Jan 22nd 2023 matchday

Juniors keep big crowds thrilled at Goals Doncaster

Bradford Diamonds Head U-12 Premier-just!

Hornets White on top in U-12 Championship

Narrow lead for Hornets (Yellow) in U-16 Premier

Titans in command in U-16’s Championship

Chesterfield and Bradford Amber win Fair Play prizes

Sixteen matches on a bitterly cold day at the Goals Centre in Doncaster on Sunday, watched as always by large crowds and our fearless match reporters. Website editor Margaret Gregory worked through the night on her desktop to bring you the highlights of an eventful day here at www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.

First Fair Play awards presented.

Sunday saw the first SYACL Fair Play awards which resulted from assessments after every match so far this season undertaken by our fantastic referees. We took player, coach and spectator behaviour into account and then drew the winners from a group of teams who had scored near-maximum points from the Junior matchdays before Christmas.

Our first award winners were the Under-12 team from Chesterfield FC Community Trust and the Under-16 Amber squad from Bradford City. Each of the players received an England football from League Chair Mike Stylianou and the presentations were watched by everyone in attendance at Goals Doncaster.

Congratulations to the winning teams and to all our players, coaches, and spectators. Further awards will be made at the end of the League season.

So, to Sunday’s action: first the Under 12’s and in the Premier Division there were two wins for Sheffield FC (Red) over Club Doncaster Titans, watched by Titans coach Phil Siddons.

“In the first match Sheffield went one up but the team kept battling,” Phil told us. “We went two down but both teams played well. Sheffield went 3 up; Titans played well but went six-nil down.”

“ In Match two Sheffield scored from the kick-off, “ Phil continued .”They scored again went 3 down went 4 nil down but got one back from James and a second goal from Jacob. We went 6 – 2 down but Titans battled on.”

Next on Pitch 5 were two games between Bradford City Diamonds and the improving team from Chesterfield FC Community Trust. Bradford coach Sara watched both games and told www.syacl.com “The Under 12’s Diamonds won both their games and stayed top of their league.”

“I’m super proud of the Under 12’s Diamonds today, winning both games against Chesterfield 5 – 2 and 7 – 3 with only 4 players,” Sara reported. “Aron scored 2 hat tricks on the day!. Some fantastic football and team work today. Each player today gets player of the day. Great work!”

Shout out to Riley and Logan from Chesterfield; both players were on target in the two matches with Bradford.”

After 11 matches each, it’s Bradford City Diamonds who hold a one point lead over Sheffield FC Red with Hornets Orange close behind. Chesterfield and Rotherham Community Sports Trust have nine points each and Titans have two wins in the competition so far and will surely pick up more wins..

Full Table detail

*Pos*	*Team*	P	W	D	L	GD	*PTS*
1	Bradford City FITC Disability U12 Diamon	11	8	2	1	7	26
2	Sheffield FC Youth U12 Red	11	8	1	2	6	25
3	Hillsborough Hornets Disability FC U12 O	11	7	1	3	4	22
4	Chesterfield F.C. Community Trust U12 Pa	11	3	0	8	-5	9
5	Rotherham United Community Sports Trust	11	3	0	8	-5	9
6	Club Doncaster Titans Ability Counts FC	11	2	0	9	-7	6

Into the Under-12’s Championship and another four close-fought games on Pitch 8. In the first two matches it was maximum points for Sheffield FC (White) in their two games with Club Doncaster Titans. Doncaster coach Steph Hall was pitch side for www.SYACL.com

“Match one was a good game of football by both teams,” Steph reported. “CDT defended well, showed some good passing, dribbling and created some good chances. Sheffield created lots of chances and went into half time in the lead. CDT came out the second half and caused Sheffield some problems. CDT scored after some good defending from Ben who then passed the ball down the pitch to Alex who then scored. Both goalkeepers made some good saves throughout the match. Both teams continued creating chances but in the end Sheffield scored some more and won the game. This was a tough match for CDT, but they tried hard, had fun and I’m proud of them.”

“The second match was another good game between the two teams,” Steph added. “It was end to end with lots of chances being created but both goalkeepers made some good saves to keep the score level. Just before half time Sheffield took the lead but CDT responded instantly with Alex scoring from the edge of the box. Sheffield scored another quick goal to go into half time in the lead. Sheffield started the second half strongly, scoring a couple of quick goals. CDT continued to defend well and created some good chances. In the end Sheffield scored a couple more goals to secure the win. This was another tough game for CDT but they tried their best, had fun and the progress they have made was visible.”

The final two games were two cracking games between Bradford City Greens and Hillsborough Hornets (White). Bradford’s coach Anna watched the games for us. “Well done to Bradford City Under 12’s Greens who beat Hillsborough Hornets 5 – 3 with goals from Callum 2, Oscar & Damien 2 in the 1st game, thanks to some great goalkeeping from Oscar.”

“Then we lost 5 – 2 to Hillsborough Hornets, goals again from Callum and Damien.

Player of the day for me was Olivia, who did some great defending and some good goalkeeping in the 2nd game.”

These matches were played in excellent spirit throughout, with some excellent examples of sportsmanship.”

All four teams have now played nine matches and Hornets (White) have a slight, two point lead over Bradford City Greens. Sheffield (White) have ten points with ever-improving Titans sure to be on the board soon.

Full Table detail

*Pos*	*Team*	P	W	D	L	GD	*PTS*
1	Hillsborough Hornets Disability FC U12 W	9	7	1	1	6	22
2	Bradford City FITC Disability U12 Greens	9	6	2	1	5	20
3	Sheffield FC Youth U12 White	9	3	1	5	-2	10
4	Club Doncaster Titans Ability Counts FC	9	0	0	9	-9	0

The Under-16’s Premier Division got under way on Pitch 10 with two good wins for Sheffield FC (Blue) over Barton Inclusive in excellent high-scoring games.

