Ossett United 3-1 Consett

Ossett United 3-1 Consett

Northern Premier League (North-East Division)

Saturday 24th February 2024

At the end of last season when he left Sheffield United, I promised Callum Hiddleston that I’d go and watch him at some point this season - wherever he ended up!

It’s taken a while because he’s had trials galore since then with no luck going his way (something every player needs at times) but having signed for Ossett United around a fortnight ago - where he’s now earning regular game-time, this was a case of sticking to my word.

And it was a good decision on my part considering my two other options for a game this weekend were Atherton vs Macclesfield (postponed) and Stockport vs Swindon (a 0-0 draw).

To me, Callum’s quality has been known for a while. He was part of the Sheffield United U18s team which were National Champions two seasons ago, he’s had international recognition with Scotland in the past, he’s always had a reputation for being decent on penalties (as Ossett fans will already know after his save at Guiseley in the shoot-out on his debut in the County Cup) and in the three appearances he’s made for the Sheepicorns prior to this one, it’s been brilliant to hear so many positive things being said of him from a wide-range of people I know who’ve seen his games.

In total, I’ve had 14 bits of individual feedback which have all been positive - with everything from his character to his communication and boasting a vocal presence, his distribution, clean-kicking and shot-stopping abilities, etc, being praised.

He’s made a good impression, won the respect of many, got a smile back on his face and is enjoying his football again which is brilliant to see - it’s exactly why I’ve never doubted him and back/believe in my own judgements (watching over 100 games per season I can make comparisons), and hopefully this is the start of him playing regularly, finding his level in senior football and getting some luck going in his favour at long last whilst helping Ossett achieve their aim of survival.

Although he couldn’t keep a clean-sheet due to a terrific effort by Kieren Alpin with 15 minutes to go (one of those where you say ‘fair play’ and give the striker the credit where it’s due), he was on the winning team for the first time in OUFC colours as Ossett showed quality at both ends of the pitch to pick up a vital and much-needed three points.

Defensively, Adam ‘Watto’ Watson was brilliant on his debut, signing from Sheffield shortly before kick-off, and he marshaled the backline superbly and produced some superb covering defending to block a shot in the first half, then battling for EVERYTHING in the second half. Tom Claisse put a right shift in too, TJ Ibrahim made a massive interception inside his own box in the second half which was worth its weight in gold - and the defence as a whole collective unit put their bodies on the line to make blocks and tackles when it was needed - thus limiting Callum to having to make just one big save when, at 3-1, the referee played a part in the build up by blocking an Ossett midfielder, but when the shot came in from the edge of the box, Callum wasn’t to be beaten and pulled off a strong save to tip the effort wide before quickly scooping up the loose ball to prevent the corner. Good goalkeeping; Callum being Callum!

Then, at the top end of the pitch, Adam Priestley stole the show with a superb hat-trick - bagging an early goal to put Ossett 1-0 up, but his second just before half-time was class with the technique and ball control, followed by the finish, being more on a par with something you’d find at Football League level (let alone Step 4).

The second goal came at a crucial time because it punctured the momentum that Consett were building up in the 10-15 minutes before the break. They’d had more territory, possession, had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty when their striker went down far too easily inside the box and were starting to get on top; certainly having their best spell of the game which included a spate of four corners in the space of just two minutes but none of which they could convert into anything serious!

Had there still just been a single goal in it at half-time, then the visitors might have fancied their chances of getting back into the game. At 2-0, it was harder for them. 3-0 was insurmountable and when Priestley completed his hat-trick around the hour mark, even the optimistic ‘bell-ringer’ and others amongst the 20-30 visiting fans who’d made the trip from the North-East knew this just wasn’t going to be their afternoon!

In fairness, Consett did press hard in the last 30 minutes and they got a consolation through Kieren Aplin’s bullet strike, and with the momentum in their favour, they seized the initiative in the remaining 15-20 minutes. But right to the final whistle - including a goalmouth scramble deep into injury-time, Ossett dug deep to keep them out and were resilient. They also managed the game effectively and collectively showed all the qualities and togetherness you’d want to see in a team scrapping for survival.

Based on this performance, quite how Ossett had only won once at home all season going into this game is a proper mystery. They looked way better than that fact. Not spectacular by any means; quite direct at times, but with everyone putting a shift in, pulling in the same direction, grafting and being hard to break down - and they’re the qualities you need!

