Hallam Football Club

Hallam vs Bottesford Town

Hallam's recent good form included the fact of having not conceded in 4 matches and having convincingly won every one of those 4 games a new challenge was ahead with the visit of Bottesford Town, 2nd in Division One with an average away record.

Hallam kicked off from right to left kicking towards the open end of the ground, the game started without real incident. The only thing that was noticeable was the incoming fog coming from the Sandygate Road end of the ground, taking everyone by surprise and the statement 'Fog, could lead to A-A' been written down. On 17 minutes a James Tevendale free-kick,  David Beckham standard was superbly tipped over the top. As we approached the half-hour a yellow ball was thrown on, in all honesty it made no difference!

Just after the half-hour Hallam got a richly deserved goal, a crossfield ball straight to David Knaggs who took a touch before slamming it into the bottom right hand corner 1-0 HALLAM!! Within 100 seconds this advantage was doubled, a James Tevendale free-kick parried into the path of Andrew Wood! 2-0 HALLAM! The only noticeable chance before half  time was a slip by Andrew Wood and a turn followed by a fantastic strike from 25 yards that flew inches over the bar.

In terms of fog, only a small portion of the pitch was fog covered and it had stopped drifting in the ground

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 2 Bottesford Town 0

Over half time conditions got worse, 5 minutes before the start of the half the fog had returned. The half barely got going as both sides battled for a goal, after 53 minutes the referee noticing the conditions had got worse blew up. 10 minutes was given. I went out the ground, came back in and the pitch was 90% fog covered. The referee blew up again, the players exited the pitch

Hallam vs Bottesford Town - ABANDONED

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam A-A Bottesford Town

Verdict: As bitterly dissappointing it was to see the game abandoned I did see a Hallam side that could of thumped Bottesford. The chances were well taken and I think the abandonment favours us more. They have a 52 mile trek to make next Wednesday. Funnily enough despite the fog the normal 35 minute journey back to the High Peak took just 28 minutes, .

Just to note I can't go Wednesday's game against Bottesford due to other commitments.

Hallam vs Thackley

Although Hallam had exited the FA Cup, the Vase and League prospects were still big and success could still be drawn. Thackley had conceded 23 in just 4 away league games and hopes weren't looking up for them

Hallam's line up: 1) Scott Dinnigan  2) David Knaggs  3) Ben Cressey  4) John Drennan  5) Rob Burton  6) Chris Dickman  7) Richard Carrington  8) Andrew Wood  9) Rob Cam  10) Scott Bates  11) Billy Rowley

The Reds kicked off in a very Rotherham United like kit and attacked the North End of the ground. The home side started the brightest and almost scored after Ben Cressey's wonderful cross was notched up at the far-post only to see a linesman who had put his flag up. Despite recent results in the league away from home Thackley didn't look a bad side and did attack in spells. The deadlock was smashed open as a mistake in the Thackley defence allowed Andrew Wood to walk the ball in - 1-0 Hallam! 

Seconds later a break down the right wing allowed Chris Dickman to lash the ball beyond the keeper - 2-0 Hallam! Not long after specialist free-kick taker Richard Carrington saw hit superb effort tipped over and out for a corner. David Knaggs ball in was punched away but Rob Cam smacked a volley which the keeper just about caught. Thackley's Dave Woffenden hit a powerful strike across the face of goal only to watch it go out for goal kick.

All in a ten minute spell had Hallam scored two and were pushing for a third and Ben Cressey's mazy run and pass found Rob Cam who hit a blistering strike which was beaten away by the keeper. At this point pre match expectations of a good win were going well and Hallam took a comfortable lead into half-time

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 2-0 Thackley

The second half was far, far from good. Both sides attacked at will and who ever scored next would probably win. Richard Carrington struck a free-kick that went over the Thackley crossbar and maybe, just maybe Hallam could increase an already good 2-0 lead. The half was scrappy in patches and uncertainity & anxiousness was hanging over the fact Hallam were defending deeper by the second. A spell of substitutions saw Ben Cressey being taken off with what looked to a be a serious injury. Thackley put the ball into the box and after three shots at goal it was cleared,  a Hallam man had to dive across the line to stop a goal during that spell.

A No 6 shot that looked to be going wide cannoned off David Knaggs' knee and it was curtains. 15 minutes of stress as Thackley pushed for an equaliser, as I was writing "How Thackley aren't drawing is a mystery" Thackley did score Phil Holmes nodded in at the back post - 2-2! Speaking to a Thackley fan just about everyone knew what would happen next. Then the feeling of would it be the first draw in 75 weeks at Sandygate, nobody actually knew.

In the 4th minute of stoppage time (the 89th minute) Richard Carrington was the strike a free-kick around 30 yards from goal to potentially win the match, it was struck hit and hard but smacked off the crossbar! Thackley counter attacked entering the 6th minute of stoppage time and a low shot was slotted beyond Scott Dinnigan! 3-2 Thackley! The drawing hoodoo continued, Thackley had beaten Hallam and still it would 4 years before Hallam next had the chance to beat Thackley.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 2-3 Thackley

Verdict: Like everyone else in the ground I left in shock. Total shock. My mate who supports Woodley rung me up to tell me Horden C.W had been taken apart 5-0 and they were through further in the FA Cup. Funnily enough I moaned to him about losing today! I'm not going to slate Hallam at all, I won't do that. Most people who went today didn't even realise I was at Sandygate today, I went to make notes and write a report on this match.

MMOTM: I'm not sure to be honest, I didn't see anyone who stood out beyond the rest. For even considering Player & Goal of the Month I need to attend more matches.

 

 

Hallam vs Sheffield F.C

This was to be biggest Sheffield derby in 18 months since the two giants battled it out at Hillsborough, probably the biggest Hallam vs Sheffield game in years. Finally spilt apart by a league, 150 years of Sheffield F.C and 147 years of Hallam & Sandygate. 297 years of combined history and a trophy as big the UEFA Cup was to be the winners award. Over 300 were out to see this match

Hallam's line up: 1) Nicky Scaife  2) David Knaggs  3) Gareth Clayton  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Ben Cressey  6) Adam Tyler  7) Andrew Wood  8) Richard Carrington  9) Will Tomlinson  10) Rob Cam  11) Danny Bainbridge

The Hallam team included 7 new faces and Nicky Scaife was back at Sandygate for the first time since leaving the squad for Rossington Main in 2006. It really was a snail slow start, little action but with Hallam looking brighter than their Dronfield based opponents. Phil Reynolds went close for Hallam after good work from David Knaggs and Adam Tyler worked the ball in from the left but Will Tomlinson's tame effort left the keeper to pick up the ball.

Hallam were awarded a free-kick around 30 yards out and Richard Carrington ran in and hit an explosive shot, round the wall and low into the corner - 1-0 HALLAM!! Not long after did Sheffield score with a tap in or should I say walk in from 3 yards. The half ended not long after and it was all to play for

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-1 Sheffield F.C

Half - Time Report: Yet another good performance by a fiery Hallam squad, were have played two Unibond sides and given them a hard first half. The main threat is Vill Powell though.

Hallam came out the starting blocks like a new world record was being attempted with Danny Bainbridge's lob missing my about 3 inches! 55 minutes came and Will Tomlinson stormed through an smashed the keeper up with a fierce shot.  30 seconds later Vill Powell's 30 yard lob was cleared off the line and the ball ended up going out of the ground - never to be seen again. Rob Cam, a player with some pace blitzed down the wing and his 12 yard effort was tipped just over the bar for a corner. With 12 minutes left a corner was given as the keeper ran out of play with the ball, as mad as it seems he blasted the ball onto Sandygate Road and wasn't even booked.

 

 

 

 

 

Ossett Albion vs Hallam F.C.

Hallam's third game of pre-season and my first. The 1 hour 15 trek across the Pennines for myself over to Ossett between Dewsbury and Wakefield. It was to be a tough game against high opposition. Ossett is home to three sides Town, Common Rovers and Albion. Half expecting it to be off, it was on with the pitch in superb condition despite recent rain

Hallam's line up: 1) Nicky Scaife  2) David Knaggs  3) Gareth Clayton  4) John Drennan  5) Phil Reynolds  6) Adam Tyler  7) Danny Bainbridge  8) Chris Dickman  9) Ryan O'Carroll  10) Will Tomlinson  11) Rob Cam 

Hallam started the encounter off and kicked towards the large terrace behind the goal. Ossett were the brighter of the sides showing they are a Unibond side but couldn't break through a tough opposition defence. On 21 minutes Ossett should have scored several times but were denied by a flawless Hallam backline. The biggest surprise was to see a referee that seemed to give Hallam free-kick's and corner's at free will.

End of the First Quarter at Queens Terrace - Ossett Albion 0-0 Hallam F.C.

The second quarter started with Hallam attacking the small stand behind the goal which was supported by about 40 poles! Rob Cam received the ball on the right from a fanastic crossfield ball, strolled into the box and lashed the ball beyond the keeper who seemed dismayed at a lack of defending. Will Tomlinson who stands at over 6ft managed to loop a header over the keeper from a free-kick off the right - 2-0 Hallam!! I was told not to expect much more and that it was a precarious lead. I couldn't seem to understand that as Hallam barricaded Ossett inside their own box and Rob Cam yet again scored with a detonating volley that hit ricocheted off a defender, past a despairing keeper and into the top corner! 3-0 Hallam!

Half - Time at Queens Terrace - Ossett Albion 0-3 Hallam F.C

Half -Time Report - When you travel from across the Pennines like myself to attend Hallam matches then you discover that something big is needed to encourage you to keep going to games. At this stage we had annilhilated a Unibond League side with 3 goals in 19 minutes, more or less winning the game at half time, I could sense more was to come.

