- Redmires 4 Stocksbridge PS 2 (League,
28th April 2008)
Official view: To
follow...
Our View: Redmires
good run of form continued with a comprehensive win in their last game
of the season
against a team that had just avoided relegation the previous Thursday
when they had drawn
with
Stannington
Village
. Redmires needed a win or draw to
ensure fourth place
in the League. We didn’t get off to a great start and conceded an
early goal when we failed to close their forward down quickly enough.
However we began gradually to get into our stride and it wasn’t long
before Danny Lindley scored, nipping
in to beat the
keeper to a pass, following a three man move. We continued to give their
defence plenty of problems and following several narrow escapes for
their goal, we took the lead when Sean Downing scored with a header.
Park were playing quite well at times and belied their lowly position.
HALF TIME 2-1.
We needed to get on
top early in the second half and this we did, again going close. We went
further ahead when Dale White was upended in the box and White himself
coolly slotted
the ball home. We
brought on the fit again John Mellor for the energetic Tim Green and he
made an immediate impact with his runs off the ball, and added an
extra dimension to
our attacks. However Park were not laying down and came back to score
their second. We brought on Andy Birks for the tiring Sean Downing who
had worked very
hard up front and
following a good pass John Mellor raced into their area only to be
brought
down by the centre
half. Mellor took the penalty himself and made no mistake. A word here
for Wayne Beggs, who
was having his last game in a Redmires shirt before returning to his
native
Crewe
. His pace, shooting ability and dribbling skills will be sorely missed
next season and
it was a pity that
his last season has been marred by niggly injuries. We wish him all the
best. Wayne’s injuries epitomised our season in a way in which we took
ten points off the top two
in the league and
would surely have been challenging for the title if we hadn’t had
players missing for longish spells during the season. Fourth place in
the League was good considering some of the
problems we had.
TEAM PERFORMANCE 90/110.
- Redmires 2 Woodhouse West End 1 (League,
17th April 2008)
Official view: After
Ashleigh Atkins had given Woodhouse West End a first half lead, they
slipped to only their second defeat of the season at Redmires. Redmires
dangerman Danny Lindley was being well shackled by Anthony Dolan, but
Lindley showed his class when he was given a half chance and he levelled
. The title still looked set to go West End's way as a point would have
as good as given them the title, but with just four minutes remaining,
the unfortunate Danny Hooper saw a ball loop off him over his own keeper
and give victory to Redmires.
Our View: On
an overcast Thursday evening we arrived to find the pitch with a bit of
water on it and there was some doubt that the match would go ahead, but
with willingness from both teams to get the match played some of the
water was cleared.
West End
on an excellent run of results which had seen them all but clinch the
league title, needing one point from this game, seemed full of
confidence before the match. However Redmires were quietly confident
they could improve on the 1-1 draw they had achieved in the away match.
Although without injured striker Wayne Beggs, we looked to have the pace
up front which could trouble their defence and this became evident as
the game got into full swing.
West End
went ahead after about fifteen minutes when the ball fell kindly for
their striker who hit a good shot past the helpless Karl Taylor.
Undeterred by this setback we took the game to them, and forced several
corners. We then suffered a big blow when striker John Mellor had to go
off injured, but the value of having a good squad showed with the
introduction of the ever willing Sean Downing to take John’s place. We
were giving as good as we got and were unlucky when an excellent lob
from Dale White hit the crossbar with the keeper looking on.
HALF TIME 0-1.
Following a good team talk we
came out for the second half determined not to let our heads drop and to
battle to the end. After about sixty-five minutes we got the break we
deserved when Danny Lindley evaded his man marker and hit a superb low
shot past the outstretched keeper into the corner. This goal gave us the
incentive we needed and we began to run their defence ragged at times.
Lindley, Downing and White began to find gaps in their rear guard. With
our back four dealing well with their attack, they could not make any
headway and they were restricted to only one clear chance which brought
a great diving save from
Taylor
. We on the other hand became dominant in midfield with Luke Siggs, Nick
Hickson and Andy Birks well on top. We couldn’t capitalise on our
pressure however, despite several close calls and it was inevitable that
the game would be decided by a flukey goal. We brought on James
O’Connell for the tiring Hickson and a few minutes later Tim Green for
the lively White. With about six minutes to go Chris Cotterill hit a
rising shot from the edge of their penalty area which was deflected
upwards off their centre half and flew over the keeper into the net.
They then began to get a bit tired and ragged in their defence
with all the chasing they were having to do and we looked the more
likely to score. Green in particular started to link up well with
Lindley and we maybe could have stretched the lead. A great game to
watch! TEAM PERFORMANCE 93/110.
- Redmires 2 Hemsworth Villa 1 (League,
13th April 2008)
Official view: Redmires
gave themselves a chance of finishing fourth when they came from behind
to beat Hemsworth Villa. After a goalless first half it was Villa that
broke the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty. Although David
Tollerfield saw the spot kick saved, he followed up to put away the
rebound, but their lead didn't last long as Danny Lindley netted his
ninth of the season for Redmires. It could have gone either way after
that, but Redmires grabbed the points when sub Sean Downings run and
cross from the right was met by John Mellor.
Our View: Redmires,
although without Wayne Beggs and Nick Hickson welcomed back John Mellor
for visit of Hemsworth Villa who were just above us in the league. They
didn’t appear to have their strongest team out but did have their
danger players in the team. The early exchanges were fairly even with
perhaps Villa looking the more likely to score. We found it quite
difficult to get into our stride with a few passes going astray and we
failed to capitalise on several free kicks that were conceded by Villa
on the edge of their box. Their goalkeeper was a bit lucky not to be
sent off when he fouled Dale White as he was going through and other
referees might have sent him off. Common sense prevailed and the keeper
only received a yellow. HALF TIME 0-0.
We started off the livelier in
the second half and one or two half chances went begging and it was
Villa who took the lead with a well taken goal. This led to a sustained
spell of pressure from us and we got the equaliser we deserved when
Danny Lindley hit a great shot from the edge of the penalty area which
beat their very good keeper on his right side. The game swung to and fro
but we seemed the team that wanted the win most. We brought on another
two strikers in Tim Green and Sean Downing to try and win the game and
following a good run and cross by Downing down the right hand wing the
delighted John Mellor was on hand to force the ball in from close range
to seal the win. TEAM PERFORMANCE 83/110.
- Handsworth WMC 2 Redmires 1 (League,
6th April 2008)
Official view: Handsworth
WMC's keeper was another to take the spotlight as his last gasp penalty
save ensured his side took the three points at home to Redmires and make
a third place finish almost certain. Redmires suffered a blow when they
lost Wayne Beggs to a hamstring injury in the first half and although
Paul Renshaw went close for Handsworth, neither side dominated, but
early in the second half Renshaw did get his name on the scoresheet when
he followed up to score after the Redmires keeper had failed to hold
Robert Pratt's free kick. Redmires hit back though as Andy Birks and
Dale White combined before Birks steered the ball home, but Handsworth
re-took the lead when Ryan Taylor volleyed home David Cawrey's cross.