Next, Bradford City (Amber) and Chesterfield FC Community Trust played two frantic and exciting games, watched by Bradford coach Paul Jubb.

“Bradford City Under 16’s Ambers won their 1st game 5 – 2 against Chesterfield despite having only 4 players, with goals from Shane & Jack,” Paul reported. “They drew their 2nd game 6 – 6 against Chesterfield as playing with 4 proved to be costly, as they tired, costing them their place at the top of the League. Some great defending from Skye made her our player of the day.”

Hornets Yellow took maximum points from their two scheduled fixtures with Rotherham United when Rotherham were unable to fulfil either game.

As a result, Hornets (Yellow) lead the Premier Division, but by just two points from Bradford City (Amber). Barton, Sheffield Blue, Rotherham, and Chesterfield continue to improve as the season progresses.

Full Table detail

*Pos*	*Team*	P	W	D	L	GD	*PTS*
1	Hillsborough Hornets Disability FC U16 Y	6	6	0	0	6	18
2	Bradford City FITC Disability U16 Amber	6	5	1	0	5	16
3	Barton Inclusive Football Club Hull – U1	6	2	0	4	-2	6
4	Sheffield FC Youth U16 Blue	6	2	0	4	-2	6
5	Rotherham United Community Sports Trust	6	1	1	4	-3	4
6	Chesterfield F.C. Community Trust U16 Pa	6	0	2	4	-4	2

In the Under 16’s Championship, Titans had a great afternoon with two wins over Sheffield FC (Black). Titans coach John Hibbert watched the action unfold.

“The first game started end to end then Olivia scored,” John told us. “At this time, we couldn’t do anything wrong; then Devon scored and then we had a spell of ping pong before Olivia scored again. It was 3 – 0 at half time so then we allowed them to play seven v 5: we scored another and then they got a goal back but we scored again so it ended up 5 – 2. “

“In the second match we started with a weaker side,” John added. “The game started with them the stronger side. They scored two quick goals then we shook our heads and got back in the game; Danny won the ball and ran with it to score his first goal, then before we could blink Ben crossed the ball and Harrison received a pass and laid it on to Devan and he scored. Then Harrison got his first goal on his debut and then James won a tackle, crossed it through the middle and Ben won the tackle and scored, so at half time it was Titans 4 – Sheffield FC 2 “

“We changed the shape of team,” John went on. “Charlotte was unlucky with goals today; she defended, won balls back, got in space and set up goals for Olivia . We scored again courtesy of Olivia then Charlotte had a shot on goal but the keeper saved it. Then Ryan pulled off an impossible double save that any goalie would be proud of then I lost count who scored what because it seemed to be end to end! They scored again anyway, but the game ended up Titans 8 Sheffield 3.”

“Every player gave 110% today,” John summed up. “I’m proud of everyone today and well done to James and Harrison on their first of many games; and well done to Danny – you played brilliantly mate.”

“Give yourselves a big pat on the back – it was a brilliant day at the office.”

On a Dull Doncaster day East Yorkshire met South Yorkshire when BIFC Hull played Sheffield FC youth U16 blue in the SYLAC premier league written by Chris Newby and Heather Jefferson.
Game 1.
Within a few minutes we found ourselves 3-0 down but a quickfire double from Bailey had us back in the game taking us to 3 – 2 down at HT. Injury struck and Luke was unable to continue, so we lost his commanding presence at the back. Mark, Luke’s replacement came on to try to keep the blues at bay. Some excellent saves from Thomas to keep the game close before Sheffield ran out 5 – 2 winners with a late double.
Game 2.
We made some tactical changes with Kasper to carry the ball forward out of defence. Hopefully this would create more space for the dynamic duo Brandon and Bailey. Our aim was to showcase the twins one on one trickery. It worked well at the start with the game that was nip and tuck to begin with seeing Brandon scoring a hat-trick in reply to the Sheffield goals. Sheffield then pulled away to lead 7 – 3. A ‘banger’ from Kasper in his own half and another from Bailey brought us in touching distance again before Sheffield got their 8th goal. Bailey grabbed another to make it 8 – 6. We threw the kitchen sink at Sheffield but found their goalie on top form, due to some great last ditch defending from Mark and even more saves by keeper Thomas, there was no further additions to the scoring. The 2 matches were played in a really friendly atmosphere, with one of the Sheffield players enquiring about Luke’s welfare and for us to pass on his best wishes.

One of our mums commented “Fantastic to see both sides have a good game and encouragement from all parents regardless of whether it was their team or not” Ellen.

In the last two Championship games of the day Bradford City Blues took maximum points summed up by Paul Jubb.

“Our Under 16’s Blues had a good day beating Hillsborough Hornets twice 5 – 1 & 5 -3” Paul explained. “Jonathan got 8 goals and Sean 2. The behaviour was better too.”

“Our star player was Dylan in goal who made lots of saves to keep the Blues in the game.”

Titans one hundred per cent record gives them an eight point lead in the Championship from Bradford City (Blues). Sheffield (Black) has two wins and Hornets Black are knocking on the door of their first points.

*Pos*	*Team*	P	W	D	L	GD	*PTS*
1	Club Doncaster Titans Ability Counts FC	6	6	0	0	6	18
2	Bradford City FITC Disability U16 Blues	6	3	1	2	1	10
3	Sheffield FC Youth U16 SFCD Black	6	2	1	3	-1	7
4	Hillsborough Hornets Disability FC U16 B	6	0	0	6	-6	0