February 2025
Penultimate round of S Yorks ACL Sevens at Concord
Sheffield Blue hold narrow lead from Aston Red in the Premier Division
Mansfield Town Blue march on in the Championship
All to play for as Hornets Gold lead League One
2024 Fundraiser target beaten – campaign exceeds £3000
A big day for the weather-affected 7-a side teams as they played out their second-last set of regular season fixtures. As always, our editor Margaret was able to bring you the highlights, with a little help from Derek Dolley’s Claire Cowlishaw.
Ahead of the games, the League beat their Christmas fundraising target of £3000 in aid of the National Autistic Society . Details on a presentation day are currently being worked out, but thanks to each and everyone who contributed. For the second year in a row, our fundraising efforts have beaten their target- a brilliant effort from everyone involved in the League.
Thanks to all of you.
In the Premier Division, Aston Red and Sheffield Red won one and drew one of their matches as Sheffield Blue took two wins to lead the table going into a tense final matchday, Sheffield Blue have 16 points and lead by just two from Aston Red. Sheffield Red have seven points, Titans White three and Rotherham United 3.
League positions;
| 1 | Sheffield FC Blue | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 16 |
| 2 | Aston Swallownest Red | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 14 |
| 3 | Sheffield FC Red | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -1 | 7 |
| 4 | C.D Titans White | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
| 5 | Rotherham United C.S Trust | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
In the Championship, there were four matches.
After Wheatley had taken a fine win over Sheffield White, title chasing Mansfield Town FC Blue took on Derek Dooley Red watched by Claire Cowlishaw from Dooley.
“ This was a hard match for the red team as the first competitive matches since October and it took a while to get back into the swing of playing. The team kept going against a strong Mansfield team with Nathan making some good saves but couldn’t keep them out. ”
Mansfield Town Blue moved remorselessly on towards the title with a win over plucky Wheatley Wanderers before Dooley Red were back in action against Sheffield White, again watched by Claire from Dooley.
“ This was a better start with the team talking to each other and better passing, a good run from Aiden who got on the end of great pass from Elliott to equalise. The team showed some good defending to keep them out and earning a draw. ”
Mansfield Town Blue have a commanding lead in the Championship with a fantastic one hundred percent record. Sheffield White have seven and will keep fighting, brave Dooley Red have 4, and that win helped Wheatley up to four points.
League positions;
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Mansfield Town A.C Blue | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 15 |
| 2 | Sheffield White | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| 3 | Derek Dooley F.A Red | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 4 |
| 4 | Wheatley Wanderers | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
So, to League One, and another close battle. In the first game of the day, ever-improving Glossop North End beat Club Doncaster Titans Red before Hornets Gold and Aston Blue shared the points in an entertaining draw.
Next up, Derek Dooley Orange took on Aston Blue. Here’s Claire from Dooley: –
“ This was going to be a hard afternoon for the depleted team of 6 players, but they kept trying with superb coach Nathan in the net but against 7 good players it was hard. There was solid defending by all but a big loss. ”
Mansfield Amber kept up their chase for honours with wins over Glossop North End and Titans Red; and in the final game of the afternoon, Hornets Orange beat Dooley to hold on to a narrow lead going into the final day. Claire watched the match for Dooley Orange: –
“ Greg played in goal and did a good job with some good saves with Nathan in defence to control players on pitch. An unfortunate rebound sent it into their own net, but they kept trying. John had a great shot which the wind helped take it into the goal. This only hyped up the team but unfortunately they scored; and with the team getting more tired it was a courageous attempt from a super cool polite team. “
All to play for going into March. Hornets Orange have a three point lead over Mansfield Town Amber who in turn lead Aston Blue by three. Dooley Orange have a super eleven points, and it’s been a great season so far from Gary and his Glossop North End team. Titans Red battle on with three points.
League standings;
| 1 | Hillsborough Hornets Gold | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 19 |
| 2 | Mansfield Town A.C Amber | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 16 |
| 3 | Aston Swallownest Blue | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 13 |
| 4 | Derek Dooley F.A Orange | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 11 |
| 5 | Glossop North End C.C | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -3 | 7 |
| 6 | C.D Titans Red | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | -6 | 3 |
Thanks to Margaret and Clare for helping to bring us the action, and to all our referees, players and supporters.
