No Rest for our Ability Counts Junior teams at Goals Doncaster
Unbeaten Hillsborough Hornets Yellow stretch lead in Under-16’s Premier Division
Titans in command in Under-16’s Championship
Bradford Diamonds hold narrow lead in Under-12’s Premier.. but it’s close.
Hornets White on top in the Under-12’s Championship
A quick turnaround for our Junior teams last Sunday at Doncaster Goals Centre. The Under-16’s and Under 12’s were back in action after the rearranged December Matchday held in late January, watched by the usual large crowds. www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com sent our match reporters to cover the action, and their reports were collated by our website editor Margaret Gregory.
In the Under-16’s Premier Division the afternoon began with a double-header between Sheffield FC Youth (Blue) and Chesterfield FC Community Trust, and it was the youngsters from the World’s Oldest Football Club who took all six points with two wins.
Next, Hillsborough Hornets faced Barton Inclusive Club Hull, watched by Barton’s Jo Newby.
“In Game one with Hornets we found ourselves trailing 1 – 0 before Brandon pulled us level finishing after a mazy run,” Jo told us. “It was a tetchy opening with the referee speaking to both sides about watching the walls. Hornets scored a quickfire double before Brandon struck again to put us back in the game; unfortunately, we conceded 2 late goals to make the score 5 – 2 at half time. We continued playing free flowing football in the second half but conceded another 2 goals before Bailey got his first of the day.”
“In Game Two, Harvey, although rattled after the first game, continued on which was a massive credit to him,” Jo continued. “We went 2 – 0 down which could have different if the gods had been looking down on Kai’s two long range efforts, before Bailey grabbed his second of the day. Some fantastic saves by both goalies, great last ditch defending by Kai and Leland with Luke being a menace up front meant we were still a threat in front of goal. We conceded again, a long-range effort and a goal by a brilliant Rabona. Brandon notched another to make it 4 – 2 before HH completed the scoring to make it another win to them. Two of our boys beat some personal demons on Sunday, so both Harvey and Brandon were awarded joint players of the day.”
“Barton’s coaching team for the day was Chris, assisted by Kasper and club chair Sophie.”
Completing the afternoon in the Under-16’s Premier Division were two clashes between Rotherham United Community Trust and Bradford City Amber. The matches were watched by Bradford’s Paul Jubb.
“It was a very frustrating day for our Ambers,” Paul admitted. “We drew the 1st game 3 – 3 after missing a few chances to win the game. Jack scored a couple and Lennon got the other.”
“In the second game we lost 5 -1 to Rotherham,” Paul added. “We had 20 shots in the second game; it seemed like every time we shot – we missed and every time they shot – they scored!”
“Fair play to Rotherham who stuck to the job and especially the goalkeeper who made save upon save – and their players were lethal with their finishing!” With each club having played eight games, Hornets Yellow continued with their one hundred per cent record to establish a 7-point lead over Bradford City Amber and Sheffield FC Blue. Rotherham continue to make progress with 8 points, Barton has 6 points and Chesterfield have two with two draws.”
In the Under-16’s Championship, there were six, round-robin fixtures.
Club Doncaster Titans got the action under way with a win over Sheffield FC Black. After Hornets Black had edged their game with Sheffield Black, they were back on the pitch, this time losing narrowly to Club Doncaster Titans. Bradford Blues beat Sheffield Black then lost to Titans before Hornets rounded off the afternoon with three points from a win over Bradford Blues.
Titans John Hibbert summed up the afternoon for his team.
“In our first game Titans Vs Hillsborough Hornets we started slow but then Devon scored a goal, then they scored. Charlotte played a ball to Ben and he scored and Charlotte passed to Devon and scored but then Ben won the ball passed to Charlotte. I thought she was going to take a shot on goal but being the unselfish person she is, she crossed it to Ben and he scored, so we won 4 – 1.”
“In our second game, we started slowly,” John reported. “Bradford scored first they were strong at first and we couldn’t get a goal; but Charlotte came good again winning the ball, pulled her player away and passed across box and Devon scored. Then it was a game of passing the ball before Ben scored again, Titans 2 Bradford 1. The game was fast moving as Charlotte outpaced her player and won the ball, passed it to Devon and we scored again 3 – 1 to Titans. We started to pass the ball more and Charlotte assisted Ben and we won 4 – 1.”
“In the third game Sheffield scored first then Ryan came on as sub and we started to play our game,” John continued. “First Charlotte assisted Devon to make it 1 – 1; then Devon passed to Ben, he passed back to Ryan who made the break to score and make it Sheffield 1 Titans 2. We were getting stronger as we went on, then Ryan was assisted again by Charlotte and scored to make it 3 – 1.”
“We shouldn’t forget our other players who played today,” John told www.syacl.com. “Danny was a strong player today; James you did brilliantly mate to say they were stronger than you, so well done ! Harrison you had a few shots at goal; it was a shame you didn’t score, and Issac you played well today in the net . We still have to work on marking our players; we’re leaving players unmarked at the back and we could have been in trouble.”
“Well played everyone today; I can’t begin to say how proud I was today – and Charlotte you were brilliant with your movement and you were unlucky today; but put all that aside we’re lucky to have you in our team, so thank you – you make our team better; so everyone – give yourselves a big pat on the back! “
Bradford’s Paul Jubb summed up Bradford City Blues afternoon.
“The Blues lost their 1st game 1 – 3 to Hillsborough Hornets who were stronger on the day. Dylan scored our consolation goal,” Paul explained. “They then played top of the table Doncaster Titans and lost again, this time 1 – 4 as Jonathan scored our goal.”
