SHEFFIELD RISE TO THE HEADY HEIGHTS OF THIRD

SHEFFIELD FC 3 V MARKET DRAYTON TOWN 1
EVOSTIK LEAGUE 1 SOUTH @ THE COACH AND HORSES GROUND
13 OCTOBER 2015 7.45PM

A storming second half comeback from Sheffield FC saw the Dronfield based side rise to third in the table after visitors Market Drayton had led at the break.  The young guns showed pace and no little effort in this second half comeback, something Sheffield are getting a reputation for.
Arrival in Dronfield was by a couple of buses and a little walk that routed itself over the railway station bridge to assess a time required to depart to catch the last train back, thankfully during build up this was not required when Mr W of Penistone fame [check out the report last month on Penistone v Eccleshill] very kindly dropped me back in base town.

COACH AND HORSES

A  FRIENDLY TURNSTILE WELCOME AT SHEFFIELD CLUB

Having arrived an hour before the kick off there was a little time to wander around outside and to take a quick pic of the famous pub which offered its name to this ground.  The establishment has a good reputation with many real ale drinkers and is well situated for many match day supporters to sample its wares.  The car park behind the goal was filling up nicely and the turnstile here is in a sheltered position with the usual purchases made it was time to pop round and take a few pics.
Surprisingly this is the first time I have got around to blogging Sheffield FC even though it is far from the first time I have visited.  The pitch was still in darkness and corner flags were being installed by large flashlights!
To the left through the turnstile is the main area of activity a small club shop and then a double decked Portacabin with varying levels, literally, of hospitality on offer.  To the right are the changing rooms, snack bar window and toilets.  Directly behind the goal is the impressive modern red and white tip up seated stand.  The far side is met by a tight hard standing area with a steep back which is covered in coloured tarpaulin sheeting which a few years ago had advertisement's upon it, to the rear of this the fence separates the ground from the banking to the Sheffield to London mainline.

THE COACH AND HORSES BACKING ONTO THE GROUND

Frustratingly upon reaching the dug outs the walkway ends and to access the other side you have to walk right round.  Back we went past the turnstile entrance block the covered terraced is pre-empted by the members board with the names of many famous and local people.  Passing through the covered enclosure we reach the back of the Coach and Horses which off is always in attendance.

The far goal is boarded behind the hard standing area and looks to be making a challenge for the great wall of Dronfield Town, although clearly on height the Stonelow Rd outfit win this one.

FORMER STEPS TO THE BANK TOP

So we approach the far side which we could not access earlier the top corner here has a massive scoreboard a cracking addition and always operated by some enthusiastic volunteers.  Just to the side of this is some old concrete steps which used to lead to the top of the back were standing was allowed in the days of this ground being used by former Central Midland League side.
Back to the snack bar and chip cob became just chips for amazingly in this area they were not selling the cobs and having to throw them away, so close to the land of greasy chip butty's and people are not eating them!
Sheffield are looking to make a move back to their original home at Olive Grove in Sheffield, there seems to be mixed opinion on this within the fans and although it is I guess correct in relation to their geographic name they have though picked up quite a steady support since basing themselves in North Derbyshire.  Hopefully if they do move it will be a success I remember watching the club hopping around Sheffield from Abbeydale Park to the cavernous Don Valley Stadium, the latter mostly with under 100 watching seemed very desolate.  So hopefully the club think carefully but it could of course benefit fellow Dronfield club Town if they then became the only club.
So to the purpose of the evening the game and Market Drayton Town the visitors who had made a very long journey from Shropshire to play 90 minutes of football.

Mr W A MAN OF MANY TALENTS, PROMO WORK NOW JUST DONT ASK HIM TO POSE WITH A RAILWAY STATION SIGN!

Its the first look this season at Sheffield Fc and thankfully Mr W was there along with a few of his regular mates who made the evening enjoyable too.  Indeed Mr W had purchased the excellent Non League Magazine which Sheffield are stocking good choice.
Sheffield have a young and in some areas fast side being put together by new manager Andy Kiwomya, former Wednesday and Barnsley.  Indeed amidst his side today and captain is Conor Glavin the son of Ronnie Glavin former Celtic and Barnsley hero, plus in management taking Emley in 97/98 on that famous FA Cup run.

SHEFFIELD KEEPER TOM DUNN PRE MATCH STRETCHES

The first half saw the pace of Bruno Holden being a constant threat but as shots came in from the home side the visitors goal remained intact and the usual happened Market Drayton scored.  On the half hour mark an edge of the box shot from William Whieldon took a deflection and wrong footed Tom Dunn in the home goal.
We arrived at half time with Sheffield looking deflated but following a 'loud' half time team talk how they started to put that right.  A goal is often seen as a major confidence boost and how true it was tonight when after 61 minutes they pulled level Benny Igi-Ehon turned his shot in from close range thanks again to a deflection.

THANKFULLY IT WASN'T

This energised Club and just nine minutes later it was 2-0 a lovely flowing move saw Matt Roney swing in a cross off the right and at the back post Glavin directed his header over the line.  Sheffield were starting to have fun now with pace playing a major part in their dominance and on 73 minutes they made it 3-1 when James Gregory drove in to the net from the left angle of the box thanks to the inside of the right hand post.
Unfortunately Glavin was sent off for a second yellow for what looked like dissent with ten minutes remaining.  The home side got through their reduced number induced final minutes and secured a victory that has them riding high in the early league table.
As ever with young players the consistency will be the difficult thing to achieve but there are some good lads here and with some cajoling from manager Kiwomya Sheffield's fans could be in for exciting times.
It was nice to catch up with Ben Webster Sheffield's photographer near the end and as ever he would be producing the best shots of the game always worth a look.
Enjoyable evening at Sheffield Club with some friends and as ever a game of non league in a ground that puts you so close to the action you almost feel like you are out there with the players!

CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER BEN WEBSTER IN SITU BY THE TOUCHLINE