With literally the last action of the game, it looked as if Redmires
would go home with a share of the spoils when Lee Johnson gave a penalty
away on his debut, but Richardson saved Birks penalty and the referee
blew for time.
Our View: On
an uneven pitch at Handsworth Redmires made an unlucky start against
their challengers for the third place spot. After just five minutes
Wayne Beggs who had made a great return last week after a long bout of
injury again found himself in the wars when he pulled a hamstring
not for the first time this season. Very unlucky for
Wayne
but a big blow for the team. With Danny Lindley also missing it left us
a bit short in the strike division , but it was a big chance for the
untried Tim Green to show what he could do. Green tried very hard and
his pace did trouble their defence at times. The team responded well to
this early blow and with Andy Jones and James Kirkham shackling their
danger man we had as many chances as they did in the first half without
managing to score. At times we played much the better football without
having much luck in front of goal but they were dangerous on the break.
HALF TIME 0-0.
The second half went much the
same as the first, but it was WMC that went ahead when the referee gave
a mystifying free kick against Andy Jones who appeared to win the ball
cleanly on the edge of our box and with Karl Taylor unable to hold the
kick their player jumped in to scramble the ball in. Unbowed by this we
put them under a lot of pressure and Andy Birks should probably have
scored when right in front of goal, but the bobbly pitch caused him to
miscue his shot. Birks made up for this later though when a good move
between himself and Dale White resulted in himcoolly slotting the ball
past the keeper. We had several chances to take the lead with the new
strike partnership of Birks and White, in particular one rasping shot
from Nick Hickson which the keeper just touched over. Their keeper was
having a good game and the pressure for them was relieved in one of
their rare troubling attacks when the ball was struck through a number
of legs to put them ahead about ten minutes from the end. We kept
pressing and we got the only decision we got from the referee Mr Warner
in virtually the whole game, when we were rewarded with a penalty right
at the end. Birks took the penalty and struck it well enough but the
keeper guessed right and saved it, which was tough on the team who
definitely deserved more out of the game. TEAM PERFORMANCE 84/110.
- Redmires 4 Ecclesfield Travellers 0 (League,
30th March 2008)
Official view: Redmires
produced one of their best performances of the season to end guarantee
their place in the top flight for next season with a 4-0 victory over
Ecclesfield Travellers. Danny Lindley was a real handful for the
visitors defence and he took advantage of a defensive mix-up to put
Redmires ahead and he doubled their lead after being set up by Wayne
Beggs. Beggs was also causing problems for the Travellers defence and it
was his pace that took him past two defenders before making it three
after the break and Del Whyte's left foot finish made it four, but they
should have also had a fifth, but keeper Karl Taylor missed his moment
of glory from the penalty spot.
Our View: Redmires
set off in good style against one of the leagues better teams on a sunny
day at
Phoenix
. The players looked up for the game and players from a postponed game
on another
pitch provided quite an audience. In the first half we had the better
chances but had to wait until the 30th minute when a mix up
between the keeper and a defender left Danny Lindley with a clear chance
to put us ahead. We continued to press and a fine dribble from Luke
Siggs ended with the keeper making a fine save. Most of Travellers good
attacks came down the right, but good defending meant that their chances
were limited. Wayne Beggs was having a superb game and caused them much
trouble with his pace and shooting ability. It was he who made the slide
rule pass to a resurgent Lindley to cleverly steer the ball past the
keeper to put us two up before half time. HALF TIME 2-0.
We knew that Travellers would
come at us early in the second half and this they did, but our defence
was in great form, along with Karl Taylor who looked determined not to
concede a goal. In midfield Nick Hickson was pulling the strings and
with our ball possession very good we created a few more chances before
we went three up when Wayne Biggs ran across their box and then hit a
fine low cross shot past their keeper. This seemed to knock the stuffing
out of Travellers aside from one volley from their admired leading
scorer Senior which
Taylor
comfortably held. We brought Tim Green on for the willing Sean Downing
and also Dale White on James O’Connell who had had a good game on the
right. Following a great move we went further ahead when Dale White
latched on to a pass and lashed the ball past the keeper with his left
foot. We had a chance to make it five when their defender was adjudged
to have handled the ball by the excellent referee David Maloney , but
keeper Karl Taylor’s attempt to score his first goal for the Reds put
the penalty wide of the goal. This was an excellent performance by the
team in a hard fought game in which Travellers played their part. TEAM
PERFORMANCE 94/110.
- Redmires 2 Woodhouse Angel 1 (League,
16th March 2008)
Official view: Redmires
eased any thoughts that they could get sucked into the relegation
struggle with a narrow victory over a Woodhouse Angel side that is
beginning to look doomed for the drop. It looked as if it might be
Angels day when a good move saw Gareth Simons produce a well taken
finish to give Angel a deserved early lead, but their day started to go
wrong midway through the first half when Nick Hickson met Dale White's
free kick to head Redmires level. After that Redmires began to dominate
and they should have taken the lead when Andy Birks missed a sitter and
almost did when Andy Jones hit a post, but the almost inevitable goal
came when Wayne Beggs run and cross found James O'Connell and although
his shot was initially saved by the Angel keeper, Danny Lindley was on
hand to net the winner from close range. Not for the first time this
season, referee Matt Walsh drew praise from both clubs for his handling
of the game.
Our View: We
faced our previous weeks opponents in the return leg at
Phoenix
, which was passed fit for play after heavy overnight rain which left
the ground a bit waterlogged in places. Thanks to a great effort by
“sweeper” Luke Siggs and “bucket boy” Tim Green (where were you
Mark Hardisty?) we managed to get the pitch cleared by the referee Matt
Walsh. Angel started of well and scored on virtually their first attack
with a good move. It was obvious we had a game on our hands as they were
fighting hard to avoid the drop. It was good to have keeper Karl Taylor
back in goal after his suspension and he was called into action several
times in the first half. We also had Wayne Beggs back from injury and we
had a more balanced look to the line up. We equalised after thirty
minutes when Nick Hickson rose to head in a great free kick from Dale
White. We began to get control of the game but were unable to get
through their defences and went in at half time all square. HALF TIME
1-1. The second half was very much one way traffic and we had several
chances that went close including a volley from Hickson that hit the
bar, a header from Andy Jones that just hit a post and Andy Birks
blazing over the bar when clean through in front of goal. We had one or
two other chances which normally we would have finished but it was left
until the last few minutes to get the winner, when following a good
dribble by Beggs he squared the ball for James O’Connell to have a
goal bound shot saved by the keeper but only into the path of Danny
Lindley, who had had a quiet game, to prod home. It was tough on
Angel who had battled all the way and with any luck may still stay up.