The third quarter began like the first and was rather actionless but with Ossett not only bringing out 11 new faces onto the pitch, they came on in a different kit!  Anthony Wilson set out on a venture down the left wing, showing off with Ronaldinho like skills, beating several defenders and rolled a cross in only described as light-hearted, saying that nobody laughed when Adan Tyler stormed in, got infront of the defender and rolled the ball in.

It was time to say that another goal was very likely and another 2 wasn't out of the spectrum. Hallam won a free kick 30 yards out and Gareth Clayton left the keeper dejected when the ball hit the top of the wall and ended up in far corner. You could tell that Ossett thought it was sheer dumb luck but there was no dumb luck from the 5-0 scoreline.

Hallam were in a prolonged attack until the 90th minute when after managing to miss from 6 yards about 5 times and Nicky Scaife made how many double save's did Ossett score - a 3 yard shot that almost missed the target

End of the 3rd Quarter at Queens Terrace - Ossett Albion 1-5 Hallam F.C.

Ossett actually attempted to blitz the Hallam goal with shots for the best part of 15 minutes but you always had the feeling Hallam would spring up a couple more goals. It almost came, the last 5 minutes belonged to Hallam as a burst upfield led to the away side invading the Ossett backline with a constant fluffy of shots at goal.

Full - Time at Queens Terrace (after 120 minutes) Ossett Albion 1-5 Hallam F.C.

Verdict: I wrote this report after the Sheffield F.C. game and now the new players involved in the match have been signed up. We totally murdered a Unibond side, a top six finish isn't out of grasp. I hope I'm not wrong, we are a good side and after treating a Unibond side like that with no mercy involved the future is bright, the future is Hallam

 

Liversedge vs Hallam FC

Another busy week on the road for The Countrymen visiting Harrogate RA, Farsley and Liversedge. Liversedge was quite frankly the most daunting having scored 81 goals at home in 23 games in all competitions.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) John Drennan  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) Louis Axcell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Ashley Longstaff  11) Richie Lopes

Hallam started like lightning. Scott Bates ran and shot from 20 yards and saw the keeper turn his effort round the post. The resulting corner forced another save, Louis Axcell firing a bullet that was tipped over. On ten minutes Ashley Longstaff crossed for Scott Bates and he tapped in despite the attempts of the defenders to hack it away - 1-0 Hallam!! David Knaggs crossed and Richie Lopes' acrobatic effort was pushed away by Kyle Sutcliffe. A free-kick from 25 yards almost went in as it hit the foot of the post.

Liversedge were dominating and had Hallam on their toes for a good 20 minutes. Half time came with little action to talk about.

Half - Time at Clayborn Ground - Liversedge 0-1 Hallam FC 

Scott Bates almost grabbed a second as he raced through and saw hit powerful effort shake the post. No 8 of Sedge smashed an effort over as Sedge were getting closer. With 66 minutes gone Scott Bates escaped the offside trap and ran through to nutmeg the keeper and score - 2-0 Hallam FC! It was too good to be true. Liversedge immediately replied when No 14 drove in from 12 yards. On 76 Louis Axcell missed a golden chance to put the game to bed as he cut inside but he hammered the ball against the post

Harrogate Railway Athletic vs Hallam FC

By now I'd learn that Harrogate Railway were ruthless and were going to hammer us if were up for it. Maybe visiting Harrogate on a Monday night would be a waste of time. I didn't think so. This was the Harrogate Railway who I'd watched on TV give Bristol City a fight in the FA Cup 2nd Round proper 4 years ago.

Hallam's line up: 1) Peter Adnitt (the Peter Adnitt that scored for Maltby against Buxton at Silverlands!)  2) Billy Rowley  3) John Drennan  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Alex Higgins  7) Louis Axcell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Richie Lopes

The game started as predicted. A 35 yard free-kick would have gone in if it weren't for the fingertips of Peter Adnitt. He then palmed the rebound away. Both teams began to pressure but when Harrogate headed wide it looked obvious who would win. Scott Ryan made a run, cut inside and beat Peter Adnitt at his near-post - 1-0 Harrogate Railway! Graham Marchant set in Liam Gray just six minutes later and he tapped in - 2-0 Harrogate Railway!! Anthony Wilson had a header tipped wide on 21 and Tom Franklin hit the post, the ball came back hit the defender's head and hit the post! Scott Bates almost scored with a looping 20 yarder that the keeper managed to catch well.

On 31 Louis Axcell had the responsibility of taking a penalty at open end of Station View. He ran up and scored! To be honest I dont think Harrogate out their half until half time after that as Hallam wanted to be ruthless. For the last 14 minutes of the half all Hallam did was attack.

Half - Time at Station View - Harrogate Railway Athletic 2-1 Hallam FC

On 52 minutes (the exact minute when Alex Higgins missed a penalty against Arnold) Harrogate were given a penalty. Graham Marchant scored and it was good night Vienna - 3-1 Railway Hallam were trying but a team (now in the Unibond) is going to be after more goals. On 68 Harrogate put the game to sleep when Scott Ryan tapped in a second. - 4-1! Marchant finished a super game for Harrogate when he rounded poor Peter Adnitt - 5-1 HRA. Ashley Longstaff blazed over from 20 yards late on as a bad-tempered game finished 5-1

Full - Time at Station View - Harrogate Railway Athletic 5-1 Hallam FC

Verdict: Yes I know. Another drab game with little to talk about. Going back on the motorway I didn't mention the game very much. The better team won. The referee lost the plot. He sent Guy Glover off in stoppage time, his decisions weren't exactly top class.

My Man of the Match: Peter Adnitt. Thrown in at the deep end against a team that is capable of anything. He tried but we lost.

Hallam vs Arnold Town

Hallam's form had been excellent of late having lost once at home since February. Arnold were very inconsistent of late having won 3 of the last 6.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) Billy Rowley  3) David Knaggs  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Alex Higgins  7) Louis Axcell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Paul Hurrell  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench:

Hallam kicked off, attacking the South End of Sandygate and Arnold were in all Red kicking up the slope.

The match started off quiet and both teams looked to get forward. Hallam looked vulnerable at the back with a header from 6 yards falling wide. Arnold were next to create a decent chance with a volley flying over the bar. Hallam almost scrambled a goal after Arnold failed to clear and a goal mouth scramble erupted before the visitors cleared. Fluency in attack made Hallam look dangerous with good crosses in and good passing. Richie Lopes went closest for Hallam when his shot was deflected and went out for a corner.

A strange moment brought fury on the Hallam bench as the ball was crossed in from Hallam's right and two players both went for it two yards out and the ball went wide. Hallam's hardwork was undone as Ben Middleton ran through the home side's defence before coolly slotting past the on rushing Martin Taylor - 1-0 Arnold Town

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-1 Arnold Town

The second half started and on 52 Alex Higgins found himself in charge of taking a penalty - he saw he effort saved by the keeper. Hallam weren't converting chances. Scott Bates saw a shot saved on 67. David Wilkins tore open the Hallam defence, advancing on Martin Taylor's goal but saved with his legs to deny Wilkins. Hallam knew it wasn't their day when Wayne Rooney was denied by Kolo Toure just as the ball was about to go in (Tom Franklin was stopped by the hands of an Arnold defender). Hallam gradually lost their luck and Arnold watch Hallam go close several times in the closing stages but it wasn't to be.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-1 Arnold Town

Verdict: Not a nice way to get beat. Hallam should have won and the players knew that. It was a promising performance and we can take a lot out of it.

 

 

Just a quick note, stats have been added at the end of this report so that the report is justified.

Hallam vs Liversedge

Hallam's impressive run of form has seen them rise to 14th and Sedge have been chasing promotion and have the slight habit of demolishing teams when they win

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) Phil Reynolds  4) Nicky Ball  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Alex Higgins  7) Paul Hurrell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Ashley Longstaff  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench: 12) Anthony Wilson  14) Billy Rowley  15) Louis Axcell

The game started in appauling conditions with the weather making the pitch bad and it was raining heavily again! There was no real chances for 15 minutes are both teams settled down and got used to the conditions. On 16  No 11 broke free and took forever to shoot, he eventually struck but it deflected awfully and Gareth Hamlet headed in on the line - 1-0 Liversedge Sedge looked dangerous and posed a threat every time they got forward. On 22 Tom Franklin broke free down that right and was clean through until he fluffed his shot as the keeper easily palmed it away for a corner. The half hour approached with very little to talk about. Alex Higgins should have made better of a free-kick on the edge of box - the shot struck the wall

However the Kirklees outfit were more interested in making a goal look nice and pretty and on several occasions were foiled by Hallam players or they just missed by not hitting the ball first time. No 6 of Sedge made a few people amused when he let fly and the wind caught the ball and send it to the corner flag! No 3 sent a cross in and it defied everybody to creep inside the post! Liversedge 2-0 Hallam!

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-2 Liversedge

Alex Higgins had a chance to pull a goal but his effort hammered against the underside of the crossbar, the ball came back to Ashley Longstaff who blazed over from 12 yards. Minutes after Sedge were after a third goal, Martin Taylor did well to deny them by palming a shot away towards the touchline. No 11 then fired the ball wide from 6 yards (away teams are making a habit of missing from close range infront of the covered end). Tom Franklin struck an effort on the angle in the box across goal and out for a goal-kick. Ashley Longstaff saw two efforts in the space of 60 seconds saved by the keeper as Hallam pressed. After the second effort a swift move resulted in Martin Taylor tipping the ball on the bar.