With Grantham losing and Winterton drawing, the fact they’ve now extended the gap to six points between themselves and the relegation zone will give everyone a massive boost heading into Tuesday night’s game at Liversedge.

Barnsley (U21s) 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Barnsley (U21s) 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Professional Development League

Tuesday 20th February 2024

Bruno Fernandes was the match-winner as his late goal gave Sheffield Wednesday’s U21s the three points in this local derby against Barnsley.

When I turned up at Oakwell in bright sunshine but with a bit of rain forecast later in the afternoon, I did wonder exactly how much football I’d see considering the referee was a certain James Bancroft - the same bloke who infamously abandoned Scunthorpe vs Buxton in the 96th minute earlier this season.

This time under Mr Bancroft’s watchful eye, we did get a full 90 minutes but the game itself was quite scrappy and lacking any real quality. There were individual snippets of good skill (mentioned below) but no one single player dominated things or took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Playing at home, Barnsley were probably favourites and, along with having more territory, they had the game’s first chance when Aaron Atkinson lashed a shot wide but on the quarter-hour mark, the visitors went 1-0 up. A ball into the box from the left was dangerous, Luke Cook got something on it, and the ball eventually reached Bruno Fernandes who was able to smash it home from a couple of yards.

Thereafter, the rest of the first half was pretty uneventful. Barnsley couldn’t quite get the final ball right as they remained frustrated and the only other chance where a save was needed came when Reds ‘keeper Rogan Ravenhill (who put in a good performance) got down well to keep out a Luke Cook shot.

Just before half-time there was also an incident where Aaron Atkinson showed lots of desire to chase down a ball that looked as if it was going to run out of play. He didn’t give up, got to it, and at full-stretch delivered a ball into the area that hit the hand of an SWFC player and looked in the ‘dubious’ category but nothing was given and the game continued.

In the second half, Barnsley looked slightly better and certainly created more opportunities - especially after Josiah Dyer, Jono Bland and Vimal Yoganathan came on for them in a triple change on 54 minutes.

Aiden Marsh and Aaron Atkinson soon combined via a through ball which put Marshy in, only for him to lash one behind, and when the pair linked up again a couple of minutes later with Wednesday ‘keeper Jack Hall out of position inside his area, Aaron Atkinson tried a chip over him from an angle which went narrowly wide. The right idea but he just couldn’t quite get the execution right.

At the other end, Luke Cook almost doubled Wednesday’s lead with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box that was palmed over by Rogan Ravenhill (great piece of goalkeeping) and the Reds ‘keeper then made another save and held the ball when Gui Siqueria went close.

But eventually, Barnsley got an equaliser which they probably deserved on the balance of play as Aiden Marsh showed good technique and footwork on the edge of box, being afforded too much time and space, and he was as ruthless as ever with his finish - unleashing a low left-foot strike across the ‘keeper that hit the post and went in.

The game was now very much in the balance again.

There was a chance for Barnsley when Josiah Dyer dragged a shot wide; Wednesday went close themselves when Rio Shipston provided a fantastic ball towards the back-post that Gui Siqueria latched onto before the danger was scrambled clear - and in the end there was to be a late winner. Barnsley had a corner which worked its way to Jono Bland on the edge of the box - his shot was blocked and from that and the resulting passage of play, the Owls defence eventually cleared their lines and Bruno Fernandes found himself in-behind at the other end in a one-on-one where he retained his composure to finish.

And that was that!

In all honesty, a point apiece would have been a fair outcome. Barnsley will feel aggrieved that they took nothing from the game but Wednesday were more clinical with their chances - also being denied by Rogan Ravenhill on other occasions, and that’s why they got the points.

Amongst individuals, no one player stood out significantly, but I thought Aaron Atkinson was good for Barnsley - involved in a lot of attacking moments and his best two contributions were chasing the lost cause to get a cross in which led to the penalty shoot in the first half, and then when he won the ball inside his own half in the second half from a SWFC corner. Important stuff. Aiden Marsh took his goal well - good technique and a flash of individual quality I look for in these games; not Marshy’s greatest overall performance, but he got nothing off the referee either - that didn’t go unnoticed and I loved Marshy’s shout in the second half to him. Spot on! Rogan Ravenhill also really won my respect with his saves and had a good game - deserves credit and he should be pleased. And Charlie Hickingbottom booted one away from danger and downfield in the first half (big clearance but precisely what was needed in that moment) and with those qualities, plus his size, physicality and character (as I know already he’s a sensible/reliable lad and ‘proper’ being down to earth), then I see the potential there for him to be a really good fit for a National League North level loan at some point - in the right style/environment, he’ll do alright.