TEAM PERFORMANCE 79/110
- Woodhouse Angel 2 Redmires 4 (League,
9th March 2008)
Official view: Woodhouse
Angel's top flight position is looking even more perilous after they
slipped to a 4-2 home defeat by Redmires. It started well for Angel when
Gareth Simons put them ahead, but Redmires, despite losing Des Pike
through injury, hit back to level with Andy Birks' deflected shot. It
got worse for Angel when a Redmires took the lead with an own goal and
the game was put beyond them with Birks second and one from Danny
Lindley. Chris Towey did pull one back for Angel from the penalty spot,
but it came too late to mount a fightback.
Our View: Redmires
faced the team currently second from bottom in the league table on a
sticky uneven
pitch at
Athelstan
School
and had to make an early substitution when skipper Des Pike sustained
a bad knock to his right eye. Ben Nichols came on in his place. Our
football was a bit sketchy and had little pattern to it and we went
one-nil down after some sloppy defending. We responded within ten
minutes of conceding through Andy Birks and went two-one up when one of
their players headed into his own goal following a Danny Lindley free
kick. HALF TIME 2-1.
We extended the lead early into the second half when Andy Birks
scored his second. Angel, particularly their left winger continued to
play well and maybe should have scored again, but stand in keeper Luke
Siggs kept them at bay. We suffered another blow when Ben Nichols had to
come off with what looked like a serious injury and we brought on back
from injury Wayne Beggs, Tim Green replaced James O’Connell. The
flying Beggs began to stretch the Angel defence and following a good
move Lindley was on hand from close in to extend our lead further. In
the dying minutes of the game, Andy Jones conceded the third penalty in
consecutive games, which for the third time Siggs had no chance to stop.
A game we were glad to get out of the way, what with the poor pitch and
the injuries we sustained. TEAM PERFORMANCE 76/110.
- Redmires 4 Laycock Sports 4 (League,
2nd March 2008)
Official view: Laycock
Sports have struggled and started the day with just one point, but after
a terrific comeback they shared eight goals with Redmires to double
their points tally for the season. Redmires started brightly and midway
through the first half Sean downing gave them the lead and a few minutes
later James O'Connell doubled it. Laycock's came out for the second half
showing more purpose and were quickly rewarded when Scott Wesney found
the net, yet their joy was short lived as Nick Hickson scored his second
of the season - and both against Laycock's. Back came Laycock's when
Chris Chapman hit a beauty from thirty yards, yet it looked all over for
them when Downing netted his second of the game to restore Redmires two
goal lead with little more than ten minutes remaining. Laycock's had
other ideas though and Chris Gill scored their third and when Darryl
White upended the Laycock's winger in the box, the experienced Simon
Bartles stepped up to grab that point for the visitors.
Our View: Redmires
went into this match against the bottom team with no less than seven
regular players missing. It did give a chance to new players Rob Hope
and Tim Green to start a match. We started off brightly enough and
Laycocks were on the back foot for most of the early play and it was no
surprise when we took the lead after twenty minutes when Sean Downing
scored his first goal since the Merit Cup Final in September. We went
further ahead minutes later when a long free kick from Chris Cotterill
was nodded past the keeper by Nick Hickson. We were well on top at this
point with Danny Lindley causing their defence many problems, however we
couldn’t capitalise on this pressure before half time. HALF TIME 2-0.
After the break we
felt we could knock a couple of goals in which would put paid to
Laycocks, but this did not happen and it was they who came in the second
half showing a good fighting spirit. They pulled one back after
fifty-five minutes and this gave them a real boost. We wasted a couple
of chances and they made us pay by equalising after sixty minutes. We
got back into the lead when James O’Connell scored from close range
and looked to have put the game away when Downing scored his second.
Laycocks had other ideas though and our midfield and defence began to
quake under the pressure and Laycocks pulled another back ten minutes
from time. Within the last minute of the game a reckless challenge from
right back Dale White who had had a good game to that point resulted in
a penalty which they duly converted bringing the match to all square. In
the end we have to take the plus points from the game, one of which was
the performance of Ben Nichols who resumed his Redmires career after a
long time out injured. TEAM PERFORMANCE 74/110.
- Woodhouse West End 1 Redmires 1
(League, 24th February 2008)
Official view: Woodhouse
West End lost the top spot in the CBC Premier after Redmires held them
to a second successive home draw. Woodhouse West End got the boost of an
early penalty at home to Redmires and although he had seen his previous
one saved, Rob Cowlishaw expertly put this one away, but after that they
were forced to defend as Redmires three pronged attack forced them back.
Had it not been for a string of terrific saves by keeper John Badkin
West End's unbeaten home record would surely have gone, but he was
eventually beaten when Redmires were awarded the games second penalty.
Danny Lindley had been a constant threat to them and after he was
brought down in the box, John Mellor stepped up to beat Badkin and earn
his side a point.
Our View: Luke
Siggs replaced the suspended Karl Taylor in goal despite carrying a
groin injury for the Reds visit to league champions
West End
. They also had one of their better players suspended so this levelled
things up. A very close competitive game then took place with fortunes
swinging one way and the other. In the early spells we had several good
opportunities to take the lead but found their keeper in great form.
After twenty minutes
West End
took the lead against the run of play when Andy Birks was adjudged to
have brought down their striker near the edge of the penalty area. They
made no mistake from the spot kick. Undeterred we continued to attack
their defence with Danny Lindley the main threat as he gave their left
back a torrid time but again their keeper repelled every effort with
some excellent saves. HALF TIME 1-0.
Our back four well marshalled by skipper Des
Pike seemed to be well in control of their strikers and it was their
No.11 who was causing us most problems, they did have a few chances but
we had more and the corner count was much in our favour. Eventually we
got the breakthrough we deserved when Lindley was brought down from
behind in the box. John Mellor made no mistake from the penalty spot. We
pushed hard to get the winner and went close on several occasions. They
also had one great chance at the end to win the match but their player
blasted over the bar from ten yards. This was a good game well handled
by the referee Ian Cox who congratulated our players at the end for the
way in which we played the game. TEAM PERFORMANCE 98/110.
- Niagara 2 Redmires 0 (League, 10th
February 2008)
Official view: Niagara
eased their relegation fears as a Simon Staniforth double
gave them a 2-0 home win over Redmires. The visitors looked a little
rusty after three weeks without a game and Staniforth struck to give
Niagara
a half time lead and after the break he headed a second to put the
result beyond doubt.
Our View: A
sunny morning greeted Redmires players for their away match against
a rejuvenated
Niagara
side who had beaten Hemsworth Villa the previous
week. Unfortunately our inactivity for three weeks in a row was to show
itself in our lack lustre display. Without the injured Wayne Beggs
(stupidly injured playing for HSBC the day before the game) we had
to rearrange the team at the last minute which didn’t help matters. We
set off well enough and gave as good as we got in the early exchanges.