After poor defending  No 11 moved free of Hallam's defence and converted by lobbing Martin Taylor - 3-0 Liversedge, game over, no way back. By now Hallam nothing and should really just come out and played football at their pace.

Hallam	Billy Rowley (on for)	Richie Lopes
Triple	Anthony Wilson (on for)	Scott Bates
Substitution	Louis Axcell (on for)	Paul Hurrell

Hallam were frustrating but lacked confidence in all departments. In stoppage time Hallam almost grabbed a goal back, a header then a shot were cleared off the line as the bad luck virus (previously caught by Pickering Town) had set in.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-3 Liversedge 

The Stats

The Stats	Hallam	Liversedge
Goals	0	3
Shots on target	8	6
Shots off target	5	7
Hit the woodwork	1	1
Corners	3	4
Offsides	3	5
Yellow Cards	0	0
Red Cards	0	0
Fouls	4	6
Rating	5	7

Verdict: Hallam didn't look comfortable getting forward but created the chances and should have taken more out the game. Liversedge were class are Unibond League standard. Hallam's defence was questionable but the conditions didn't help

 

Hallam vs Pickering Town

Hallam were on mini-run and hadn't had a game since holding Buxton one-all a week earlier. Pickring were in danger, this game was one of ten matches in just 26 days.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) John Drennan  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Alex Higgins  7) Paul Hurrell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Ashley Longstaff  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench: 12) Nicky Ball  14) Billy Rowley  15) Louis Axcell

Hallam kicked down the slope and Pickering got us underway. After just 24 seconds, yes seconds Hallam were already in Pickering territory Scott Bates turned and hammered the ball wide from 25 yards. Hallam looked up for it and were ready for Pickering. Alex Higgins went close on four as he tore through a non-existant Pikes defence and then shot just wide from 25 yards. A mistake by Hallam let the Pikes front two in, stupidly enough though they made a mess of it, the incoming cross was easily gathered by Martin Taylor. A free-kick on halfway may not seem dangerous but the ball played found the head of David Knaggs who headed into the keeper's arms.

Tom Franklin had two chances on 7 then on 8, the first shot was weak and was easily collected and the second flew just wide from 30 yards. Hallam attacked down the left and Richie Lopes was played through on goal, first time he curled the ball over the keeper from 20 yards and in - 1-0 Hallam! Ashley Longstaff did superbly to win a corner after winning the ball and then crossed the ball but it was deflected and went out for a corner. The incoming corner swung in by Richie Lopes was poorly punched away and Ash chested the ball down and converted the chance - 2-0 Hallam!! Oh yes, Hallam had turned on the style and looked incontrol.

Scott Bates went close and should really have scored as came one on one with keeper but he lost his composure and the keeper dealt with his effort. Richie Lopes again was in the thick of it, this time his 25 yard strike went wide of the post. Pickering had their first shot of the game on 17 as No 9 hit a weak effort and Martin Taylor didn't have make much effort in saving it. Your probably getting bored of hearing the name Richie Lopes in this report, but again he saw an effort go wide of the post after more good work.

If you were a Pickering fan at the game you'd have been tearing your hair out and thinking why did we make this journey down here? The defence was in tatters and Hallam should have punished them on more than one occasion. The Pikes ventured up the slope and won a corner, it came out then a 20 yard strike was caught by Martin Taylor. Hallam went to sleep and thought the game was done with. Relaxation mode set in and it was time to invite Pickering upfield. Hallam were so so lucky to be still 2-0 up after a defensive lapse set the two strikers up again, Martin Taylor parried No 9's shot and then the ball was scrambled away to stop a rebound that would have made it 2-1.

The ball found Tom Franklin on the right wing 20 yards out and he rolled the ball into the corner - Hallam 3 Pickering 0!!! Both teams had break and stopped attacking. Hallam were wondering how the hell they were winning 3-0 against a side 7 places up in the league and Pickering were being treated for shock. Pickering began an onslaught on Hallam's goal achieving two shots. The first went wide and the second - a 20 yarder was caught by Martin Taylor. Probably the most embarrassing moment of the night was when an open goal left by Tails and the script said tap the ball into the net....he got it all wrong and stuck the ball over the bar to sum up Pickering's half. Depressing, luckless and tiring.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 3-0 Pickering Town

Ashley Longstaff stuck a shot from 20 yards but it went straight at keeper. John Drennan limped off and on came Nicky Ball. Scott Bates saw another effort go wide and the defence went to sleep allowing one player through who slotted the ball past Martin Taylor - 3-1 Hallam! Unbelieveable. It came out of nothing. Pickering should have done better when No 4's shot was sliced and it flew over the bar. On 63 No 12 of Pickering should have done better with a free header 6 yards out. Tom Franklin caused trouble with a cross that the keeper parried onto the post and out for a corner

Richie Lopes came off and on came Billy Rowley. No 14 of Pickering caused trouble when he hacked into Paul Hurrell with a two footed challenge. Nicky Ball almost wrapped it when he ran and belted the ball from 25 yards but the keeper collected. Paul Hurrell came off and on came Louis Axcell for the last 4 minutes.  In stoppage time Alex Higgins drove the ball over the bar. A deadly corner was headed towards the goal by Ashley Longstaff whose effort looked certain to be going in but it went agonisingly wide before been hacked clear. Seconds later Scott Bates had the ball snatched from his feet as looked certain to make it four - one. The Hallam players had battled hard for a fourth but it didn't come and Pickering were so so lucky to survive.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 3-1 Pickering Town

.......................................Hallam...............Stats...............Pickering Town

Goals:..............................3.................................................1

Shots on goal:..................22...............................................8

Hit the woodwork:.............0................................................0

Yellow Cards:....................0................................................0

Red Cards:........................0................................................0

Rating:.............................9.................................................4

Verdict: The stats say it all. Hallam professional, tidy performance would let me compare them to Arsenal. A team with fire and players who weren't afraid to have a go.

I really do feel for the Pikes fans, they had no luck infront of goal and it unfortunate that they had to travel such a distance to lose a game like this.

Hallam vs Buxton

This was massive game. The attendence record for this season could be broken as Buxton travelled in their hundreds but by their supporters were fed up after 10 in 11 matches being away from home. Hallam had a mini run going after three unbeaten but this would be a stern test for them.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Nicky Ball  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Alex Higgins  7) Paul Hurrell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench: Ashley Longstaff  Greg Mason and Billy Rowley

Buxton almost scored after just 109 seconds. A free-kick whipped in found a head at the far-post but it drifted wide. Mark Reed got forward and drove the ball on the angle across goal but it sailed wide. 

The game slowed down and the tempo went down. Hallam charged up field and gave Buxton a job by upping the tempo and passing the ball around nicely. On 9 minutes Richie Lopes swung a corner in, the ball bobbled around and a shot looking to be going in was handled on the line. Alex Higgins was responsible infront of open end.. Noooo! His left footed strike was palmed away to the delight of several hundred Buxton fans! The resulting corner was to be taken by Richie Lopes, he swung it in and goal!! Anthony Wilson slammed the ball home - 1-0 Hallam FC!!

Buxton should have equalised twice as two corners were headed wide in quick succession.  Buxton turned dominant and hijacked the game by producing great attacking play. On 34 Scott Bates turned and smashed a 25 yard shot just over the bar. Another header went wide by Buxton but on 39 almost went two - nil up as Knaggsy and Tom Franklin broke forward winning a corner and it cleared off the line by Buxton.

Mark Reed had some thinking it was one all when he was through on Martin Taylor's goal and from 12 yards he blasted a shot looking to be going over but the ball dipped and hit the top of the bar. John Froggatt shot wide on half time as Hallam took a shock lead into the break.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-0 Buxton

The high-tempo set at the end of the first half carried on as was end to end football.Tom Franklin tapped the ball wide on 47 from 6 yards. The early moments of the second half was dull and tiring - nothing new there. Tom Franklin surged down the right wing in a frenzied counter attack, he eventually shot from 6 yards straight at the keeper. Buxton should have equalised on 70, a free-kick was headed against the bar and the rebound hit the post.   

Billy Rowley came on for Paul Hurrell as Hallam looked to hold on.  The Bucks hit the post again as time was running out. A corner was giving to Buxton in 89th minute. The ball was swung in and the ball was hammered into the corner to send the travelling support into raptures - 1-1! Hallam's resistance was defeated.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-1 Buxton

Verdict: Hallam's resistance was defeated but the way they defended against the league-leaders was amazing. Buxton will say they didn't take their chances and that they dominated. Fair enough but for 80 minutes Hallam held on and battled. I was dissappointed with the referee spoiling the evening he wasn't very fair to Hallam and a lot went Buxton's way.

Well Done to Hallam and if we'd pulled it off we might have been looking at one of the shocks of the season.

 

Shirebrook Town vs Hallam FC

Another mid-table encounter for Hallam which they'd expect to win after a poor display against Shirebrook earlier in the season. Shirebrook hoped to improve after 6 games without a win.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Nicky Ball  5) Ashley Longstaff  6) Alex Higgins  7) Billy Rowley  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Paul Hurrell  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench: 12) Louis Axcell  14) Anthony Wilson  15) Greg Mason

Hallam kicked right to left and were kicking towards the East end of the ground with Shirebrook kicking towards the West End.

Hallam started the better and after 2 minutes great work down the right by Scott Bates almost payed off as he crossed but Billy Rowley stuck his diving header over the bar. The Countrymen were far the better team and should have been two up inside 10 minutes but Tom Franklin sliced a shot wide. Despite this the game had little to it. On 17 No 11 of Shirebrook hammered a free-kick from 40 yards but Martin Taylor caught it. David Knaggs crossed but Shire half cleared, the ball was pumped back in and eventually Tom Franklin tapped in - 1-0 Hallam!

