Crigglestone Sports Club

                

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR

PREMIER DIVISION

HALL GREEN UNITED AFC v OVERTHORPE SPORTS AFC

                                   5                                                      3

D Turner, B Cadman, P Knighting (capt), S Mowbray, 
D Riley, L Speight, D Milnes,

M Marsden, S Jesson, C Firth, D Empsall.

Subs; J Moore, M Scarth, A Newton.
Scorers: D Empsall (3)  C Firth (2) 

Striker Danny Empsall notched his hat trick as United completed a well earned League double over Dewsbury side Overthorpe Sports. Both sides were shaking off the after effects of the festive period but it was United who looked the more composed with mid field man Sean Jesson, who was making his 100^th first team appearance, in good form winning the ball in most midfield battles. However despite going close on several occasions it was their visitors who took the lead with a quick break out from defence in the 30^th minute. They caught United’s defence ‘standing off’ and the ball was worked behind the back line for an easy tap in. The lead was short lived however as United equalised in the 35^th minute when the energetic Clifton Firth fired in a low shot which beat the outstretched visitors keeper. Minutes later the same player rose above everybody else to head home from a corner to give United a 2-1 lead. It was then the turn of fellow striker Danny Empsall to get on the score sheet right on half time as he converted a superb cross from Danny Milnes firing home at the back post.

The game ran away from Overthorpe in the second half as United’s wide men Danny Milnes and Lee Speight continued to raid the flanks and with Sean Jesson working tirelessly in the middle United were dominating and it was no surprise when their lead was increased after Andy Newton’s cross was headed home by Danny Empsall who forced his header into the top corner to give United a 4-1 lead. Manager Roly Lanes made several changes including the goal keeping position where David Turner had performed confidently but was carrying a niggling injury and was taken off as a precaution. This upset United’s rhythm a little and visitors Overthorpe pulled a soft goal back from a set piece but that man Danny Empsall came to United’s rescue again completing his hat trick by walking round the keeper to make it 5-2. In the dying minutes Overthorpe scored another consolation goal but in the end they were well beaten by a United side who looked sharper and worked as a unit throughout. At the back Peter Knighting and Stephen Mowbray shone but the Howarth Services man of the match award went to Sean Jesson.

                          SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY FA

ROSEHILL PRESS CHALLENGE CUP 3^rd ROUND

HALL GREEN UNITED AFC v ECCLESFIELD RED ROSE AFC

                              3                                                                2
D Turner, D Riley, D Visintainer, P Knighting, L Speight, B Cadman, S Jesson,
D Milnes, D Empsall, C Firth, M Marsden.
Subs: J Moore, C Callaghan, N Scholey
Scorers: D Empsall (2) S Jesson (pen)

United powered into the last eight following a hard fought cup tie against Rotherham side Ecclesfield Red Rose. The match set of in spectacular fashion when after only 20 mins United’s lively striker and leading goal scorer Clifton Firth was sent off for retaliation after he was man handled by one of his opponents. Despite the numerical advantage their opponents failed to dominate and it was United who quickly reorganised and gained in strength with Sean Jesson a power of strength in midfield. At the back Dominik Visintainer, who was playing his last game for United having to return to Austria next week, was in outstanding form and constantly run the ball out of defence to cause their opponents some concern. The visitors failed to break through United’s solid defence and their frustration showed when they were also reduced to 10 men when their striker was also sent off for kicking out at United’s keeper just before half time. On equal terms United were looking good with Empsall beginning to find the gaps in their visitors defence.

However things didn’t quite go to plan as United slipped behind early in the second half when a poor defensive clearance landed at Ecclesfields makeshift strikers feet and he easily lobbed the ball over the stranded Turner to give them the lead. It wasn’t long however before United were back on level terms when after the introduction of John Moore his deft back heel put Danny Empsall clear and he slotted the ball home after his first shot was blocked by the keeper. The same player put United in front when again a defensive calamity allowed Empsall the simple chance to slot the ball home. Once again Ecclesfield hit back and it was United’s defence that were caught knapping allowing their striker space to get behind them and square to ball for an easy tap in. The game looked to be heading for extra time until that man Danny Empsall again forced his way into the penalty area where he was upended by the visitors keeper who then managed to block Sean Jesson’s spot kick only to watch as Jesson followed up to ram the ball home for the winner. Howarth Services man of the match award went to Dominik Visintainer

