due to the difficulties of the last year, they recognise and accept that it would be almost impossible for new female teams to be formed.”
“Female players will continue to play with the male players for season 2021/22, in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League. However, for safeguarding reasons it will only be in the 5-a-side league and will not be permitted for 7-a-side.”
For further details on the 7-a side restart, follow:
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 