Hallam were dominating and started to control the game but on 26 Simon Johnson's shot had to be saved by Martin Taylor. Ashley Longstaff struck a 30 yard effort just wide as the game began to lose momentum. Simon Johnson rolled a shot against the post as luck wasn't in Shire's favour.

Half - Time at The BRSA Sports Ground - Shirebrook Town 0-1 Hallam

The half started quiet like the first and Richie Lopes shot over on 56 after good work on the left. But Shirebrook grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck and began to get back in the match. Billy Rowley came off and on came the experienced Louis Axcell. Mark Wilson of Shirebrook appeared to lose his kicking ability and struggled on.  Anthony Wilson came on for Paul Hurrell as it appeared that chances were few and far between.

The last 10 minutes blossomed! Hallam were clawing their way back into the match. Richie Lopes hit a shot straight at the keeper and two minutes later the journey down to Shirebrook seemed to be a waste of time. The home side equalised and this was frustrating as Hallam had dominated for 60 minutes of the match. Martin Taylor kept Hallam in it with a superb one hand save stop a 6 yard header. A goal mouth scramble that Shirebrook cleared in the last minute summed up my feelings

Full - Time at The BRSA Sports Ground - Shirebrook Town 1-1 Hallam

Verdict: Hallam dominated for long periods of the game from the 0-60 minutes in particular. They should have really won convincingly. Despite the disappointment the two next games are vital. If we can avoid the whippings of Mark Reed and Graham Merchant we should be able to contain any striker at this level.

 

 

Staveley Miners Welfare vs Hallam FC

Both teams were all ready for a what could be a mouth-watering encounter at Inkersall Road. Despite this being a game to savour but it was bitterly cold!

Of course Hallam wanted to win and fielding David Knaggs, Billy Rowley, Greg Mason, Anthony Wilson and Ashley Longstaff showed that these players didn't just play in the First Team. Danny Cooper, Ben Furniss, Nicky Scaife (hero of the Harrogate RA game) and Glyn Cross also started. The other two I dont know.

The game started slow and drab. Hallam didn't look to interested in attacking but seemed to want to contain Staveley then strike. The home side got forward and were continuously putting Hallam under pressure but with the experience of David Knaggs they never really threatened Nicky Scaife's goal. But Hallam's know how of 50-50 balls was an advantage and nearly every loose ball was won by Hallam. Though a woeful 40 yarder wandered down towards the corner flag and a free-kick hit the wall.

With 24 minutes gone No 8 smashed a cross in and Anthony Wilson almost headed the visitors into the lead with a near post header. 4 minutes later the extreme pace of David Knaggs slit open the Staveley midfield and defence and he had run 60 yards before passing to Anthony Wilson whose shot was blocked by keeper. Ashley Longstaff did excellently down the right before crossing for Ants who hit the post with his first attempt but on the second he buried the ball - 1-0 Hallam! Just 3 minutes later Staveley were straight back in it when a rifling 20 yard strike flew past Nicky Scaife and into the top-corner.

Greg Mason and Ashley Longstaff went close as Hallam went in 1-1 at the break

Half - Time at Inkersall Road - Staveley Miners Welfare 1-1 Hallam FC

Hallam again started the second-half the better. But a shock began as a free-kick was headed in at the back-post - 2-1 Staveley! The game went incredibly quiet for 15 minutes and looked as if Staveley would go on to win by a bigger margin. Out of nothing Anthony Wilson steamed forward, beating two players and smashing a 20 yard shot wide. On 73 Ashley Longstaff found himself in space 30 yards out and absolutely hammered a thunderbolt straight down the middle of the goal!!

By the time a scuffle engaged on 83 the referee had booked 3 Hallam players and should have at least booked No 2 of Staveley after continous warnings for bad challenges. After Anthony Wilson was fouled a scuffle engaged and after been provoked by several Staveley players he lashed out and was sent-off for Violent Conduct. Although many didn't see a punch, I can confirm he did and the referee took what he thought was necessary action. This shook Hallam up and made them more determined. For the last few minutes both sides wanted to keep tight.

6 minutes was held up and within seconds of that going up Hallam hurled themselves forward. They won a free-kick just outside the box it was crossed and after a bit of confusion it was belted into the top-corner by Danny Cooper - Hallam 3-2 Staveley Miners Welfare!!! After a desperate 5 minutes of trying to keep it tight the final whistle went!!!

Were going to Glasshoughton, Were going to Glasshoughton!!! The celebrations could start!

Full - Time at Inkersall Road - Staveley Miners Welfare 2-3 Hallam FC

Verdict: Hallam deserve to win this. The players have done it the hard-way after two tough opponents. Penalties at Harrogate and now we come 2-1 down with 17 minutes left at Staveley. Every single player out there gave it their all. Including Anthony Wilson who unfortunately got sent off.

 

 

Hallam vs Mickleover Sports

Hallam came into the game on an inconsistent run of form winning 4 in 7 in the league. Mickleover were looking to repeat their success when the teams met in October.

Hallam again in the usual Blue & White and Mickleover in their usual Red & Black.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Alex Higgins  7) Paul Hurrell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Ashley Longstaff  11) Richie Lopes  On the bench: 12) Billy Rowley  14) Nicky Ball  15) Louis Axcell

Paul Hurrell almost broke the deadlock on 87 seconds when he fired a shot from 20 yards but Penty in the Mickleover goal pushed it away for a corner. Mickleover should have done better with a free-kick on the edge of the box after Hansen was fouled - the free-kick hit the wall. Both teams looked eager to score and it was end to end attacking. Richie Lopes crossfield pass picked out Paul Hurrell and he drove an effort just over the bar from 20 yards. The visitors entered a spell where they couldn't pass the ball at all and Hallam drove forward.

Shannon North obviously thought the goalposts were in the Plough Inn car-park as he smashed a 12 yard effort out the ground. On 17 a Sports free-kick caused trouble when it was headed towards goal but luckily it dropped just wide. On 23 the ball was just 6 yards out but both Longstaff and Bates missed the ball as The Countrymen were searching for a goal. Richie Lopes found space around 35 yards out and unleashed a belting strike which just creeped over the bar. No 8 of Mickleover then missed a golden chance to score as he put his 8 yard shot wide. Alex Higgins and Tom Franklin were the most influential figures on the pitch as they controlled the middle of the pitch.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Mickleover Sports

Mickleover set us underway in the second-half kicking down the slope. Tom Franklin should have scored with a free header but it was caught. The game continued with a very high tempo. Ashley Longstaff missed a good chance on the on 53, his shot on the angle rolled wide of the target. Paul Hurrell went close after he cut inside from the right and hammered a shot towards Penty's right but the ball flew past the post. Neither team was going to give up and both teams continued to stay strong.

Karl Yeoman awfuly missed for Mickleover with 10 minutes remaining and it looked as if the game would stay scoreless for the first time this season for Hallam. Longstaff was agonisingly close to winning the game but his 20 yard strike dropped wide. On 92 Hurrell's cross/shot from 30 yards had Tony Penty panicking but it hit the bar!

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Mickleover Sports

Verdict: Both games between the two sides have been classics in their own right. Hallam and Mickleover played well but chances were missed. An improvement on Tuesday? Yes, definately.

Good Luck to Mickleover with the rest of the season

Hallam vs Parkgate

It was Premier vs Division One in the derby match between two teams just 10 miles apart.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Alex Higgins  7) Billy Rowley  8) Tom Franklin  9) Anthony Wilson  10) Ashley Longstaff  11) Scott Mellon  

Hallam in their blue & white home strip and Parkgate in all red but with shirt having a white strip down the centre.

Hallam kicked off and played down the slope in first half as both teams looked keen to get off to a quick start. As this was a derby a physical encounter was assured. Parkgate looked to be in the mood for playing and were quick to close down Hallam players. They believed that scuffing the pitch up would be a disadvantage to the opposition. Lee Wainwright came closest on 6 when his vicious free-kick flew just over the bar. Hallam looked incontrol but on 9, Cusworth headed in a corner at the near-post - 1-0 Parkgate. Action was few and far between for the majority of the game and on 19 Matt Outtram rounded Martin Taylor and slotted the ball in on 19 - 2-0 Parkgate.

The game was painful to watch and for the next hour it wasn't worth watching. On 38 Cusworth headed home at the far-post to make it 3-0 Parkgate! to make you ask yourself the question - 'Can I take another 52 minutes of this?'

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-3 Parkgate

Hallam came out and attacked but coming from three-goals down isn't easy. On 55 Gould wrapped up the game when calmly lobbed Martin Taylor from 30 yards - 4-0 Parkgate! The self destruct button had been pressed,  in the stand Hallam fans were thinking 'How many more ?' A triple substitution was made by Hallam as they looked to get at least 2 goals back. Cusworth completed his hat-trick - tapping in a corner from 2 yards out - 5-0 Parkgate!

Credit to Parkgate they were playing brilliantly and a Unibond side would struggle to compete with the football they were playing. On 77 Ryan Johnson turned an embarrassment into a humilation when he slotted in a one on one with Martin Taylor - 6-0 Parkgate!! Hallam weren't playing badly but the scoreline suggested they were. On 83 the Parkgate shut up when they saw a contender for Goal of the Season - Ashley Longstaff catching the keeper out with a 40 yard screamer that flew into the roof of the net - 6-1 Parkgate. Longstaff converted from 12 yards on 87 to reduce the Parkgate's lead again.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 2-6 Parkgate

Verdict: The report says it all. Hallam did play too bad but Parkgate converted their chances

 

Arnold Town vs Hallam FC

The form book suggested a tight game. Hallam had won their last three on the road and were generally on a good run winning 6 in 9. Arnold's habit of ending the game for the opposition before half-time was something you had to bear in mind.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Nicky Ball  7) Paul Hurrell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Scott Mellon  On the Bench: 12) Ashley Longstaff  14) Matt Eaton

Hallam kicked towards the open end in their changed stripe of Red and Black and Arnold attacking  the covered end in their Yellow and Blue home kit.