Amongst Wednesday’s lot, Bruno Fernandes took his goals well - including the second which was really good composure. Sam Reed is likeable; it says a lot about him that he’s been given the captain’s armband too and playing further up on the left-wing, he won a couple of headers off goal-kicks. A little good aspect to his game which didn’t go unnoticed. Rio Shipston apparently had a blister on his heel and his best contribution was in the second half where he whipped that perfect free-kick towards the back-post and then 60 seconds later where he won a free-kick in a similar position after doing really well to shield the ball under a lot of pressure. Sadly, he didn’t get the delivery right from the second free-kick (little scream afterwards) but his ability is there for all to see. And up top, Luke Cook (think he banged his head on the dugout before the game started too) had what I thought was one of his better performances - played a part in the first goal, was unlucky not to score (flying save by Rogan Ravenhill stopped him) and he used his size/physique quite well and that’s an advantage in his favour when clubs are looking to take a No.9 on loan. Needs to show his ability more consistently, but there is a player in there somewhere who can be effective.

All of those little things will be remembered, even though I’ll see far more exciting, enthralling and higher-quality games between now and the end of the season.

The final word has to to Mr Bancroft. It wasn’t any shock when he got right in the way of Jono Bland’s attempted pass late in the game (worthy of a frustrated glare) and he really doesn’t fill me with much confidence as a referee. But, on the positive side, at least we got through a full game this time around without him locking himself in his dressing room afterwards!

Always a bonus!

Buxton 2-0 Gloucester City

Buxton 2-0 Gloucester City

National League North

Tuesday 20th February 2024

Football can often be a juggernaut with emotions which change so quickly and take you from one end of the scale to the other and that’s exactly what this game was for Buxton.

Despite grinding out a 2-0 win against Gloucester City to make it six games unbeaten and really consolidate their place in mid-table, the result came at a huge cost as all three of the Bucks’ front players went off with injuries that are likely to keep them out for a while.

And there was probably nobody feeling worse than Ben Andreucci at full-time.

Despite being QUALITY and showing absolutely everything which I came to this game to see from him - including scoring his first ever goal in senior football (and being heavily involved in the opener too by dropping back to win possession quite brilliantly), just 10 minutes after making it 2-0 and experiencing the best buzz and adrenaline rush of his career up to now, he went down clutching his shoulder and it quickly became obvious that he’d dislocated it. One of the most painful injuries a player can ever sustain!

Although he picked up the actual knock to his shoulder in an earlier challenge after about an hour, the incident where it ‘popped out’ came straight after an example of Ben doing what he does well by working relentlessly out-of-possession - closing down the Gloucester ‘keeper to try and pinch the ball and then pressing the full-back, even though there were only 10 minutes to go and most players would be knackered by that stage.

How long he’ll be out injured for is a question that currently remains unanswered but when you read this Ben, stay positive and keep believing in the impact you can make.

Your performance was really impressive. It’s ironic that you scored with a free header given how Gloucester’s defence stuck tightly to you all night, but it speaks volumes that you’ve gone into this Buxton team, earned a place in the starting line-up straight away, contributed to three wins, got two assists, fist-pumped the crowd to feed off their enthusiasm and passion, scored your first senior goal (something you’ll never, ever forget - and I knew you’d score in this game too), given everyone a boost, and instantly earned the respect of your new team-mates through your attitude, application, desire, enthusiasm, willingness and high quality level of performance. 

Everything I saw in this game - the intelligent runs into the box (not just for your goal after your involvement in the build up but also in 2-3 instances in the first half), your overall work-rate, your sharpness and acceleration off your feet, anticipation and awareness in certain situations, and the finish for the header is why I’ve looked forward to you going out on loan for months. It was a privilege to be there in person to witness your first goal. Don’t beat yourself up about the injury (one of them things unfortunately), control the bits you can such as your mindset in the days ahead when you’re in rehab, and remember the buzz, the brilliant feeling and that sheer adrenaline rush when that deft little header cushioned nicely in the back of the net. And take confidence in the knowledge you’ve done so well over the past week in all three of your appearances because you’ve made people proud and won so much respect from so many people!