“After a few meltdowns and tantrums, the Blues played Sheffield in the last game and got their act together to win 6 – 2, Jonathan scoring 4; Sean 1; Alfie 1. Well done to everyone especially their coach Vicky!”
“Thank you to Amber for stepping up and going in as goalkeeper, making some fantastic saves, Maisie made a massive effort in defence and Dylan for persistence at pushing forward despite the frustration!! Sean, Jonathan, and Alfie fantastic teamwork in our third match, we were 2 – 0 down at half time, you worked really hard together to bring it back and win 6 – 2. You all should be less hard on yourselves! Well done all of you all.”
After nine games apiece in the Championship, Titans have a 14-point advantage after nine straight wins. Bradford Blues are second, ahead of Sheffield FC Black, with Hornets Black just one point further back.
So, to the Under 12’s and the action kicked off with two games between Sheffield Red and Chesterfield Community Trust; Sheffield took all six points with two wins.
Next, Hillsborough Hornets Orange took maximum points with two wins over Doncaster Titans, watched by Titans Martin Taylor.
“In our first match with Hillsborough Hornets, Hornets took the lead after some good play. 1 – 0 down Titans played with a great spirit by all the three outfield players who battled on with good movement. James made some good runs, with the ball down both wings supported well by Rowan and Henry. Titans was unlucky to get another goal after trying hard to get back into the game. Unfortunately, the full score was 7 – 0 to Hornets.”
Second match – “Hillsborough Hornets again, Joseph and Rowan swap places which made a difference outfield. Hornets scored to make it 1 – 0 but Titans battled on trying to get the goal. Hornets scored again which made it 2 – 0, but Titans being Titans they didn’t stop, and our boys battled on with both keepers playing brilliantly. James played brilliant football and worked outstanding and with solid tackling by Henry and some great passing movements by James. And with Joseph solid in defence and excellent tackling the game, would it be in a different story. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the boys’ day and they lost 8 – 0 but on another day the boys might have shared the points. One proud head coach for the boys carrying on and battling on with only four players. Well done boys.”
In the final two matches in the Division, Bradford City Diamonds enjoyed two wins over a battling Rotherham United side. Bradford City DFC Diamonds won both their games against Rotherham DFC 6 – 1 in the under 12s Premier.
“Another fantastic day for the under 12 Diamonds today winning both games 6 – 1. Goals from Aron, Thomas, and Patrick. With some great attempts from Fabian. Player of the day goes to Talha for some fantastic defending, assists and being in the right place at the right time. Great Teamwork from this Team Keep it up!!! I am ever so proud.”
In the Under-12’s Championship, there were six matches
Match 1: Bradford 5 – 5 CDT By Steph Hall (Coach) This was a fantastic match played by both teams which was end-to-end throughout the whole of the match! CDT took the lead within the first minute of the game. Lauren got the ball, passed it to Alex who then went and scored from the edge of the box! Both teams continued to create chances but both goalkeepers played brilliantly to keep their teams in the match. Bradford pulled ahead with a couple of quick-fire goals As both teams pushed up the pitch to try and score Bradford went further ahead after scoring several more goals. CDT continued working hard and created some brilliant chances. The hard work paid off as CDT scored 4 goals in the last 3 minutes of the game! Andrew rolled the ball out to Alex who was in lots of space, Alex ran down the pitch and scored from an angle which looked impossible to score from! The next two goals came from some brilliant pressing from Alex and Lauren. Bradford played the ball out from the back; Alex won the ball straight back from the defender and scored. Then once again the goalkeeper played the ball out from the back, but it went straight to Alex who tapped the ball into the back of the net. Bradford kept creating chances, but CDT found the equaliser after some good defending from Ben, who won the ball, controlled it then passed it straight to Alex who went and scored the equaliser in the last minute of the match. Overall, it was a brilliant match played by both teams and all the children involved should be proud of their performances.
Match 2: Hillsborough Hornets 7 – 1 CDT By Steph Hall (Coach)
This was a tough match for CDT against a very strong Hillsborough team. It was an end-to-end game with both teams creating chances. Hillsborough scored early in the game to go into the lead. They then pulled further ahead after scoring several quick-fire goals. CDT continued working hard and created several chances. Andrew made some brilliant saves to keep CDT in the game. The hard work paid off as CDT pressed high up the pitch, Alex won the ball back then scored from the edge of the box. As the match went on Hillsborough scored a couple more goals to secure the win. CDT worked hard as a team and progress was visible.
Match 3: Sheffield 5 – 0 CDT By Steph Hall (Coach)
This was another tough match against a strong Sheffield team. All the CDT players worked hard and tried their best. Sheffield were strong and took their chances early in the game to create a strong lead. Andrew pulled off some brilliant saves to keep CDT in the game. Halfway through the game we lost Alex to an injury which meant we finished the game with four players. The players continued working hard to keep Sheffield out and trying to create chances for themselves. Ultimately Sheffield pushed on and extended their lead and won the game. All the players should be proud of themselves with their performance and development.
UNDER 12’s CHAMPS
Bradford City DFC Greens 2 v Hillsborough 6
In the 1st game of the day the Greens played a strong Hillsborough Hornets team and lost. Damian & Callum scored.
Green 5 v Club Doncaster 5 By Paul Jubb
In the 2nd game they played Doncaster Titans who only had 4 players and took a 5 – 1 lead, we took off Callum who had scored a hat trick and the Titans turned the game round to draw 5 – 5. Damian scored the other 2 goals.
Greens 2 v Sheffield FC 4 By Paul Jubb
In the game against Sheffield FC, we quickly went down 3 – 0. Damian & Callum scored our 2 goals, but Sheffield scored another to win the game. Scarlett was player of the day.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 