Arnold kicked off but Hallam gained possession very easily and looked to attack down the flanks. They attacked well through Wilson and he should have had a penalty in the second minute. He was hauled down in box and they referee looked on, waving it away. The commitment by the visitors matched what they did to Garforth Town. Challenging for: every header; every loose ball; every second ball; Tom Franklin created a good chance for himself as he ran into the box and shot from 15 yards but the keeper caught at high height. It was obvious who the sharper team was and the away side carried on tormenting the Eagles defence.

Phil Reynolds tried to stop Kevin Mabon surging into the box but Mabon appeared to foul him however the referee didn't notice and Mabon shot just wide of the target. Lee Wainwright tried to connect with loose ball in the box but the strike was weak and McCarthy in goal picked it up. Arnold came down on Hallam like a tonne of bricks in the 15th minute, with antrage of shots, everytime a shot was blocked the Arnold players just kept blasting it back towards the goal.

Tom Franklin nearly put Hallam in the lead as he cut through the Arnold defence and hammered a powerful shot destined for the corner but the keeper parried it wide of the post. Town looked dangerous on the counter but good defending by the visitors eliminated the threat. Nicky Ball took a quick free kick but he fired it over the bar on 27.

Frustration was spreading amongst the Arnold players and they started to lunge in on their opponetnts The referee just looked on taking no notice. Towards the end of half the referee booked several Hallam players for bad tackles including Anthony Wilson and Scott Mellon.

Half - Time at The King George V Recreation Ground - Arnold Town 0-0 Hallam

Scott Mellon almost found the net on 47, his left foot free-kick smashed against the roof of the stand. Arnold were in demolition mode and too be honest Hallam couldn't keep up. On 52 the visitors tried to play their way out of defence, it proved fatal... Knaggsy slipped and David Wilkins tapped in - 1-0 Arnold Town

The Eagles played like Buxton, quick passing and looked a good team. The referee made a mess of every decision until the last 10 minutes. Hallam still battled but tried desperately to get the better of the Town defence. It didn't look like happening.

Hallam Sub: 3) John Hayden off ----------  12) Ashley Longstaff on

Arnold got round the back of a struggling defence and a cross was whipped in, headed home by Dale Wright - 2-0 Arnold Town. Scott Bates and Ashley Longstaff missed chances as Hallam's luck was about to run out. Until the 87th minute, a free-kick dead central, 30 yards out. Nicky Ball was to take it to try and salvage a consolation..... he runs up..... he strikes it..... goal! What a fantastic free-kick he curls it into the top-corner - leaving McCarthy no chance! Arnold 2-1 Hallam!!

Hallam pushed and excelled themselves until the 92nd minute. It was over defeat away from home for the first time since the 2nd January

Verdict:  A fantastic performance. For over an hour we dominated and did ourselves proud. Set plays need to be improved as we created very little from them. If Nicky Ball takes free-kick's every game we'll score loads more goals.

My Man of the Match: Its got to be Nicky Ball, purely down to the fact that his free-kick was stunning and he did his fair-share of work in middle of the park.

Final Comment: Id like to thank Arnold for their hospitality. I enjoyed watching football at such a friendly club. I wish them good luck with Eagle Valley, which I hope to visit when its built

Hallam vs Long Eaton United

Hallam's form of 5 wins in 8 was impressive and Long Eaton's away form was not brilliant considering Brodsworth, Sheffield and Selby Town had already annihilated them. Hallam record at Sandygate wasn't brilliant but would the home form give and Hallam win or would the Long Eaton attack run riot. 

Hallam line up:  1) Craig Parry  2) David Knaggs  3) Scott Mellon  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) Louis Axcell  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Richard Lopes  On the bench:  12) Paul Hurrell  14) Ashley Longstaff  15) Matt Eaton

Long Eaton got us underway in an all green stripe kicking up the slope in the first half.

As expected the early stages of the contest were cagey and both teams looked to keep tight. The Blues of Nottingham didn't look too good and it looked as if it would be a stroll for Hallam. On 5 Sutton went close but his shot from 20 yards narrowly missed the target. Richie Lopes cut inside 40 yards out and hammered a 30 yard strike straight at the keeper. Scott Bates managed to trick his way past several Blues defenders before smashing in a great cross which the keeper punched away.

The Countrymen were passing well but the game was yet to completely settle down. Anthony Wilson of Hallam was on the touchline but still managed to hammer in a volley and it went straight across the face of goal. Lopes again tried his luck from long-range but the keeper got behind the ball to stop it. The Derbyshire team were keen to start attacking and an impressive 20 yard rocket was inches from going in. Long Eaton did score a minute later on 28, poor defending let in Sutton who slotted past Craig Parry - 1-0 Long Eaton United

What looked like a simple win was turning into a defensive nightmare. Players were not getting the ball away quick enough, letting opponents through and not winning headers. What looked like a normal 30 yard effort almost produced a second goal for Long Eaton as the ball just rolled past the post. On 37 Scott Bates picked up on a through ball from Louis Axcell and turned before clipping the ball over the keeper...... Hallam 1-1 Long Eaton United. It was huge relieve to see Hallam equalise 8 minutes before the break.

There was still time for more action as Long Eaton had a goal disallowed for offside and Richard Lopes came off injured and was replaced by Matt Eaton.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-1 Long Eaton United

.......................................................Sutton 28,

......................................Scott Bates 37

The start of the second-half was a replica of the first. Very scrappy and frustrating. On the hour the first chance of the second half arrived, Scott Mellon crossed for Tom Franklin who headed into the keeper's arms. The Blues were incontrol in midfield but Phil Reynolds work rate was rocketing as he did his best to keep out the away side.

Hallam Substitution: 10) Anthony Wilson off ---------- 14) Ashley Longstaff on

A free-kick delivered from right caused a few problems for the home side and Craig Parry excellently denied The Blues the lead when he got a hand to a header destined for the bottom corner. The resulting corner lead to a goal mouth scramble and Hallam looked at sixes and sevens, the visitors had 3-4 shots blocked and hit the bar before the ball was cleared.

On 69 Ashley Longstaff had goal ruled out for offside and this fired the Sandygate Road side up. 73 minutes gone and it was heart in mouth for Hallam, No 6 crossed and No 8 powered a shot towards the roof of the net but Craig Parry miraculously tipped over to give The Blues another corner. Two minutes of stoppages were guaranteed when Parry, a Hallam defender and Long Eaton striker all went for the same ball. Parry won it but the other two collided nastily.

Hallam Substitution: 6) Nicky Ball ---------- 12) Paul Hurrell on

A high tempo finale is what we endured. With Long Eaton desperate to survive the drop and Hallam wanted to continue good-form to head for a mid-table finish. At times you were pulling your hair out and at others you were delighted with the effort. On 89 Tom Franklin broke free down the right and crossed......Ashley Longstaff 6 yards out......the keeper is nowhere......he taps in!! Hallam 2-1 Long Eaton United!! Hallam have surely won now!!

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 2-1 Long Eaton United

.......................................................Sutton 28,

......................................Scott Bates 37,

......................................Ashley Longstaff 89

Verdict: Hallam's performance was by no means the best. The last 5 minutes was the best spell of football all game. At times it was like watching Sunderland, the hopeless team and at others it was like watching Chelsea. Sometimes you have to grind results out and Hallam did that.

My Man of the Match: Phil Reynolds. He battled for every header and a good percentage of those he won. He made mistakes like everyone does but still tried hard. Richie Lopes and Scott Bates both played well and Batesy looks like a prolific striker

Final Comment: I'm definately looking forward to Tuesday night. Arnold will be a good test to our away record. If the pitch is better than Selby's then we have a chance.

 

Glasshoughton Welfare vs Hallam FC

Both teams were looking to win a vital NCE Premier fixture with 17th vs 18th at Glasshoughton Centre. Hallam had lost their last 2, both at home but Glasshoughton had lost their 2 away from home.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) John Hayden  4) Phil Reynolds  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6)................. 7) Richard Lopes  8) Tom Franklin  9) Scott Bates  10) Anthony Wilson  11)................ On the bench: 12) Nicky Ball  14) Paul Hurrell  15) Ashley Longstaff

Glasshoughton were in all blue and kicked off and down the bumpy pitch towards the covered end. Hallam were in their changed stripe of red and black and kicked up the bumpy pitch towards the open end.

Hallam got forward but couldn't do anything with possession. The pitch was handful due to the slope and bumps. Richard Lopes was played in by Anthony Wilson but the ball went out for a corner which Nathan Hazeldene put wide. Ants shot wide on 15 but Hallam were losing battles in the midfield and giving the ball away cheaply. Glasshoughton got back in it and started to move forward, they got their best chance on 29 but the shot went well wide.  A free-kick though 35 yards out on found Anthony Wilson who beat two players and was been fouled but The Blues got the ball away.

In the last 3 minutes of the half the visitors started to play well and won a few corners. Scott Bates shot from 20 yards and the keeper could only parry into the path of Richard Lopes who hammered the ball into the top-corner - Glasshoughton 0-1 Hallam!! 