However
it was Niagara
who scored when their centre forward appeared to knock Luke
Siggs off balance on a through ball and gave new substitute keeper Marcus
Weston (replacing the suspended Karl Taylor) no chance. We pressed hard for an equaliser and forced several corners but couldn’t capitalise on
the pressure. HALF TIME 0-1. The second half went much the same as the first, with the game
switching from end to end. Our football in midfield was good at times but our final
ball was never
troubling the
Niagara
defence and they created a few half chances. We missed the
probing of Andy Birks but really it was the inactivity which caused the
problems for us.
Weston, who has not played a lot of football this season should probably
have caught the cross leading to their second goal but we never gave up trying and
Danny Lindley tried
everything to conjure a goal but it just would not come. Man of the
match for us was
Andy Jones who had a very solid game at the back. TEAM PERFORMANCE
73/110.
- Redmires 3 Blue Ball 0 (League, 13th
January 2008)
Official view: The
leaders were left Red-faced as a Danny Lindley double and a James
O'Connell strike saw Redmires complete the double over Blue Ball. Ball
had won seven successive games since they were beaten by Redmires in
September, but an eighth successive win looked unlikely from the minute
that Lindley slammed home a perfect free kick. If that was the perfect
free kick, Lindley's second owed a great deal to good fortune a strong
gust of wind as his cross was taken off course and into the net.
Redmires defence never looked like being breached after that and
O'Connell rubbed salt into the visitors wounds with a third in the final
minute.
Our View: After
last weeks shambolic display it was important to put it out of our minds
and get it right otherwise we could expect a drubbing from
the League leaders. The
players responded in a magnificent way with everybody up for the game
and the
Phoenix
pitch in great condition. What a joy it was to play on a flat surface
without any ruts. We were also able to welcome back Wayne Beggs and Nick
Hickson to the squad
and we looked to have nearly our strongest squad out for a
change. We took the game straight away to Blue Ball who had beaten
champions
West End
2-0 the previous week, but it was not until thirty minutes that Danny
Lindley broke the deadlock with a tremendous free kick from outside the
box which rocketed into the top corner. We continued to control the game
and Ball did not manage a shot on goal in the first half. With our
midfield moving around and giving great support to the willing John
Mellor, Ball could not contain them. HALF TIME 1-0.
The gusty wind had picked up by the time the second half started
and we scored a lucky goal before not too long when Lindley moved onto
the left wing for a spell and a cross that was meant for John Mellors
head on the far post took a gust of wind on its way over and left the
keeper with no chance as it drifted into the net (I am sure Danny will
say he meant it as a shot!). Ball tried hard to get their game going but
superb tackling at the back and in midfield restricted their players. We
managed to clinch the game late on when James O’Connell was in the
right place to make no mistake. This was possibly our best performance
of the season and all the players in particular Dale White can be
congratulated. The passing at times was very good and a joy to
watch, such a contrast to the previous week. The performance is
reflected in the player scores. TEAM PERFORMANCE 99/110.
- Stocksbridge PS 2 Redmires 1 (League,
6th January 2008)
Official view: Redmires chances of
climbing the table also took a blow with a 2-1 defeat at Stocksbridge
Park Steels. Chris Kelly and a Dale White own goal gave Steels a two
goal half time lead. In the second half, after John Mellor was felled in
the area Andy Birks pulled one back from the spot, but when Mellor was
felled in the area a second time, Birks saw his second spot kick
brilliantly saved by Sean Smith.
Our View: Redmires
continued with their inability to handle the pitch at Steels ground
to turn in their worst performance of the season. It is the same
for both teams but
the rutted muddy pitch does not make for a good game of football. In the
previous two years we have been unable to get a result and have been
totally frustrated. Stocksbridge, a very defensive side scored with the
only two shots they
had in the first half, one a defensive lapse by Tom Lawrence who
hesitated before
getting a tackle in and the other a cross from the edge of box which
diverted off
Dale Whites head past the helpless Karl Taylor. HALF TIME 0-2.
The second half saw a little improvement initially and Andy Birks
pulled one back from
the spot after John Mellor was fouled. We were never moving the ball
about like we
usually do, but it looked like we might get a draw when we got another
penalty, but unfortunately for Birks the keeper guessed correctly. We
huffed and puffed
but could never to grips with the pitch and came off a very frustrated
side. It was
a game to forget about and try to put things right next week when we
play the league leaders. TEAM PERFORMANCE 47/110.
- Redmires 1 Stannington Village 1 (League,
16th December 2007)
Official view: After
the CBC Premier's bottom club Oxspring Lowood folded due to lack of
players, their are now four sides level on points at the top. One of
them is
Stannington
Village
, but they missed the chance to be clear leaders after drawing at
Redmires. They still might see it as a point gained though as they
trailed at the break after John Mellor had been brought down in the area
and Andy Birks fired home from the spot. It was proving to be a great
game of end to end football, undoubtedly helped by the refereeing of
Alan Streets, and Stannington eventually gained their reward when former
Redmires player Simon Bradbury met Sean Flynn's cross to net against his
old club.
Our View: Without
several players Redmires were still able to put out a fairly strong team
for the match against local rivals Village who included ex Reds players
Simon Bradbury and Craig Gambling in their team. From the outset we took
the game to Village and they were struggling to match our pace in
several areas and with Danny Lindley finding good space we created the
better chances in the first half. The danger man for Village was their
left winger which made for a lively first half for Dale White, returning
from a long lay off. Dale gave as good as he got and with the in form
James Kirkham returning from a trip to
South Africa
and the quick Andy Jones alongside him we looked very capable at the
back. The midfield battle was good with James O’Connell, Luke Siggs
and in particular Andy Birks controlling things we looked the
better side. It was Birks who opened the scoring after twenty minutes
when he coolly converted a penalty after John Mellor had been brought
down. We went close on a couple of other occasions. A word here for
Mellor who obeyed instructions with his unselfish running off the ball
which caused headaches to their defence all afternoon and he was unlucky
not to score, Sean Downing who also chased everything and kept their
defenders under pressure. HALF TIME 1-0.
The second half continued in the
same fashion with us having most of the play and the better chances.
Village found keeper Karl Taylor in great form when they did manage to
get past a resolute defence and left back Chris Cotterill kept a tight
rein on their other danger man Hague as was the plan. It was the other
flank that was causing more problems and from a good move down the left
a cross was headed in against the run of play. We had a few more chances
to score the winner in particular Luke Siggs hit a volley well saved by
the keeper and Dale White found himself right in front of goal and
should have converted but surprise and probably a lack of match practice
contributed to him missing. Danny Lindley was possibly our best player
in a determined performance against one of the leagues better teams.
TEAM PERFORMANCE 92/110.