Message from the South Yorkshire Ability Counts Committee
Disappointingly we had a few discipline issues at our 7-a-side fixtures which have been raised with Mike and I by our match officials. To prevent a recurrence, the following rules MUST be followed on 7-a-side matchdays at Concord Sports Centre.
Please ensure that your coaches and spectators are aware of the following.
1. Coaching staff at pitchside are limited to TWO as an absolute maximum. No spectators are allowed at the side of the pitches, and other than the two designated team officials, and the League officials, everyone else should be behind the barriers at all times. If the match official notes that this rule is not being followed, he or she will stop the game until it is.
2. No-one may enter the field of play AT ANY TIME without requesting AND receiving permission from the Match Official. Match Officials will apply sanctions up to a red card to anyone entering the field of play without being invited to do so. This is a Safeguarding measure and is not negotiable. There are no exceptions, no excuses and no appeals.
3. Match referees ARE NOT to be contacted by team officials or players after a matchday. If Mike or I ask for comments concerning behaviour from clubs or players, the response MUST come to the League. However well-intentioned, clubs must refrain from contacting Officials directly. If we receive any questions for officials, these will be referred to Sean as our Referees Secretary. Clubs reported for direct contact with match officials will be fined.
4. Clubs are reminded of the RESPECT Code of Conduct within which the South Yorks ACL operates. Comments to players and referees should be constructive and supportive, and foul and abusive language should be avoided at all times. Breaches of the Code will result in participants or clubs being fined.
Please help us maintain a safe, enjoyable environment for all our participants by following these simple rules.
Next Sunday, the Five -a side squads are back in action at Goals Sheffield. Visit our website at www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com for the latest pictures and action.
November 2024
Hornets retain League One lead in S Yorks ACL 7 a side.
An unfamiliar location for our League One 7-a-side teams as they played catch-up following the weather disruption which affected their fixtures prior to Christmas. The players played four matches and a friendly on the large pitch at Goals Sheffield to bring our 7-a- side Leagues back into line ahead of February’s matches back at Concord Sports Centre.
Derek Dooley Orange stayed on second place, watched by their coach, Nathan Pearson, who told www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com about their two drawn games.
“ A very tight game first game between both teams, Derek Dooley Orange and Glossop North End. Dooley showed some great patience and possession play in this game. Scoring quite late on for a draw which was a great reflection for the game 2. “
“ Our second game was another very tight affair for the Dooley Orange here, this time against Mansfield Town Amber. All the players showed great character and determination to get a draw from this game too, some excellent saves from Matt in goal and some great teamwork too. ”
Elsewhere, there was a rare defeat for table-toppers Hillsborough Hornets Gold against Aston Swallownest, who also enjoyed a fine win over a plucky Mansfield Town Amber to close to within a point of Mansfield in third. Despite that loss, Hornets – who also played a friendly with Glossop North End – have a 4 point lead over Dooley Orange.
Everything to play for at Concord on Sunday, 9th February.
| POS | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Hillsborough Hornets Gold | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 15 |
| 2 | Derek Dooley F.A Orange | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 11 |
| 3 | Mansfield Town A.C Amber | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| 4 | Aston Swallownest Blue | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| 5 | Glossop North End C.C | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 4 |
| 6 | C.D Titans Red | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
Sunday 27th October 2024
Rearranged SYACL 7-a-side matchday doesn’t disappoint
Aston Swallownest Red and Sheffield FC Blue lead Premier League
Perfect Mansfield Town Blue are Championship front-runners
Hundred per cent Hornets Gold head up League One
Sunday saw the second round of www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com fixtures at Concord Sports Centre, brought forward from November’s date because of the Sheffield derby.
By the end of the weekend, Club Doncaster Titans had revisited their decision to add another 7-a-side team at the beginning of the season and have decided to withdraw their Green team from The Championship. As a result, all their results so far have been expunged, which explains the unusual appearance of the Championship table.