Half - Time at The Glasshoughton Centre - Glasshoughton Welfare 0-1 Hallam

The second half started a lot more exciting and Glasshoughton showed their true ability. A great 5 yard run was followed up by a 30 yard screamer that flew a mile over the bar. A foul in the box gave The Blues a penalty on 49, it was badly taken as Martin Taylor got the down to the most powerless penalty (by No 7) you'll ever see to parry the ball out. No 7 of Hallam almost doubled the lead but his 20 yard strike flew wide. Glasshoughton were team to watch and got forward well, giving the ball away at every possible opportunity.

David Knaggs crossed from the right and Scott Bates thumped in a header at the far-post - 2-0 Hallam!! The Blues attack was awful but Hallam didn't have the guts to push for a third. With the substitutes warming up forever and waiting to come on, a lot of players got tired. Phil Reynolds got forward and he almost lobbed the keeper from 30 yards but it dropped just wide.

On 74 No 6 went off and on came Nicky Ball and on 82 Anthony Wilson went off and Paul Hurrell came on.

Richard Lopes almost grabbed his second, a free-kick whipped over the wall, and clipped the wall and went out the ground. Scott Bates went off and Ashley Longstaff came on. Welfare were still incontrol and were getting worse by the minute. The referee was very reasonable. Then 30 yard Blues shot had no power in it and Martin Taylor picked it up

Full - Time at The Glasshoughton Centre - Glasshoughton Welfare 0-2 Hallam

...................................................................................................Richard Lopes, 44

...................................................................................................Scott Bates, 58

Verdict: Hallam's opponents helped them secure victory. Dire defence and lacklustre attacking combinated to make Glasshoughton look like a Sunday League team instead of NCEL. The only team in the contest, Hallam. The only team that played well, Hallam. The only team that seemed bothered, Hallam.

 

Hallam vs Harrogate Railway

With the winners to become favourites for the competition this was a chance for the taking. Greg Mason, Billy Rowley, David Knaggs, Anthony Wilson and Ashley Longstaff all started as Hallam were field a strong side against a team that had scored 16 goals away from home in 4 matches

Hallam were in blue and white and Harrogate in Red and Green. The visitors kicked off and kicked down the slope in the first half.

It was absolutely freezing so both teams were anxious to get straight out the blocks and into the game. A high tempo was set by Rail and they went close on 2 when No 6 crossed but 11 scuffed his shot into the side-netting from 6 yards. Both teams wanted to attack but Hallam couldn't get past a determined Rail midfield. But it breached when Ashley Longstaff broke free but his 15 yard shot was powerless. The tempo dropped and little action followed. Ben Furniss smashed a 35 yard strike just wide on 17. Railway were kicking themselves as a cross wasn't coverted, two shots from 6 yards were missed as they looked certain to score.

It was a frustrating last 20 minutes and Hallam just edged it. Possession was mostly in the middle of the pitch long-ball's were sent to feed the strikers.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Harrogate Railway

Hallam came out the stronger but for a solid 20 minutes there were no chances and was much like the last 20 minutes of the first-half. Harrogate's No 10 escaped and ran through the Hallam defence leaving everyone for dead but from 20 yards his finish was poor and put the ball wide. Soon after Railway were back up Hallam's end and should have scored when the ball bounced round the box however a shot from 6 yards managed to go out for a throw in. Ashley Longstaff and Greg Mason linked up well down the left and won a corner that was cleared away. Mason had his head in hands when he missed from 2 yards on 77. Late on a vicious 18 yard shot was flying towards the top-corner - the keeper somehow managed to dive up and catch it. The home side continued to control the match until full-time.

Billy Rowley was badly injured by his opponent's studs in the 90 minute. The referee refused to add any stoppages and with Rowley in agony tempers were set-alight. However the referee had made a lot of bad decisions and this wasn't the first he was accused of been bias.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Harrogate Railway (Now going into extra-time)

Rail came out stronger and were looking for goal that would probably take them through. But it was Hallam who nearly broke the deadlock on 97, a great cross headed was just over the bar from 12 yards.

Half - Time in Extra Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Harrogate Railway

Greg Mason cut inside and saw his 6 yard effort pushed away. On 118 a outrageous 30 yard strike by Longstaff was caught and on 120 his 25 yard belter curled and hit the bar! It was last kick of the game before penalties

Full - Time in Extra Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Harrogate Railway (Now into penalties)

I went off behind the North goal (covered end) and saw the pens.

Hallam - Harrogate Railway (The shootout!)

1) 11, pushed away with the right hand! 0-0

1)  Ashley Longstaff, calmly into the corner - 1-0 Hallam!

2) 15, parried away with the right hand -  1-0 Hallam!

2) Greg Mason, straight at the keeper and away - 1-0 Hallam!

3) No 9, straight in - 1-1

3) Danny Cooper, in off the post! - 2-1 Hallam!

4) 5, strikes it.... saved, palmed towards the corner flag! - 2-1 Hallam!

4) Runs up, and passes it into the bottom-right corner - 3-1 Hallam!!

Victory! Hallam have won the shoot-out 3-1!

Nicky Scaife the hero!

Verdict: It was a very physical game with few chances. Luck was nil all-game and the players, the committee, the fans deserved the victory. To get some silverware would be excellent and we hope for another home-draw in the semis!

Hallam vs Sheffield

Before most of our fans arrived Club took up our main stand and brought a good 100 fans with them to Sandygate. We weren't going to be detered and our fans came out in their hundreds. Previous results suggested Club were the team on form and we (Hallam FC!) were the only team to have beaten them in 16 matches.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) Phil Reynolds  3) John Hayden  4) Lee Wainwright  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) David Knaggs  8) Tom Franklin  9) Paul Hurrell  10) Scott Bates  11) Billy Rowley. On the bench: 14) Anthony Wilson  15) Ashley Longstaff

We kicked off and the opposition played down the slope. Both teams wanted to make as few mistakes as possible and by 5 minute you could tell who was the more physical of the two sides - Sheffield.  It was scrappy and there was little to talk of but Hallam were slightly edging it. Former Sheffield man Billy Rowley stormed up the left beating 2-3 men all ends up, he whipped in a cross like Ronaldinho and Scott Bates smashes home a header from 6 yards - 1-0 Hallam!! Hallam FC are leading after just 7 minutes!! Oh yes!!

Tempers started to flare and Tom Franklin had to be treated for a kick in the stomach. Same team, same keeper, different striker. Martin Taylor was again victim of vicious tactics by Sheffield, he was accused of dragging down James Tevendale. A clear dive by the Sheffield man and Taylor was booked. Tevendale broke free on 18 of the defence and left Tails stranded before slotting home.

The referee started to help his team out by letting them randomly kick their opponents and attack them. And made a mistake when David Knaggs was taken out in the box and gave a blind-eye to it. It looked to be staying 1-1 at half-time until Pete Smith bundled in corner on 41 - 2-1 Sheffield.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-2 Sheffield

Hallam were undeservedly down at the break and look to attack their local rivals and the threat was there. David Knaggs saw the chance and absolutely belted the ball from 45 yards but it was caught. Club were on-top but neither team had any good chances. On 67 a 25 yard effort was brilliantly palmed past the round post - corner kick Hallam. Two minutes later they were panicking and desperately trying to hack the ball away as the Dronfield side wanted to impound further blows in Hallam armour.

Paul Hurrell came off and Anthony Wilson came on as Ants would provide a boost to the attack. Nicky Ball crossed for Tom Franklin and everyone was off their feet but the ball trickled just wide. Lee Wainwright lost concentration and a neat one-two on the edge of the box resulted in Pete Davey firing home from 20 yards - 3-1 Sheffield. Can it get any worse? Yes, Wainwright failed to clear and James Tevendale walked the ball in - 4-1 Sheffield! 

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-4 Sheffield

.....................................Scott Bates 7,

......................................................James Tevendale 18,

.......................................................Pete Smith, 41 

.......................................................Pete Davey, 84

......................................................James Tevendale, 86

Verdict: Hallam tried hard but it was physical and we didn't contend with that. Look at the Garforth and Glapwell games, we battled well and won both games deservedly. Glasshoughton is an absolute must-win this weekend and so is Long Eaton the week after.

Hallam vs Thackley

Hallam's previous form was impressive and look to continue a run of 3 without defeat. Thackley were 5 unbeaten in the league.

Hallam kicked off in their blue and white home stripe and Thackley were playing with Hallam's away kit on.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor 2) David Knaggs 3) Phil Reynolds 4) Matt Eaton 5) Lee Wainwright 6) Nicky Ball 7) Billy Rowley 8) Tom Franklin 9) Anthony Wilson 10) Paul Hurrell 11) Greg Mason On the bench: 12) Ben Furniss 14) Ashley Longstaff 15) Louis Axcell

Hallam started the better and looked in mood for playing but Thackley lounged around thinking they were on holiday. Matt Eaton drilled the first effort of the game on 4 at the keeper from 25 yards. Anthony Wilson did the same himself seconds later but again it was caught. The home team were the better and passed the ball around nicely. The Thackley defence looked shabby, giving away corners and just generally messing everything up. The ball went up in the air and a game of head tennis between the two sides started.

On 16 Ants hit a fierce drive from 30 yards and it was flying towards the top-corner but Everard in the Reds goal miraculously pulled out his left hand to palm the ball away. Tom Franklin should have done better when he sent clear but screwed his 25 yard strike wide. Out of nothing the Bradford outfit ventured forward and Martin Taylor pulled off a top-draw save from a header to deny Thackley the lead. Nicky Ball then did excellently to get round 2 defenders, he played in Paul Hurrell who struck just wide.