- Redmires 0 Handsworth WMC 2 (League,
25th November 2007)
Official view: Fourth are Handsworth WMC after two Robert Pratt
strikes in the second half gave them victory at Redmires. The home side
had probably had more of the play, but they couldn't find an end product
and they paid for it when Carl Eaton's long clearance was headed on by
David Cawrey for Pratt to put Handsworth ahead and it was Cawrey again
that paved the way for Pratt's second. Eaton was then called upon to
make a terrific save and Eddie Holmes a terrific block to stop Redmires
getting back into it.
Our View: With
several players still missing we drafted in Mark Hardisty into the team
along with Dale White who was available for the first time this season.
We started off very well but were unable to capitalise on our possession
with again the final ball not being good enough. The back four and
keeper looked very comfortable against their attack and they were no
trouble at all in the first half .We had several chances to take the
lead in the first half but could not seem to find that vital spark in
front of goal. HALF TIME 0-0. The pattern continued in the second half
with us creating most of the chances with Andy Birks, John Mellor and
James O’Connell all missing reasonable chances to put us front. After
about seventy minutes WMC scored when a long clearance from the keeper
was not dealt with for the first time by the defence and it left their
diminutive striker with the chance to lob over Karl’s head into the
goal. This was right against the pattern of play and resulted in us
going all out for the equaliser which just wouldn’t come. The referee
was a big admirer of the play on advantage if there was a foul which to
be fair to him he did tell the players about beforehand. He did a lot of
this during the match which can be annoying, in fact he did it on every
occasion there was a foul. It rebounded on us big time with their second
goal when Danny Lindley was clearly fouled on the half way line (which
the ref claimed later he hadn’t seen) but we basically stopped
playing, waiting for him to bring back play as he had done previously.
Unfortunately he didn’t do this and WMC took advantage to fire home a
second which was about five minutes from the end. A game we should have
won considering the possession we had. TEAM PERFORMANCE 83/110.
- Laycock Sports 1 Redmires 3 (League,
18th November 2007)
Official view: After four consecutive defeats Redmires got back on
track with a 3-1 victory at struggling Laycock Sports. After an even
start Danny Lindley dribbled through to give Redmires a half time lead,
but early in the second half Simon Bartles brought the home side level.
Redmires continued to have the better of the game though and only some
fine saves by Grant Parkin kept Laycock's level, but when Lindley
crossed for Nick Hickson to meet the ball, Parkin could do nothing to
stop the visitors going back in front. John Mellor had made a surprise
return to the Redmires side and he celebrated by setting Andy Birks up
for the clincher.
Our View: Still
hit by injuries and players away, we had to make positional changes for
this match which included a start for Sean Downing up front alongside
John Mellor. James Kirkham made a start at centre back for the first
time this season. On a perfect pitch at
Warminster Road
we played some good football and should really have scored on three
occasions early on but it was thirty minutes before we managed to get a
goal when Danny Lindley wriggled his way through to score a typical
goal. Laycocks were having a few tries themselves and belied their lowly
position. They did not seem to have that cutting edge though. James
O’Connell having a good game at right back, made a great goal line
clearance that saved a certain goal, but in general the defence and
keeper controlled most situations. HALF TIME 1-0.
Soon after the second half
started Laycocks equalised with a penalty which nobody except the
referee saw. He said later it was for holding by stand in right back
James O’Connell but we were certainly stunned by the decision. Luckily
our conviction didn’t waver and we played some good football and were
finally rewarded when an inswinging free kick by Danny Lindley was
glanced into the goal from the head of Nick Hickson. Laycocks were still
battling hard but stout defending particularly by Andy Jones kept them
at bay. Another goal was needed to settle the game and it came after 65
minutes when a John Mellor header was only parried out to the enigmatic
Andy Birks who gladly accepted the chance. A much needed win to boost
confidence after a bit of a bad run. TEAM PERFORMANCE 89/110.
- Redmires 0 Handsworth WMC 3 (League
Cup, Round 3, 11th November 2007)
Official view: From
the moment Danny Franklin set Matt Hodgett up to lob the Redmires keeper
to give Handsworth WMC the lead, the result rarely looked in doubt. They
doubled their lead before half time when Robert Pratt crossed for Kieran
Gallagher to head home and Handsworth completed a comfortable victory
when Hodgett crossed for Pratt to add a third in the second half.
Our View: Redmires
still hit by injuries were up against the in form Handsworth WMC in the
league cup and had an equal share of the early play. However it was WMC
who were the more confident side after their 6-0 win the previous week,
whereas we were coming off three straight losses. We didn’t look
totally confident in defence and it was an error by Tom Lawrence that
led to WMC’s first goal when he failed to clear the ball. Wayne Beggs
had to go off after twenty minutes with his recurring hamstring problem
which was a big blow and it looks a couple of weeks complete rest is the
only answer. We then committed another defensive error when a harmless
looking cross from the left was seized on by their danger man at the far
post, who got first run on our left back Chris Cotterill to head home.
We fought back and made a few chances and Luke Siggs should have headed
home a cross from the right but failed to connect significantly to put
the ball in the open net. HALF TIME 0-2. In the second half we had
many attacks and plenty of corners, but just could not get the ball in
the net. Our football was neat enough, but Handsworth looked happy for
us to have plenty of the ball then try to counter attack us when it
broke down. It was good to see Des Pike back in the team and having a
good game, however we could not find the cutting edge to score a goal to
lift confidence. Towards the end WMC scored again when James Kirkham got
caught in possession towards the edge of our box and we were again
punished in decisive fashion. A game of might have beens from our point
of view and we need to get our confidence back pretty quick. TEAM
PERFORMANCE 73/110
- Hemsworth Villa 2 Redmires 1 (League,
4th November 2007)
Official view: Scott Moat opened the scoring for Hemsworth Villa at home to Redmires,
but after Danny Lindley had levelled for Redmires, Moat went from hero
to zero when he received his marching orders. Some teams would have
collapsed after such a body blow, but with Dave Thompson inspirational
in midfield, Villa kept to their game plan and deservedly won it when
Redmires keeper Karl Taylor made a very rare mistake in palming the ball
into his own net.
Our View: Injuries
and illness were hitting Redmires hard as they lined up to play
Hemsworth Villa and were not helped when Andy Birks had to go just
before the match with a crisis at home. With Wayne Beggs back following
a hamstring pull we started off quite well with Beggs’ pace causing
them a lot of problems. However it was Hemsworth who scored first after
twenty minutes when their player scored through a crowded goalmouth. The
referee, Mr Southam, seemed to be rather officious, and was not taking
any form of dissent from anyone. Chris Cotterill got himself booked for
querying a decision and luckily our players learnt their lesson. We
played some quite good football at this time and we equalised after
thirty minutes when Danny Lindley found the net. However we then
suffered a big blow when Wayne Beggs appeared to pull his hamstring
again with about ten minutes to go to half time. Sean Downing who had
been out with a groin strain came on to replace him. Everyone at
the ground were then astounded when the referee sent off the Hemsworth
captain, for making a comment about a decision. HALF TIME 1-1.