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PREMIER DIVISION

ARDSLEY CELTIC AFC V HALL GREEN UNITED AFC

2                                               3

United sneaked this derby victory with virtually the last move of the game. Substitute Danny Empsall headed home (his 100th first team goal) following a long throw into the six yard box by fellow substitute Chris Callaghan. The match set off in sensational style when United’s mid field dynamo Mathew Marsden raced into the Ardsley penalty area to be upended with only 65 seconds of the game gone. Danny Riley promptly despatched the penalty to give United a 1-0 lead. They defended the lead for only six minutes however when Ardsley got back on terms following an own goal from Mathew Marsden who inadvertently headed into his own net from an Ardsley free kick. Not long after Ardsley took the lead when United’s defence were all at sea and Ardsley’s striker was left with the simple chance of blasting the goal past the stranded United keeper David Turner. With the game slipping away from them United wrestled back control in the midfield with Danny Milnes and Sean Jesson working overtime and with Clifton Firth and John Moore working the angles up front United were gifted a few chances before eventually they broke through when  man of the match Mathew Marsden was on hand to hit home the equaliser following a spill from the Ardsley keeper.

The second half was pretty much stalemate with both defences on top and United having strong performers in Peter Knighting and Dominic Visintainer in the back line. The introduction of Chris Callaghan and Danny Empsall pepped United up late in the second half and both sides had good chances to take the game but after the home side squandered two late scoring chances United struck gold when Danny Empsall completed the scoring.

 

SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY FA.

ROSEHILL PRESS ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP 2^ND ROUND

HALL GREEN UNITED V MILLMOOR JUNIORS FC

3                                              3
90 mins 2-2

United won 5-4 on pens.

A cracking County Cup game went to the wire as United, who were never in front for all the 120 mins, took the tie after winning 5-4 on penalties.

Rotherham side Millmoor Juniors were useful opposition and they took the lead after 20 mins when a hesitant United defence allowed their striker time to slot home from close in. However this brought United to life as Danny Milnes worked the right flank and put in an inch perfect cross for veteran skipper John Moore to head home his 287^th first team goal in the 21^st minute. Strikers Clifton Firth and John Moore went close several times following this but the scores stayed even for the break. In the second half it was their visitors who were first out of the blocks and they immediately took the lead when keeper David Turner was stranded in the heavy goalmouth and could only watch as a well placed low shot sneaked in at the post. Chances were very much at a premium after this as Millmoor tightened up at the back. United probed with Sean Jesson again at the fore and Mathew Marsden working the spaces it was late in the game when United finally got back on terms and it fell to substitute Danny Empsall to ghost in at the far post to take the tie into extra time. Once again it was Millmoor who took the lead in the first quarter when United’s defence once again went to sleep and defended very poorly. The introduction of Chris Callaghan brought new energy to United and the game was changed as United pushed forward in search for the equaliser and it was left to Danny Empsall to rescue them again as he once again beat the visitors defence to complete his brace of goals. The tie was finally decided by penalties with United having a perfect 5 and Millmoor missing their last. Outstanding for United were Peter Knighting, Dominic Visintainer and joint man of the match Sean Jesson and Danny Empsall.

Pen: C Callaghan, P Knighting, D Visintainer, C Firth, D Riley.

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR.

PREMIER DIVISION

OVERTHORPE SPORTS FC V HALL GREEN UNITED

0                                             5

For a team that shipped in nine goals last week Dewsbury side Overthorpe started the game as if they were the form side of the League. They dominated a lack lustre United side for the opening quarter with United‘s keeper David Turner having to be at his best to keep them at bay. A long range lob bounced off the crossbar and a couple of near missess appeared to waken United up as they gradually gained control in the mid field. As United grew in strength skipper John Moore should have opened their account only to hit the cross bar and then to head over from close range. 
With Marsden and Jesson probing the home defence the break through finally came when an under pressure home defence conceded a free kick on 30 mins and a well placed Danny Riley kick was headed home by the elusive Clifton Firth. The flood gates then opened as United’s twin spear force Moore and Firth ran them ragged. Skipper John Moore opened his account on 42 mins then completed a brace just on half time with a well placed header for his 286^th first team goal. The second half went the same way with Mathew Marsden opening his account on 56 mins with the home keeper stranded outside the penalty box. The same player went close again on numerous occasions and he finally got another on 81 mins to complete the scoring. United had James Laughton and Peter Knighting in command at the back with Danny Milnes raiding the flanks at every opportunity and with the hard working Clifton Firth causing all kinds of problems for the home defenders it was difficult to pick a man of the match but that award went to Sean Jesson who dominated the midfield engine room with some strong tackles when needed and precision distribution when he won the ball.