Joel Etienne almost lead his side into the lead with an acrobatic effort from 12 yards but it lacked power and Taylor collected. The referee made a huge mistake when Tom Franklin was hauled down in the area and both linesman & referee failed to spot an infringement, giving Hallam a corner. Strange. The tempo fell and the game gently rolled into half-time with little to talk about.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Thackley

Thackley kicked off in the second-half....still in Hallam's kit. The first 10 minutes of the half gave us an insight into what the half would be like, boring and frustrating. No 6 hit a shot straight at the post as Guy Glover looked on umimpressed. Hallam looked scared of getting into the 6 yard box and seemed to play outside it.The game was end to end but both teams failed to create chances.

Hallam Substitution: 6) Nicky Ball off ---------- 12) Ben Furniss on

Dangerman Adam Johnson broke free and it took a fantastic David Knaggs challenge to stop him baring down on Martin Taylor. A very quiet spell followed and some people in the ground were losing the will to live. Billy Rowley fired a shot wide on 64.

Hallam Substitution: 11) Greg Mason off ---------- 15) Louis Axcell on

Anthony Wilson should have scored from 6 yards but his shot was saved.

Hallam Substitution: 10) Paul Hurrell ---------- 12) Ashley Longstaff

Billy Rowley was desperately close but his 20 yard belter was punched away for a corner. A lethal dose of The reds strikeforce was injected as Joel Etiennetook advantage of a mistake in Hallam's defence by slotting home from 6 yards - Hallam 0-1 Thackley. Martin Taylor came up for a last-gasp corner but that was cleared.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-1 Thackley

.....................................................Joel Etienne 88

Verdict: One mistake cost Hallam the game. The performance in the second-half was below-par and certain players played below standards. We kept out the dangerman all game but Etienne played a big part in Thackley's victory and credit to them. We have to play better against Sheffield in next week and I think its important we rest key players for Under 19's game on Wednesday.

Final Comment: Well Done to the fans for their support today. It was a cold day and people turned out in their numbers

 

Sorry about the lateness of the report. This was due to technical problems with freewebs

Northern Alliance --- Hallam vs Sheffield

David Knaggs, Anthony Wilson, Greg Mason and Ashley Longstaff all started for Hallam as they tried to repeat what they did to Sheffield earlier in the season.

The game started in cold conditions. Hallam kicked off and were kicking down the slope in the first half. The match started frustrating and neither team looked like scoring in the opening 10 minutes. After good box work Danny Cooper fired a low shot just wide. Sheffield were never in the game but gained upper the hand in the midfield. The chance Sheffield had was when 7 shot the ball past the post. It was scrappy and all the play was in the midfield. Anthony Wilson hammered the ball over from 8 yards on 15.

Out of nothing a long ball decieved the Sheffield defence and Greg Mason latched onto it to slide the ball home, 1-0 Hallam. Exactly 60 seconds later Anthony Wilson broke free of the defence to smash the ball into the net, 2-0 Hallam. Club struggled to keep up with a high tempo set by Hallam. The Countrymen carried on and got forward with Ben Furniss winning a corner. Super play on right wing was finished off when Anthony Wilson rose highest to head high into the goal - 3-0 Hallam. This was inside 32 minutes! On 37 the Dronfield outfit had a chance with a free-kick but it was pushed wide for corner. Greg Mason more or less won the game on 41 as he lobbed the ball over the keeper into the far corner - 4-0 Hallam.

Half-Time at Sandygate - Hallam 4-0 Sheffield

Half-Time Verdict: Hallam looked to have won and I heard people suggesting 6 or 7 for Hallam. Normally teams going in 4-5 nil up slow down in the second half.

It didn't go according to plan in opening 3 minutes, mistakes at the back led to the visitors pulling one back. But within minutes it was forgotten... Anthony Wilson tapped in his hat-trick from 6 yards - 5-1 Hallam. The question on everyone's minds was how many goals will we score tonight? Unfortunately the midfield went for a walk and didn't turn up for 5 minutes and when they came back it was six, Greg Mason drilled in from 20 yards - Game Over - Hallam 6-1 Sheffield. Ants almost made it 7 but he fired over from 6 yards.

Two players had got hat-tricks and the home side were like a run-away train and nobody could do a thing about it. Chances were few and far between which was unusual seening 7 goals had been scored. Anthony Wilson was about to come off but he looked world class as he curled the ball over the keeper into top-right hand corner - 7-1 Hallam! Ants looked delighted as he left the field. Two minutes later David Knaggs' extreme pace took him through Club's defence like Billy Whizz and smacked a thunderbolt straight at the keeper but Danny Cooper nodded home - 8-1 Hallam! The worrying fact for Sheffield that there was 18 minutes left with possibly Hallam reaching double-figures.

Ben Furniss turned the game from a hammering or belting to a rout. Not an ordinary rout a stunning rout. Furniss headed in from 6 yards on 79 - Hallam 9-1 Sheffield!! Ashley Longstaff headed a goal of his own on 81 at the near-post - Hallam 10-1 Sheffield!!! The ref was either very cold or was bribed by the Sheffield coach to end the game 5 minutes early.

Full Time at Sandygate - Hallam 10-1 Sheffield

Greg Mason 22,41,56

Anthony Wilson 23,32,51,71

Danny Cooper 72

Ben Furniss 79

Ashley Longstaff 81

Verdict: Hallam played a side that had obviously never met each other in their lives. 10 days before the big first-team derby your under 19's get hammered 10-1 by the opposition. Hallam did have spells where they were poor in the midfield but they kept it together. In between goals they kept it tight and didn't let Club have a sniff on goal, on the other hand they didn't look interested at all.

My Man of the Match: David Knaggs, he controlled the defence and looked a threat as his pace proved a problem. He could have added a goal of his own but unfortunately didn't - though it would have capped off a great evening for him

Hallam vs Eccleshill United

Hallam came into the game on fire with 3 wins in 4 and a convincing victory away at Glapwell the prvious weekend. Eccleshill looked to improve their mediocre away form.

Eccleshill were to kick off playing down the slope in the first half

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) Phil Reynolds  3) Scott Mellon  4) Lee Wainwright  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) David Knaggs  8) Tom Franklin  9) Anthony Wilson  10) Paul Hurrell  11) Greg Mason  On the bench: 12) Ashley Longstaff  14) Matt Eaton  15) Matt Plant

The game started slow as both teams failed to settle down. Scott Mellon's free-kick on 2 caused problems in The Eagles defence but it was slotted wide. No 7 struck a free-kick from 30-35 yards out and Martin Taylor watched the ball go harmlessly past the post. Though he was forced to collect a weak strike from No 9. Paul Hurrell went close when he headed a Phil Reynolds cross just wide. Eccleshill could only pass the ball in midfield and didn't get further that the Hallam 18 yard box.

No real action followed for 10-15 minutes as Hallam continued to dominate but failed to get a killer pass into the box. Chris Woods crept through but his deflected went wide. On the half hour David Knaggs showed his pace and intelligence when he took on a number of Eccleshill players before hammering the ball at the keeper from 18 yards. Soon after Anthony Wilson held the ball up and released Knaggsy who shot up the line, layed the ball back to Tom Franklin whose 20 yard effort flew just over.

Franklin then went down with a head injury and that gave us a minute's stoppage. Nicky Ball was booked after he won tackle in midfield and fell over his man after losing his balance when getting up. Seconds before the interval David Knaggs was booked.

Half - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 0-0 Eccleshiil United

Hallam set us underway in the second period, it started the same way as the first. Martin Taylor hit a high clearance and almost took my head off. Knaggsy had two good chances but first he shot wide and the keeper saved his second. Hallam for the first time in ages begun a second half on top. Scott Mellon's corner was punched over, Nicky Ball delivered a second and  Anthony Wilson headed home from 6 yards to send 100 + home fans crazy - 1-0 Hallam! Another Nicky Ball corner had Eccleshill panicking but Ants headed across the face of the goal.

David Knaggs almost capped off excellent play in midfield by Hallam but again his shot was parried away. The only way to describe the standard of play by Hallam was outstanding - nobody could put a foot wrong and they managed to ease away from The Eagles defence and create chances.

Hallam Substitution after 67 minutes:  12) Ashley Longstaff on ---------- 10) Paul Hurrell off

Ants continued to swipe at the opposition's defence with a 20 yarder but the keeper got behind it well. On 75 a goal mouth scramble nearly brought a second goal but Eccleshill withheld after Hallam rattled the bar. Ashley Longstaff did incredibly well to cross for Anthony Wilson who shot just wide of the post.  Minutes later Martin Taylor was called in action for the first time in an hour and he surged across his goal to stop a certain chance for an equaliser.

Hallam Substitution after 84 minutes:  14) Matt Eaton on  ---------- 7) David Knaggs off

It was heart in mouth for the last 5-10 minutes as Hallam desperately looked to hold on. In the 93rd minute the referee gave the away side a free-kick on the edge of the box and it was hard to watch but Martin Taylor dived across to parry the ball away. Despite keeping the ball for a long time at the end Eccleshill were out of ideas.

Full - Time at Sandygate - Hallam 1-0 Eccleshiil United

......................................Anthony Wilson, 55

Verdict: What can I say? Apart from the fact everyone should be delighted with the result. Play throughout the game was clean and tidy, the build up was magnificent and Anthony Wilson walked through the Eccleshill United defence for 90 minutes. I was very impressed with everyone's performance and it makes us look like a strong team.

My Man of the Match: I could give it to Anthony Wilson but I won't. The whole side deserves this. Including Matt Eaton and Ashley Longstaff the two subs.

Glapwell FC vs Hallam FC

Hallam were looking to build on a much deserved victory at Garforth a week before and Glapwell looked to  carry on with a 7 match unbeaten streak.