Aston Swallownest Blue fielded a suspended player in their first League One match against Club Doncaster Titans Red. As a result, the points were awarded to Titans Red.
Club managers and coaches are reminded of the importance of checking either the Whole Game System or with their County FA Discipline Teams if they are in any doubt about the eligibility of any of their participants. If in doubt, do not select the player in question.
So to the football, described by www.syorksacl.com website editor Margaret Gregory and her flock of match side reporters.
In the Premier Division, Aston Swallownest Red enjoyed a good win over Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and shared the points in a goalless stalemate with co-leaders Sheffield FC Red. Sheffield Blue took the points in their derby clash with Sheffield Red, who had a win of their own over Club Doncaster Titans White.
As a result, Aston Red and Sheffield FC Blue are joint leaders on ten points, with Titans White, Rotherham United and Sheffield FC Red all on three points.
Standings;
| 1 | Aston Swallownest Red | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 2 | Sheffield FC Blue | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | C.D Titans White | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 3 |
| 4 | Rotherham United C.S Trust | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 3 |
| 5 | Sheffield FC Red | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 3 |
In the Championship, Titans Green shared a goalless draw with Wheatley Wanderers. Although the match turned out to be meaningless, John Hibbert, the Titans coach, was pleased with the outcome.
“ So we came with a plan to put a good fight up this time, so we were holding our own, ” John told us. “ Devon hit the post a few times, but we played well, and we drew 0-0 ”
Chris Pow from Wheatley felt his team had shaded the match. “ We pretty much outplayed the Titans today, but their keeper had a blinder. One time Sean was breaking through when one of their players cynically brought him down which warranted a card I thought. We had plenty of chances and shots, and our keeper didn’t have much to do, but the day wasn’t with us. ”
Mansfield Town Blue enjoyed a good win before Dooley Red took on Wheatley.
“ This game was good even match with some good passing and communication between the players especially Jack with running up and hitting from outside of box and going in, ” Dooley’s Claire Cowlishaw told us.
“ Nathan made some great saves to keep a clean sheet. Some solid defending from Richard & Adam & Dom, and Brad kept going with some good passing up to Elliott. ”
Wheatley’s Chris Pow also watched the game. “ A good, tough game against the Dooleys with an end to end feel about it. Their goal looked like a deflection that spun through our defence into the net. We came close several times and feel we lost a point here. One memorable moment was Pete, our keeper, making a terrific save as a free kick came through all the bodies in the box. ”
“ Player of the day was Ian Drabble, who put in a strong performance. Thanks Colin for today. A lot better from us than last week. ”
In the next match on Pitch Two, Sheffield FC White took three points from Titans Green, with the result later chalked off. “ In the second Titans v Sheffield, we played really well, ” John Hibbert explained. “ We battled well till they scored then we started to be a little disjointed, so we lost 2-0 “
“ Moving forward we need to train together and work with each other, so we know how we work together and learn to gel together. Yes, there are a few things we need to work on, mainly team work and communication; so everyone on the training ground next week but overall better than last time, at least we didn’t lose both like last time. This time we took a draw and a loss, so well done today Greens – a good day at office. ”
In the final game of the day, Dooley Red went down to an impressive Mansfield Town Blue, watched by Claire Cowlishaw. “This Mansfield was a stronger side which the lads kept going with some great play with some good shots, but the goalie wasn’t letting any pass. The lads kept going but were beaten by the better side. ”
After taking away previous results associated with Derek Dooley Green, Mansfield Town lead the table with a one hundred per cent record. Sheffield White have six, and Dooley Red three.
League standings;
| 1 | Mansfield Town A.C Blue | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| 2 | Sheffield White | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| 3 | Derek Dooley F.A Red | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Wheatley Wanderers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Six matches in League One, with Titans Red taking the three points in that default win over Aston Blue before Dooley Orange took three points again by default.