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR.

PREMIER DIVISION LEAGUE CUP 1^ST ROUND

HALL GREEN UNITED v BAY ATHLETIC

0  -  3

Unbeaten League leaders, Huddersfield side Bay Athletic, eventually took the game comfortably but a game United side gave them some early frights. It was United who should have taken the lead in the first quarter with twin strikers John Moore and Clifton Firth causing the visitors defence quite a few problems. One such chance struck the upright and bounced clear with the Bay keeper well beaten.

However following that early spell United failed to make any further inroads into their defence and the game became a mid field battle. United with Sean Jesson and Mathew Marsden working overtime managed to contain their visitors for long spells and it was well into the second half before Bay finally broke the deadlock. With United asking for a free kick in the middle of the park Bay carried on playing winning a corner from the under pressure Dave Turner in goals. The resulting corner was not cleared and the ball was knocked back in for a fierce shot into the net.

Following that United crumbled a little and some poor defending allowed their visitors to increase their lead to 0-3 which was a poor reflection of United’s endeavours. Outstanding for United were Dominic Visintainer, Sean Jesson and man of the match Peter Knighting.

WAKEFIELD & DISTRICT FA

CYRIL CRAVEN CHALLENGE CUP 3^rd ROUND.

HALL GREEN UNITED v WAKEFIELD CITY

3                                 2

Both sides found it difficult to engage a fluent passing mode but with the advantage of the slope United started off the better and they took the lead in the 13^th minute when skipper John Moore fired home after the visitors defence failed to deal with a teasing cross. Further chances were at a premium for both sides although what limited on target shots there were from United the visitors keeper was on good form to get a hand on the ball to deflect them wide of the net. At the other end United’s keeper David Turner pulled off a tremendous save as City carved out a rare scoring chance.

The game seemed to be settled at 1-0 until it came alive in the last quarter when United conceded a needless free kick just outside the box. The City striker curled the kick into the net past an outstretched Turner in the 73^rd minute. With extra time looming City switched off and the lively Clifton Firth burst into the penalty box to be upended by a lunging City defender. Chris Callaghan duly converted the spot kick and United looked home. However their visitors had other ideas and once again they caught United’s defence sleeping for their striker to win the ball from the advancing keeper and slot it into an empty net. With only minutes remaining United were rescued again when Moore headed on for the speedy Firth to race through and score in the 85^th minute. Man of the match for United was keeper David Turner.

 

SILKSTONE UNITED V HALL GREEN UNITED

1 -3

(After extra time 1-1 90mins)

United travelled to County Senior side Silkstone United AFC in the first round of the Sheffield Association Cup. The Barnsley side quickly adapted to the narrow field and caused United some early problems. However United soon settled into their now recognised short passing mode to make inroads into a tight Barnsley side defence. Some robust tackling from the home side knocked United off their stride a little but United didn’t deserve to go behind which they did in the 42^nd minute when in a rare Silkstone attack they managed to get behind United’s defence to slot home the first goal.

United stepped up a gear in the second half and were back on terms when veteran striker John Moore netted for his 283^rd goal for the first team. The match them went into extra time and the same player was instrumental in United taking the lead when he was brought down in the box for Danny Riley to convert the spot kick. Silkstone tried to get back on terms but with the outstanding Peter Knighting a power of strength in the back line United kept them at bay. Alongside Knighting fellow central defender Dominic Visintainer was also outstanding and as their hosts tired they left gaps at the back and with substitute Danny Empsall stretching his fresh legs he easily ghosted through the home defence and rounded the keeper to make the game safe. In between Riley had another penalty saved but the result was never really in doubt as United’s fitness and team performance carried them through.

HALL GREEN UNITED v BRIGHOUSE TOWN

3                                       2

United fell behind in the 5^th minute following some sloppy defending but they did manage to get back on level terms when skipper John Moore made room for himself just inside the visitors penalty box to rifle home following good work from Danny Milnes. Both sides were finding it difficult to string passes together and the long ball tactic seemed to dominate play and it was no surprise when Brighouse took a 25^th minute lead again following some awful defending from United.