Having an extra man
can sometimes be a good thing , but unfortunately for us it disrupted
our previously good passing game and also had the effect of Hemsworth
rolling up their sleeves and giving all they had. They then got a
massive slice of luck when a misunderstanding between keeper Karl Taylor
and his player on the post Rob Womack ended with
Taylor
bizarrely pushing the ball into his own goal. This gave Hemsworth all
the incentive they needed and
Taylor
had to make one or two more good saves. We did have a couple of good
chances to level it, but couldn’t get the ball on target for the
third week running, as hard as we tried. Sometimes circumstances
conspire against you whatever you do and we just have to keep playing to
get through this bad patch. TEAM PERFORMANCE 68/110.
- Redmires 0 Hemsworth United 3 (Senior
Cup, Round 3, 28th October 2007)
Official view: In
the Sunday Senior Cup both our last representatives went out to 3-0
defeats, Redmires, at home to Hemsworth United, and Woodhouse West End,
at Westcliffe of Mexborough.
Our View: Redmires
went out of the Senior Cup against a good footballing side from Wakefield, Hemsworth Utd. We still had five players unfit to play, including
striker John Mellor, and it did leave us with limitations in the team we
could put out. Hemsworth surprised with the quality of their passing and
with two lively strikers they get our defence on their toes. They scored
after about twenty minutes when one of the rare long balls they played
caught us out at the back and a slight hesitation by keeper Karl Taylor
who changed his mind about coming for the ball, left their forward on
hand to score. They continued to dominate the midfield and for us it was
only Danny Lindley who caused their defence any problems with his pace.
What we needed was a goal, but it just wouldn’t seem to come. Rob
Womack had two good chances to volley home but was unable to get his
shots on target. In the meantime a through ball by their midfield got
through the defence, and although their player looked five yards
offside, the referee Mr Warner didn’t give it and they went two up. We
had a big chance to pull one back before half time when a great run by
Lindley took him into the box where he was pulled down. Andy Birks
stepped up to take the penalty, hit it in the corner, but unfortunately
the keeper guessed right and saved it. We had a couple of more chances
but it looked like it wasn’t going to be our day.
HALF TIME 0-2.
We changed the system slightly in the second half and did put
them under more pressure, although to be fair their passing was far
superior to ours and they were always dangerous. It was an end to end
match, but no breaks were coming our way. The referee seemed to give a
lot of decisions their way and this made it difficult for us to really
get going. They kept possession of the ball very well and had us chasing
around quite a bit. We had a few more half chances and they also made
some chances but Taylor
was dealing well with most efforts. However, he was at fault with the
third goal when he missed a punch from a corner and their centre forward
headed home. We have to put this game down to one of missed chances
which had we been able to get one we may well have found the extra
to beat this team. TEAM PERFORMANCE 70/110.
- Ecclesfield Travellers 4 Redmires 2
(League, 21st October 2007)
Official view: Redmires
seven match winning streak was brought to an end by an Ecclesfield
Travellers beginning to find their feet in the top division. Danny
Touhey put Craig Senior for Travellers to take the lead and when Kevin
Wraith chased a lost cause he was rewarded with a perfect lob over the
keeper to make it two before half time. Redmires got back into it early
in the second half when James O'Connell netted, but with Chris Frank
shackling of Redmires danger man Danny Lindley, Redmires couldn't get
going and it was Travellers that restored their two goal lead when Dan
Touhey met Paul Bashforth's free kick. Liam Wilkinson's pass then
allowed Senior to score his eighth goal in three games before sub
Kinsley Nisbeth pulled another back for Redmires, but Travellers
stand-in keeper Scott Touhey made certain Redmires didn't get back into
the game with some solid work between the sticks.
Our View: We
kept the same team as last week following our excellent display against
Groves Social last week, but although it was the same faces several
players did not seem up for the game with a few arriving late. Having
said that we started well enough and had the early pressure. Travellers
by contrast were up for the battle and dug in well when they were under
pressure and used the long ball and the bright sunshine to bring their
big centre forward into play. It was he who opened the scoring after 25
minutes, when he made good space for himself to hit a cross shot past
Karl Taylor. A similar long ball resulted in a second goal when first
Tom Lawrence then Luke Siggs and Karl Taylor failed to clear the ball
leaving their forward with an easy task. Andy Birks went closest for us
hitting the bar before half time. HALF TIME 0-2. We decided to switch formation in the second half to get some help to
John Mellor up front, bringing on Andy Jones and pushing Andy Birks up
front and following a number of attacks and near misses James
O’Connell headed in following one of the many Danny Lindley corners.
We then laid siege to the Travellers goal and should have scored on
several occasions. However on one of their rare attacks Travellers
pinched a third ,but we kept trying and John Mellor was unlucky not to
score on three occasions. Travellers then scored a fourth against the
run of play. We then pulled one back when sub Kingsley Nisbeth scored
from close in near the end of the game. This was a game in which several players were off form and others who
need to look at their conviction to the team. TEAM PERFORMANCE 65/110.
- Redmires 3 Groves Social 2 (Senior Cup,
Round 2, 14th October 2007)
Official view: Three
John Mellor headers
saw Redmires just edge out a top class Groves Social. Mellor headed home
his first to give Redmires a half time lead and when he headed a second
ten minutes into the second half it looked like Redmires would go
through without too much trouble, but Groves pulled one back soon after
and then levelled from the penalty spot. If they thought Redmires would
then buckle they were very much mistaken and when Danny Lindley fastened
on to the end of Karl Taylor's clearance to produce the perfect cross,
Mellor headed home his third to win it.
Our View: Redmires
faced a tough task against the team from Mexborough whose reputation had
gone before them. In addition we were without Ben Nichols, Des Pike
(both injured) Wayne Beggs and Andy Jones who were away for the weekend.
It was a matter of the players who came in to the team performing at
their best and this they did. It was obvious that Social were a
decent side and had some good players, but with a mixture of excellent
concentration by our defence and some stunning attacks by ourselves we
were going to be more than a match for them. We certainly had the better
of the early play and scored after twenty five minutes when dangerous
John Mellor scored with his head following good work down the right.
Social were having some attacks of their own but with our back four and
keeper Karl Taylor in such good form they were finding it hard to break
us down. Luke Siggs who had been drafted in as an emergency centre back
because of absentees was marshalling the game from the back along side
captain Tom Lawrence and with Danny Lindley and Rob Womack using
the wings very well we were a constant threat to their defence and
should have gone in at half time further ahead. HALF TIME 1-0.