Dooley’s Nathan Pearson explains, “ it was agreed by both teams to make this a friendly game to promote everyone playing football together. There was some great team work and communication from Derek Dooley and some very well taken goals from Jamie, Aiden and Believe. There was some great defending and saves from all the defenders and goalkeeper Dave. Jon and Gregg (1st half), Nathan (2nd half) helped out Doncaster with Jon and Nathan both scoring. ”
Hornets Gold got their day under way with a good win over Mansfield Town Amber, then Aston Blue got their day back on track with a fine victory over Glossop North End in a fine game.
Hornets Gold took on Dooley Orange in the penultimate match of the afternoon.
“ A very tough game against a great Hillsborough Hornets side, ” Nathan Pearson reported. “ All of the Derek Dooley players played really well as a team and showed real hard work in this game. In the second half the possession was much improved and teamwork too, some amazing running from Aiden and some great defending from Warren and Jon with Dave’s great goalkeeping. “
Mansfield Town Amber took three points in their final game of the day against a plucky Glossop North End.
Hornets Gold lead the way in League One with a perfect record, ahead of Dooley Orange and Mansfield Town Amber who have nine, next up are Swallownest Blue with three, Titans Red with three and Glossop not far away from their first point.
| 1 | Hillsborough Hornets Gold | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 |
| 2 | Derek Dooley F.A Orange | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| 3 | Mansfield Town A.C Amber | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| 4 | Aston Swallownest Blue | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 3 |
| 5 | C.D Titans Red | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 3 |
| 6 | Glossop North End C.C | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Normal service resumes next week with the planned Juniors Matchday at Goals Doncaster. Hope to see you there!
Thanks as always to Margaret, Chris, Nathan, Claire and John for their match reports, and to our three referees.
Sunday 13th October 2024
SYorksACL 7-a-side Competition under way at Concord
Aston Red and Sheffield Blue make fast starts in Premier Division
Mansfield Blue and Sheffield White lead the Championship
It’s a three-way log-jam at the top of League One
It was the usual action-packed afternoon of www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com football as the 7-a-side competition got under way at Concord Sports Centre Sheffield with all of our teams desperate to get off to a winning start.
As usual, www.syacl.com had eyes and ears everywhere, so our website editor Margaret Gregory was able to put together the best of the action. Margaret hasn’t been enjoying the best of health recently, so everyone at the S Yorks ACL sends their best wishes and thanks for all the work she does.
In the Premier Division, there were 5 matches. In the first, Aston Swallownest Red took the points with a hard fought win over Sheffield FC Red before Sheffield FC Blue edged Club Doncaster Titans White by 3-2.
Rotherham United Community Sports Trust got their season off to a good start with a tight win by the only goal over Sheffield Red, before Aston Red rounded off a sparkling start with a convincing win over Titans White.
In the final match of the afternoon on Pitch 3, it was Sheffield FC Blue who drew level on points with Aston with a clinical win over Rotherham United CUST.
So, after the first round of fixtures, the Division is shaping up to be a highly competitive one. Aston Red and Sheffield Red lead into the first corner, with Rotherham third and Titans White and Sheffield Red desperate to open their account.
Table after the first matchday;
| 1 | Aston Swallownest Red | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Sheffield FC Blue | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Rotherham United C.S Trust | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | C.D Titans White | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Sheffield FC Red | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
In the Championship, Derek Dooley Football Academy got off to a fine start with a good win over a battling Club Doncaster Titans Green, watched by Dooley coach Claire Cowlishaw.
“ The first game back for the Reds this season and they showed good teamwork and fitness with good goals from Jack, 2 from Brad and with a first goal ever for Richard. They ended up 4-1 winners against Doncaster. ”
Doncaster Titans Green coach John Hibbert also watched the game. ” We started strongly, but they scored first, ” John explained. “ Then we got one back; we were holding our own but then Callum got injured and was struggling; eventually he had to go off because the pain was so bad. ”
“ Derek Dooley capitalized on this and scored again. “
In the second game, Mansfield Town Blue made a strong start to their campaign with a win over Wheatley Wanderers. Wheatley skipper Chris Pow told http://www.SYorksACL.com “ Mansfield were a very good team today, but we didn’t play our best. Chris blocked a shot with his arm and conceded a penalty which Mansfield scored, and Sean tried clearing a shot off the line unsuccessfully. Mansfield were a tricky outfit and caught us napping a couple of times, as well as scoring some good goals too. ”
“ Pete in goal saved it from being even more embarrassing, and Natalie gave a strong performance. ”
In their second game, Derek Dooley Red lost by the only goal to Sheffield FC White.