This is just the start and you WILL experience that feeling again. I’ll never lose one iota of belief and, when the pain has eased, the story about ‘The night when you scored your first senior goal’ will be something to reminisce about and tell the kids/grandkids in years to come!

Keep being you!

Along with Ben Andreucci, Jake Wright also went off injured inside the opening 15 minutes for Buxton - having scored the opener with a good header, whilst Sam Osborne (another top lad who I came to this game to watch and have respected for years now back to the days when he was at Notts County) replaced him, gave his best efforts for half-an-hour and nearly scored with a swerving shot which forced the Gloucester ‘keeper into parrying it, but then pulled up infront of the dugouts just after half-time and needed to be replaced himself.

No luck whatsoever and gutting too for Ozzy. And I’m sure everyone at Buxton already knows about what he can do, his productivity infront of goal (eight league goals already this season despite it being quite stop-start) and I’d have loved to have seen him get in the ‘Team Of The Week’ again which I felt he might have done with Darlington coming up on Saturday - especially after the last game against them!

One player who I’ve loved watching in U21s football who did shine in this game and completed the full 90 minutes (phew) to be a contender for the ‘Man Of The Match’ award was Joe Ackroyd. Always tenacious, willing to graft and battle, he covered so much ground and put in an absolute shift. I’d love to see just how much distance he covered because he worked his b*llocks off and I know that performance will have been appreciated by everyone around him on the pitch too. Ackers, like the others, has had injury problems this season but it’s good to see him back playing with a smile on his face, doing what he does (still no yellow cards either since he rejoined on loan) and enjoying his football in a CDM role that suits him best. I’ve never understood why Barnsley have played him at RB recently in U21s games. 

I don’t get too bowled over by statistics in football so you’ll never see more going on about XG’s or any of that nonsense, but it speaks volumes of what Ackers adds to this Buxton team when you look at the fact he’s now played in 28 league games for Buxton across his two loan spells and has been on the winning team on 15 occasions - equalling a win ratio of over 50%. Without him, the Bucks definitely aren’t as good or resilient and he’s a good fit for this team and it’s good recruitment that they’ve got him back for the remainder of the season. Transfer that form across a full 46-game season and it’s basically form which is good enough to compete to win the league.

It’s not solely down to Ackers though - and there were plenty of other good performances in the Bucks team in this game. Connor Kirby was equally as good alongside him and they complimented each other really well, the back three put a shift in - including Jake Hull (whose first senior goal I also saw when he scored for Rotherham at Doncaster in a 6-0 win in September 2021), plus Max Hunt who I know all about having been at Mansfield many years ago - playing alongside the likes of Keaton Ward (now at Boston) and Henri Wilder (now at Ilkeston). And Sam Minihan was also solid and put in effort that was unquestionable as he was involved in lots of important bits and pieces during the game.

It wasn’t always the most stylish of football on show - the ball being in the air quite a bit, but you’re never really going to get that at National League North level. The main thing was there was a real graft, spirit and willingness to work on the night - added to the bits of quality further up the pitch, and although Gloucester had a couple of chances and could have pinched an equaliser before half-time when they had two chances (I think) both off set-pieces (one header and one that got cleared off the line), it was that TOGETHERNESS, that bit of quality further up the pitch, and that desire to work hard throughout the whole team that meant they got the points.

Gloucester didn’t offer much and one disappointment for me is that Ben Beresford didn’t get longer in the game because he’s a 6ft5 centre-forward, old school, plenty to learn and get better at (which will come in time as learning at this level is constantly making him a better player), and he’s someone else I rate highly and quite like from U21s football. The attribute that paints him in the most positive light is the fact he’s averaged a goal about every 110-115 minutes since joining Gloucester on loan from Birmingham in November (or 9 goals in 20 appearances) and when you factor in the assists he’s got in that time-frame as well, then it’s a direct goal contribution less than every 90 minutes.

‘Finesse’ will never be Ben’s style but I know exactly what he can do when given the chance, the impact he can make and where he could be playing in a few years.

Whether the Tigers can stay up is another question as it’s reaching the stage of the season now where, other than Bishop’s Stortford who are long gone, they’re starting to get cut adrift and games are running out for them but I wish them the best of luck.

The next game for me is Cleethorpes Town vs Belper Town tonight… and a catch up with Mason Warren (the most-capped player in the history of Rotherham United Reserves) and another all-round legend whose career I’ve loved following since I saw him kicking a ball around in the Millers youth team with his sweet left-foot 10 years ago!