Our midfield trio of James O’Connell, Andy Birks and Nick
Hickson got a real grip on the midfield for the first quarter of an hour
and we played some excellent stuff and it was no surprise when we scored
again when Mellor rose again to head home another good cross, although
it did look possibly offside. Play continued and next it was the turn of
Groves to score a controversial goal which again looked offside and they
scored again when a shot in the box was adjudged to have hit
Lawrence’s hand and despite a valiant attempt by Taylor to save the
penalty that made it 2-2. Redmires teams of the past would have buckled
at this, but this team has a great spirit and we would not be
denied. Following more pressure from Social, Taylor made a great save
and this gave us the spur to make the effort to win the game and
following a series of attacks we came close several times, but finally
with five minutes to go, a magnificent pass up the wing from Taylor and
a wonderfully controlled first time centre by Lindley straight on to the
head of Mellor gave us the win we richly deserved. One of ‘the’
performances of the last few years. TEAM PERFORMANCE 100/110.
- Redmires 4 Pen Nook 1 (League Cup,
Round 2, 7th October 2007)
Official view: Redmires faced First Division opponents and started briskly with Danny
Lindley firing in a low shot to put them ahead. Kingsley Nisbeth struck
a second for Redmires after thirty minutes but Pen Nook came back into
it when Mark Barraclough scored a fine individual goal. After the break
Nook contended for every ball and Redmires found it difficult to get the
decisive third goal. However ten minutes from time John Mellor beat the
offside trap and then scored again to seal the game.
Our View: Redmires
again started brightly against their division one opponents and took an
early lead when Danny Lindley hit a low shot into the corner following
some interpassing. We continued to dominate the play but had to wait
about another twenty minutes before Kingsley Nisbeth nipped in to make
it two nil. However Pen Nook’s big centre forward muscled Andy Jones
off the ball and whilst his first attempt was saved by Karl Taylor he
managed to get another bite at the cherry and scored a good individual
goal. This spurred Pen Nook on, but generally they didn’t have the
necessary guile to trouble the Reds defence. HALF TIME 2-1.
Redmires continued the game mainly well on top
and the Nook goal had several narrow escapes, but they were battling
well and were giving it all they could. We began to play some of the
best football we have played this season and our ball retention was very
good. Wayne Beggs was brought on in place of Taylor and Chris Cotterill
came on to replace the injured Ben Nichols and it was Cotterill who
nearly scored the third goal when he thundered in a shot from the edge
of the box from which the Nook keeper made a brilliant save. The score
remained the same until ten minutes from the end when John Mellor took
advantage of Nook’s defences hesitation to slot the ball home for the
third and then scored again near the finish to give Redmires a
comfortable 4-1 win.
TEAM PERFORMANCE 89/110.
- Redmires 3 Niagara 0 (League, 30th September 2007)
Official view: Danny
Lindley's run and cross allowed Luke Siggs to head Redmires in front
against Niagara after just five minutes, but Niagara knew it wasn't
going to be their day just minutes into the second half when the keepers
clearance struck John Mellor and rebounded into the net.
Niagara
's stand in keeper Craig Foster made amends with some other saves, but
he couldn't stop sub Wayne Beggs finishing off the games best move for
Redmires third.
Our View: Redmires
had near enough the full squad available (with a couple of exceptions
noticeably Chris Cotterill who was doing his bit for charity in the
Great North run) for this match against
Niagara
who were on the back of a 3-0 win last week. We started off very
brightly after a good warm up and took the lead after just five minutes
following a swift move down the right where Danny Lindley hit an inch
perfect cross to leave Luke Siggs with the simple task of heading past
the keeper. For the next fifteen minutes we attacked the
Niagara
defence and went close to scoring a second.
Niagara
began to get into the game a bit more and played some neat if
ineffective football in midfield. There was no further scoring in the
first half but it was entertaining stuff to watch and we came off at
half time quite pleased with our work. HALF TIME 1-0.
The second half started with us mainly on the front foot with our
two wide players Lindley and Rob Womack giving their full backs a torrid
time and big John Mellor a real handful for their central defenders. Our
back four dealt with most things when
Niagara
did attack and right back James Kirkham again looked highly competent.
Des Pike back from injury, Andy Jones and Ben Nichols made up the back
four who looked very resilient. It was Mellor who put us two up after
their goalkeeper in attempting to clear thumped the ball against him
only to see the ball rebound into the goal. We then began to play our
football and following several close escapes for the
Niagara
defence it was substitute, Wayne Beggs, on his return to the team, who
combined well with Siggs to fire in our third ten minutes from the end.
A good performance that took us another step forward to getting
back to our best. TEAM PERFORMANCE 92/110
- Oxspring Lowood 1 Redmires 3 (League,
23rd September 2007)
Official view: Although
their hosts Oxspring Lowood made a real game of it, Redmires are once
again getting into the groove and claimed their second win of the
season. It took until the final fifteen minutes before Redmires broke
the home side's resistance as Luke Siggs set Danny Lindley up to score,
but Oxspring hit back almost instantly when Phil Cookson levelled. A
Lindley free kick again put Redmires in front and John Mellor scored his
first for the club to make the game safe.
Our View: Redmires
had nearly their full squad available for this League match with a
couple of
exceptions and fielded new signing John Mellor up front .They found
Lowood in a determined mood and in the first half it was clear that
Lowood had come out to
battle. With a following wind we could not get to grips with them at all
and aside from
right back James Kirkham several players looked out of touch. There were
few chances at either end and defences were on top. HALF TIME 0-0.
In the second half against the wind, we started to play better,
and with midfielders Nick Hickson and
Luke Siggs
beginning to gain control we began to play much better. Indeed it was
from a run from midfield by Siggs with the ball when he went past three
defenders and laid the ball right in Danny Lindley’s path that we took
the lead after twenty five minutes of the half. Lindley lashed the ball
past the helpless keeper. This was the spur we needed but Lowood were
not out of it yet and too much reliance on the offside trap resulted in
a soft goal for them. This had the effect of us turning the screw
on their defence a bit more and with sub Rob Womack making some good
runs down the left we managed to obtain a free kick on the edge of their
box. Up stepped Lindley who had had possibly his most ineffective game
since he joined the club. He thundered in a screamer which hit the bar
and went into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance and
despite Lowood pressing again to get an equaliser we always looked like
we would win from then on. This was sealed when Oxspring left themselves
short at the back and Mellor who had looked a class striker
latched on to pass to put the game beyond doubt. A hard fought win,
credit to Lowood, for their battling effort which should help them get
out of trouble, and a big thank you to the stand in referee who had been
very fair. TEAM PERFORMANCE 76/110.
- Redmires 3 Ecclesfield Travellers 2
(Senior Cup, Round 1, 16th September 2007)
Official view: Redmires
cup form stayed with them at the weekend as they went on to complete a
3-2 County FA Senior Sunday Cup victory over fellow Blades Super Draw
side Ecclesfield Travellers. Kingsley Nisbeth twice put Redmires ahead
only for first Craig Senior and then Matt Clarke to level, but just as
extra time looked certain Andy Birks shot through a crowd of legs to put
Redmires through.