Hallam kicked off in their normal blue and white home strip while Glapwell kicked up the slope in their black and white home kit.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) Phil Reynolds  3) Scott Mellon  4) Matt Plant  5) Lee Wainwright  6) Nicky Ball  7) David Knaggs  8) Tom Franklin  9) Paul Hurrell  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Billy Rowley  On the bench: 12) Ian Askey  14) Matt Eaton  15) Ashley Longstaff

The game started unusually quiet and failed to get going for a while as both teams approached the match cautiously. Billy Rowley won the ball on the left and raced through the opponents defence, he played in Hurrell who forced the keeper into making a save with a goal bound left footer. Glapwell's midfield didn't seem to be with it as the away team picked up the ball easily, particularly in the middle and right wing areas. Hallam couldn't keep the ball as Glapwell kept clearing the loose balls out of their last third.

When The Well did get forward the away side won the ball back and played it about nice 'n' easy. However Martin Taylor was forced into a save after some good build up by Glapwell. You could have walked to Mansfield and back and found Glapwell hadn't created any chances while you were gone. One thing that lightened up the game was that any petty, minor infringements by a Hallam player resulted in a booking. On 31 The Countrymen missed a great chance to take the lead when Hurrell was one on one with the keeper but the keeper smothered the ball at his feet. Tom Franklin almost scored as he struck a bobbling ball in the box but it was parried away for a corner.

With seconds left of the half God gave Paul Hurrell some luck as he wonderfully took down the ball and passed to Billy Rowley whose cross was headed in by top scorer Anthony Wilson! Hallam 1-0 Glapwell!

Half - Time at Hall Corner - Glapwell 0-1 Hallam

.........................................................Anthony Wilson, 45

The word to describe Hallam's start to the second half was panic. After a few mistakes at the back Glapwell could so easily have scored. Martin Taylor in Hallam's goal stopped an almost certain own goal as their defence was ripped apart by a fired up Glapwell. Anthony Wilson could have made it 2-0 to Hallam if it wasn't for the quick thinking home keeper who pushed his 25 yard shot away for a corner. Lee Wainwright should have scored from the resulting corner but hit the ball wide on the angle.

Lee Wainwright made up for his earlier miss on 58 as he slotted home Nicky Ball's free-kick - Hallam 2-0 Glapwell! Hallam were in paradise at Hall Corner as 3 points looked to be on the cards. This was followed by 2 substitutes from the home side as they looked for way back into the game.  Tom Franklin and Paul Hurrell went close but it was tough as Glapwell were more interested in getting free kicks and diverting the referee's attention. I think the referee was using his whistle as a toy and seemed give yellow cards for anything minor but wouldn't give a booking for a two footed challenge which left everyone a bit lost.

Anthony Wilson battled through the Glapwell defence and midfield and took on 4-5 players but in the end David Knaggs shot just over. The away side were hanging on by their skin of their teeth and kept out Well until the referee gave a harsh free-kick on the edge of the box on 81 and it was hammered home left footed - 2-1 Hallam.

Unfortunately the game was ruined when the referee failed to even talk to a Glapwell player when he gave Billy Rowley a kick in the head. He was attempting to head the ball back and suddenly an opponent came in, cleared the ball and almost took poor Rowley's head off. Yes, both players went for the ball but Billy Rowley was having to go to hospital having had a couple of studs in his forehead.

What made me laugh was the continous adding up of stoppage time by the referee. It must have 6 minutes stoppage's for which 3-4 were for his lectures.

Full - Time at Hall Corner - Glapwell 1-2 Hallam FC

.................................................................Anthony Wilson 45,

.................................................................Lee Wainwright 58.

 

Verdict: Hallam outclassed Glapwell in the midfield throughout the game and the passing was superb. To say Glapwell are 6th is remarkable. They were below par and like Garforth who we played last week - the defence was shocking.

My Man of the Match: A team performance today by Hallam. Anthony Wilson and Billy Rowley were outstanding. Ants battled like mad at times and scored a beautiful goal. Billy Rowley worked down Glapwell's right wing brilliantly and I was sad to see him hurt, I just hope he is back to face Eccleshill Utd next weekend.

Final Comment: Few points today

1) Great Victory

2) Hope we can do the same against Eccleshill United next week

3) Awful referee, I'd like NCEL to look at his handling of the Billy Rowley incident

 

 

Garforth Town vs Hallam FC

After a defeat for both teams in their last matches they were looking forward to getting back to winning ways at the Marston Stadium home of Garforth Town.

Hallam were in their red away strip as they led us underway and kicked left to right from the main stand. Garforth were playing in their yellow and blue home kit.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) Phil Reynolds  3) Scott Mellon  4) Lee Wainwright  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) David Knaggs  8) Tom Franklin  9) Anthony Wilson  10) Paul Hurrell  11) Billy Rowley  On the bench: 12) Ian Askey  14) Matt Eaton  15) Ashley Longstaff

Hallam started the better and straight away hammered the ball down the Garforth right. On 3 they went close after 2-3 blocked shots before the ball went out for a goal kick to Hallam. The home team were forced back by great passing and excellent teamwork by the visitors. They wouldn't back down but Garforth kept their cool to get rid of the ball. The first real chance fell to Paul Hurrell whose volley was well saved by the keeper. A corner was driven in by The Countrymen and they thought they'd scored when the ball was bundled in but it was ruled out due to offside.

Hallam continued to pressurise and Nicky Ball smashed home a 20 yarder beating the keeper as the ball nestled in the corner Hallam 1-0 Garforth Town!! Anthony Wilson was winning headers in the last third as the away side looked for another.They had the chances but didn't take them as The Miners held out. You wouldn't believe the commitment as tackles from all directions were thrown in in a bid to win the ball. Nicky Ball hammered a 30 yard volley which looked to be going wide but incredibly it went into the bottom right corner, it was simply class - Hallam 2-0 Garforth Town. The hardcore home supporters were getting angry at their side and seemed to take it out on something other than their players.

Nathan Hazeldene headed over a David Knaggs corner from 15 yards, Ants headed over from 6 yards as Hallam looked to be progressing. The last 10 minutes of the half didn't bring much as Hallam went in leading two-nil.

Half - Time at The Marston Stadium - Garforth Town 0-2 Hallam FC

Paul Hurrell could have increased Hallam's advantage he battled through the Garforth defence but he struck the ball wide. Tom Franklin went close on 53 as his 20 yard effort was parried away. No 7 seemed to be the dangerman as at free-will he tore through the opposition defence but he shot was parried. It was worrying to see Nathan Hazeldene limp off on 61 and was replaced by Matt Eaton. Anthony Wilson set up Paul Hurrell and as the keeper came out he drove a shot against the bar, the ball came back out and he hit the bar again!

Hallam started to lose their grip on the game and so did the referee. 7 again ran like a bullet through the visitor's defence but there was no - end product.

Hallam Substitution:  Paul Hurrell 10) off ---------- Ashley Longstaff 15) on

The referee sent everybody in the ground absolutely mad for the last 25 minutes. Every two minutes he blew his whistle and stopped the game for ages. He gave free-kicks for the sake of it. Garforth couldn't believe their luck and this muppet stood in the middle of pitch and ruined the game. It was like he bringing the game into disrepute. The final 15 minutes was about holding on. It was agonising for Hallam as they desperately wanted to win to boost chances of survival.

They had plenty of chances to finish a below par Garforth off but it didn't happen. On 89 Garforth got a undeserved goal back, a looping 30 yard strike that flew into the corner, Hallam 2-1 Garforth Town.

Full - Time at The Marston Stadium - Garforth Town 1-2 Hallam FC

Verdict: What an excellent performance by Hallam. The commitment was top class and the effort was 110%. Shame we haven't played at home in two months. Glapwell will be a tough game next week, they are on form. But if we put the effort in we'll win

My Man of the Match: To be honest I am not sure. Nicky Ball gets it this week for two brilliant goals. Tom Franklin and Anthony Wilson played well.

Final Comment: Bit of banter today between myself and 10-15 hardcore Garforth fans. The ground was superb and is the best I've seen on my travels this season. It just looks so modern.

 

 

 

Selby Town vs Hallam FC

Hallam came into the game on a high after winning at local rivals Sheffield last week.Selby were very inconsistent at home so this had all the pieces to form an interesting game.

Selby kicked off playing towards the seated end of Flaxley Road Ground and Hallam left - right towards the terrace behind the goal.

Hallam's line up: 1) Martin Taylor  2) David Knaggs  3) Phil Reynolds  4) Matt Plant  5) Nathan Hazeldene  6) Nicky Ball  7) Billy Rowley  8) Tom Franklin  9) Paul Hurrell  10) Anthony Wilson  11) Greg Mason. On the bench:  12) Ian Askey  14) Matt Eaton.

Hallam set the tempo early on as they knew a solid start was a must for a tough clash against tough opposition. Both teams failed to settle down and it was hindered when Martin Taylor needed treatment for a clash in the box. Tom Franklin had a strike blocked on 2 as they dominated possession. A couple of chances followed but they were barricaded by Selby's stern defence. The Robins woke up and got going. They were quick on the break and mistakes weren't an option for The Countrymen. No 8, smashed the ball wide of the post with an ambitious 30 yarder.

Nicky Ball tried his luck with a long range effort but it didn't trouble the keeper as it sailed over the bar. The away side started knocking the ball around well and Selby were chasing thin air - trying to intercept. On 11 the home team won a free-kick in their own half and 8 again thought he was clever but his long effort was off target. The best chance of the game fell to Anthony Wilson; sweet build up play down the right led to Billy Rowley crossing to the near post and Wilson hammered the ball against the post. Town failed to breach the away team's defence and the right back hit a daisy grass cutter that would have been classed as a grubber kick in rugby - it went emb