Steve B the Groundhopper

10.30am 3 February  2024 Sheffield and District Fair Play League, Division Three Dronfield 0 Byron House 5 (att 3) Dronfield are new to the Sheffield Fair Play League this season, but seem ambitious having already announced plans to add a Saturday afternoon side in the County Senior League. Their morning side are currently mid-table in division three, but were well beaten by a team who went into this fixture on the same number of points. It took until the second half before the game truly got away from Dronfield. Byron House had the better of the first half, and deserved their single goal lead at the break. On the sloping pitch, the visitors played down hill in the second half and doubled their lead just a couple of minutes after the restart. As the half went on Dronfield's attacking threat diminished while their keeper was kept busy. A third Byron House goal was no surprise, and two more in the closing minutes underlined their superiority. Dronfield's home ground is Olive Grov...

10.30am 6 January  2024 Sheffield and District Fair Play League, Division Two FC Wanderers 1 Railway 2 (att 9) Another day when seeking out an artificial pitch was the best way to find a game with confidence it'd go ahead, at least for a morning kick off. The 3G pitch at Sheffield's Concord Sports Centre looks well worn, but as a football venue it's better than the usual caged affair. There are paths for spectators along both touchlines, and the surrounding fence is set well back. As a neutral it was an enjoyable game to watch as well. FC Wanderers are at the foot of the Fair Play League's middle division, but they made sure visitors Railway had to work hard for their three points. The away side were little lucky to be awarded the first half penalty that put them in front, but Wanderers were level before half time. In the second period it was a goalkeeping error that proved decisive, allowing Railway to score their winner. It was particularly unfortunate as the same kee...