Our View: On
a very blustery day at Phoenix, the conditions made this match a bit of a farce and both teams noted
for their football, found control of the ball difficult. We made four
changes from the cup winning side, with Ian Gambling and Mark Hardisty
placed on gardening duty,
Luke Siggs
and Andy Birks were also both rested. We made the early running and went
ahead after twenty minutes when Kingsley Nisbeth found space to hit a
low shot past the keepers right hand. Nisbeth was again on hand to
double the lead when he outjumped his marker to head home number two.
With neither team playing anywhere near their best it was no surprise
when Travellers pulled one back just before half time. HALF TIME 2-1. We
continued to have the more chances after the break but failed to
capitalise on our pressure. Nick Hickson who has just returned from
holiday began to influence the midfield in his usual way when he was
brought on to replace the injured James O’Connell, but we just could
not get the decisive third goal and as usually happens Travellers were
the team to get a vital equaliser. This brought a sense of urgency to
the team with extra time beckoning and following some good pressure it
was substitute Birks who got the winner about two minutes from time. All
in all a performance to forget in bad playing conditions. TEAM
PERFORMANCE 75/110.
- Redmires 3 Handsworth Old Boys 1 (Merit
Cup Final, 13th September 2007)
Official view: A
top class Steve Gee Merit Cup Final at the Look Local Stadium, Bracken
Moor, Stocksbridge saw CBC Premier side Redmires beat Division One
Handsworth Old Boys 3-1. Shaun Downing's early opener gave Redmires the
perfect start, but Handsworth then took control of the game and Trevor
Jones deservedly levelled just before the interval. The second half saw
Redmires take charge of the game with quick goals from winger Danny
Lindley and ace marksman Andy Birks and although Handsworth again had
their fair share of the ball they couldn't get back into the game.
Our View: Redmires
took an early lead against the first division leaders when Sean Downing
raced onto a through ball from Danny Lindley to slot the ball past the
keeper. In a high tempo game it was Handsworth who adapted better to the
big pitch and moved the ball around well. However we hung in there and
created a few opportunities to increase the lead. Handsworth were
playing very well and had one or two chances to equalise but it was not
until just before half time that they did equalise when their striker
managed to squeeze the ball past Karl Taylor. They fully deserved their
equaliser. HALF TIME 1-1. In the second half we seemed to be by far the
team that most wanted to win and bit by bit we started to play good
football with
Luke Siggs, Andy Birks and Lindley the main instigators, ably supported by Andy
Jones who made some searing runs from the back and James O’Connell’s
stamina in midfield. Kingsley Nisbeth came on and his pace caused
problems for the Handsworth defenders, it was from one of these runs
that a loose ball was followed up and driven into the net by the
effervescent Lindley. The Handsworth heads seemed to go down then and
it was not long before Andy Birks saw an opportunity and fired in a
quick shot which caught the keeper out of position. The leagues decision
to allow all five subs to be used has to be applauded as we were able to
play most of the players that helped the club gain the merit last
season. It was a very enjoyable experience for all the players to play
on such a good pitch and when club captain Des Pike and Tom Lawrence
lifted the cup at the end of the match it was a recognition of what the
club has achieved in recent times. TEAM PERFORMANCE 92/110.
- Blue Ball 2 Redmires 3 (League, 9th September 2007)
Official view: ...while
Blue Ball went down 3-2 at home to last season's runners-up Redmires.
Paul Marrison gave Blue Ball a first half lead until a five man move was
rounded off by
Luke Siggs. After the break Rob Womack volleyed Redmires into the lead until Adam
Podmore crossed for Danny Mace to level for Ball. John Mellor then had
the chance to put Ball back in front from the penalty spot, but his spot
kick was brilliantly saved by Karl Taylor and soon after sub Shaun
Downing came on to score Redmires' winner with his first touch of the
ball.
Our View: Redmires
stepped up for their second league match of the season against promoted
Blue Ball determined to put a poor performance against
Stannington
Village
behind them. Blue Ball who had won their first match were up for this
game and the first half became a good battle. Ball had several quick
players in their ranks and a fast pace was maintained throughout the
first half. Karl Taylor was the busier but he comfortably dealt with any
efforts. However following a defensive lapse, Ball scored the opener
after thirty minutes, but we began to pile the pressure on their defence
and an excellent five man passing movement led to Rob Womack hitting a
wonderful cross from the left wing which
Luke Siggs
headed home. HALF TIME 1-1. Blue Ball had the better of the first
fifteen minutes of the second half but found
Taylor
in great form and it was the reds who went into the lead when following
good work by Danny Lindley, Womack was on hand to put us into the
lead with a flying side foot volley. This brought about a good spell for
us where we were in control of the game, however Ball were always
dangerous on the break and they managed to get an equaliser following
some good work down the right. The game then went from end to end, but
it looked like Ball were going to get the upper hand when Tom Lawrence
tripped a Ball forward and a penalty was given. There then followed an
extraordinary ten minute which turned the game. Firstly in our opinion
the best keeper in the League Taylor made a brilliant diving save to
foil Mellor from the spot. Then an inspirational substitution from Del
Siggs was made, where a defender was taken off for striker Sean Downing,
who following a lovely clever reverse ball from fellow striker from Andy
Birks found himself with the task of volleying the ball home with his
first kick of the game to score the winner. There were many good
performances in this vintage Reds win, epitomised by the excellent
midfield play of Siggs and the brilliant goalkeeping of Taylor. TEAM PERFROMANCE 84/110.
- Stannington Village 2 Redmires 0
(League, 2nd September 2007)
Official view: Last year's
runners-up Redmires didn't get the start they wanted as Robin Elliott
and Sean Flynn strikes in each half gave Stannington Village a 2-0
victory over them.
Our View:
A
tough fixture saw Redmires lose their opening match of the new season
against local rivals Village. Village had added several new faces to
their team starting lineup and the mainly young additions seemed to add
something extra to their experienced squad. Redmires also had some new
players and the first half was a fairly even affair with both sides
giving little quarter. Village were playing the fluid passing game more
consistently than we were and and we only managed to do this
spasmodically. We played the ball over the top a bit too often,
bypassing midfield the consequence being that we gave the ball away too
often making it easy for Village to counter attack. HALF
TIME 0-0. The game
remained level until twenty minutes after half time when we left their
striker unmarked for the first time and he volleyed into the net.
The second half
followed the same pattern as the first with Village playing by far the
better football and we were struggling to get any kind of hold on the
game. The back four, in particular debutant Ben Nichols, were playing
well considering the pressure they were under, but much of this was
brought on by their inability to find their men with their clearances
which meant that the pressure soon returned. Village secured their well
deserved win with a second goal about ten minutes from time. We'll have
to get better! Team Performance
71/110.