The second half was a different proposition with United having the benefit of the slope. Pushing forward with Mathew Marsden and Chris Callaghan probing the visitors defence along with Danny Empsall finding the gaps United got back on level terms when Danny Milnes hit a low shot into the corner of the net. United wrapped up the three points in the 81^st minute when substitute Keiron Turner broke clear and delicately lobbed the advancing keeper. Brighouse tried to get back on level terms but with keeper David Turner in outstanding form they were unable to salvage anything from the game.

2007-08 season

HALL GREEN UNITED                     BRIGHOUSE TOWN

4                                                          2

An ill disciplined Brighouse side came a cropper as United continued their recent good form with their third league win on the run. It was the first time United have beaten the Brighouse side and they did it with conviction taking an early lead when James Laughton headed a corner back into the penalty box where poacher Clifton Firth was waiting to power home a volley.

 

United who were dominating proceedings increased their lead further when Mathew Marsden struck home through a crowded penalty box and then Chris Callaghan got his name on the score sheet when he did the same. At 3-0 up United were coasting but Brighouse were stepping up their game and pulled a goal back before the break just after a player from both sides had been dismissed after tempers had flared.

 

Playing up the slope and against the elements in the second half United were put under pressure but Martin Scarth and Peter Knighting were a tower of strength with keeper David Turner in fine form to back them up. The visitors did pull a goal back but their frustration was beginning to show and mid way through the second period they had two players dismissed for foul play. With a numerical advantage United controlled the remainder of the game and after a fierce shot from Mathew Marsden was blocked substitute Mickey Sunderland pounced onto the loose ball and fired home to give United the three points. 
  

                                         

Having lost to their opponents the week before United gained a satisfactory revenge win at home to Bradford based Wibsey AFC. Playing with the slope and wind United camped in their opponents half but were unable to make the all important break through until the 31^st minute when after good work by Clifton Firth on the right his cross was volley with power into the net for a 1-0 lead. United needed another to consolidate their lead but they had to wait until the very last kick of the half when the lively Clifton Firth squeezed the ball home at the near post.

 

SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE

ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP 2^ND ROUND.

HALL GREEN UNITED                  V         WOMBWELL MAIN FC

1                                                                                                                    4

United  failed to get to grips with their County Senior League opponents and despite holding then in the first half they slipped to a convincing defeat at the end of 90 mins. Their Barnsley visitors were very much an accomplished side that held the ball up well and had a neat passing movement throughout their side. United struggled to contain their lively forward line but with Scarth outstanding they managed to keep them out until the 35^th minute when United conceded a free kick just outside the penalty box. The kick was taken in an audacious manner when the Wombwell striker hit it with the outside of his foot and the ball dipped over Turner’s outstretched arms and into the net. United did however hit back and skipper John Moore forced his way into the penalty box only to be upended and the reliable spot kick taker Martin Scarth stepped up to gleefully convert the kick to put United back on level terms. This was short lived however as some sloppy defending allowed Wombwell to again take the advantage with a goal bang on half time.

United although under the cosh were rather unfortunate to concede a penalty for hand ball  to give Wombwell the chance to further increase their lead which they did with a penalty of their own. The game was rapped up not long after when a long effort found the net to send United out of the County Cup for another year.

Up front Clifton Firth again never stopped running but all round it was a poor United performance with some players failing to raise to the occasion.

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION
Lower Hopton  0  -  1  Hall Green United  (Sat 3rd Nov 2007)
A vital three points for United in their battle against relegation but they were made to work hard for their victory and were left clinging on at the end. They bossed the first half playing some splendid football and looked every bit a unit as the ever impressive John Moore dictated play from the midfield. Hard running Danny Empsall and Mathew Marsden were a constant threat to their hosts and Ian Hughes wa always in the thick of the action. The all important goal came from Hughe's pass to the elusive Clifton Firth who popped up behind the home defence to receive the pass and gracefully place the ball past the diving keeper. The second half however was a differant story as fourth placed Lower Hopton stepped up a gear and took the game to United. It was constant pressure and backs to the wall for United's defenders who excelled under the pressure with youngster Brett James, Tom Burms Martin Scarth and Lee Speight outstanding. Hopton went close on several occasions but poor finishing and comanding goalkeeping from David Turner kept them at bay. It was United's fourth clean sheet in five games. As their hosts pushed forward they left gaps at the back which Andy Barker and John Moore nearly capitalised on with Moore only denied as he rounded the keeper by the keepers outstretched arms. United were happy with the result however as they begin to strengthen with the return of long term injured key players.