“ The second game was a little harder with some good play with Elliott bringing a ball down from long ball up front and shot wide. The team kept going with strong defending and good goalkeeping from Nathan but with the last kick saw a deflected shot go past Nathan. ”
In game 4, Titans Green ended up on the wrong end of the fast-starting Mansfield Blue.
“ We started well but Mansfield were very organised and started to get a foothold in the game and scored, ” John Hibbert told us. “ Then Callum started to struggle, and we started making mistakes in the game. We are a new team, so it was an adjustment. We all put 100% in, but my man of the match was Ryan who really stepped up. ”
“ Thank you Ryan I know you were worried, you had six players in front of you; we have things to work on, but I’m very proud of every player today. ”
“ Heads up- we go again! ”
The final game of the day on Pitch 2 saw Sheffield FC White edge Wheatley Wanderers in an entertaining battle.
“ This was a much better game from us, but Sheffield went ahead first, ” Wheatley’s Chris Pow explained. “ In the second half we came out stronger and Brad set up Steven for a dribble and goal. Sheffield scored a good goal, and we kept at them to the final whistle.
New lads Ian and Bradley put in good games by doing the difficult stuff well. ”
“ Wheatley’s Man of the Day was Brad Gregory. ”
After two games apiece, the table reflects the fast starts made by Mansfield Blue and Sheffield White, who have maximum points. Dooley Red are a fine third, and Titan’s Green and Wheatley showed enough on the first afternoon to suggest that this will be another competitive division.
| 1 | Mansfield Town A.C Blue | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Sheffield White | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Derek Dooley F.A Red | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | C. D Titans Green | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | Wheatley Wanderers | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
So to League One and six matches on Pitch 1. In the first, Dooley Orange and Glossop North End fought out a thrilling game, watched by Dooley’s Claire Cowlishaw.
“ The team started off with a full squad for the first game but unfortunately Warren sustained an injury in warm up so he couldn’t take part, so he used his coaching skills from the sidelines. ” Claire told us. “ The team – with some new players – showed some great passing and communication skills, using the skills learnt in training. Aiden did some good tackles in midfield to win the ball and pass up to Believe who scored. Dave showed off his goalkeeping skills with some great saves to keep the lead. John and Nathan were solid at the back with some good shots from Gregg. Matt and Jack worked well together and Believe kept going upfront. Jamielee went upfront and got on the end of a pass and scored, they finished 2-1 in a good even game.
It was a quick turnaround for Dooley Orange, but they maintained their strong start with a single goal win over Aston Swallownest Blue.
“ The second game was harder which needed some stoic defending from John and Nathan and Dave, ” Claire admitted. “ Believe took down a long ball, took it to the side, and scored. The team worked well together and thanks to Dave, in goal, to start the first games of season with 2 wins. Well done everyone! ”
Mansfield Town Amber took three points with a good win over Titans Red before Hillsborough Hornets Gol) made a stunning start to life in the seven-a side competition with a great win over the battling Glossop North End.
Mansfield took another good win over Aston Blue before Hornets kept their foot firmly on the accelerator with a second win over Titans Red.
After two matches each, Dooley Orange, Hornets Gold and Mansfield Amber are joint leaders after a really impressive first matchday.
| 1 | Derek Dooley F.A Orange | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Hillsborough Hornets Gold | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Mansfield Town A.C Amber | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | Aston Swallownest Blue | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 5 | C.D Titans Red | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 6 | Glossop North End C.C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Next up, the adult 5-a-side teams get their seasons under way at Goals Sheffield next Sunday and www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com will be there to bring you the best of the action.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 